El Nido is a world-class paradise in the northern part of Palawan. With its stunning limestone cliffs, clear turquoise waters, and pristine beaches, it’s no surprise that El Nido has constantly been listed in the world’s top 3 most beautiful tropical islands.
The town is situated within the Bacuit archipelago, a group of 45 or so islands that boasts some of the most breathtaking scenery in the Philippines. While the number isn’t as high as the Hundred Islands, each individual island is so breathtakingly unique that El Nido easily take the top spot for me. During my time in El Nido, needless to say I was blown away, the whole experience was truly next level and I hope the pictures I have taken can do it justice.
In this blog post, I’ll be going in-depth on everything you need to know to fully enjoy El Nido, from the island hopping tours, things to do, best beaches, sunset spots and more!
How to Get to El Nido from Manila
The fastest and most convenient way to get to El Nido from Manila is via plane but you can also take a ferry from Batangas which takes a lot more time (10+ hours) and requires 3 transfers so I would recommend just going by air:
- Plane: Take a direct flight from Manila to El Nido Airport. The travel time is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. You can book your tickets through 12Go.
Cost: 4,000 PHP – 6,500 PHP (80 USD – 120 USD) depending on the time and season
What is El Nido Known for?
El Nido is known its unique islands, immaculate white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, towering limestone cliffs, and coastal seascapes. Some of the islands you’ll go to during the island hopping tours are straight out of this world!
Even when you’re not out at sea, El Nido’s laid-back rustic vibes will still enchant you. Even while on land, you’re still surrounded by limestone karsts so you’ll always feel like you’re in an exotic paradise. If there’s only one place you can explore in the Philippines, go to El Nido as you will no doubt be fully immersed by the country’s natural beauty.
Why is it Called El Nido?
El Nido, which means “the nest” in Spanish, is named after the many nests of swiftlets that can be found in the limestone cliffs surrounding the town. These swiftlets use their saliva to build nests on the walls of the cliffs, which are then harvested for their valuable ingredients, which are used to make bird’s nest soup, a popular delicacy in some parts of Asia.
While bird’s nest soup is not widely consumed in the Philippines, the nests of the swiftlets have been an important source of income for some communities in the region. Today, the swiftlets and their nests are protected by law.
I guess nowadays, we can say that it’s because the town is NESTled within the limestone cliffs and surrounding islands. (Sorry, I couldn’t help it.)
El Nido Island Hopping Tours
The must-do activity while you’re in El Nido would have to be island hopping. It’s something you would be doing almost every day and there are 4 main tours to choose from. I’ll be listing them down along with some information on the islands you’ll be visiting.
The tours usually start in the morning with departures from 7AM – 10AM, you can get a private boat if you’re in a group as it’s actually cheaper or join a public tour where there can be anywhere from 10-20 people. For private tours, you can customize the route to avoid the crowds as most public boats go on a set route. Most islands are 15 – 30 minutes away from each other.
Do note that you will have to pay an environmental fee of 200 PHP (4 USD) once while you’re there which will be included the first time you book an island hopping tour. There are also additional charges if you want to rent kayaks during the tours that aren’t included in the base cost.
The great thing is that all the tour companies have the same price for the tours so you don’t have to worry about negotiating or finding a good deal. One thing that I would do is to inquire about their boats instead, some boats have a roof, some don’t, so if you don’t want to get cooked while out at sea the whole day, I recommend checking with the tour operators.
Lunch is also included in the tour price, and I must say they are amazing! You’ll be able to taste Filipino cuisine served buffet style on boats or islands depending on where you stop. The fruits were the best part for me, try the pineapple!
Tour A: Lagoons & Beaches
Tour A is the most popular island-hopping tour in El Nido and with good reason as it takes you to some of the most picturesque and iconic destinations that El Nido is known for. From lagoons to hidden beaches and islands so pristine, you won’t go wrong with Tour A.
Cost: 1,200 PHP (20 USD)
Seven Commandos Beach
This was our first stop during the island hopping tour and it’s a stunning beach located on an islet off the coast. It is named after seven Japanese soldiers who were said to have been stranded on the island during World War II.
The beach has a very long, white-sand shoreline, and the water was at a perfect temperature. I particularly liked the stranded boat at the middle of the island. You can play beach volley ball here or grab some coconut juice from the vendors.
Secret Lagoon
From it’s name, you can kinda guess but it’s a hidden area accessible only through a small crevice in the rocks that you need to wade through shallow water to get to. Going through the crevice, it led to a magnificent sprawling lagoon that was surrounded by limestone mountains. I think the best part really was emerging from the other side and discovering such a place could exist beyond. I enjoyed floating around here and looking up at the sky, framed by the mountains. I also lost my goggles here which was unfortunate as I haven’t even gotten to use them for snorkeling yet!
Shimizu Island
Shimizu Island is known for its beautiful coral reefs and vibrant marine life which makes it a prime spot for snorkeling. Which is exactly what we did here, our boat took us to spots a bit far from the shore. Our guide let me borrow his goggles and as I peeked at the world below, I was mesmerized. The colors of the reef and the fish were so beautiful, you can spend a few minutes just gazing below and during that time you would have probably seen a hundred species of aquatic life.
Big Lagoon
The highlight of the day, our tour saved this one for last though some would have it as the first stop. It is a large lagoon located on Miniloc Island, and it is famous for its dramatic rock formations. It’s usually the cover photo for El Nido. In Big Lagoon, you can explore via kayak or just swim in the calm waters.
Though I would recommend to do kayaking as it allows you to explore the hidden coves that are inaccessible by foot, keep your head down though!
Note that you will have to pay an extra 200 PHP (4 USD) for the Lagoon entrance fee while the kayak rentals cost around the same.
Tour B: Caves & Sandbar
Tour B was a very pleasant surprise, it was one of the tours we saved for last just because we thought it wouldn’t be up to par with the lagoons and limestone cliffs of the other tours. We were wrong. The highlight was definitely the sand bar of Snake Island, but the caves were also really huge and unique. After two days of island hopping, it was a breath of fresh air to see new stuff! In addition, Tour B is not that popular compared to the others and most of the time we actually had the islands all to ourselves!
Cost: 1,300 PHP (23 USD)
Entatula Island
Our first stop was Entalula Island, the island had some of the most turquoise waters we’ve seen so far. There were plenty of fish swimming near the shore and the limestone cliffs here were particularly photogenic.
We had a good time swimming here and on our way to the next island, we saw a sea turtle. Under different circumstances, this would have been an amazing sight but this turtle was apparently choking from eating plastic that it had mistaken for jellyfish. There were some fisherman who were helping it and we were told that they were going to bring the turtle to a doctor. It’s just a stark reminder to keep the water of our Earth clean!
Snake Island
Snake Island was definitely the highlight of the day, it got its name because it had a sand bar that acted like a bridge which connected it to the neighboring island. The sandbar is approximately 500 m (1,640 ft) long and can be walked on during low tide. During high tide, the sandbar is mostly submerged and you can only access the other island by boat. The best time to visit the Snake Island sandbar is during low tide, which usually occurs twice a day. The exact timing of low tide can vary depending on the season, so it’s best to check with the tour operator though they would usuallly plan this beforehand.
There were no snakes at all unfortunately. The island activity was pretty cool because it included a short hike to a small view point. On the way, our guide showed us some pitcher plants which were unique to the island. From the top, you could see the sandbar and the surrounding islands. We also had lunch here, another delicious buffet with a lot of fruits.
Cudugnon Cave
After a long respite in Snake Island, we went to Cudugnon Cave next, a first for the island tours so far. It lied deep in a secluded part of the island. We had to cross through waist-deep waters to reach the very small entrance to the cave. To top it off, we had to do these special maneuvers to fit perfectly and not hurt ourselves from the protruding stalactites. Once we got in, the cave turned out to be huge with the ceiling so high up. The stench of bat excrement threw me off a bit but it was still an amazing sight. There was another way towards the side that led to the main chamber with the sunlight seeping through a small crevice, lighting up and showing us how colorful and intricate the cave interior was.
Cudugnon Cave is a limestone cave known for its unique rock formations, which were formed over thousands of years of erosion and natural processes. The cave is also known for its historical significance, as it was used as a shelter by the ancient inhabitants of the area, believed to be the Tagbanua people. Archaeological excavations have revealed pottery shards, tools, and other artifacts that date back to the Neolithic period, around 2,000 BC. You can actually find these in the National Museum near Intramuros!
Cathedral Cave
Cathedral Cave is bigger in terms of size compared to Cudugnon, except that this time it was on the cliff side of the island. The boat could fit in just right, used to be you could swim in there but they’ve stopped allowing that due to some accidents. The columns were particularly interesting to look at, they were really straight and polished.
Papaya Island or Pinagbuyatan Island
Our last stop was Papaya Island, though it could have been replaced with any of the other islands around the area such as Pinagbuyatan Island. I really liked the swings here and you could also play some beach volley ball on the soft sand.
The snorkeling spots here were one of the best I’ve seen in all the tours partly because the reefs here were much more shallow so we were able to see all the marine life much more up close.
Tour C: Hidden Beaches & Shrine
Tour C consisted of visiting a lot of hidden beaches, tucked away deep inside alcoves. It really makes me wonder how they were able to find these places in the first place. Another unique aspect is that it also includes a visit to a Christian shrine on top of Matinloc Island which gives you a nice panoramic view of the surroundings.
Cost: 1200 PHP (20 USD)
Hidden Beach
As the name suggests, this beach was also tucked away similarly to Secret Lagoon. You go through a small opening between the two limestone mountains and after swimming a bit, there lies a beach. The surprising thing was there was some sort of cove beyond the beach with a smaller body of water so it’s like a beach within a beach! This was a pretty unique place because it was also a graveyard for my phone as I tripped accidentally and dipped it in the water, yikes!
Talisay Beach
This was the lunch spot for many of the boats, it was really fun to see everyone gathered around their own makeshift tables to chow down. The island it’s on is called Tapiutan Island and it’s an island surrounded by towering limestone mountains, which make for an excellent backdrop while swimming or eating.
Secret Beach
As its name suggests, Secret Beach is hidden from view and can only be accessed through a small opening in the rocks. The beach is relatively small and secluded, but the beach can only be accessed during low tide, and the opening in the rocks can be slippery and sharp, which is why the tour operators usually require some sort of protective footwear while island hopping.
Matinloc Shrine
Matinloc Shrine is a historical site located on Matinloc Island. The shrine was built in the 1980s as a monument to the Virgin Mary, and it is also known as the Shrine of Our Lady of Matinloc. If you’re wondering why Christianity has such as strong influence on Filipino culture, you can check out my blog post here.
It’s on a hill overlooking the sea, and it is surrounded by lush greenery and stunning views of the surrounding islands. Do note that it costs an extra 100 PHP (2 USD) to enter and hike up the shrine premises, another alternative would be to do some snorkeling in the area. The waters here are very deep and you can stare into the dark abyss below and still see plenty of fish swimming about.
Helicopter Island
Helicopter Island, also known as Dilumacad Island, is named after its unique shape, which resembles a helicopter from certain angles. It’s one of the most prominent and iconic islands of El Nido as you will be seeing this every day as you depart from the port.
The beaches here are as pristine as all the rest and the snorkeling spots here are also really good! I also somehow lost my second pair of goggles here, I don’t know how I managed to do that twice!
Tour D: More Lagoons & Beaches
Tour D takes you to more lagoons such as the popular Small Lagoon and Cadlao Lagoon. The beaches and snorkeling areas are centered around Cadlao Island and though they don’t have the same wow factor of the hidden beaches of Tour C, they are still jaw-droppingly beautiful.
Cost: 1,200 PHP (20 USD)
Cadlao Lagoon
While Cadlao Lagoon is usually included in Tour D, for us it was part of Tour C. The main activity to do here is also kayaking. It wasn’t as grand as Big Lagoon but it was every bit as beautiful. I would say it’s much more relaxing to cruise around the lagoon without the imposing mountains all the time. It’s a roundabout trip around the whole area and there’s even a beach at the end that you can stop over after all that paddling.
Paradise Beach
Paradise Beach consists of two beautiful beaches separated by rocks, offering soft white sand and excellent coral for snorkeling. The western beach features a stairway and a small platform for a better view.
Pansadigan Cove
Pasandigan Cove is located on the northern coast of Cadlao Island and is one of the lesser-known beaches in the area. The cove is a secluded and peaceful destination that’s really reminiscent of Matuod Beach. Though like most of the beaches on this list, they are all located in the bigger Cadlao Island. The word “Pasandigan” is a Tagalog term that means “a place of refuge or shelter.”
Nat-Nat Beach
This is usually the lunch spot for Tour D and it’s on the eastern side of Cadlao Island. Nat-Nat beach features all the hallmarks of a great El Nido beach from white sand, limestone mountains and of course, turqouise waters.
Small Lagoon
Just like Big Lagoon and Cadlao Lagoon, with Small Lagoon, you can take a kayak or swim around the peaceful clear waters while soaking in the scenic views of the mountains. Do note that it also costs an additional 200 PHP (4 USD) to enter the lagoon.
Tour E: Inland
While not official, there is still a Tour E known amongst the locals and it’s usually known as the Inland Tour which takes you to one of the best beaches on the mainland with a visit to a waterfall in between. I recommend getting this if you have some time to spare or if you had just arrived in El Nido and can’t immediately depart for an island tour.
Cost: PHP 1,400 (25 USD)
Nagkalit-Kalit Falls
Nagkalit-Kalit Falls is a beautiful waterfall that’s accessible via a hike, while you don’t necessarily have to pay for a guide, there are people stationed there to help you find it.
The waterfall is relatively small around 10 m (32 ft), with a single cascade that drops into a clear and refreshing pool. The water is cool and clear, making it a great spot for swimming. One thing to note is that during the dry season, there would be no water!
Nacpan Beach
Nacpan Beach is a stunning 4-kilometer stretch of white sand beach that’s can be reached in around a 45-minute drive from El Nido town.
Despite being one the longest beach in El Nido, it’s relatively less crowded than other beaches because it’s quite far, making it a great spot for an intimate tropical escape.
One of the unique features of Nacpan Beach is its twin beaches, which are separated by a small hill. You can hike up the hill to enjoy panoramic views of both beaches, each with their own unique view.
Which El Nido Tour is the Best?
If you only had one day to do island hopping in El Nido, Tour A would be a great choice. Why? Tour A at least has something from each of the other tours, it has lagoons, hidden beaches, island beaches, and snorkeling spots. Not to mention, Big Lagoon really is one of the main draws for El Nido!
Though of course, this is just my personal opinion but I would at least like to give an answer rather than “It depends” or “They’re all good.”
Top Things to Do in El Nido
1. Go Island Hopping
The main activity to do in El Nido would be of course island hopping, but the fun doesn’t stop there as there are still plenty of other stuff to do around the mainland.
2. Hike Mt. Taraw
Hiking up Mt. Taraw is for the adventurous soul who wants to see the natural beauty of the region from a different perspective. While Mt. Pinatubo offers a more scenic and relaxing hike, Mt. Taraw is a limestone peak with steep and jagged cliffs, making it a challenging but rewarding hike. The hike to the summit of Mt. Taraw takes around 2-3 hours and requires a moderate level of fitness. The trail is steep and rocky, with some sections requiring the use of ropes and ladders to climb. However, the breathtaking panoramic views of Bacuit Bay from the summit make the effort worth it.
3. Rent a Kayak
An alternative for joining island hopping tours is to rent a kayak yourself and explore the surrounding islands. Make sure you’re actually experienced before heading out in to the open sea. With a kayak, you’re the captain of your own ship and you just might be able to discover your own secret beach!
4. Do a Canopy Walk
If scaling up Mt. Taraw is too much, you can opt for a Canopy Walk around Taraw Cliff instead. The Canopy Walk consists of a series of suspended bridges and platforms that are attached to the steep limestone cliffs. The guide will be teaching you about the local flora and fauna as you make your way up the highest point where you’ll be rewarded with wonderful views of El Nido’s port.
5. Scuba Diving
Snorkeling around the islands of El Nido is already a treat but scuba diving? Well, it goes without saying with El Nido’s crystal-clear waters, diverse marine life, and stunning coral reefs, it only gets better. Submariner Diving Center has a really good reputation amongst the locals if you’re looking to get certified or test the El Nido waters.
6. Join a Yoga Session
Yoga is a perfect way to start the day or unwind after all that swimming. Namaste El Nido Yoga & Spa offers daily yoga classes at 9:30AM and 5:00PM.
It’s also a really great alternative if you’re there during rainy season as most outdoor activities get a bit difficult to do once it starts pouring!
7. Get a Massage
You can get a massage right in the town center near the ports, it’s a great combo with yoga or after a day of island hopping. The rates are really affordable too!
Best Beaches in El Nido
1. Nacpan Twin Beach
The twin beaches are actually called Nacpan Beach and Calitang Beach, I think just this very fact is a huge plus. Each beach gives you a different view, Nacpan with the sea and Calitang of island.
The beach is also less crowded and stretches until the eye can see, you can find your own exclusive slice of paradise here. Nacpan beach is surrounded by towering palm trees and lush vegetation, and you can hike up the hill to see the twin beaches in all of their glory or go exploring around its rocky coasts which hides plenty of sea critters and colorful rocks.
2. Corong Corong Beach
Corong Corong Beach is another beautiful beach that you can reach with a tuktuk. Corong Corong Beach is known for its long stretch of white sand and crystal-clear waters and it’s also a popular spot for watching the sunset, with panoramic views of the horizon and the nearby islands.
What I liked about Corong Corong is its laid-back vibe and tranquil atmosphere and it’s also less crowded despite its proximity to the town center.
3. Lio Beach
Lio Beach is known for its calm and clear waters but compared to the other beaches, this area is much more developed with plenty of restaurants around the area. Lio Beach is really eco-friendly, as its home to several establishments that are built using local materials and follow sustainable practices. This is also the beach that’s closest to the airport, so if your flight is still a bit later, you can still catch some sun here while grabbing lunch or a snack. It’s also the least crowded during the day, we were actually the only ones there in the morning until noon! The beach comes alive at night though with live music and amazing views of the stars.
4. Las Cabanas Beach
Las Cabanas Beach is another pristine beach but with a wider range of amenities. The beach has several bars and restaurants, as well as beach activities such as beach volleyball, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
Las Cabanas is the most popular and usually the most crowded beach as well, but if you’re looking to socialize and have a good time, then Las Cabanas is where it’s at.
Best Sunset Spots in El Nido
1. Marimegmeg Beach
Marimegmeg Beach was actually recommended to me by a local, it’s actually part of the larger stretch of Corong Corong Beach, except it’s in a more seculded corner at the edge which separates it more from the crowds and other establishments.
Marimegmeg Beach for me, is the best sunset spot area in El Nido, particularly because of the islands in the horizon from this side of the beach. As the sun dips down between them, it’s just breathtakingly spectacular.
2. Nacpan Twin Beach
Yes, Twin Beach again and again but really, Nacpan also makes it on this list because you also get a view of the island being basked in the sunset’s golden glow from Calitang Beach. Then you can turn to the other side and catch the sunset from Nacpan Beach, best of all, hike up the cliff and you get a 360 degree view!
3. Mt. Taraw
A sunset from Mt. Taraw is really majestic, especially because you actually worked for it. As you’re perched on those jagged rocky cliffs, you can see the whole town from below, the tiny boats moving around, and the sunset painting everything with scarlet hues.
Where to Stay in El Nido
Best Hotels in El Nido
- H Hotel El Nido – Vegetarian Vegan Hotel -is a 4-star hotel with a terrace, free private parking, a restaurant, and a bar. The hotel offers room service, a 24-hour front desk, and a shuttle service. All rooms have a private bathroom with free toiletries, flat-screen TV, and air conditioning. The hotel serves an à la carte, vegetarian, or vegan breakfast every morning.
- El Nido Viewdeck Cottages – is perched on a hilltop that offers peaceful rooms with a private balcony, free Wi-Fi, and 24-hour front desk service. The air-conditioned rooms come with a desk, wardrobe, and outdoor seating area, as well as an attached bathroom with towels, shower, and free toiletries.
- Inngo Tourist Inn – is an inn that’s popular for solo travelers, offering rooms with a balcony and free Wi-Fi. The inn is only a 2-minute walk from the beach and features a tour desk and outdoor seating area. The air-conditioned rooms come with mountain views and a private bathroom with a hot and cold shower. The inn can arrange island hopping, trekking tours, and beach trips.
Best Hostels in El Nido
- Mad Monkey Hostel Nacpan Beach – though a bit far from El Nido town proper as it’s in Nacpan, it’s a party hostel so if you want to meet people it’s the place to be. Mad Monkey Hostel is a beachfront property that offers a tour service and features a restaurant and a bar that plays music until late at night. The rooms have shared bathrooms.
- Frendz Hostel – with a restaurant, bar, and outdoor swimming pool. The air-conditioned rooms have a private bathroom and free WiFi. The hostel also provides a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space. Each room includes a closet and bed linen. You can also play pool and ping pong.
- Outpost Beach Hostel – offers a vibrant atmosphere with fun nightly events, island hopping tours, and a great restaurant led by former Iron Chef Champion, Chef Kathleen. The sunsets from the property are one of the best in the world and the hostel is actively involved with local communities and charities to improve El Nido as a whole. The hostel is also committed to sustainability.
Where to Eat in El Nido
- The Kollektive – A great restaurant to try out Filipino cuisine, it feels very homey and they have adorable dogs as well. The menu is quite good though a bit on the pricier side, food also takes time to come out but it’s only because they’re really high quality. Try out the pinakbet and kare-kare!
- El Nido Boutique Art Cafe – Try going here for dinner, the live music really adds to the ambience. It’s near El Nido port and while it’s not the traditional Filipino food, they serve really mean pizzas!
- Bulalo Plaza – Bulalo Plaza is more of a local restaurant, it’s a bit of a walk from the town center but you can really authentic Filipino meals here from the tapsilog, to the famous bulalo (beef brisket and soup)
- Happy Home Restaurant – An all-around restaurant serving an international crowd with a diverse menu
- Taste El Nido – 100% plant based cafe, and is a great option for vegetarians
How to Get Around El Nido
Getting around El Nido is relatively easy and there are several options available:
- Tricycle: Tricycles or tuktuks are the most common mode of transportation for El Nido. They are motorbikes with a sidecar that can accommodate up to 3 passengers. The tuktuk ecosystem is really nice in El Nido, for every tourist area there’s already a fixed price so there’s no need to negotiate nor can you ask for a discount (you can try!) The drivers all know each other quite well too.
- Motorbike: Renting a motorbike or scooter is also possible if you’re spending a lot of time exploring the mainland such as going to Nacpan. The roads however are not well-maintained and during the rainy season, the potholes can be very dangerous!
- Walking: If you are already within the town center, then you can simply just walk to the pier which is around 10-15 minutes away. The beaches on the other hand might require a tuktuk, but walking is definitely still possible.
- Bicycle: Many hotels and hostels offer bike rental services. It’s a great alternative to walking if you want to reach the nearby beaches while getting a workout around the island.
How to Stay Safe in El Nido
El Nido is a relatively safe place. It’s a really laid-back and quiet island, different from party islands like Gili T. You can walk alone at night and feel perfectly safe. Everyone seems to know each other so the crime rate is really low. The one thing that I would be more worried of is accidents such as when I got nasty stomach problems from the drinking the water. Be extra careful when it comes to that. I also recommend getting travel insurance in case you get into a similar situation.
Best Time to Visit El Nido
The best time to visit El Nido is of course, during the dry season, which runs from December to May. Temperatures range from 22°C – 30°C (72°F – 86°F).
The rainy season in El Nido runs from June to November, with the peak of rainfall occurring in August and September with temperatures ranging from 24°C – 31°C (75°F – 88°F). While the wet season can bring occasional typhoons and heavy rainfall, it can also offer fewer crowds. Do note that rain or shine, island hopping tours still go on!
What to Pack For El Nido
- Insect repellent: Mosquitos can be quite a nuisance during the rainy season, and the risk of dengue is not worth it. There have also been reports of sand flies or “niknik” in Nacpan beach though we didn’t encounter any.
- Sun protection: Even with sunscreen, we still got hella tanned from being exposed to the sun the whole day especially while you’re moving from island to island. One of our boats also didn’t have a roof so it was quite brutal.
- Snorkeling gear: While it is possible to rent gear at the ports for around 150 PHP (3 USD), it starts to add up if you are going island hopping every day so it’s better to bring your own.
- Waterproof slippers: Some tour operators might require you to bring protective footwear for the spikey rocks or the occasional sea urchins, if you don’t you might end up renting their aqua shoes which costs another 200 PHP (3 USD).
- Medicine: Yes, definitely after I got that nasty stomach ache. I should have brought more to be honest.
- Waterproof bag: To protect your gear or phone while you’re out island hopping, especially if you plan to take photos.
Plan Your Trip to El Nido | Best Travel Resources
Book Your Accommodations
- Booking.com – the world’s leading online booking platform for accomodations around the world, they have an extensive amount of available listings with zero booking fees and best price guarantees.
- Hostelworld – a backpacker’s best friend, Hostelworld has the largest collection of hostels and guesthouses for affordable prices.
Don’t Forget Insurance
- SafetyWing – from Nomad Insurance, an insurance by nomads for nomads. They understand our lifestyle well and have really comprehensive and flexible plans that cater to any traveler.
Find Cheap Flights
- Kiwi.com – my go-to for booking and finding the cheapest flights and it’s helped me save tons of money. They do virtual interlining which is connecting flights from airlines that do not codeshare, so you can find routes that you wouldn’t be able to find normally.
Join Tours & Activities
- GetYourGuide – is one of the best places to find unique tours and activities. I found that it’s an excellent way to meet fellow travelers and create fond memories. They are not only limited to tours as they also offer niche services such as skip-the-line tickets or private transfers.
Catch a Ride
- Rentalcars.com – nothing beats the freedom of the road, Rentalcars.com is the world’s largest online car rental service. They operate across 160 countries so they’re the perfect partner to work with if you find yourself wanting a ride.
