In the northern part of Palawan, southwest Philippines, El Nido stands as a breathtaking contrast between simplicity and natural grandeur. Once a quiet fishing village, it is now one of the most sought-after travel destinations in the world.
El Nido gained international attention after being featured in the 2007 edition of the TV show Koh Lanta, and it has since become a regular subject in travel magazines with titles like “They Left Everything Behind for a Life in Paradise.”
Palawan Island, located in the southwest of the Philippine archipelago, enjoys a pleasant year-round climate (sheltered from typhoons), and is known for the warm hospitality of its locals, making it a safe and welcoming destination.
With powdery white sand beaches, swaying coconut palms, and crystal-clear waters, Palawan is everything you dream a tropical holiday should be.
Founded in 2013 after a transformative journey, elnidotourism.com was created to share El Nido and Palawan with the world. Our goal is to guide adventurers with practical tips, local secrets, and personalized advice. We also serve as a portal for those interested in relocating or investing in this paradise.
One of the world’s top destinations in 2025?
El Nido was named one of the world’s best travel destinations by National Geographic as early as 2007.
In 2025, many travel publications compared El Nido to Bali decades ago, urging visitors to experience this untouched jewel before it becomes mainstream.
Curious why El Nido is a must-visit? Watch this inspiring video…
Endless beaches and dream islands
While El Nido town is the gateway, it’s the surrounding Palawan region that truly steals the show. With countless white sand beaches and postcard-worthy islands, the area is perfect for island hopping, snorkeling, scuba diving, paddleboarding, or kayaking. Expect emerald waters and limestone cliffs straight out of a dream.
Don’t miss Small Lagoon, Big Lagoon, Port Barton, Las Cabanas Beach, Nacpan Beach, and Miniloc Island.
And for the perfect end to the day? Sip a tropical cocktail on the beach while watching the sun melt into the sea.
Unforgettable diving and snorkeling
El Nido and the Bacuit Archipelago offer some of the best diving in Southeast Asia. The underwater scenery is as spectacular as what you’ll find above the surface. Numerous dive schools make it easy to take a PADI course or simply explore the coral reefs and marine life at your own pace.
Two sides of El Nido and Palawan
El Nido welcomes all types of travelers, whether you’re exploring on a shoestring or indulging in luxury.
- Backpackers can stay in budget-friendly guesthouses and travel overland via Puerto Princesa.
- Luxury seekers can stay in private island resorts in the Bacuit Archipelago, often flying in directly from Manila with AirSwift. Staying in a bayfront hotel also grants booking priority. For a more exclusive stay, consider renting a private villa.
From $10 to over $1,000 USD per night, the accommodation options in Palawan cater to every budget and lifestyle.
Tailor-Made holidays
For a fully customized dream vacation, take advantage of our local travel planner. Tell us about your vision, and we’ll provide personalized itineraries and turnkey solutions.
Prefer to plan it yourself? Our website is packed with practical info on visas, vaccines, transport, lodging, activities, and nightlife.
Where to stay?
El Nido offers accommodation for all styles and budgets, from basic guesthouses to high-end resorts. Stay in the heart of El Nido town, enjoy a beachside bungalow, or relax in a private retreat on Miniloc Island.
It’s best to book early—El Nido is a popular destination and rooms fill up fast!
How to get there
Start by flying to Manila, the capital of the Philippines. From there, choose your route to El Nido via Puerto Princesa, Coron, or direct domestic flights (no direct international flights). All the details here.
Planning to invest or move here?
Dreaming of a life under the sun? Elnidotourism.com doesn’t just guide tourists—we support expats and investors, too.
Our relocation service helps you overcome language, cultural, and legal barriers, thanks to trusted local partners. Whether you’re managing a retirement visa or considering starting a business, we’ve got your back.
Check our listings for private land, beaches, and islands for sale in Palawan. More opportunities coming soon!
Make Elnidotourism.com your gateway to Palawan. Contact us today!
A glimpse of history
El Nido (“The Nest” in Spanish) lies 238 km northeast of Puerto Princesa. Human remains dating back to 2680 BC have been found here.
The most famous archaeological site is the Ille Cave in New Ibajay, where bones over 8,000 years old were unearthed.
Spanish settlers originally called the area “Bacuit.” In 1954, it became “El Nido,” named after the edible nests of swallows collected from the limestone cliffs—worth up to $3,000 per kilo!
A melting pot of cultures
El Nido has long been a crossroads of cultures. Tagalogs, Visayans, Bicolanos, Chinese, Spaniards, and even a few Germans live here. Filipino is spoken, but English is widely understood.
While tourism is the main economy, agriculture remains present with crops like coconut, cashew, banana, and mango.
A protected paradise
Palawan’s biodiversity is unmatched, but it’s under threat. To protect it, the government established the El Nido-Taytay Managed Resource Protected Area—360 sq. km of land and sea.
This includes Bacuit Bay and part of Taytay. The area shelters rare species like the Irrawaddy dolphin and the dugong. Learn more about the country and the region on our dedicated page: Philippines.
Visit the official El Nido Municipal Tourism Office for more information—and don’t forget to watch our video to see why El Nido should be your next holiday destination!
The EL NIDO MUNICIPAL TOURISM OFFICE collects a Php200 Eco-Tourism Development Fee (ETDF) to fund environmental protection and improve tourism services. Thank you and enjoy your stay!