El Nido
Slow island days, jungle cliffs, turquoise lagoons, zero-stress planning
Highlights
Drift by kayak through Big Lagoon’s towering limestone walls and glassy water.
Swim and unwind on secret coves and wild rock-framed sands far from town crowds.
Watch the sky turn gold on Las Cabanas Beach with jungle hills at your back.
Walk along endless palm-lined Nacpan Beach and nap in the shade of coconut trees.
Enjoy halal-friendly grilled seafood and Filipino dishes in leafy, open-air spots.
One key highlight per half-day plus free time to wander at your own pace.
Where to Stay
2 picks
Cuna Hotel
Modern, mid-range hotel a short walk from the pier with a rooftop pool looking out to limestone cliffs and the bay, and interiors that mix wood and greenery for a soft jungle-urban feel.
Las Cabanas Beach Resort
Beachfront cottages set amid palms and greenery at Las Cabanas, with direct sand access and sunset views of jungle-covered islands just offshore.
Where to Eat
5 picks
Maremegmeg Beach Bar (for mocktails & snacks)
Palm-lined, wooden-deck beach bar right on the sand beneath jungle hills. Halal-friendly options: vegetable spring rolls, fries, salads, and simple grilled fish or shrimp if available; focus on fruit mocktails and non-alcoholic drinks, and confirm ingredients to avoid alcohol and pork.
Taste El Nido – Big Bad Thai
Upstairs, jungle-view Thai restaurant with lots of plants and wood decor looking over the bay. Halal-friendly options: pad thai with shrimp, vegetable green curry, tom yum with seafood, stir-fried morning glory, and fried rice with seafood—request no pork, no alcohol in cooking, and no fish sauce if you avoid it.
IPS El Nido Restaurant
Simple, leafy-side-street cafe with a calm local feel. Halal-friendly options: vegetable omelet or plain scrambled eggs (no ham/bacon), fresh fruit bowls, pancakes without bacon, and coffee or fresh juices.
Calaan Grill & Resto Bar
Rustic, semi-open restaurant near the water with lots of wood and greenery. Halal-friendly options: grilled whole fish, grilled prawns, squid, vegetable side dishes, and garlic rice—tell staff you do not eat pork or alcohol and stick to plainly grilled seafood.
Sunmai Nacpan Beach
Beachfront restaurant under palms with wooden decks and daybeds facing the surf. Halal-friendly options: grilled fish or tuna steak, garlic butter shrimp, vegetable spring rolls, fresh salads, and fruit shakes—request no pork, no alcohol in sauces, and ask them to cook seafood separately.
What to Do
7 picks
El Nido Town Beach & Jungle-Framed Bay Walk
Arrive, check into your hotel, then stroll along the small town beach and pier area with limestone cliffs rising behind the buildings. Browse a few seaside stalls, get your bearings, and enjoy the wild bay views.
Calaan Beach Coastal Walk
Walk 15–20 minutes north from town along the quiet coastal road to Calaan Beach, where scattered guesthouses face the water with jungle behind. Enjoy a peaceful shoreline, tide pools, and views of the jagged islands at golden hour.
Las Cabanas / Marimegmeg Beach Sunset
Take a tricycle (about 10–15 minutes) to Marimegmeg Beach, then walk along the sand under palm trees and jungle slopes. Swim, relax on the sand, or sit at a beach bar while watching the sun drop behind the offshore islands.
Island Hopping Tour A (Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon & Beaches)
Join a standard Tour A (or a similar ‘Adventure with Highlights A & C’ private tour) visiting Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and Seven Commandos Beach. Swim, snorkel, and kayak through turquoise water beneath limestone cliffs. Arrange with your operator in advance for a halal-friendly buffet lunch focusing on seafood, grilled chicken cooked without pork, and vegetables.
Free Explore Time in El Nido Town (Shops & Cafes)
After returning from the boat tour and a shower, wander the narrow streets within a 10–15 minute radius of the pier. Browse small handicraft shops, grab a juice, sit in a cafe, or just take photos of the cliffs towering above the town.
Nacpan Beach Day Trip
Head 45 minutes north via tricycle or shuttle to Nacpan, a long, palm-fringed bay with soft sand and jungle-covered hills behind. Swim, walk the shoreline, rest under palms, and enjoy the quieter, wild side of El Nido’s mainland.
Free Beach & Jungle Time at Nacpan
After lunch, pick a quiet stretch of sand or shade under the coconut trees. Read, nap, take photos of the palms and surf, or walk a bit towards the twin beach viewpoint if you feel like a short, gentle climb.
Good to Know
5 picks
How to Keep Food Halal on Tours
When booking island-hopping or day tours, message or tell the operator clearly that you require halal-style food: no pork or pork by-products, no alcohol used in cooking, and separate utensils if possible. Ask them to focus on grilled fish, shrimp, plain chicken, rice, and vegetables. On the day, gently re-confirm your needs with the boat crew before they start cooking.
Choosing the Right Boat Tour Type
Joiner tours (shared) are cheaper and easy to book through your hotel the day before, while private tours cost more but let you adjust timing and avoid crowds. For a relaxed couple’s trip with minimal planning, you can simply pre-decide which standard tour you want (Tour A is the safest choice) and ask your hotel to arrange it once you arrive.
Getting Around by Tricycle
In El Nido, motorized tricycles are the main local transport. For short trips (town to Las Cabanas or Calaan), agree the price beforehand; for longer rides such as to Nacpan, either book via your hotel or use a shuttle service. Keep small bills, and don’t be afraid to politely negotiate if the price feels high without haggling aggressively.
What to Pack for a Jungle-Wild Beach Trip
Bring a dry bag, water shoes or sturdy sandals, reef-safe sunscreen, and a light rain jacket, especially if traveling outside the driest months. A power bank, headlamp or small torch, and insect repellent are also useful as some areas are dimly lit at night and mosquitoes can be active near vegetation.
Managing Expectations on Comfort & Connectivity
Even mid-range places in El Nido can have occasional brownouts, weak Wi‑Fi, salty tap water, and simple bathrooms. Treat this as part of the island experience rather than a problem, and download offline music, maps, and books before you go.
Map
Best For
Start planning your trip with this itinerary in Takeoff.
Don't have the app? Download it free on the App Store.