El Nido has always been the final piece of a Palawan adventure. It’s the kind of place that makes every long drive and boat ride worth it. Turquoise waters wrap around limestone cliffs. Small islands shimmer under the sun. Every day feels both calm and alive. This El Nido itinerary covers six days of travel and island hopping. It’s perfect for those continuing north after exploring Puerto Princesa and Port Barton, or as a standalone Palawan escape.
When the beaches fade behind you on the last day, El Nido becomes more than a destination. It turns into a reminder of what slow travel feels like. Think of mornings by the sea, sunsets with friends, and days stretching as wide as Bacuit Bay.
Do-It-Yourself Palawan Itinerary
This El Nido itinerary covers six days of adventure, from mainland explorations to classic island tours. It connects seamlessly with your Puerto Princesa and Port Barton itineraries, forming a complete Palawan route. After El Nido, you can continue your journey to Coron. You can also fly from Lio Airport to Manila, Cebu, or any major Philippine hub.
How to Get to El Nido, Palawan
There are two main routes to reach El Nido. The first is by land from Puerto Princesa, a five-to-six-hour ride by van or bus. Vans leave from San Jose Terminal or can be arranged through your hotel. The drive follows scenic highways, passing coastal towns and mountain ranges before descending toward El Nido’s coastline.
If you’re coming from Port Barton, the ride takes around three to four hours. Vans depart daily, and some hotels offer transfers for convenience. If you prefer skipping long land travel, Lio Airport serves direct flights from Manila, Cebu, and Busuanga. Upon arrival, tricycles and shuttles can take you to your hotel or the town proper.
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Whichever route you choose, the journey north feels like part of the adventure. The roads wind through lush greenery. When the limestone cliffs of El Nido start to appear, you’ll know you’ve reached somewhere special.
EL NIDO ITINERARY
Day 1 – Arrival
The first day focuses on getting there. Whether you’re coming from Puerto Princesa or Port Barton, expect to arrive by late afternoon. El Nido’s town center hums with life. Restaurants, beach bars, and tricycles fill the narrow streets. After checking in, take it slow. Walk to the beach, grab a light dinner, or simply rest. The long travel fades away once you see the first glimpse of El Nido Bay at sunset.
Day 2 – Explore the North: Nacpan Beach and Lio Beach
The second day takes you to the northern beaches. Rent a motorbike or hire a tricycle and drive to Nacpan and Calitang. These twin stretches of golden sand are about 45 minutes away. The road, once rough and muddy, is now mostly paved, making the trip smoother. Nacpan’s wide shoreline feels endless, fringed with coconut trees and dotted with beach bars.
Have lunch at one of the seaside spots before heading back toward Lio Beach, a polished development balancing comfort and sustainability. The area has boutiques, cafes, and restaurants with sunset views. Lio’s calm vibe contrasts well with Nacpan’s rustic charm. It’s a day of open beaches, light swims, and lazy hours, a perfect prelude to the island tours ahead.
About the El Nido Island Hopping Tours
There are different island-hopping tours in El Nido, usually labeled Tours A, B, C, and D. Each features unique lagoons, beaches, and snorkeling spots. Ideally, these tours should be taken one letter per day for a more relaxed and enjoyable itinerary.
However, for this trip, since we were traveling as a group, we decided to rent a private boat and combine Tours A & C and B & D. This setup allowed us to start earlier than usual and return to the port later than the regular joiner tours. Still, we recommend that most travelers take one tour per day to fully appreciate each stop and avoid feeling rushed.
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Day 3 – Island Hopping: Tours A and C
Island hopping defines El Nido, and Tour A and Tour C are the most popular. Tour A brings you to Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Payong-payong Beach, Secret Lagoon, and Seven Commandos Beach. Each one is framed by towering cliffs and still, clear waters. Kayaks glide through lagoons as limestone walls shimmer like mirrors.
Tour C adds more drama to the scenery. It includes Hidden Beach, Secret Beach, Star Beach, Talisay Beach, and Helicopter Island, each one cinematic in beauty. The boat ride from one island to another is part of the charm. The crew grills seafood for lunch on a sandbar. Between snorkeling and swimming, time feels slow. When you return to town, the sky glows orange, and the air smells of salt and grilled fish.
Day 4 – Island Hopping: Tours B and D
After the energy of the first tours, the next day feels slower but just as beautiful. Tour B and Tour D offer a different rhythm. Destinations for Tour B includes Entalula Beach, Snake Island, Cudugnon Cave, Cathedral Cave, and Papaya Beach. Tour D stays closer to the mainland, visiting Natnat Beach, Pasandigan Cove, Paradise Beach, Cadlao Lagoon, and Ipil Beach.
With fewer boats around, you’ll often find yourself alone on the sand. You’ll hear only the sound of waves and the hum of a distant engine. It’s the kind of day that reminds you why people fall in love with El Nido.
Day 5 – Explore the South: Corong-Corong, Marimegmeg Beach, and Taraw Cliff
By the fifth day, you’ll want something grounded. Head south to Marimegmeg Beach, also called Las Cabañas, one of the most accessible beaches from town. Its calm waters make it ideal for swimming or lounging with a drink in hand. You can also try the Las Cabañas Zipline, which stretches over the sea. It’s a short ride but offers one of the best views in Palawan.
If you want to see El Nido from above, the Taraw Cliff Canopy Walk is a safer alternative to the old Taraw climb. The guided route, equipped with steel steps and harnesses, leads to a viewing deck overlooking the bay. The view is rewarding, especially at sunrise or late afternoon when the cliffs glow golden.
Day 6 – Slow Mornings and Departure
The last day is for slow mornings. Grab breakfast at Masa Bakehouse or Angel Wish Cafe by the beach. You can also find a corner table at Grounded for coffee. Lunch can be at AP Kala, Dayo Cafe, or Luway Luway, where local flavors meet creative twists.
If you’re catching a flight from Lio Airport, plan for an early afternoon departure. For those heading south, vans to Puerto Princesa leave throughout the day. You can also continue north to Coron, completing the full Palawan circuit before flying back to Manila or Cebu.
EL NIDO ITINERARY: Where to Eat
Dining in El Nido has changed a lot through the years. New cafes and bakeries now mix with longtime favorites, creating a vibrant food scene that surprises even returning visitors. Masa Bakehouse serves hearty meals and breads that rival its La Union branch. Dayo Cafe offers healthy bowls with tropical touches. Hama Coffee sits by the sea, perfect for sunsets. Luway Luway keeps things local and plant-based. AP Kala transforms from a bright cafe by day to a relaxed dinner spot by night. Every place tells a story that adds flavor to your stay. Read more about these restaurants on my Where to Eat in El Nido article.
EL NIDO ITINERARY: Where to Stay
During my visit, I stayed in Bangka Hostel, Barco Hotel, and Spin Designer Hostel. Bangka is great for solo travelers, with cozy dorms and a welcoming common area. Barco balances design and comfort with a rooftop view of the bay. Spin Designer Hostel combines style and social energy with quiet corners.
If you want something upscale, Lime Resort, The Funny Lion, and Seda Lio are top choices. Cuna Hotel remains a convenient option in town. Whether you prefer a social hostel or a quiet resort, El Nido now offers a wide range of stays for every traveler.
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This El Nido itinerary fits perfectly within a longer Palawan route. Start your trip in Puerto Princesa. Explore the Underground River and Honda Bay, then head to Port Barton for a quieter retreat. El Nido completes the journey with scenery that defines Palawan’s beauty. From here, you can fly to Coron, continue island hopping, or head back to Manila or Cebu.
El Nido isn’t a one-time destination. It’s a place you’ll always want to return to, maybe for the same sunsets or the same peaceful feeling.
