El Nido is a town on the northern tip of Palawan, one of the larger islands of the Philippines. It sits at the edge of the Bacuit Archipelago, a scattering of islands whose steep limestone cliffs rise straight out of the sea. The town is known in the region as El Nido Town, and the surrounding islands are often called the El Nido Islands.
The landscape is the main reason people come. Dramatic limestone cliffs line many of the islands, and hidden lagoons can be reached by boat or by wading through narrow openings. The beaches are described as pristine, and the scenery is among the most photographed in the Philippines, so visitors should expect the view to be as striking in person as it appears in pictures.
What a visit looks like
Most time in El Nido is spent on the water. Boat trips take visitors between islands, lagoons and beaches, and the archipelago rewards a slow pace, with time to swim, look around and watch the cliffs change colour through the day.
- Island and lagoon boat trips across the Bacuit Archipelago
- Pristine beaches scattered among the islands
- Photography of the limestone cliffs and lagoons
- A base in the town itself, with the archipelago within reach
Planning your trip
El Nido works well for travellers who want natural scenery more than city sights. The town is the gateway for exploring the archipelago, so it suits a stay of several days. Check transport and boat arrangements before you arrive, as the islands are reached by sea and plans can depend on conditions on the day.