Nestled within the coronary heart of Palawan, Philippines, El Nido is an archipelago full of towering limestone cliffs, lush flora and pristine seashores. Whether or not you’re seeking to spend your days climbing, diving, island hopping or indulging in leisurely pursuits, there’s one thing for everybody in El Nido. Wellness-inclined vacationers are certain to be notably drawn to the vacation spot, because the serene locale is a perfect backdrop for yoga periods, spa remedies and holistic therapies. 

El Nido includes a set of small islands, with a number of resorts nestled on their very own personal isles, along with a number of accommodations and seashore golf equipment on the principle island, close to El Nido City. Most lodging prepare airport pickups, full with boat and automobile transfers. In addition they sometimes supply guided tour packages, usually led by locals, that are important to profit from your expertise, particularly because the overwhelming majority of locations and websites inside El Nido are solely reachable by boat.

Whether or not you’re searching for journey or a serene retreat, El Nido guarantees an unforgettable journey. Right here’s every thing it’s worthwhile to know. 

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The Logistics

The perfect time to go to El Nido (or any Philippine island vacation spot) is from late February to late Could, through the nation’s summertime. The climate is moderately unpredictable the remainder of the 12 months, particularly through the wet months from mid-August to early December. 

Though there aren’t direct flights to El Nido from main cities exterior the Philippines, there are connecting flights from Manila by way of AirSwift Airways. Because it’s a little bit of a journey, you would possibly wish to tack on a number of days to your journey—we advocate a minimal of 4 days whole (and as much as six), relying on how relaxed or packed you favor your journey schedule. 

For lodging that don’t supply tour packages, native businesses like Kraken El Nido and Go Paradise Journey & Excursions present the choice to lease a conventional Philippine boat, generally known as a bangka, for each personal and group excursions. 

The place to Keep 

Pangulasian Island, an El Nido Resort

Pangulasian Island, Bacuit Bay, El Nido, 5313 Palawan, Philippines 

Pangulasian, part of El Nido Resorts, is named the “Island of the Solar” amongst locals on account of its spectacular dawn and sundown views. Whereas all 4 resorts throughout the assortment are located on personal islands, Pangulasian is the one one completely open to lodge visitors.

There are 42 luxurious lodging throughout the resort, however the beachfront and pool villas are private favorites, as they provide easy accessibility to the roughly 2,460 toes of white sand seashores and pristine ocean waters. This island is ideal for snorkeling, because it boasts vibrant coral reefs that teem with marine life, and also you simply could encounter native blacktip sharks. For individuals who wish to discover additional, all El Nido Resorts inclue function complimentary island-hopping and diving packages. 

Lagen Island, an El Nido Resort

Lagen Island, Bacuit Bay, El Nido, 5313 Palawan, Philippines 

Nestled inside a tranquil lagoon, Lagen’s soothing panorama options karst rock formations and calm waters. The distinctive water cottages supply a novel vantage level for visitors to immerse themselves within the surrounding surroundings, in addition to observe native wildlife just like the birds and bayawak (monitor lizards) of their pure habitat. Like all El Nido Resorts, Lagen welcomes its visitors with a Palawenyo-model harana, a conventional Filipino serenade, setting the tone for the genuine hospitality you’ll expertise throughout your keep. 

Miniloc Island, an El Nido Resort

Miniloc Island, Bacuit Bay, El Nido, 5313 Palawan, Philippines 

Miniloc is thought for its snorkeling experiences. Right here, you may have the chance to swim amongst jackfishes whereas having fun with the view of the coral reefs. Plus, must-see spots akin to Large Lagoon and Small Lagoon are positioned on Miniloc Island, only a quick boat experience away. The lodge’s meals, nevertheless, is what units Miniloc aside, together with grilled barbecues and a menu crammed Filipino classics like contemporary crimson snapper, lobster and prawns.

Cauayan Island Resort 

Cauayan Island, Bacuit Bay, El Nido, 5313 Palawan, Philippines  

Cauayan is a personal sanctuary with an array of beachfront, pool and lagoon villas. The climbing trails are what actually stand out on the island; whether or not you select the sundown or dawn path, you’ll discover panoramic views of the panorama and ocean.

Except for the standard actions, Cauayan additionally gives guided diving experiences, along with personal and group island-hopping excursions. Cap off your day with a sundown cruise, taking within the vistas whereas sipping on tropical cocktails.

Maremegmeg Seashore Membership

Sitio Maremegmeg, El Nido, 5313 Palawan, Philippines 

Maremegmeg Seashore Membership is a 15-minute automobile experience from El Nido City, on the principle island. Its tree-top suites present visitors with a panoramic view of El Nido’s distinctive rock formations. The seashore membership right here, which is open to the general public, is thought for its vigorous bar and restaurant, the place visitors can take pleasure in an array of Filipino and worldwide dishes, accompanied by tropical cocktails that complement the coastal environment. Come after sundown to expertise the nightlife.

What to See 

Large Lagoon

You’ll arrive on the Large Lagoon entrance by way of a bangka or pace boat, after which embark on a kayaking journey, the place you would possibly even spot monkeys playfully frolicking in regards to the forest. It’s finest to go to between 10 am and 12 pm, when the lagoon’s magnificence is at its peak, with daylight enhancing the vivid blue of the water and intensifying the inexperienced hues of the encircling forests. Nevertheless, do remember the fact that this era tends to attract bigger crowds. 

Entalula Island

Entalula is an underrated island with coral-free white sand seashores. The seashore space is open to the general public, and the namesake mattress and breakfast resort near the shore gives a style of native life with picket beach-beds and a easy menu that includes grilled dishes. Entalula is extra distant than surrounding islands, however exudes a tranquil ambiance, the place the one sounds you’ll hear are the chirping birds and ocean waves crashing. 

Snake Island 

Don’t fear, there are not any precise snakes to be discovered on Snake Island. Also called Vigan Island, its declare to fame lies in a exceptional pure surprise: a protracted sandbar that mimics the form of a snake. It’s best to go to throughout low tide, sometimes between 8 am and a couple of pm, though it stays partially seen throughout different instances. Snake Island is lower than two miles lengthy, so take the chance to leisurely stroll alongside the sandbar or dive in for a swim. 

Secret Lagoon

Initially, Secret Lagoon presents a facade of white sand shores and the attribute rock formations that outline El Nido. As you get nearer, your information will unveil the well-concealed entrance tucked beneath one in all these imposing formations. Past lies a lagoon surrounded by towering cliffs. Accessible solely throughout low tide, we advocate bringing aqua sneakers to navigate the rocky entrance safely.

Cudugnon Cave

Hidden discreetly beside a serene seashore on Lagen Island, Cudugnon Cave is finest accessed by kayak, given its restricted entry house. The cave is softly illuminated by pure mild filtering by means of its slim entrances and small openings, permitting guests to understand the distinctive rock formation inside this hidden coastal gem up shut. 

El Nido City

Immersing your self in native life is a should. Take a while to take a look at El Nido City, the place you possibly can discover markets and boutiques, in addition to native eating places serving Filipino meals and fusion dishes. Whether or not you crave native nightlife or just wish to seize a fast chew with a view, Scape El Nido is unquestionably one of many must-tries in El Nido city.