El Nido
Island lagoons, jungle vibes, and easygoing family beach days
Highlights
Experience El Nido’s famous lagoons and beaches on organized island-hopping tours with kid-friendly pacing.
Watch dramatic sunsets from palm-fringed beaches backed by lush green hills and cliffs.
Discover calm, shallow snorkeling areas where kids can safely spot colorful fish and corals.
Spend a full day on a long, golden sand beach with a wild, untamed backdrop and gentle waves.
Stroll through El Nido town and nearby villages, riding tricycles and exploring at a relaxed pace.
Sleep in nature-inspired stays surrounded by greenery, with easy access to tours and beaches.
Where to Stay
3 picks
The Nest El Nido Beach Resort
Nature-inspired resort with lush gardens, a small pool, and cottages facing the bay and limestone cliffs, about a short tricycle ride from town.
Coco Resort El Nido
Bungalow-style rooms set among tropical gardens with a pool, walking distance to the beach but away from the busiest parts of town.
Spin Designer Hostel (Private Family Room)
Stylish hostel surrounded by greenery with common areas and family-friendly vibe; book a private family room rather than dorms.
Where to Eat
15 picks
Tambok’s El Nido
Relaxed Filipino restaurant with lots of greenery and wood decor. Order chicken inasal, grilled squid, vegetable pancit, and garlic rice; request no pork and ask for halal-friendly seafood/chicken options only.
Kopi & Bake El Nido
Cafe in a leafy setting; get veggie omelette without ham, pancakes, fresh fruit bowls, and brewed coffee or hot chocolate. Confirm no pork or alcohol in your dishes.
Happiness Beach Bar (for Vegetarian/Seafood Plates)
Colorful, open-air spot with plants and a beach view. Choose vegetarian shakshuka without meat, falafel plates, and grilled fish; clearly specify no alcohol, no pork, and that you only eat halal seafood and vegetarian items.
Osaka Castle El Nido
Cozy Japanese place; order vegetable tempura, salmon or tuna teriyaki without mirin or sake, plain rice, and edamame. Clearly request halal-friendly seafood-only dishes and no alcohol in sauces.
Artcafe Breakfast (El Nido Boutique Artcafe)
Bright, plant-filled second-floor spot. Order fruit muesli, vegetable omelette without ham or bacon, pancakes, and fresh juices; specify no pork and that you only take vegetarian items.
Island Tour Boat BBQ Lunch (Halal-Style Request)
On your Tour A boat, request grilled fish, shrimp, and vegetable salads prepared separately from any pork, and avoid chicken if slaughter method is unclear. Confirm with the operator in advance that your family will only eat seafood and vegetables, no pork or alcohol.
Trattoria Altrove El Nido
Popular pizza place with a rustic wooden interior and plants. Order vegetarian pizzas (margherita, quattro formaggi, veggie) and salads; ask for no pork toppings and avoid meat items as they are not halal.
Local Carinderia by Town (Seafood & Veg Plates)
Choose a simple local eatery displaying cooked dishes; pick sautéed vegetables, grilled or fried fish, and rice. Ask clearly: no pork, no pork oil, no meat broth, only fish and vegetables.
Foods at Nacpan Beach (Seafood Stalls & Cafés)
Beachfront shacks and cafés serve grilled fish, prawns, and vegetable side dishes. Tell staff you only eat halal seafood and vegetarian food, no pork or meat, and avoid items mixed with meat or chorizo.
Maa’s Grill & Restaurant
Casual spot with plants and bamboo accents. Order grilled fish, prawns, eggplant, and vegetable chopsuey; ask for no pork, no pork broth, and focus on seafood and vegetables for halal-friendly choices.
The Cavern Pod Hotel & Specialty Café
Leafy, cave-like café serving smoothie bowls, avocado toast, and eggs. Choose vegetarian dishes and smoothies, confirming no bacon or sausage on your plates.
Las Cabañas Beach Kiosks (Seafood & Snacks)
Order grilled fish, calamari, fries, and fresh coconuts from simple beach stands; specify that you only eat halal seafood and vegetarian sides, no pork or meat.
Botánica Café & Kitchen
Green, garden-like setting with many plants. Go for veggie curry, pasta arrabbiata without meat, and fresh salads; ask for no pork or meat and stick to vegetarian dishes to keep it halal-friendly.
Local Bakery & Fruit Stalls (Grab-and-Go)
Pick up pandesal (plain bread rolls), simple pastries without meat, and fresh mangoes or bananas from street stalls; confirm items contain no pork lard or meat fillings.
Return to Your Favorite Spot
On your final half-day, revisit whichever restaurant your family liked most and already confirmed as halal-friendly (seafood/vegetarian dishes only).
What to Do
13 picks
Check-in and Beach Walk at El Nido Town Beach
After arrival and hotel check-in, stroll along the main town beach, let the kids play in the sand, watch the boats in Bacuit Bay, and get a feel for the area.
Sunset View from El Nido Town Pier
Walk to the pier or any open spot along the waterfront to see the sun set behind the limestone cliffs and boats, a great first-night photo opportunity.
Explore El Nido Town on Foot
Wander the small streets around the church and market area, check souvenir shops, grab fruit shakes, and let the kids pick small trinkets.
Free-Explore Time: Town Beach & Side Streets
Use this unscheduled block to sit on the beach, play in the water, or follow whichever small alleys and cafés look inviting.
Island Hopping Tour A (Big Lagoon & Friends)
Join a group island-hopping Tour A: usually includes Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Secret Lagoon, and Seven Commandos Beach, with snorkeling and a simple beach BBQ lunch.
Evening Free Time in Town (Massage or Early Bed)
After returning from Tour A, either enjoy a simple foot massage at a reputable spa while kids rest, or head back early for showers and quiet time.
El Nido Inland Tricycle Tour
Hire a tricycle for a half-day to visit inland viewpoints, small villages, and roadside scenery—agree on a route and price in advance.
Free Afternoon: Relax at Town Beach or Hotel Pool
Use this open slot for swimming, reading, or napping at your hotel or back on the town beach, depending on how everyone feels.
Nacpan Beach Day Trip
Take a van or tricycle 45–60 minutes to Nacpan’s long twin beach, rent sunbeds, swim in the relatively gentle waves, and walk along the wild, palm-lined shore.
Sunset and Playtime at Corong-Corong Beach
Head to Corong-Corong in the late afternoon, let the kids play on the sand, and watch another impressive sunset over the bay and limestone cliffs.
Optional Island Hopping Tour C (If Family Has Energy)
For a second island day, Tour C often visits Hidden Beach, Secret Beach, Matinloc Shrine area, and Helicopter Island for more snorkeling and dramatic scenery.
Las Cabañas / Marimegmeg Beach & Zipline
Spend a few hours on the palm-backed Las Cabañas beach; older child and adults can try the scenic zipline over the water while the younger one plays on the sand.
Souvenir & Last-Photos Walk in Town
On your final morning or early afternoon, walk through town one more time, pick up any last souvenirs, and take family photos against the jungle and cliff backdrops.
Good to Know
8 picks
How to Keep Meals Halal in El Nido
There are few explicitly halal-certified restaurants, so plan to eat mainly seafood and vegetarian dishes. Clearly tell staff you do not eat pork or non-halal meat, and that you only want fish, seafood, and vegetarian items with no pork broth or lard.
Booking Island Tours the Easy Way
Rather than shopping around endlessly, ask your hotel to book standard Tours A or C with a reputable operator for the next day, confirming life jackets for kids and your food preferences in one go.
Managing Cash, ATMs, and Payments
Withdraw enough pesos in Manila or Puerto Princesa before arriving, then top up once in El Nido if needed. Expect to pay cash for tricycles, small shops, and many restaurants, and keep emergency cash separate.
Staying Safe in Sun and Sea
Make rash guards, hats, and plenty of water non-negotiable for everyone, and set a simple rule that kids never swim out of adult reach, especially at beaches with waves or when getting off boats.
What to Pack for a Jungle-Wild Beach Week
Bring aqua shoes, a small dry bag, lightweight long sleeves, insect repellent, and a basic first-aid kit with motion sickness tablets, as these are not always easy to find locally.
Getting Around by Tricycle
Tricycles are the main local transport; always agree on a fare before starting, and if possible, ask your hotel what a fair price is for common routes to avoid overpaying.
Expecting Patchy Connectivity
Download offline maps and entertainment, and tell family and friends you may be offline; treat El Nido as a chance to unplug, bringing physical books or games for downtime.
Respecting the Environment and Local Culture
Teach the kids to keep beaches clean, dispose of trash properly, and avoid touching coral or wildlife, and dress modestly when away from the beach out of respect for local norms.
Map
Best For
Start planning your trip with this itinerary in Takeoff.
Don't have the app? Download it free on the App Store.