El Nido, Palawan

El Nido - a picturesque destination where you can experience relaxation and adventure alike. Explore hidden lagoons, snorkel among vibrant coral reefs, and discover secluded beaches accessible only by boat. Palawan also offers lush forests and thriving mangrove ecosystems that many are unaware of. Before arriving at El Nido, we spent 5 exciting days at  Malapascua Island, an adventure you can find here.

On this page:

• El Nido Airport and Shorelines

• Diving and Island Hopping Tour

• Canopy Walk and Lio Eco Trail

• Bulalacao Falls, Lio Beach and Lio Wetlands

• Dewil Eco Mangrove Tour

Day 1: El Nido Airport and Shorelines

El Nido (Lio) Airport is most certainly the most beautiful airport I have seen. Its open structure allows a cool breeze to flow from the lush forests nearby, and the travel procedures are as simple they could be.

One scenic tuk tuk ride late, we arrive at Maligaya Beach Bungalows, where our room had the most amazing ocean view. Within 500 m from the hotel were a variety of restaurants, cafes, resorts and tour operator offices, making the shoreline a prime location to stay.

We had lunch at Bella Vita, trying the Al Tartufo Pasta and Parmesan Garlic Bread - absolutely delicious!

The evening was accompanied by sunset views and live music at Sip Sunset Lounge, a relaxing end to the day.

Days 2 and 3: Diving & Island Hopping Tour

We spent the evenings chilling and exploring the town nearby, and trying new restaurants. Thery's Burgers, Fries and Shakes (all burgers) Oppa Korean Kitchen (beef bulgogi cheesesteak and beef bulgogi plate), and Food Truck (shrimp pad Thai and shrimp dumplings) are definitely some of our favourite picks and dishes.

Palawan's calm waters make it a great destination for diving. We went to Natnat, Twin Rocks and Dilumacad, sites abundant with wildlife. We saw electric clams (Ctenoides ales), snapping shrimp, and frogfish!

The next day was spent island hopping between pristine beaches, canoeing in stunning lagoons, and snorkelling amidst vibrant marine life. There are 4 main tour packages to pick from.

• Bella Vita, Corong Corong - Italian pizza, pasta and focaccia/brushetta

• Thery's Burgers, Fries and Shakes, Corong Corong - Burgers and Fries

• Oppa Korean Kitchen, El Nido Town - Authentic Korean dishes

• Food Truck, El Nido Town - Dumplings and Pad Thai

• The Clay Kitchen - Pizza and pasta

• Taste - Sweet and savoury vegan food and coffee

• Crepe stands around town - a delicious treat while you shop!

Each tour (1200 - 1400 PHP) offers different destinations. We opted for Tour A, visiting Big Lagoon, 7 Commandos Beach, Shimizu, Secret Lagoon and Payong Payong Beach. An additional environmental fee (200 PHP, valid for all your ocean adventures within a specified period) and lagoon fee (200 PHP) are charged.

Also named the electric flame scallop or disco clam, this species is known for its flashy light display.

However, they neither electric nor bioluminescent. Instead, they have highly reflective soft tissue, reflecting ambient light (sun or diving lights), possibly evolved for predator deterrence.

Where to Eat in El Nido

Days 3 and 4: Sightseeing and Hiking via Motorbike

We rented a motorbike, and went vroom vroom around El Nido! You can visit the below attractions in whichever order you prefer, but do plan in advance for convenience. We visited attractions 1-3 on one day, and attractions 4-6 on another (in the given order).

From ancient mangrove forests to piers and hiking trails, these are the places you wouldn't want to miss:

1. Canopy Walk: A short hike, a hanging bridge and a stunning view of Bacuit Bay, all in one activity! Via Ferrata equipment will be supplied (including a helmet) as a safety measure.
   Price: 430 PHP per person | Time: ~ 1 hour | Additional Options: Dream Catcher Net Visit
   Safety Notes: Wear comfortable, closed shoes.

2. Lio Eco Trail: ~ 3.8 km hiking loop through a beautiful forest, leading up to a view deck of the Lio area. During the hike, you may spot hornbills, monkeys and squirrels. Many trees are also labelled so you can learn their name.
   Price: FREE | Time: ~ 1-2 hours
   Safety Notes: Wear comfortable shoes, and take water, snacks, sunblock, sunglasses and a sun hat.

3. Bulalacao Falls: ~20 minute walk through the forest and water streams until the waterfalls, where you can take a refreshing swim.
   Price: 300 PHP, including a local guide | Time: ~ 1-2 hours
   Safety Notes: Wear waterproof shoes or flip flops. Otherwise, you can play a game of stepping stones, and take your shoes off when it's time to swim. Take water, snacks, towel, sunblock, sunglasses and a sun hat.

4. Lio Beach: A beautiful, relaxed shoreline and pier, with swings hanging on trees by the sea. There are restaurants and clean public toilets, perfect for a breakfast or lunch stop. We had pizzas at The Clay Kitchen later in the day - perfectly baked!
   Price: FREE | Time: ~ 30+ minutes (really depends on you!)

5. Lio Wetlands: The drive between Lio Beach and Lio Wetlands is an attraction in itself, passing through the Lio Forest Trail board-walk, where there is an opportunity to see monkeys, if you're lucky! The wetlands themselves consisted of a board walk only, with kayaks seemingly available during particular seasons (but not when we visited in February).
   Price: FREE | Time: ~20 minutes, without any activities

Here, we saw a ripe Noni tree (Morinda citrifolia) fruit, which I didn't realise smells like foul cheese until I picked it up and found out! 

6. Dewil Eco Mangrove Tour: THE LARGEST MANGROVES I'VE EVER SEEN!!! A 1.5 hour private tour via a motorised bangka, through the Dewil Mangrove River. After ~15 minutes, you can explore a short board walk on foot - the highlight of this visit! A beautiful canopy of mangroves, aerial roots, and the sound of songbirds, with no one else around! The bangka then continues on to the estuary, before turning returning to the starting point, where you will be served a fresh complimentary coconut.
   Price: 550 PHP, private tour | Time: ~ 1.5 - 2 hours
   Safety Notes: From Lio, it takes ~30 minutes on a motorbike, most of the last ~8 km being unpaved, bumpy roads. Wear a helmet and drive safe! Take sufficient water and snacks, though there is a small town near the tour starting point.

Dewil Mangrove River is 3.5 km long, and is surrounded by the largest contiguous mangrove forest in the municipality. It is home to wildlife such as macaques, kingfishers and mangrove snakes, and is also abundant in crabs and fish that provide income to local fishermen.

Day 5: Maligaya Beach Bungalows served us our usual delicious breakfast one last time, before we left for the airport, saying our last goodbyes to the beautiful Palawan.

Days 5: Last Breakfast

Find out more about your transportation options in El Nido here.