A Complete Guide to El Nido.

Hundreds and thousands of tourists head for El Nido every year. And why not? After all, it is the primary base for exploring the stunning Bacuit Archipelago. El Nido is world famous for its impressive limestone formations, the clear turquoise waters, and those absolutely astonishing beaches. What adds to its lure is the emerging restaurant and bar scene.

One can reach El Nido by air, boat, or land and the most popular way is by air. This is the easiest and fastest way to reach El Nido and there are plenty of daily direct flights to El Nido from Manila and Cebu. Get ready to explore the beautiful northern coastline, the fantastic beaches, and the coastal villages.

Here is a brief but complete guide to El Nido to help you plan your next island vacation.

Photo credit: The Backpack Adventure.

The best time to go
The best time to enjoy and explore El Nido is between November and May. One should avoid the rainy and cyclonic season. Still, the average temperatures in El Nido remain the same. If you want to avoid the crowd’s, avoid April which is the busiest month. Take advantage of cheap pal promos and codes to make the most of your trip.

Where to stay
El Nido offers accommodations for almost every kind of tourist. You can stay at highest-rated places for a luxurious treatment or you can look for budgeted options. The luxurious hotels include names like El Nido Resorts, El Nido Resorts Lagen Island, El Nido Cove Resort, Vellago Resort and more. If you are looking for a place to stay in El Nido on a budget, then you will find plenty of options in El Nido town that offer a wide selection of cost-conscious accommodations.

Photo credit: Tabanka Divers.

Top things to enjoy
El Nido is a cluster of 45 small islands, and there is plenty to do and see here. You will come across the most beautiful and enchanting islands in the entire world. Some of the most sought-after beaches are the Duli Beach, Maremegmeg Beach, and Lio Beach. Find yourself surrounded by large limestone cliffs and rock formations. Dive in the Dilumacad Underwater Tunnel and swim through the sea life, or head for the small lag on the northern end of Miniloc Island, which looks like an alien landscape. Nagkalit-kalit Waterfalls and Balay Cuyonon are also some of the island's major attractions.

Where to eat
While Filipino food can be greasy, you will not remain short of options. However, it is a must to try the breakfast of sweet cured pork with garlic rice at least once before you leave. Some of the top restaurants in El Nido are Republica Sunset Bar that offers fairly large portions. It is the right place to enjoy your meal, and the sunset as well. Bella Vita El Nido is a beachfront restaurant that serves delicious pizzas, and you can dine on shakshuka and hummus at Happiness Beach Bar. Altrove is far less crowded and serves the best pizza in all of El Nido.

Bounty from the sea.

Where to shop
El Nido has a reputation for not just being a picturesque location in the Philippines; it also boasts of many shops and stores that are just perfect for any shopaholic. Visit the Traditional Souvenir Shop where you can purchase little gifts and souvenirs. There is a variety of items sold here like bags, scarves, hats, keychains, shawls, bracelets, and desk decorations. El Nido Boutique & Artcafe is another favorite among shoppers. While you can shop for swimwear, sunblock, snorkeling gear at the Boutique, the Artcafe sells typical souvenir items like t-shirts, postcards, and other local items.