El Nido in Palawan is a well-known travel destination that is praised for its immaculate beaches, glistening waters, and stunning limestone cliffs. But there is a world of less well-known but no less fascinating experiences waiting to be discovered beyond the well-traveled trails of El Nido.
From isolated beaches and colorful underwater worlds to rich cultural relics and serene natural places, the surrounding surroundings are full of hidden jewels. The regions surrounding El Nido have something to offer any kind of traveler, be it relaxation, adventure, or a closer relationship with the natural world.
We’ll go over the best activities outside of El Nido in this guide so you can fully appreciate Palawan’s breathtaking nature.
Island Hopping Adventures
Island hopping is one of the must-do activities in El Nido, but if you venture a little further, you’ll discover less crowded but equally stunning islands and beaches. Popular island hopping tours include destinations like the Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, and Secret Lagoon, but to escape the crowds, consider heading to the nearby areas like Linapacan and Culion.
Linapacan Islands
The Linapacan Islands are well-known for having some of the world’s purest waters, making them ideal for diving and snorkeling. This place offers incredible underwater clarity, making it possible to discover colorful coral reefs and a wide variety of aquatic life. The islands provide a more secluded and tranquil experience because they are not as popular with tourists.
Culion Island
Once a leper colony, Culion Island is now a historical and cultural destination. The island’s rich history is showcased in the Culion Museum and Archives, where you can learn about its transformation and the efforts to combat leprosy. Additionally, Culion boasts beautiful beaches and snorkeling spots that rival those of El Nido.
Nacpan and Calitang Beaches
Just a 45-minute drive from El Nido town, Nacpan and Calitang Beaches offer a more laid-back and serene beach experience. Nacpan Beach, with its long stretch of powdery white sand, is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying the breathtaking sunset.
Calitang Beach, located nearby, is known for its twin beaches that form a stunning natural landscape.
These beaches are less commercialized than El Nido’s main beach, making them ideal for those looking to unwind and relax. The area is also home to several local restaurants where you can enjoy fresh seafood and traditional Filipino dishes.
Visit the Waterfalls
There are a number of stunning waterfalls in the El Nido area that are well worth visiting. These natural landmarks offer hiking and swimming options in cool, pure water, making them a welcome diversion from the beach.
Nagkalit-Kalit Waterfalls
A short hike through a verdant forest will get you to the waterfalls, which are around thirty minutes from El Nido town. Before you reach the falls, the hike is a pleasant experience that takes you across streams and through lush surroundings. There is a tiny pool at the waterfall where you can swim to cool down after the climb.
Bulalacao Waterfalls
Approximately one hour’s drive from El Nido, this lesser-known location. For those seeking adventure, the lush jungle surrounding the falls and the somewhat difficult hike there are ideal. The deep pool that the falls create is ideal for swimming and taking in the peace and quiet of the outdoors.
Discover the Hidden Gems of Binga Beach
Located about an hour and a half from El Nido town, Binga Beach is an off-the-beaten-path destination that offers a unique blend of adventure and relaxation. Binga Beach is known for its quiet, pristine shores and crystal-clear waters, making it an ideal spot for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of El Nido.
Activities at Binga Beach:
- Traditional Kayaking: View their collection of indigenous banka boats! These elegant boats, which have been used for many years by Filipino fishermen, are fast in the water and incredibly stable thanks to their wide ama outriggers.
Ideal for packing food and supplies for a fast trip to the remote, undiscovered beaches that are just a short drive from our Lumambong Beach. - Boat Tours and Island Hopping: Do you really not want to paddle all the way across the ocean? Don’t worry; our team, led by Captain JoJo, has you covered. The wonderful, quiet, and exclusive beaches of Imuaran Island are only a short boat ride from our coast.
The caretaker and I are the only ones there. In order to help keep other private beaches quiet, we also frequently visit additional ones that we’ll display but not identify! We also love taking trips at sunset. Get the boat ready, and let’s go sailing! - Snorkeling: This area is home to some stunning fish and aquatic creatures! We also get out the stand-up paddleboards for these excursions, and we have a great time lounging around the water.
With vibrant coral gardens just a short swim from the shore, snorkelers can easily spot a variety of colorful fish, sea turtles, and other marine creatures.
The clear waters and thriving underwater ecosystem provide an excellent snorkeling experience for both beginners and experienced snorkelers. - Mountaineering and Hiking: It’s well worth the climb to see the amazing view from the summit of Mount Capoas! If your physical condition is good, our local guides can assist you in reaching the summit.
Reaching the summit of the peak, which is rather tall at 1012 meters (3313 feet), should take two days, with a night spent halfway up. Please let us know in advance so that we can make arrangements with the guides; we can supply the necessary equipment. - Surf Trips: The beach is fantastic for sailing, kayak launches, and casual swimming, it is a touch too calm for surfing 95% of the time. When the tide is right, we often load up the truck with visitors and boards and head up the coast to our favorite surf sites.
Tell us in advance if you enjoy surfing, and we’ll spread the word to everyone to let us know when the conditions are ideal. See our piece about Palawan’s top surfing locations here:
For more information on activities and accommodations at Binga Beach, visit bingabeach.com.
Explore the Bacuit Bay
Beautiful Bacuit Bay, which is close to El Nido, is well-known for its striking karst structures, undiscovered lagoons, and abundant marine life. Although boat cruises are popular in Bacuit Bay, there are a few lesser-known locations that are worth seeing.
Cadlao Island
Tourists frequently ignore Cadlao Island, the largest island in Bacuit Bay. It has some of the greatest snorkeling locations in the region in addition to gorgeous beaches and verdant forests. There are hiking routes on the island that provide beautiful views of the bay.
Dilumacad
Dilumacad Island, often known as “Helicopter Island,” is renowned for its abundant marine life and underwater caverns. The island is shaped like a helicopter. There’s a good chance of seeing turtles, rays, and a variety of fish species while diving and snorkeling at this location.
Cultural and Historical Tours
For those interested in history and culture, the areas surrounding El Nido offer several opportunities to learn about the local heritage.
Taytay Fort
Taytay Fort is a historic Spanish fort from the 17th century that is situated in the town of Taytay, approximately an hour’s drive from El Nido. The fort is an important cultural site in Palawan’s history and provides sweeping views of the bay. Taytay itself is a picturesque town that provides an insight into the way of life in the area.
Maosonon Island
Known for its traditional Palawan music and dance, Maosonon is an island rich in culture. A small community on the island works to maintain Palawan’s indigenous culture, providing guests with an opportunity to engage directly with the customs of the area.
Dive into the Local Cuisine
Exploring the areas nearby El Nido wouldn’t be complete without sampling the local cuisine. The surrounding towns and islands offer a variety of dining experiences, from fresh seafood to traditional Filipino dishes.
Local Markets
Visit local markets in towns like Taytay or Culion to try authentic Filipino street food and purchase fresh produce. The markets are a vibrant display of local life and a great place to interact with the friendly residents.
Seaside Dining
Many of the beaches and islands offer seaside dining experiences where you can enjoy fresh seafood while taking in the stunning views. Whether it’s a simple grilled fish or a more elaborate seafood feast, the local flavors are sure to delight.
Conclusion
Although El Nido is unquestionably one of the most stunning locations in the Philippines, the surrounding places have a lot to offer in terms of fulfilling experiences. There are plenty of things to do in the area, like the historical charm of Culion Island, the adventure-filled seas of Linapacan, and the hidden beauties of Binga Beach.
Go beyond the typical tourist destinations to see Palawan’s genuine beauty, where every turn provides a fresh experience and every second presents an opportunity to make lifelong memories.
