El Nido
Romantic island-hopping, jungle vibes, and effortless lagoon sunsets
Highlights
Glide by boat and kayak through surreal turquoise lagoons framed by towering limestone cliffs.
Unwind on a palm-framed cove at golden hour with dramatic island silhouettes on the horizon.
Spend a lazy day on a wild, four-kilometer stretch of sand backed by coconut groves.
End your nights with quiet, starry walks along the shore in a relaxed, small-town setting.
Capture panoramic photos of El Nido’s jagged karst islands from scenic coastal viewpoints.
Where to Stay
2 picks
The Funny Lion El Nido
Modern yet nature-framed resort with a lush courtyard, sleek rooms, and a rooftop pool overlooking the jungle and islands.
Lime Resort El Nido
Cliffside-style property with a large infinity pool facing Bacuit Bay, surrounded by greenery and dramatic limestone views.
Where to Eat
5 picks
Taste El Nido – Big Bad Thai
Colorful, plant-filled Thai restaurant near the town beachfront; choose seafood and vegetarian options like the prawn pad thai, vegetable green curry, or mango salad and request no alcohol in sauces or cooking (they can prepare without fish sauce or oyster sauce on request).
Gusto Gelato & Caffè
Small café a short walk from the beach offering coffee, fresh juices, and light bites; stick to vegetarian items like pastries, fruit bowls, and gelato, and confirm no alcohol or pork-based ingredients in what you choose.
El Nido Boutique Artcafe (Vegetarian & Seafood Picks)
Airy, plant-decorated cafe-restaurant with a rooftop feel; go for vegetarian pastas, vegetable pizzas (no pork toppings), grilled fish, and fresh juices, and ask them to avoid alcohol in sauces and keep preparation pork-free.
Mad Monkey Nacpan Beach (Restaurant Area)
Beachfront restaurant section on Nacpan serving rice bowls, grilled seafood, and veggie dishes; order grilled fish with plain rice, vegetable stir-fry, or fresh salads and clearly request no pork, no alcohol in cooking, and separate utensils/pan for your food.
The Nesting Table (Birdhouse El Nido)
Hilltop, jungle-canopy restaurant above Marimegmeg Beach accessed by a short trail and steps; enjoy vegetarian and seafood dishes like coconut curry, grilled fish, and fresh salads while asking staff to avoid any alcohol and pork in your meal preparation.
What to Do
8 picks
Check-in and Jungle Pool Time
Arrive from the airport or van terminal, check into your jungle-style resort, and spend the afternoon unwinding by a pool surrounded by palms and greenery.
Corong-Corong Sunset Beach Walk
Stroll along the long, coconut-lined Corong-Corong shoreline at golden hour, watching bangkas (local boats) drift across the bay as the sun sets behind karst islands.
Free Explore: El Nido Town Lanes & Beachfront
Wander the narrow streets off the main beach, ducking into small shops, simple massage spots, and beachfront viewpoints; look for jungle-covered cliffs rising directly behind town.
El Nido Island Hopping Tour A (Lagoons & Beaches)
Join a standard group Tour A to visit Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon or Secret Lagoon (depending on current rules), Shimizu Island, and 7 Commandos Beach for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking among dramatic limestone cliffs.
Post-Tour Relax & Massage in Town
After the boat drops you off, walk a few minutes inland to a simple spa or massage hut for a 60-minute traditional Filipino or Swedish-style massage.
Sunset at Las Cabañas / Marimegmeg Beach
Take a tricycle from town to this palm-fringed cove backed by lush hills; walk the sand, swim in calm water, and watch the sky change colors behind offshore islands.
Nacpan Beach Day Trip
Ride a van or tricycle 45–60 minutes north to spend the day on this long, wild stretch of golden sand backed by coconut trees, with gentle waves and space to find a quiet spot.
Free Explore: Nacpan Beach & Twin Beach Viewpoint
Walk to the quieter far end of Nacpan or, if conditions allow, head toward the small viewpoint where you can see the ‘twin’ beaches curving on both sides.
Good to Know
5 picks
Choosing Halal-Friendly Food in El Nido
Halal-certified restaurants are limited, but many places are happy to accommodate halal needs with seafood and vegetarian dishes; always clearly request no pork, no alcohol in cooking, and separate utensils/pans where possible. When in doubt, prioritize freshly grilled fish, steamed rice, and plainly cooked vegetables, and avoid mixed sauces or stews whose ingredients you can’t confirm.
Cash, Fees, and Island Hopping Costs
Many island-hopping tours require payment in cash and also charge a one-time environmental fee and optional kayak rentals; these are usually small amounts but add up. Withdraw enough pesos in town before tours, and keep small bills handy for snorkel rentals, snacks, and tricycles so you’re never stressed about finding an ATM.
How to Pick a Tour Operator
For Tour A and other boat trips, look for operators with newer-looking life jackets, organized briefings, and capped group sizes; many can be booked from your hotel front desk for no extra cost. Confirm what’s included (lunch, water, snorkel gear) and tell them your dietary needs in advance so they can prepare a halal-friendly seafood or vegetarian plate separately.
Getting Around by Tricycle
Tricycles are the main local transport; short rides within town cost around 50–150 PHP, and you should always agree on the fare before starting. Keep your hotel’s name and a simple map screenshot on your phone so you can show the driver, which is helpful if connectivity is weak or language is a barrier.
Respecting the Environment and Sea Conditions
El Nido has fragile coral reefs and wildlife; use reef-safe sunscreen, avoid touching coral, and never take shells or sand as souvenirs. If the coast guard cancels or reroutes tours due to weather, accept the change—it’s for safety, and you can use the time to explore town, visit a spa, or head to a closer beach instead.
Map
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