A dedicated designer
One expert owns your journey from first sketch to final boarding pass.
In the Specialist's View
Welcome to our specialist guide to exploring Philippines. From iconic landmarks to hidden local gems, our destination experts share their curated insights to help you craft the perfect tailor-made holiday.
Every journey with My Way Travel is individually designed around your dates, pace, and passions. Read on for our recommendations on must-see highlights, insider tips, and practical travel advice.
“Exploring Philippines with private guides and hand-picked boutique stays uncovers a depth and intimacy that ordinary group travel simply cannot provide.”
Emily Tran • Senior Philippines Specialist · 12+ years experience
El Nido, on the northern tip of Palawan, is the Philippines’ most spectacular beach destination: a bay of limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons and white-sand coves reached by outrigger boat. The classic way to see it is on one of four standardized island-hopping tours. This guide to El Nido, Palawan beaches explains how to choose a tour and which beaches you can reach on land.
The four island-hopping tours
Tour A: lagoons and beaches (the classic)
Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island and Seven Commando Beach. If you take only one tour, make it this one: the kayaking through the lagoons is the iconic El Nido experience.
Tour B: caves and snorkeling
Cudugnon Cave, Cathedral Cave, Entalula Beach, Snake Island (with its sandbar) and Pinagbuyutan Island. Best for snorkelers and swimmers.
Tour C: hidden beaches and shrines
Helicopter Island, Matinloc Shrine, Secret Beach and Hidden Beach. A popular second choice, with dramatic scenery and swimming through a rock opening to the Secret Beach.
Tour D: relaxed and quiet
Cadlao Island, Pasandigan Beach, Natnat Beach and Bukal Beach. The calmest and least crowded, ideal for families and those who want a gentler pace.
Exact stops vary by operator and conditions, so check the itinerary when you book. With a week or more, many travelers do all four; with two days, choose A and C.
Lagoon rules and visitor limits
To protect the most fragile sites, the authorities limit the number of visitors and boats at popular spots such as the Big and Small Lagoons, and at times enforce time slots or require kayaks. This is why tours sometimes swap stops at short notice, and why it pays to book ahead in high season. Do not stand on coral, feed fish or take shells or sand, and use only reef-safe sunscreen.
Shared or private tour?
Shared tours are good value and sociable, with a fixed route and departure in the morning. A private boat costs more, but you can leave earlier, reach the lagoons before the groups arrive, spend longer at your favorite stops and combine stops from different tours. For families, honeymooners and photographers, a private boat makes a big difference to the day.
Beaches around El Nido
- Nacpan and Calitang Beach: a long, golden strip a short ride from El Nido town, perfect for sunsets.
- Las Cabanas: a beach on the west coast, beloved for its sunset views.
- Corong-Corong: a calmer bay close to the town, with restaurants and resorts.
- Private island resorts: for a luxury stay, a small number of resorts occupy their own islands in Bacuit Bay.
Nacpan in more detail: the beach is about 45 minutes to an hour north of town. Walk to the low hill at the end of the beach for the classic “twin beach” view of Nacpan and Calitang side by side. Las Cabanas, also known as Marimegmeg Beach, is about 15 minutes south of town and has a zipline to a small island offshore.
On land: Taraw Cliff and kayaking
For a different view of the bay, the Taraw Cliff canopy walk climbs the limestone cliffs behind El Nido town with harnesses and guides, ending at a viewpoint over the rooftops and islands. On calm days, you can rent a kayak or a stand-up paddleboard on Corong-Corong and paddle to the nearby islands without a tour.
Beyond El Nido
San Vicente, on Palawan’s northwest coast, has Long Beach, a 14-km sweep of sand that is far less crowded than El Nido, and Port Barton is a quiet, village-style alternative. See our Palawan travel guide.
A sample four-day El Nido plan
- Day 1: arrive, walk through town and watch the sunset from Las Cabanas.
- Day 2: Tour A, with the Big and Small Lagoons.
- Day 3: Tour C, or a private boat combining the best of Tours B and C.
- Day 4: Nacpan Beach and the twin-beach viewpoint, or a slow morning before your flight.
Leave one spare day in case the weather cancels a boat trip. If you have a week, add Tours B and D and a day at a resort beach, or continue to Coron by ferry.
Fees and practicalities
- El Nido charges an environmental (eco) fee of about 400 pesos, which a recent travel guide says is valid for 10 days; confirm it when you book your tours.
- Tours typically include lunch, snorkeling gear and boat fees, but entrance fees and the eco-fee may be separate.
- Bring cash, reef-safe sunscreen, a dry bag and water shoes.
- Book the day before, and expect tours to be canceled if the sea is rough.
Island hopping with children
Tour D and the lagoons of Tour A are the easiest with children, with short boat rides and calm water. Bring life jackets in children’s sizes if your operator cannot confirm it has them, along with rash guards and plenty of water. A private boat lets you return early if young travelers get tired.
When to go
November to May is the dry season and the best time for beaches and island-hopping; March to May is hottest. The southwest monsoon from roughly June to October can bring rough seas and canceled tours on Palawan’s west coast. See our guide to the best time to visit Palawan.
See Palawan on a private tour
Explore our Philippines tours and places to visit in the Philippines.
El Nido beaches: FAQ
Which El Nido island tour is the best?
Tour A for first-timers; Tour C as a second choice.
What is the best beach in Palawan?
Nacpan for sunsets, and the island beaches of Tours A, B and C.
How much is the El Nido eco fee?
About 400 pesos, reported valid for 10 days; confirm when you book.
When is the best time to visit El Nido?
November to May.
How many days do you need in El Nido?
Three to five days.
Can I do El Nido’s lagoons without a tour?
Most lagoons are visited by registered boats only, with visitor limits. A private boat is the most flexible option, and you can kayak near town on your own.
Which El Nido tour is best for families?
Tour D or Tour A: short boat rides, calm water and easy beaches.
Essential Insights
Frequently Asked Questions & Specialist Advice
When is the best time of year to visit Philippines?
The ideal travel season generally falls during the dry, sunny months. Speak with our specialists for month-by-month climate recommendations tailored to your specific itinerary.
Can this itinerary be fully customized?
Yes, 100%. All My Way Travel itineraries are bespoke. We adjust durations, accommodations, activities, and destinations to suit your exact preferences.
Tailor-Made Itineraries
Start Planning Your Trip to Philippines
All our private journeys are 100% tailor-made around your dates, pace, and passions. Talk to our specialists to customize any itinerary below or create a completely bespoke trip.
Inspiration & Advice
More Philippines Travel Guides
Personal Consultation
Speak to an Indochina Specialist
Direct advice: +1 (888) 898-0888 • Free tailor-made proposal