Palawan is one of those places that feels unreal until you see it for yourself. Clear blue water, towering limestone cliffs, quiet fishing villages, and islands that seem untouched by time all come together in one destination.
Whether you are planning your first visit or returning for another adventure, this guide will help you explore Palawan’s main destinations, discover what each place is known for, and decide where to eat and stay during your trip.
Top Destinations in Palawan
Each area in Palawan offers a different experience. Some are lively and full of activity, while others are peaceful and slow-paced. Here are the most popular places travelers choose to visit.
El Nido, Palawan – Lagoons, Beaches, and Island Adventures
El Nido is one of Palawan’s most iconic destinations, known for dramatic limestone cliffs, glass-clear lagoons, untouched beaches, and colorful marine life. Located on the northern tip of Palawan Island, this laid-back coastal town opens the door to Bacuit Bay, a protected seascape filled with dozens of islands and hidden coves.
Whether you want to paddle through quiet lagoons, relax on wide tropical beaches, hike for panoramic views, or explore coral reefs beneath the surface, El Nido offers an unforgettable mix of adventure and slow island living.
From first-time visitors to seasoned travelers, this destination continues to stand out as one of the most beautiful places in the Philippines.
Why Visit El Nido?
El Nido combines raw natural beauty with a relaxed island atmosphere. It is especially loved for:
Towering limestone cliffs rising from turquoise waters
Secret beaches and narrow lagoons only reachable by boat or kayak
White-sand shorelines stretching for kilometers
Excellent snorkeling and diving sites
Diverse accommodation options, from simple beach cottages to luxury island resorts
With more than 40 islands and islets scattered across Bacuit Bay, every boat trip reveals something new.
Best Time to Visit El Nido
Planning your trip around the weather will help you get the most out of your island experience.
- Dry Season (January to May)
This is the most popular time to visit. Expect sunny days, calm seas, and ideal conditions for island hopping, kayaking, and diving. March and April are the warmest months and also the busiest, especially with local travelers during summer holidays.
- Rainy Season (June to December)
Rainfall increases from June onward, with the wettest months usually between July and September. Boat tours may occasionally be delayed when seas are rough, but the landscapes turn lush and green, and fewer tourists mean quieter beaches.
- Low Season (June to October)
If you prefer fewer crowds and lower hotel rates, this period can be a good option. Flexibility is important, as weather conditions may change quickly.
How to Get to El Nido
El Nido can be reached by air, land, or sea depending on where you are coming from.
From Manila
Direct flight: AirSWIFT operates flights to Lio Airport (about 1 hour 20 minutes).
Via Puerto Princesa: Fly to Puerto Princesa, then travel by van or bus for 5–7 hours.
From Puerto Princesa
Van: 5–6 hours, fastest land option
Bus: 6–7 hours, more legroom and luggage space
From Coron
Fast ferries travel between Coron and El Nido in around 4 hours, offering scenic views of northern Palawan along the way.
From San Vicente
A 2–3 hour van ride connects San Vicente to El Nido.
Getting Around El Nido
Tricycles: Best for short trips around town
Motorcycles (habal-habal): Common and affordable for solo travelers
Motorbike rental: Ideal if you want freedom to explore beaches outside town
Private van: Comfortable option for groups and land tours
Top Things to Do in El Nido
El Nido offers both sea-based and land-based adventures.
- Island Hopping in Bacuit Bay
Island hopping is the highlight of any El Nido trip. Local tours are grouped into four main routes (Tours A, B, C, and D), each covering different islands and lagoons.
Must-See Island Hopping Spots
1. Big Lagoon
A wide emerald lagoon surrounded by towering cliffs. Kayaking is the best way to explore its calm waters.
2. Small Lagoon
A narrow inlet with peaceful turquoise water, perfect for kayaking and swimming.
3. Secret Beach
Hidden behind limestone walls and accessible only by swimming through a small opening.
4. Seven Commandos Beach
A relaxing beach stop with palm trees, soft sand, and shallow water.
5. Shimizu Island
Popular lunch stop and snorkeling area with vibrant coral life.
6. Snake Island
Famous for its curved sandbar that appears during low tide.
7. Matinloc Shrine
A scenic viewpoint and historic site overlooking dramatic coastal cliffs.
8. Cudugnon Cave
A large cave once used by early island settlers.
9. Helicopter Island
Recognizable from afar by its shape, and great for snorkeling.
10. Tapiutan Island (Star Beach)
Clear water and coral gardens ideal for swimming.
11. Paradise Beach
A quiet stretch of white sand framed by limestone walls.
Land Attractions Around El Nido
Not all beauty is offshore. These inland spots are worth adding to your itinerary:
- Nacpan and Calitang Twin Beaches
Two long beaches forming a perfect coastline viewed from a nearby hilltop. Ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and photography.
- Nagkalit-Kaltit Falls
A short jungle trek leads to this refreshing waterfall hidden in the forest.
- Las Cabanas Beach (Marimegmeg Beach)
Known for sunset views, beachfront cafés, and a popular zipline across the bay.
- Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
El Nido has over 40 dive sites with coral gardens, walls, tunnels, and reef fish.
Popular dive locations include:
South Miniloc – coral gardens and turtles
North Rock – pelagic sightings
Dilumacad Tunnel – cave dive for advanced divers
Entalula Wall & Drift – colorful reef life
Nat-Nat Beach – macro photography hotspot
Even non-divers can enjoy snorkeling during island hopping tours.
Taraw Cliff Viewpoint
For the best view of El Nido town and Bacuit Bay, hike Taraw Cliff with a licensed guide. The climb is steep but rewarding.
For a safer alternative, try the Canopy Walk Via Ferrata, which includes safety equipment and guided routes along the cliffs.
Food in El Nido
El Nido’s food scene blends Filipino flavors with international dishes. You will find:
Fresh seafood grills
Beachfront restaurants
Local carinderias
Vegan and vegetarian cafés
Sunset dining spots
Where to Stay in El Nido
Accommodation ranges from budget hostels to luxury eco-resorts on private islands.
Options include:
Town hotels and boutique inns
Beachfront resorts
Eco-lodges
Overwater and island resorts
Practical Travel Tips
Currency
Bring enough Philippine Pesos. ATMs are limited and sometimes offline. Credit cards are accepted mainly in upscale hotels and restaurants.
Language
Filipino is widely spoken, along with local dialects like Cuyonon and Visayan. English is commonly understood in tourist areas.
What to Pack
Light, breathable clothes
Reef-safe sunscreen
Hat and sunglasses
Waterproof bag
Sandals and water shoes
Light jacket for evenings
Why El Nido Should Be on Your Palawan Itinerary
El Nido is more than just a postcard destination. It is a place where limestone cliffs meet clear lagoons, where quiet beaches stretch beyond the horizon, and where every boat ride feels like an adventure.
Whether you come for island hopping, diving, food, photography, or simply to slow down by the sea, El Nido delivers experiences that stay with you long after the trip ends.