Philippines

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El Nido

Limestone islands and clear lagoons

Visa & entry checker Plan a trip to El Nido Plan a trip around Philippines

Best time to visit: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Dec
Currency: PHP
Time zone: UTC+8
Country: Philippines

Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg, CC BY 4.0

El Nido is a coastal town at the northern tip of Palawan, known for white-sand beaches, coral reefs and dramatic limestone cliffs. It is the gateway to the Bacuit archipelago, with 45 islands and islets, and is popular for island-hopping, snorkelling, diving and kayaking.

Largest cities

Quezon City
Manila
Davao City
Cebu City
Zamboanga City

Quick facts

Figures are rounded recent official estimates.

Country: Philippines
Capital: Manila
Town population: 51,367
Population of Philippines: 112.7M
Country area: 343,448 km²
Official language: English
Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP) · 1 USD ≈ 62.83 PHP
Time zone: UTC+8
Calling code: +63
Drives on the: Right
Elevation: 4 m
Plugs: A / B / C · 220V
Emergency numbers: 911
Best time to visit: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Dec

Temperatures through the year

Average daily high and low for each month in °C. Months marked with a drop are often rainy.

Temperatures through the year

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High	29°	30°	31°	31°	31°	30°	30°	30°	30°	30°	30°	30°
Low	25°	25°	26°	26°	26°	26°	26°	26°	25°	25°	26°	25°

Best time to visitOther months

Approximate daily cost

Per adult per day: food, local transport and half a double room, without activities or flights.

ConservativeSimple stays, free and low-cost sights first.$28
HighComfortable hotels, a balanced mix of sights and trips.$71
LuxuryLuxury hotels, more paid experiences and day trips.$235

Plan a trip to El Nido

Top things to do

≈ $20
Island-hopping Tour A
A full-day boat trip through Bacuit Bay's lagoons, secret beaches and limestone formations, with lunch included; book a boat with only about six seats and an experienced crew.
- Full day
- Bacuit Bay islands
- Good for kids
≈ $20
Island-hopping Tour C
Another full-day route visiting different islands, beaches and snorkelling spots in the bay; routes can change with tides and weather, so confirm the stops before booking.
- Full day
- Bacuit Bay islands
- Good for kids
≈ $15
Kayaking the lagoons
Paddle into the coves, caves and lagoons of Bacuit Bay at your own pace; go early in the morning to avoid the midday heat and boat crowds.
- Half day
- Bacuit Bay islands
- Good for kids
≈ $25
Snorkelling and diving
The bay's coral reefs and clear water suit both snorkellers and divers; check equipment and guide credentials before booking a dive.
- Half day
- Bacuit Bay islands
- Good for kids
Free
Las Cabanas Beach
A relaxed beach south of town with a zipline over the water and good sunset views; a tricycle from the town proper costs about ₱150.
- Half day
- Las Cabanas
- Good for kids
- Good in the evening
Free
Nacpan Beach
A long stretch of sand north of town, reachable by tricycle, motorbike or mountain bike; bring cash for food and drinks as facilities are limited.
- Full day
- Nacpan
- Good for kids
≈ $9
Mountain biking to villages
Rent a bike for about ₱400–500 a day and ride forest trails and dirt tracks through traditional villages; start early and carry water.
- Half day
- Población (town proper)
Free
Cliff walk and viewpoint
A guided walk up the headland behind the town gives wide views over Bacuit Bay; wear shoes with grip and go in the cooler late afternoon.
- Half day
- Población (town proper)
- Good in the evening

Before you go

Entry and visas

Many nationalities, including UK and most EU, US, Indian and Latin American visitors, can enter the Philippines visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism, but rules vary by passport and some nationalities need an e-visa or a visa from a Philippine embassy. All travellers must register on the e-travel system within 72 hours before arrival and show the QR code, and passports must be valid for at least 6 months beyond arrival. Check your own nationality's rules on the official Philippine e-visa site or with the Bureau of Immigration before booking.

Official website

From the airport

El Nido Airport (Lio) has small-aircraft flights from Manila and Cebu; Puerto Princesa International Airport is the main gateway, with buses and vans to El Nido taking 4–6 hours. Ferries also connect El Nido with Coron Town (3½–8 hours).

Getting around

Tricycles handle short trips around the town proper, while island-hopping boats and outriggers reach the beaches and islands of Bacuit Bay.

Local tips

Pay the Environmental and Tourism Development Fee (about ₱400, valid 10 days) in cash at the Municipal Tourism Office; it is not included in online tour bookings.
Bring cash: ATMs are few and unreliable, and many guesthouses, tour operators and tricycle drivers do not accept cards.
The dry season runs December to May, with April and May driest; June to November is wet, heaviest around August.
Dress modestly away from the beach, cover up for sun and reef protection, and use reef-safe sunscreen; tap water is not drinkable, so stick to bottled or filtered water.

Areas worth knowing

Nacpan
Población (town proper)
Bacuit Bay islands
Las Cabanas
Corong-Corong

Official travel advice

The UK Foreign Office last updated its advice for this country on July 15, 2026. The advice includes warnings against travel to some areas. Read it before booking.

Read the advice on GOV.UK