Officially the Municipality of El Nido, El Nido is a first-class municipality in the province of Palawan, in the The Philippines. With a population of 41,606 according to the 2015 census.
It is about 420 kilometers southwest of Manila, and about 238 kilometers northeast of Puerto Princesa, Palawan’s Capital. A managed resource-protected area, it is known for its white-sand beaches, coral reefs, limestone cliffs, and as the gateway to the Bacuit archipelago.
El Nido has been named several times by travel publication sites as the best island beaches in the world because of its paradise-like attractions. There are many things to do in El Nido, From lounging on beaches, island-hopping, hiking up cliffs and the most popular, scuba diving.
El Nido Travel Guide 2022
The Weather in el nido
El Nido is warm and humid like other island destinations in the Philippines. April is the warmest month of the year, with the temperature averaging at 28.7 °C.
The month of September has the lowest temperature dropping to 26.8 °C. August is the month when El Nido receives the most rain, so best to avoid going there during that time. Checking weather updates before booking are ideal for traveling.
Best Time to Go to El Nido, Palawan
The Philippines have a tropical marine climate with a winter monsoon and summer monsoon. Unlike the rest of the archipelago, El Nido does not experience typhoons but is marked by two very distinct seasons which are the dry season from December to May and the rainy season from June to November.
The Summer Season in El Nido
January to April is the best month to go to El Nido, Palawan, it’s dry and sunny during this period. The summer season in the Philippines is from March to April so expect more local travelers during this time. The rains start by May, but the weather can still be sunny during this time if there are no tropical storms.
Things to do in El Nido
El Nido has the best beaches with beautiful spots you will surely enjoy around the island. Most of the attractions and activities that you can do here are spent outdoors. El Nido has 45 islands and islets but some of them are private. El Nido also has land tours and activities aside from scenic beaches and beautiful islands. Here are some of the things you can do in El Nido, Palawan.
- Island-hopping
- Enjoy the view from Taraw Cliff
- Relax at Nacpan Beach
- Swim in a big lagoon at Miniloc Island
- Kayak in a small lagoon at Miniloc Island
- Scuba diving and snorkeling
- Discover hidden beaches
- Chill at Shimizu Island
- Lounge in Seven Commandos Beach
- See the View from Matinloc Shrine
- Sunbathe at Snake Island
- Enjoy the sunset at Las Cabanas Beach
- Hike to Taraw Cliffs
What to Eat in El Nido, Palawan
One of the best things to do in El Nido is to enjoy the food and drinks in some restaurants. El Nido has a small town that is preserved by the locals so don’t expect the night scene to be similar to the Philippine’s popular beach of Boracay.
El Nido has a diverse food scene, with boutique restaurants serving international cuisines. You can find almost every dishes you want here to suit your mood. Don’t miss the bird’s nest soup when you go to El Nido, Palawan. El Nido is named after it, as El Nido translated to “The Nest”.
You can also get a table in some seafood restaurants and order a fresh seafood dish.
How to get to El Nido Palawan
The main jump-off point to El Nido is Manila, the Philippines ‘ capital. You can either take a direct flight or fly to Peurto Princesa, Palawan’s capital city, the ride a bus or van.
Vans are the most popular option among travelers for land travel to El Nido because it’s faster than a bus with a travel time of 5-6 hours.
Taking a bus is also a good option if you’re traveling with big or multiple luggage because it has luggage compartments.
Traveling by bus is a bit longer at 6-7 hours as it stops along the way to pick up and drop off passengers. El Nido can be accessed by land or sea travel if you’re already in other Palawan locations like Coron or San Vicente.
