10 Best Things to Do
El Nido opens onto Bacuit Bay, where limestone cliffs rise from clear water and small beaches hide between the islands. Boat trips and kayaking fill many days, but the mainland has its own appeal, from Corong-Corong sunsets to the long sands of Nacpan. Stay in town for restaurants and easy departures, at Lio for a relaxed beach base, or on an island for greater seclusion. Keep some flexibility in the itinerary, as weather and sea conditions shape the best days out.
Kayak through Big Lagoon
Miniloc Island, Philippines
Big Lagoon opens beyond a shallow approach between limestone walls, revealing deeper green water enclosed by the island’s cliffs. A kayak gives you time to take in the scale of the setting, with the rock faces rising close above the water. Include it in a boat excursion and ask the operator to secure the required entry slot. Confirm whether kayak hire and lagoon charges are included before paying for the trip.
Limestone scenery from the water
Explore Small Lagoon
Miniloc Island, Philippines
Small Lagoon rewards a slower paddle, with a narrow entrance leading into water enclosed by limestone and vegetation. The sense of arriving inside the island makes it distinct from the more expansive Big Lagoon. Boats remain outside the inner lagoon, and the visit continues by kayak or swimming as conditions permit. Ask specifically for Small Lagoon when booking, since tour names and combinations vary, and check the permit and equipment arrangements.
A more enclosed lagoon paddle
Visit Cadlao Lagoon
Cadlao Island, Philippines
Cadlao’s steep green slopes are a familiar sight from El Nido town, but approaching the island by boat reveals a different side of the landscape. Its lagoon, also called Ubugun Cove, combines sheltered water with a small beach and nearby coral gardens. Include it in an island excursion that allows time to paddle or snorkel without rushing between stops. Let your guide choose an appropriate swimming area and keep clear of the coral.
A sheltered stop among the islands
Spend time on Entalula Beach
Entalula Island, Philippines
Entalula combines a white-sand beach with limestone formations and clear water, making it a rewarding pause during a day around Bacuit Bay. Its attraction is straightforward: time on the sand, a swim when conditions allow and views back towards the surrounding islands. Book an excursion that names Entalula among its stops and ask which part of the beach is accessible. Allow the boat crew to adjust the visit for weather and landing conditions.
White sand and limestone scenery
Walk along Nacpan Beach
Northern mainland, El Nido, Philippines
Nacpan is a broad sweep of golden sand north of El Nido town, backed by palms and a growing collection of places to eat and stay. Walking away from the main arrival area gives a better sense of its length and a quieter place to settle. Plan a half-day or longer, arranging a van or other suitable transport in advance. Ask locally about sea conditions before swimming and leave time for the return journey.
A long mainland beach day
Learn to surf at Duli Beach
Bucana, northern El Nido, Philippines
Duli offers a different rhythm from Bacuit Bay, with a long sandy beach facing the swell and local instructors teaching visitors to surf. Conditions are generally strongest during the northeast monsoon, particularly from November to March, although the sea decides the day’s programme. Book a lesson suited to your experience and arrange the journey before leaving town. There is also room for a beach walk or a relaxed meal between sessions in the water.
Surf lessons on a sandy beach break
See the sandbar at Snake Island
Vigan Island, Bacuit Bay, Philippines
Snake Island takes its name from the curved sandbar beside Vigan Island, a striking change from the steep cliffs and enclosed lagoons elsewhere in Bacuit Bay. The view and the amount of exposed sand depend on the tide, so timing matters more than a fixed order of stops. Include it in a boat excursion and ask the crew when the sandbar will be most visible. Follow their advice about where to walk and swim.
A landscape shaped by the tide
Take the Taraw Canopy Walk
Rizal Street, El Nido town, Philippines
The Taraw Canopy Walk follows a constructed route through the limestone above El Nido, using walkways, steps and a hanging bridge to reach views across the town and bay. It provides a close look at the cliffs without committing to the exposed summit scramble described in older travel accounts. Book the guided canopy route specifically, confirm the equipment and suitability requirements, and wear footwear with grip. Avoid arranging the walk during heavy rain.
A guided view above the town
Explore Lio Beach and its trails
Lio Tourism Estate, Philippines
Lio makes a convenient mainland outing, combining a spacious beach with places to eat and activities that can be arranged nearby. Walk along the shore, ask about a kayak or paddleboard, or spend part of the day on the estate’s nature trails. The mix works well when you want a break from boat excursions without travelling far from town. Check which trails are open and ask the activity team about conditions before setting out.
A beach day with an easy nature walk
Discover Dewil Valley’s archaeological heritage
New Ibajay, El Nido, Philippines
Dewil Valley’s small museum introduces the archaeology of northern Palawan, where excavations around Ille Cave have uncovered evidence of ancient settlement and burial. The surrounding limestone landscape gives those discoveries a tangible setting beyond the beaches of Bacuit Bay. Arrange a heritage visit with the local museum team or municipal tourism office, allowing time for the journey to New Ibajay. Ask which areas can be visited that day, and keep to authorised routes around the protected research sites.
A mainland visit focused on local history