The Ultimate El Nido Travel Guide (The Philippines)

Last Updated on 15 September, 2024

El Nido is a paradise on Earth with its lush greenery, white-sand beaches, limestone cliffs, coral reefs, and turquoise water. It is located at the northern tip of Palawan, the fifth largest and one of the 7,641 islands in the Philippines. Palawan has been rated as the “Most Beautiful Island in The World” by readers of Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure, and I was lucky enough to explore a small fraction of it for almost two weeks. In this El Nido travel guide, I’ll share my recommendations and tips for your best experience in El Nido!

The Ultimate El Nido Travel Guide (The Philippines)

Getting There

There are two ways to get to El Nido. Depending on your travel style, budget, or time, one might be better than the other.

By Plane

If you travel to the Philippines from overseas, you will most likely fly into the capital’s Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport. You have two options from there: fly to El Nido Lio Airport or Puerto Princesa International Airport, then take a van or bus.

If you’re considering staying in Manila for a day or two and exploring it, I suggest getting out of it as soon as possible. It’s busy and chaotic. Its 24/7 traffic jams will have you stuck in a taxi (you’ll be lucky if it has an air-con on) for more time than you’ll have time to explore anything. If you have a layover for longer than just a short night, book some lovely accommodation if your budget allows and chill there!

Directly to El Nido

Flying to El Nido Lio Airport is the quickest and the most convenient way of getting to El Nido. However, it’s the most expensive.

Air Swift is the only airline that flies to El Nido. It takes 1hr20min from Manila and costs 5,300-8,000 PHP one way + a 250PHP booking fee. The airline doesn’t appear on Skyscanner, so you’ll have to book the flights directly from their website.

There are three types of tickets you can choose from – basic, value or premium. Basic will give you a 7kg carry-on baggage allowance and no checked-in baggage; value and premium will provide you with a 7kg carry-on baggage allowance and a 10kg checked-in allowance. However, if you think your bag will be more than 10kg, I recommend purchasing an additional 10kg for 450PHP.

You can also reach El Nido from Bohol, Boracay, Cebu, Clark, and Coron with Air Swift.

To Puerto Princesa + van/bus to El Nido

The flight to Puerto Princesa takes 1hr 25min from Manila and costs £22-£45 one-way with Air Asia, Cebu Pacific, or Philippine Airlines. You can search for these flights on Skyscanner.

Cebu Pacific and Air Asia include 7kg carry-on baggage and offer an optional 20kg baggage for around 500PHP. Philippine Airlines includes 7kg carry-on baggage and offers an optional 10kg for 450PHP or 20kg for around 1000PHP.

Once you arrive in Puerto Princesa, you can either take a van or a bus to El Nido, which takes between 5 and 8 hours. I did a lot of research before deciding which one to take, and in the end, I took a bus. My deciding factor was that even though the vans take less time (as they say), they are usually crammed with people who have no space for legs. After spending almost 16 hours on the planes, I wanted comfort and didn’t mind a longer journey but one where I could stretch my legs.

Since COVID-19, only Cherry Bus has operated between Puerto Princesa and El Nido, making four trips a day.

There are Economy Non AC, Regular AC and Lazyboy WC types. I went with Lazyboy WC (used to be called Elite) which had a toilet, air conditioning, and large recliner seats with lots of leg space. It left on time and arrived in El Nido in 5 hours and a bit. It stops at least once for a 15min break where you can go to the bathroom and grab something to drink or eat. The bus operates from the San Jose bus terminal, about a 15min tricycle journey from the airport for around 150PHP.

Please note that you have to be at the bus terminal 45min before the departure time. Bring a booking confirmation printed to register at their mini office in the bus terminal.

To book a bus or a van, click here.

Please note!

If you arrive at Manila Airport from overseas, you won’t leave for El Nido from the same terminal. All flights to El Nido depart from Terminal 4 – the main domestic gateway about 10 mins drive from Terminals 1, 2 or 3. Consider queueing up for a taxi, which can take between 20 mins and 1 hour. According to information on Manila Airport’s website, there is a free shuttle bus between the terminals which runs every 15 mins 24 hours.

You will have to clear immigration and customs before using this service. However, travellers report that the service is not really reliable due to Manila’s hectic traffic and have preferred to take a taxi instead.

By Boat

Unfortunately, there is no direct ferry from Manila to El Nido by boat. You will need to take a ferry to Coron first and then take another ferry to El Nido from Coron. This could be ideal if you have lots of time and plan to explore Coron first and then head to El Nido.

Ferry from Manila to Coron

2GO Travel is the only ferry company that can go directly from Manila to Coron. According to their website, there’s one ferry every Friday. It departs from North Harbor Pier 4 in Tondo, Manila, at 7pm and arrives in Coron at 6am, so the travel time is 11 hours. Depending on the class of accommodation, it costs 1,421-5,951PHP.

To book your ferry click here.

However, please keep in mind that sometimes ferries get cancelled due to storms and gales. For example, when I was in El Nido and wanted to go to Coron a few days in a row, the ferry was cancelled even when the day was quite lovely in El Nido. Their reason was ‘due to possible gales’. The planes were landing and taking off at El Nido Airport, but it’s unlikely any flights would have been left the day before as the planes are pretty small and fill up quickly.

Ferry from Coron to El Nido

Two high-speed ferries go from Coron to El Nido every day. One is at 7.30am and another at 12.30pm, both leaving Coron Port in Coron Proper Town. It costs around 1,993PHP and the journey takes 3hrs 30mins. However, depending on the sea conditions it can take up to 5 hrs. You should arrive at the port an hour before your trip.

To book your ferry click here.

Where To Stay

Although most of El Nido is surrounded by water, its main resorts are on the west. Every neighbourhood is slightly different and has its advantages and disadvantages. There is a massive variety of accommodation in El Nido. Whatever type of traveller you are, I am sure you’ll find a place that suits your needs. One thing to note, though, is that if you’re looking for accommodation at the last minute (in my case, it was 3 weeks before travelling), many hotels/hostels will be fully booked. Also, there was minimal choice for Airbnbs.

El Nido Town Proper

El Nido Town Proper is the main hub where ferries arrive, island hopping tours depart, and you’ll find restaurants, bars, shops, ATMs, and even a gym. While it’s right on the beach, swimming isn’t allowed. It’s a busy area, not ideal for tranquillity, but perfect for island hopping or renting a kayak. I stayed three nights due to cancelled ferries but still enjoyed it!

Accommodation top picks:
Amakan (budget, good breakfast): this boutique hotel/hostel offers bunk beds and private rooms, perfect for most travellers. I loved the plant-filled entrance, good breakfast, and friendly staff. There’s a guard for added security, and it’s just a 5-minute walk from the beachfront – close to the action but still peaceful. Wi-Fi works only in common areas, which helps you relax or connect with others in the dorm. I chose this place at the last minute after my ferry was cancelled and liked it so much that I extended my stay for two more nights.

Happiness Hostel (budget, beds with privacy doors): located right in the centre of town proper, on a famous Serena Street, it’s one of the recommended hostels in El Nido. This dorms only accommodation offers beds with sliding doors for that much appreciated privacy. I passed this hostel so many times and every time its staff has been so friendly inviting us to their bar which is very cool by the way and has swings!

Frendz hostel (budget, rooftop pool): this hostel has both dorms and private rooms and a rooftop pool with amazing views. Only a 5min walk from the busy streets of El Nido, it’s a perfect place to enjoy good vibes and make new ‘frendz’.

Spin Designer Hostel (budget, great communal areas): offering private and dorm rooms, this awesome hostel provides good value for money. Surrounded by a lush forest, it’s only a 5min walk from all the hype in the town. Its shared kitchen with a BBQ facility, a games room, and a common terrace is an ideal place to meet new people!

Corong Corong

Corong Corong, located between El Nido Town Proper and Las Cabañas Beach, is a 1km beach strip with various accommodations. While the beachfront hotels offer stunning views, the beach isn’t ideal for swimming or sunbathing due to seaweed. However, it’s quiet and perfect for luxury travellers.

Accommodation top picks:
Panari Lodge El Nido (budget): offers cosy accommodations with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Guests can enjoy a serene atmosphere with a restaurant serving delicious local cuisine. Its convenient location provides easy access to nearby beaches and attractions, making it an ideal base for exploring the area.

Panorama Resort (luxury): this super nice boutique hotel offers beautiful boho-decorated rooms in bungalows with lush greenery and a pool view for in-house guests only. It also that’s exclusiv has a private beach. The beachfront restaurant and bar are perfect for sunset viewing.

Buko Beach Resort (luxury): this is another beachfront hotel that offers rooms in bungalows with a traditional native design. It has a green tropical gardens, wimming pool and offers in-room massages for and an outdoor ultimate relaxation.

Frangipani (luxury): this is also a beachfront hotel with beautifully decorated, modern style rooms, lush greenery and a garden swimming pool.

Las Cabañas Beach/Marimegmeg Beach

Las Cabañas and Marimegmeg beaches, just 12 mins by tricycle from El Nido Town Proper, were my favourite spots to hang out. Known for stunning sunsets, Las Cabañas also offers bars where you can lounge on beach mats and enjoy drinks while waiting for sundown. To reach the beach, just follow a street lined with cafés, bars, restaurants, and shops.

Accommodation top picks:
Lexias hostel (budget, rooftop pool): It has both dorms (beds with privacy curtains) and private rooms, as well as a rooftop pool with amazing views perfect for sunset and a lovely, calm atmosphere. To get to the hotel you need to walk up a steep road which is well worth it but might not be ideal for people with walking difficulties.

Las Cabanas Beach Resort (value, amazing views): Located at the far end of Las Cabanas Beach, it offers amazing views and natural scenery, making it the ultimate place to watch the sunset. The location is peaceful and quiet but only a few minutes from the bars and restaurants.

Maremegmeg Beach Club (luxury, right on the beach): This beachfront accommodation with beautifully decorated rooms, outdoor pool and amazing views is in a perfect location.

Lio Beach

Located just 20 minutes by tricycle from El Nido Town Proper, Lio Beach is one of my top picks. With a wide sandy beach, perfect swimming waters, restaurants, bars, shops, swings, and a volleyball court, spending the whole day there is easy. Even on windy days, the guards let us enjoy the big waves, and when it rained, we headed to the bar! It’s also perfect if you’re waiting for a flight, as the airport is just 5 minutes away. A free shuttle bus between El Nido and Lio Beach is available first-come-first-serve.

Accommodation top picks:
Lio Villas Resort (budget): offers charming accommodation surrounded by lush gardens, a 30min walk from the beautiful Lio Beach. Enjoy a relaxing atmosphere, delicious local cuisine, and convenient access to nearby attractions and activities.

Huni Lio (mid-range): features modern, eco-friendly accommodations just steps from the stunning Lio Beach. With a sustainable focus, the hotel offers a relaxing atmosphere, an on-site restaurant serving local dishes, and easy access to various outdoor activities and island tours.

Seda Lio (luxury): This modern 5-star hotel is located right on the beach and has three interconnected outdoor pools, eight spa villas, a fitness centre, and a game room. It offers a relaxed atmosphere and is a short walk from restaurants on Lio Beach.

Nacpan Beach

The perfect paradise spot with a 4km stretch of white powdery sand and turquoise water, Nacpan Beach is a 45min tricycle journey from El Nido Town. Even though it’s farther away than the other areas, this beach was my favourite, and the bumpy ride to reach it was worth it. It’s a relaxing resort where days can be spent sunbathing, swimming in crystal clear blue water, and drinking coconut water. It’s a place for everyone due to a range of different accommodation. It was by far my favourite beach in El Nido.

Accommodation top picks:
Mad Monkey Hostel (budget): Located right on the beach, this lively hostel is ideal for solo travellers and backpackers. It has a laid-back vibe and offers true seclusion for those wanting to disconnect to connect. It does not have WiFi, and for a good reason – it allows you to make new friends! Spend your days playing volleyball, snorkelling, paddleboarding, working out in their outdoor gym, or watching the sunset. Since it’s a budget hostel, it doesn’t have hot water and air conditioning.

Nacpan Beach Resort (luxury) is a tranquil getaway on picturesque Nacpan Beach. This cosy accommodation has stunning beach views, a restaurant serving delicious local cuisine, and a laid-back atmosphere perfect for relaxation. You can enjoy various activities, such as swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the surrounding area’s natural beauty.

Nacpan Beach Glamping (luxury): As the name suggests, this resort offers luxury and spacious tents on the beautiful Nacpan beach. The resort features a restaurant, a bar, a swimming pool, and a garden. The price includes breakfast and dinner.

Darocotan Island

For a private island experience and tranquillity, I highly recommend Dryft Camp on Darocotan Island as part of the El Nido Travel Guide. Located 45 mins from Lio Beach and a 20-minute boat ride (arranged for free), this eco-friendly camp offers glamping in elevated tents and huts on a white beach. Enjoy freshly cooked meals, solar power, and no WiFi, letting you fully relax to the sound of waves.

Things To Do in El Nido

1. Go on Island Hopping Tour

Bacuit Bay is considered one of the most beautiful bays in the world, so including island hopping in this El Nido travel guide is a must. There are four main tours that every operator in El Nido offers: A, B, C and D. Each of the tours focuses on different things, so they’re all great in their way.

Tour A: Small Lagoon, Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, 7 Commando Beach
Tour B: Snake Island, Pinagbuyutan Island, Entula Beach, Cudugnon Cave, Snorkelling Site
Tour C: Helicopter Island, Mantiloc Shrine, Secret Beach, Star Beach, Hidden Beach
Tour D: Ipil Beach, Cadlao Lagoon, Paradise Beach, Pasandigan Beach, Natnat Beach, Bukal Beach

You can book a tour online or directly from street operators or your hotel. Klook offers excellent prices and reviews but requires booking two days in advance. Street and hotel prices range from 1,200 to 1,400 PHP. There is an eco fee of 200 PHP, which, once paid, is valid for ten days, so keep the receipt in case you go on more than one tour.

All tour operators offer a delicious buffet lunch with grilled meat, fish, rice, salad, fruit, and drinking water. Alcohol and soft drinks are available for purchase. Masks and life jackets are provided for snorkelling, but no fins.

Tours may be canceled due to bad weather, but you’ll receive a refund. On my ferry cancellation day, only Tour A was operating, which I booked just two hours before pickup. On other days, Klook notified me of cancellations early and issued refunds.

Join-in tours typically have 15-20 people, which isn’t a problem, but other tours with similar numbers will operate simultaneously, leading to crowded islands. This was an issue at the Big Lagoon when renting kayaks. There’s no specific rental service, and kayaks are limited, so if you’re not quick to grab one, you could wait up to an hour.

You can book a private or speed boat if you prefer not to be in a large group. A private boat lets you choose your itinerary and spend as much time as possible for 7,900-8,400 PHP. The speed boat is the fastest option but costs around 18,000 PHP.

2. Zip Line

This quick but fun activity gives you a bird’s-eye view of Las Cabañas Beach, where it’s located. A 750-metre-long zip line connects Las Cabañas Beach and Depeldet Island. You can ‘fly’ Superman-style from one to the other while taking in breathtaking views. You can then zipline back or walk across the rocks/water (depending on the tide) back to Las Cabañas Beach.

To get to the El Nido zipline, you can ask your tricycle driver to take you if you are travelling from El Nido Town or further up north. Once the tricycle cannot go any further, the driver will walk you up this steep dirt road to the zipline. The zipline can also be accessed from Las Cabañas beach, where signs are clearly shown.

Open 9:00AM – 5:30PM
Sitting position – one way – 500PHP
Sitting position – return – 900PHP
Superman position – one way – 700PHP
Superman position – return – 1,100PHP
Combination of both positions – return – 1,000PHP

3. Rent a Kayak

If you prefer independence and a bit of adventure while island hopping, I recommend including kayaking and exploring on your own as part of your El Nido travel guide.

You can rent a kayak in El Nido Town, Corong Corong, or Las Cabañas Beach to paddle to stunning islands and beaches. We chose El Nido Town for convenience.

You can rent a kayak for half or full day. We opted for the whole day at 700 PHP plus 250 PHP for snorkels. Some places offer cool crystal-clear kayaks for a higher price.

4. Do Yoga at Namaste El Nido

Namaste provides a serene environment for practising yoga and receiving massages. Yoga sessions occur daily in a stunning shala with views of the Palawan sea and lush surroundings. The classes cater to all experience levels, offering various styles such as Vinyasa, Hatha, and Ashtanga. Additionally, spa therapists present multiple treatments to enhance yoga’s benefits, including deep tissue massages, body wraps, and exfoliating scrubs.

El Nido, 5313 Palawan, Philippines
Open 8am-11pm

5. Watch the Sunset at Las Cabañas Beach

Las Cabañas Beach is known as the sunset spot as the sunsets there can be pretty impressive, especially on a clear day. Grab a drink in one of their outdoor bars or, even better, stroll along the beach to Las Cabañas Beach Resort, from which the sunset will be the most beautiful.

6. Visit the Local Food Market

If you want some local produce, fruit, or vegetables, visit the local food market in Corong Corong. However, it’s not a very big market and does not have an extensive range of fruit. We bought watermelon, pineapple, mangos, papaya and bananas. Unfortunately, the watermelon was tasteless and not ripe enough, so we threw it away. The pineapple was a bit sour, but mangos, papayas and bananas were delicious!

7. Play Volleyball or Relax on Lio Beach

Located about 20 mins from El Nido Town, Lio Beach is a stunning beach perfect for relaxing, swimming in the beautiful water, playing volleyball or having tasty cocktails or lunch. Use the free shuttle service from El Nido Town to Lio Beach and vice versa every hour.

8. Chill at Nacpan Beach

If you want a proper paradise-like beach further away from the hustle and bustle, hop on a tricycle for 40 mins and spend a day on Nacpan Beach. 4km of powdery white sand and turquoise water will not make you want to leave.

Rent a sun lounge for 250PHP to hide from the intense sun whenever you need to (there isn’t other shade on the beach except for cabanas, which are paid for as well). Read a book, go swimming, have their freshly made amazing piña coladas or a coconut, or go for a stroll on the beach. To enter the beach, there will be an eco fee of 50PHP, which, once paid, will be valid for 10 days, so keep hold of the receipt.

9. Listen to Live Music at El Nido Boutique Artcafé

Located in El Nido Town on Serena Street, Artcafé is a large restaurant and bar with a cool and artistic vibe. Every evening, they have live music playing, which you can listen to over a meal or simply while sitting at the bar. If you sit at the bar, you’ll get fed free unlimited peanuts by their lovely and friendly waitresses. Oh, and the beer is cheaper than Coke!

10. Get a Massage

With so many massage parlous and ladies (and guys too) shouting ‘massage’ in a friendly way on every corner, there is no reason why you shouldn’t treat yourself to a massage or two. I got my first massage in Las Cabañas Beach, just on this small road between the main and the beach. For 1hr of Swedish massage, it costs 500PHP. However, this was the cheapest place I saw. Massages in El Nido Town cost more, especially those on the main road.

11. Rent a Motorbike and Explore the Island

This is the best way to explore the island. You have the freedom to choose where you want to go and when you wish to return, the pace you’re going, etc. Renting a motorbike is also cheaper than paying for a tricycle each time, especially if you go to places like Nacpan Beach. Remember to wear a helmet and be careful, especially when it rains or at night, as some tricycles don’t have lights!

12. Surf on Duli Beach

Located about 45min in the north from El Nido Town, there is this incredibly beautiful, jungle-backed stretch of golden sand. Widely known by a surfing community but less popular and less touristy than Nacpan Beach, with just a tiny shack for a restaurant, it gives a raw and more original experience. The season is from November to March, and board rental is available for 500PHP per hour. The sandy slope provides an excellent beach break, so beginners and pros will have fun here.

13. Learn to Freedive or Scuba Dive

Since about 71% of the Earth’s surface is covered by water, I would be surprised if you’ve never been curious to see what lives in the depths of the oceans and seas. Luckily, you can discover marine life by scuba diving or freediving.

Scuba diving involves using scuba equipment to breathe under the water. The dive can last between 30 mins and 1 hour. To learn to do it, you can either take a one-day course to try it out or take it for three days and get a PADI licence. Go scuba diving with Palawan Divers.

Freediving is where you dive without scuba and hold your breath under the water. To be able to do that properly and correctly in a calm manner and to be able to dive deep, it is best to be taught by a professional and become a certified AIDA freediver. With freediving, you will feel total freedom and complete relaxation as you glide effortlessly through the water. Go freediving with the 200 Bar Diving Center.

Things To Do When It Rains

The Philippines has three main seasons: low (June to September, rainy), shoulder (May and November), and high (December to April, dry). Rain can occur even in the dry season, and El Nido’s weather is unpredictable. Be prepared for possible rain and plan to avoid boredom, as many activities are outdoors. Since I experienced quite a bit of rain when I visited, it was essential to include a list of things to do when it rains as part of the El Nido travel guide.

1. Go to Lio Beach

During my stay in El Nido Town, there were days when the rain was constantly on and off, preventing us from even relaxing outside. After spending the whole day on Las Cabañas Beach and reading a book under the rain ponchos, we decided to change the scenery and go to Lio Beach the next time it was raining. To our surprise, it wasn’t raining for a good few hours we were there. It was still very windy, but we could stroll on the beach without getting wet or have cocktails in one of the bars when it drizzled. When it was raining another day again, we went straight to Lio Beach. Again, there was no rain there, and it was pretty windy, but the guards allowed us to swim in the big waves!

2. Chill, Read, Work etc. in Boutique Artcafé

Artcafé is very spacious and is open from 7am to 9.45pm. It has WiFi and a shelf with books, so it’s perfect for working, reading or relaxing – you can sit on their terrace and watch the storm go by. It’s also conveniently located – just a 5min walk from the port, so if your ferry is cancelled and you need the internet to find the accommodation, you know where to go!

3. Chill or Have a drink on Las Cabañas Beach

Spending a day on Las Cabanãs Beach when it rains isn’t a bad choice. Bring a book, sit in one of the beach bars, order a drink, and just relax. It’s also a great way to meet people, as the bars are fuller during the day.

4. Play Cards or Board games

It’s a great way to pass the time and have some fun. I recommend packing a deck of cards or a travel board game, as they don’t take up much space in your bag but can keep you busy for hours. Some cafés, such as Cavern and Artcafé, have board games.

5. Go Bar Hopping (for Cocktails or Smoothies)

Starting in El Nido with Artcafé, Café Athena (happy hour from early afternoon until 10pm every day) or Happiness Hostel, you can make your way down to Bella Vita or Last Frontier in Corong Corong and then to Las Cabanãs to another Athena Bar, and Maregmegmeg Beach Bar to sit on their swings and have a drink.

Check the forecast (but don’t rely on it 100%) and pack a waterproof poncho!

Where To Eat

There are many restaurants in El Nido, so finding one will be fine, but if you have some recommendations, it might save you from having a bad meal.

These were my favourite places in El Nido that I ate at:

Big Bad Thai Bistro & Bar

Big Bad Thai was by far my favourite place to eat. First, the staff was very welcoming and friendly, and then the food was great! We tried pad thai, fried rice, tom yum soup, veg spring rolls, green curry, panang curry, and their cocktails, and everything was absolutely delicious! The only downside was that we were too full every time to have dessert. If you sit outside, you’ll have the views of the sea. Please note that sometimes there’s a queue in the evening, but it’s worth waiting.

Menu
Open daily 8am-12am
Has Wi-Fi

Osaka Castle

If you’re craving sushi, this is the place to go! They serve authentic, very fresh and delicious food. I tried 4 different kinds of sushi and all were very nice.

Menu
Open daily 8am-11pm
Has Wi-Fi

The Cavern

This vegan restaurant was recommended by a couple of people living in El Nido, so we decided to have lunch there one day. We ordered an absolutely beautiful veg curry! Their breakfast menu also looked delicious and apparently they have been praised for having the best speciality coffee in all of Palawan.

Has Wi-Fi

Boutique Artcafé

We initially went to the Artcafé for a drink and sat at their bar. Live music was playing, and the waitresses were very friendly, so we decided to come back for dinner. They have an extensive menu with pretty much anything on it – from pizzas to curries, and their breakfast is delicious too – try the banana pancakes paired with a fresh coconut!

http://elnidoboutiqueandartcafe.com
Open daily 7am-9.45pm
Has Wi-Fi

Maremegmeg Beach Bar

Maremegmeg Beach Bar is a beachfront spot known for its laid-back vibe and stunning sunset views. Set on the picturesque beach, it offers a variety of refreshing cocktails, cold beers, and delicious local and international dishes. With cosy seating right on the sand, it’s a perfect place to relax, enjoy the beach, and watch the sunset after exploring.

Open daily 10am-9pm

El Nido Grill @ Lio

El Nido Grill @ Lio is a beachfront restaurant offering a relaxed dining experience with stunning views of Lio Beach. Known for its fresh, grilled seafood and various Filipino dishes, the restaurant provides a casual, open-air setting perfect for enjoying meals by the sea. It’s an excellent spot for locals and tourists to savour authentic flavours while enjoying the tropical ambience.

Open daily 11am-10pm

Travel Tips

When taking a taxi in Manila, make sure to queue up for one, get a taxi ticket, and ensure the meter is on. If the driver refuses to use the meter, get out and take another taxi. You can also use the GrabTaxi app, which is similar to Uber.
Always negotiate tricycle fares. Start by offering 100 PHP less than the quoted price; you’ll likely meet in the middle for a better rate. After a few days, you’ll learn typical costs and spot when someone tries to overcharge. If travelling to places like Nacpan or Lio Beach, ask the driver to wait for you, as fewer tricycles are available for the return trip. This is usually cheaper than finding another ride later. Don’t pay the full amount upfront to ensure they’ll still be there when you’re ready to leave.
Don’t rely on ferries 100%. Have a plan B or some accommodation in mind if something gets cancelled/delayed. If you don’t have a plan B, don’t worry. You’ll still figure something out, but it might be more time-consuming and stressful.
Ask for a refund of your accommodation if your ferry/flight is cancelled. When my ferry was cancelled for two days in a row, I asked my hotel and tour operator in Coron for a refund, and they kindly agreed. You can use the same ferry ticket the next day, but we opted out as the timing didn’t suit us, and the company issued a refund.
If you need to buy personal items, there’s a large store in Corong Corong right next to One Suite El Nido hotel. It usually has very loud techno music playing inside every day, so you’ll hear it first before you see it.
Wherever you stay, there are high chances that there will be some sort of building work happening at the hotel or next to it. It’s everywhere in El Nido, so don’t get too disappointed about it. If anything, that means that there will be more, nicer, and better places to stay.
When booking an island-hopping tour online, you will usually need to book it two days in advance. If you’re making a last-minute decision, you’re better off asking at the hotel or any tour operator on the street.
If you’re buying fruit in the local market, avoid watermelons. Maybe it was just my bad luck but there were not ripe and were tasteless. Do stock up on mangoes, bananas and papayas though!
Withdraw money from Euronet ATM to avoid a withdrawal fee of 250PHP.