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location.beaches.districts
location.beaches.districts_subtitle
Big Lagoon
natureIconic emerald lagoon surrounded by towering limestone cliffs. Crystal clear water perfect for kayaking. Part of Tour A, the most popular island hopping route in El Nido.
Small Lagoon
natureHidden lagoon accessed through a small cave opening. Swim or kayak through the narrow entrance to discover a secluded paradise. More intimate than Big Lagoon with stunning rock formations.
Secret Lagoon
beachTiny hidden beach inside a hole in limestone cliff. Wade through knee-deep water in a small crack to reach this magical enclosed cove. Part of Tour C with unique swimming experience.
Nacpan Beach
beachStunning 4km golden sand beach consistently rated among worlds best. Less crowded than town beaches, perfect for sunset watching. Twin beach connected to Calitang Beach by sandbar at low tide.
Seven Commandos Beach
beachPopular white sand beach on Tour A with beach bar and swing. Named after seven soldiers who lived here during WWII. Crystal clear water ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
Shimizu Island
natureExcellent snorkeling spot on Tour A named after Japanese diver who discovered its underwater beauty. Colorful coral gardens with diverse marine life including clownfish, parrotfish, and sea turtles.
El Nido Town
localCharming beach town and main hub for island hopping tours. Restaurants, bars, dive shops and accommodations line the waterfront. Famous Calle Hama street with rooftop bars and sunset views.
Cadlao Island
natureLargest island near El Nido with hidden lagoons and secluded beaches. Home to Cadlao Lagoon accessible by kayak. Less touristy than Tour A stops, great for private boat trips.
Matinloc Island
historyRemote island on Tour C famous for abandoned Matinloc Shrine and Hidden Beach. Dramatic limestone cliffs and crystal-clear waters. Secret Beach accessed through small hole in cliff wall.
Helicopter Island
beachIsland shaped like a helicopter when viewed from certain angle. Part of Tour C with excellent snorkeling and a beautiful sandbar. Less crowded than Tour A spots, pristine coral reef.
faq.title
faq.subtitle El Nido
Tour A (most popular): Big and Small Lagoons, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island. Tour B: caves and Snake Island sandbar. Tour C: Secret Beach, Hidden Beach, Matinloc Shrine, Helicopter Island - best for snorkeling. Tour D: beaches including Cadlao Lagoon and Nat Nat Beach. Tours cost 1200-1400 PHP including lunch.
From Manila: Direct flights to El Nido (Lio Airport) with AirSwift (1 hour, around 5000-8000 PHP). From Puerto Princesa: 5-6 hour van ride (500-700 PHP) through scenic mountain roads. Vans depart every 1-2 hours from San Jose Terminal. Book early in peak season.
Best time: December to May (dry season). Peak season is December-February with perfect weather but higher prices and crowds. March-May is hot but still good. Avoid June-November when monsoon brings heavy rain and rough seas, many tours may be cancelled.
Yes, bring enough cash! ATMs in El Nido often run out of money or have long queues. Only a few upscale restaurants and hotels accept cards. Withdraw enough in Puerto Princesa or Manila before arriving. Budget 2000-5000 PHP per day depending on your style.
Yes! Life jackets are provided on all island hopping tours and required by law. Many lagoons and beaches have shallow water. Kayaking is a great alternative to swimming. Just inform your boat crew if you cannot swim - they will assist you at each stop.
Travel Tips
Useful tips for visiting El Nido
Book island hopping tours the day before, especially in peak season. Tour A fills up fastest. Private boat tours (4000-6000 PHP) allow you to customize itinerary and avoid crowds.
Rent a kayak (300-500 PHP/hour) to explore lagoons at your own pace. Early morning before tour boats arrive offers the most magical experience at Big and Small Lagoons.
Environmental fee of 200 PHP (valid 10 days) is required for all tourists. Keep your receipt as you will need to show it for island hopping and beach entries.
Stay in Corong-Corong area for quieter vibes and stunning sunset views, or El Nido Town for convenience and nightlife. Nacpan area offers secluded beach resort experience.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen - regular sunscreens damage coral. Waterproof bags are essential for phones and cameras during boat trips. Aqua shoes help on rocky beaches.
Electricity can be unstable and power outages occur. Bring a power bank. Internet is slow - download maps and content offline before arriving.
Try local restaurants for fresh seafood at fraction of resort prices. Trattoria Altrove for Italian, Happiness Beach Bar for sunset drinks, Art Cafe for breakfast.
Weather
Average temperature by month
Now
28°
28°75%3 м/с
Today29°27°
29°27°Tomorrow29°27°
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29°27°Mon28°27°
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24°Jan
31°
24°Feb
32°
25°Mar
33°
26°Apr
33°
26°May
32°
26°Jun
31°
26°Jul
31°
26°Aug
31°
26°Sep
31°
25°Oct
31°
25°Nov
30°
24°Dec
Water temperature
28°
28°
29°
30°
30°
29°
29°
29°
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29°
29°
28°
Safety
High safety level
Tourist area with low crime rate
Very safe tourist destination. Main concerns: strong currents during island hopping, jellyfish in rainy season, steep boat ladders. Always wear life jackets. Limited medical facilities - serious cases evacuated to Puerto Princesa.
What to see
Attractions and points of interest
