2 Days in El Nido, Palawan: Island Hopping Paradise in the Philippines
By Daniella from Sampler Platter Travel – this guide to El Nido contains affiliate links to trusted partners!
Looking to spend 2 days in El Nido, the Philippines? Look no further!
El Nido is a beautiful town on the island of Palawan, offering amazing island hopping tours, beach relaxation, and more. It is a must-see for young travelers and backpackers.
We adored our trip to El Nido last April. We made so many friends at our hostel, loved our island hopping tour, and truly gobbled up every moment, whether it was relaxing on a beach or exploring the town.
While you could certainly spend a lot more time in El Nido, Sampler Platter Travel is dedicated to fast itineraries helping you prioritize things to do if you only have a short amount of time. We want to inspire you to travel even if you only have a weekend. Busy travelers, this one is for you.
Enjoy this travel guide of the best things to do in El Nido, including what to prioritize if you only have 2 days in the town, where to stay, and how to get around. It is a great town to tack onto your Philippines bucket list, especially after visiting Moalboal and Bohol.
Happy Sampling!
Table of Contents
2 Days in El Nido at a Glance
Day 1 in El Nido
- Hang out in El Nido Town
- Relax on a white sand beach
- Explore El Nido’s nightlife scene
Day 2 in El Nido
- Spend the day on a boat
- That is all – you will be so pooped when you arrive home
Day 1 – Explore the Town of El Nido
(1) Walk Around El Nido
Start the day with an exploration of the town of El Nido. It is a small but mighty city with great restaurants and cafes to check out.
We recommend having some falafel at the Holy Smoke Mediterranean Food House or Big Bad Thai.
While you are in El Nido, you need to get a waterproof bag. This will be great for your boat tour tomorrow as well as future adventures. They are cheap and incredibly good quality. I purchased my waterproof bag for the equivalent of 5 USD, and it has done me wonders!
(2) Relax on the Beach
Next, hang out and relax on one of El Nido’s many beautiful beaches. While it may be tempting to head to El Nido Beach since it’s right in the heart of the town – don’t be fooled! El Nido Beach is heavily trafficked by boats and fishermen and is more of a working port than a relaxing area. Instead, try one of these two beaches:
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Corong Corong Beach
Corong Corong Beach is fantastic thanks to its incredible proximity to the town of El Nido while having fewer crowds. Most travelers take boat tours to islands and less accessible beaches while completely ignoring the beach in the center! Corong Corong is quiet and provides a wonderful backdrop for reading, swimming, and sun tanning.
Alternatively, if you walk south along the shoreline, the entire strip of beach is gorgeous. There are a lot of hotels that overlook this part of the beach with complete public access.
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Marimegmeg Beach
Marimegmeg Beach is technically part of the same shoreline as Corong Corong but further south. Take a tricycle down to this secluded and exclusive beach. If you’re up to spending a few extra pesos, you can rent a cabana for the day or grab a drink at the beach bar. While Marimegmeg Beach is the furthest beach, it feels the most luxurious. You may want to relax before the boat tour tomorrow!
(3) Check Out El Nido’s Nightlife
Finally, check out the nightlife in the town of El Nido. Most hostels are party-centric given the younger guests, but if you don’t want to party in a hostel, the town has great vibes as well.
SAVA Beach Bar is incredibly popular with a lively atmosphere, cheap beers, and good music. Their outdoor area has great seating to sit and chat with your new friends. If you are a young traveler transiting through El Nido, you will inevitably stop at SAVA Beach Bar.
Day 2 – Take a Boat Tour
On day 2 in El Nido, we are going to spend the whole time island-hopping! Even though it won’t take the entire day, by the time you return to shore, you will be pooped. Most tours operate from 9 am to 5 pm.
El Nido makes boat tours very easy, splitting them up into Tours A, B, C, and D. No matter what tour company you choose, they have streamlined the activities across the board. If you can, we suggest booking your tour through your accommodation, as it will be more reputable, and you won’t have to sort through various companies.
Seems like a lot of pressure? Here are the highlights of the 4 tours:
Tour A
- Highlights: Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Seven Commandos Beach
- Big Lagoon: Famous for towering limestone cliffs and beautiful clear water, perfect for snorkeling and kayaking
- Small Lagoon: Great serene environment for kayaking and swimming
- Secret Lagoon: Can be accessed through a small rock crevice and offers a cool exploring experience
- Shimizu Island: A spot for lunch and beach relaxation
- Seven Commandos Beach: Super picturesque white beach with coconut trees
Tour B
- Highlights: Snake Island, Cudugnon Cave, Cathedral Cave, Pinagbuyutan Island, Entalula Island
- Snake Island: Long sandbar that shifts with the tide, awesome views of the surrounding islands
- Cudugnon Cave: Prehistoric cave with rock formations and a small chamber
- Cathedral Cave: Looks like a cathedral interior, although it is only accessible during low tide
- Pinagbuyutan Island: Awesome beach and coral reefs that are great for snorkeling
- Entalulua Island: Fine sand beach with clear waters that make for great swimming
Tour C
- Highlights: Hidden Beach, Matinloc Shrine, Secret Beach, Helicopter Island, Tapiutan Island
- Matinloc Shrine: A historical site with panoramic views of the sea and islands
- Secret Beach: Enclosed by limestone cliffs, accessible through a small opening, has a great swimming spot
- Helicopter Island: Named for the silhouette that looks like a helicopter, with vibrant coral reefs and marine life
- Tapiutan Island: Pristine beaches, cliffs, and great views
Tour D
- Highlights: Cadlao Lagoon, Paradise Beach, Pasandigan Cove, Nat Nat Beach, Bukal Island
- Cadlao Lagoon: Lagoon surrounded by mangroves and cliffs, great kayaking spot
- Paradise Beach: White sand and turquoise water (well named!)
- Pasandigan Cove: Quiet beach with calm water, perfect for picnics and swimming
- Nat Nat Beach: Peaceful atmosphere with beautiful scenery
- Bukal Island: Known for coral reefs and diverse marine life, great snorkeling
Who are the El Nido Boat Tours Best For?
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Tour A |
Tour B |
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· First-time visitors looking to see the iconic attractions · Good for families with children · Good mix of activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and beach relaxation |
· Nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers who appreciate exploring caves · Perfect for geology lovers and admirers of old historical sites · Off the beaten path |
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Tour C |
Tour D |
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· Adventurous travelers who want to go off the beaten path · Ideal for snorkelers and swimmers · Good for history lovers who want to visit the Matinloc Shrine |
· Snorkelers, divers, and beach lovers · Those looking for pristine, natural environments · Quieter beaches and less-crowded spots · Photographers looking for great underwater spots |
We know, it’s a lot to think about! And if you have decision paralysis, this may take some time. Here are more considerations for choosing a boat tour.
How to Choose a Boat Tour in El Nido
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Attractions and Activities:
Tours A and C are great for snorkeling and beach relaxation. Tour B is perfect for cave exploration, and Tour D is made for travelers who prefer quieter beaches and pristine nature.
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Crowds:
Tours A and B head to well-known sites that tend to be more crowded. Tours C and D are quieter, taking visitors to hidden gems.
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Physical Activity:
Tour B is the most physically active, with tons of cave explorations. While the other tours all offer kayaking and snorkeling opportunities, they are completely optional, and you are more than welcome to skip out on hiking and other physical activities.
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Budget:
While most tours are similar in price, there are a few differences. Prices are subject to change depending on the time of year and tour operator, but usually the tours are as follows: A (1,200 php), B (1,300 php), C (1,400 php), D (1,200 php).
How to Get to El Nido
There are 3 main ways to get to El Nido, Palawan.
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Option 1 – Flying into Puerto Princesa
The first option is to fly into Puerto Princesa, a city located on the island of Palawan, further south. Palawan is a long and skinny island, with El Nido all the way at the northern tip. The drive from Puerto Princesa to El Nido is relatively long, lasting about 5 hours. However, the benefit of flying into Puerto Princesa is that you can spend a day touring the Puerto Princesa Subterranean National Park. If you have time to spare, definitely consider seeing this natural phenomenon. If your itinerary is short, you may want to skip out on this activity.
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Option 2 – Flying into El Nido
The second option is to fly directly to El Nido. The flights are not as expensive as you may think, even though the airport is very small. It is located close to the town of El Nido, and taking a tricycle from the airport should never cost more than 600 pesos. However, given the small size of the airport, flights can run into delays surrounding bad weather and poor conditions. It is super convenient but unpredictable as well.
3. Option 3 – Ferry into El Nido
The final option is to take a ferry into El Nido, usually from Coron. It is convenient because the ferry terminal is located in the heart of the town.
We made the opposite journey, transiting from El Nido to Coron and thought it was a very smooth process. Ferries do tend to be delayed, but if you don’t mind waiting an extra hour, it’s a lot easier than flying.
If you are planning to leave El Nido by ferry, we suggest heading to the ticket office the day before your journey to buy a boarding pass.
Atienza and Montenegro are the two main companies that operate the ferry from El Nido to Coron and vice versa. Ultimately, the best way to decide which company to utilize is in the true Filipino way – see which ticket counter is open and what the price difference is!
This decision can be made right on the spot, and we suggest that you don’t try to plan – it will drive you crazy trying to find logistics online. Go to one of the two ticket counters as they are located across the street from each other.
Remember to bring cash, as credit cards are not accepted. On the day of your ferry, we suggest arriving at the terminal about one hour before departure time.
First, wait in the outdoor waiting room (which can get quite toasty during the day!). Second, leave your bag in a line to be sniffed by drug dogs. Finally, head inside to pass through security and wait until you are allowed to board the ferry.
While the interior of the ferry is very nice, remember to pack snacks for the journey.
General Tips for 2 Days in El Nido
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Cash is king in El Nido
Things in the Philippines are very cheap, but you will get nickel and dimed for everything. You will find that while you won’t spend much overall, you will be taking your wallet out constantly. It’s best to have as much change as possible. We recommend taking out a lot of cash at the beginning of the trip and slowly breaking it down. Many restaurants and cafes will refuse to accept large bills.
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Take a reputable boat tour
I know a lot of us travelers like to get off the beaten path and explore areas that are lesser known and less crowded, but in El Nido, the best way to avoid a headache is to take a well-known and well-rated tour. This is best done with your hostel or hotel instead of a random ticket counter in the town.
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The Wi-Fi is not amazing
Digital nomads may not be happy to hear this, but the Wi-Fi connection in El Nido is not the best. Even cafes and restaurants that have free Wi-Fi will not have the best connection. We found that at our hostel the connection was spotty at best and blacked out at worst. You should plan your trip accordingly so that you visit El Nido during the weekend and get all of your work done before you arrive. It’s very nice to unplug and enjoy the company of fellow travelers.
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Don’t be afraid to say no
There are certainly a lot of cultures in the world that have a reputation for being pushy, overly friendly, and sometimes even aggressive. While friendliness can certainly be the case in the Philippines (a lot of people will come up and try to talk to you), this is an example of a culture that is very respectful – if you say no, they will go away.
I know that some of us city folk have been trained to ignore unsolicited contact and avoid engaging, but in the Philippines, it’s the opposite. Filipinos are incredibly respectful, and if you tell them ‘no thank you’, they will move on with their day.
Remember that nobody is out to get you – they are usually trying to sell you on a tricycle ride. It’s okay to be firm but kind.
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Get travel insurance
We highly recommend buying travel insurance as El Nido has a lot of outdoor activities and adventures where things can go wrong. When you are taking a boat tour along the different islands, remember to stay safe.
I got stung by a jellyfish, and while it was not a big deal, it definitely could have been. It was nice to have travel insurance in case anything got bad.
We love the brand AXA Travel Insurance which offers coverage up to 75% of nonrefundable trips. Things happen!
What to Do in El Nido at Night
El Nido has a ton of nightlife! It was the most energetic place that we visited in the Philippines thanks to the immense number of young backpackers. For this reason, a lot of the budget accommodations and hostels are more party-oriented with daily events – and lots of free drinks!
If this is not your style, we suggest paying a bit extra for some of the quieter hotels, as hostels will definitely be lively.
The town of El Nido itself also has great nightlife. SAVA Beach Bar is an absolute must-do in El Nido, and you will meet many fellow travelers there. There are many karaoke bars in that general area as well.
Overall, El Nido is one of the most social places in the Philippines, no matter the time of day.
Where to Stay in El Nido
(1) El Nido Town
The first option is to stay in the town of El Nido, which is great if you want to be close to the ferry port as well as restaurants, cafes, and stores. The town is a bit less charming than some of the outskirts, but just because you won’t get immediate beach access, it is certainly convenient. You will be in the heart of everything and is perfect if you are only transiting through El Nido.
This incredibly well-rated hostel is right in the center of the town. From daily food specials and events to a rooftop pool, it’s hard to say no to Frendz. It is perfect for young, social travelers.
H Hotel El Nido gets fantastic reviews for its amazing location in the center of El Nido. It has a restaurant, a bar, and a terrace. The private rooms have great amenities, and it feels very luxurious, even in the heart of the lively town. For travelers who love to party, it is a 2-minute walk from the well-loved SAVA Beach Bar.
(2) Corong Corong Area
The Corong Corong area is a great mix between beach and proximity to the town. While you are still within walking distance of El Nido, you are more secluded in a beautiful beachfront area.
We ADORED our time at the Outpost Hostel! It is a fantastic hostel for young backpackers who want to socialize and meet new friends. The beautiful location has multiple floors looking out over the ocean. The meals are fantastic, and there are daily social events.
If you are someone like me who likes to go to bed early, you’ll be happy to know that all of the activities (including the fun drinking games) begin at 8 pm, so you will be in bed by 11 to wake up early for your boat tour the next day.
The Outpost Hotel organizes island hopping tours which is great not only for convenience and reliability but also because once you meet all your friends, you can hang out with them the next day.
This beautiful hotel is along the beachfront, just a few steps from Corong Corong Beach. The hotel has a terrace and a bar along with room service!
(3) Marimegmeg Beach
The final zone is the more exclusive part of El Nido known as Marimegmeg Beach. It is great for families, couples, and older travelers who want a quieter area. It is farther from the town of El Nido, located all the way south on the shoreline, but you will get more of a relaxed beach feel.
For that reason, there is no budget hostel option here – this is an area of luxury!
Thanks to Marimegmeg’s intense luxury vibes, the El Nido Bayview Resort is sure to knock anyone’s socks off. Located only 5 minutes away from the beach, the hotel includes amazing panoramic views of the rainforest. Their dining area offers Filipino and international cuisines for everyone.
Best Time to Visit El Nido
The best month to visit Bohol and the Philippines is between December and February. Even though the island is constantly hot and humid, these months tend to see the coolest temperatures overall.
However, we visited in April and found the weather to be fantastic. We did not get a single drop of rain and while the temperatures were certainly hot, it was nothing too unbearable. Make sure to avoid the months of June through October as this is when the most rainfall happens.
During the rainy season, ferries and tours frequently get canceled, and you’ll want to avoid any potential dents in your itinerary. There’s nothing sadder than showing up to El Nido just to have all of your boat trips canceled!
How to Get Around El Nido
The best ways to get around El Nido are either by foot or tricycle. The town of El Nido and surrounding beaches are relatively close. If you are staying in a central location, you will have no trouble walking around – it’s great to get your steps in!
Outside of the central area, the roads usually don’t have sidewalks, so it’s important to be extra careful when making voyages by foot. If you are staying far out of town, tricycles are incredibly easy to come by. There are usually groups of them hanging around major hotel areas. Tricycles are cheap, convenient, and incredibly safe.
They are also available at all times of the night. Coming back from karaoke at 3 in the morning? There will be a tricycle ready to take you home! You will take a lot of tricycles during your 2 days in El Nido.
FAQ on El Nido Itinerary
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How many days should you stay in El Nido?
2 days in El Nido is the perfect amount of time to spend in the town. This is great for travelers who have less time as you can dedicate one day to relaxation and one day to a boat tour. If you go during the weekend, it allows you to explore some of the nightlife options, with great bars near the beach area and very lively hostels. Of course, you could spend an eternity in El Nido just relaxing on all the beaches and taking every single boat tour. However, if you are short on time, 2 days will do the trick.
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Which is better, Coron or El Nido?
Coron and El Nido are both fantastic islands in the Philippines, but they definitely have different vibes. Both areas have wonderful island hopping and full-day boat tours.
El Nido has a younger crowd with more nightlife, partying, and a lot of beautiful beaches along the shoreline. Most hostels and accommodations will have a beachfront property.
On the other hand, Coron is more laid back and quieter, although their center area has fantastic restaurants to try. Coron is a bit more expensive than El Nido but is better for couples and older travelers.
Also, Coron has no inland beaches, and a boat is needed to get to all of the sandy beaches. We walked over an hour and a half to what we thought was going to be a white beach. While it was very beautiful, there was no sand at all!
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What to do in El Nido for 3 days?
If you are in El Nido for an extra day past this 2 day itinerary, we highly recommend taking a tricycle down to Marimegmeg Beach and hanging out in that area. Unless you have the energy to take another boat tour and explore the other attractions, stay inland and drive south to Marimegmeg. It is a beautiful beach to visit after a long 2 days of exploring El Nido.
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What to do in El Nido when it rains?
El Nido is a tricky place when it’s raining as there isn’t a lot to do inside. The main option is to wait out the rain as tropical storms are usually over as fast as they begin. Alternatively, if it feels like the rain is not letting up and the boat tours are going to get canceled, hang around the restaurants and cafes. There are great places to go shopping in local shops and support Filipino crafts.
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Is El Nido safe?
Yes, El Nido feels incredibly safe! My friend and I who are two young females went to the Philippines last year and thought that El Nido was very safe. Not only are there a bunch of other young travelers, but the locals are incredibly nice. Regardless of the time of night, we felt very safe. We are travelers who love to walk around instead of taking tricycles, and even though we spent the majority of our time on our feet, we never felt unsafe.
We hope you enjoyed this itinerary for 2 days in El Nido, Palawan, the Philippines. Whether you want to party the night away, relax on the beach, or explore every island on a hopping adventure, El Nido has something for everyone. There are many amazing things to do in El Nido, making it a necessary town to add to your Philippines bucket list.
Don’t forget to check out Moalboal, Bohol, and the rest of beautiful Asia!
Happy Sampling!