Things to Do in El Nido
50 curated spots from El Nido itineraries
Activities & Attractions
30 curated experiences
Nacpan Beach Day Trip
Take a van or tricycle 45–60 minutes to Nacpan’s long twin beach, rent sunbeds, swim in the relatively gentle waves, and walk along the wild, palm-lined shore.
6h · $10-15 per person including transport and sunbed rental
El Nido Island Hopping Tour A
Join a regulated shared boat tour that typically visits Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Secret Lagoon, and a sandbar or beach; expect swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking surrounded by jungle-topped limestone cliffs.
4h · $25-40 per person (excluding environmental fees)
El Nido Town Beach & Bay Walk
Stroll along the small town beach and bayfront to get oriented, with jungle cliffs and boats in the background.
1h · Free
Arrival & Corong-Corong Sunset Walk
After checking in, stroll the tree-lined beachfront, watch the outrigger boats, and settle into the jungle-meets-sea scenery.
1h 30m · Free
Beach Games & Stargazing at Nacpan
Linger at Nacpan into the early evening for simple family games on the sand, watching the sunset and, on clear nights, some basic stargazing away from the brighter lights of town.
2h · Free
Beachfront Farewell Walk
Take a final slow walk along the shore, capture a few last photos of boats and cliffs, and say goodbye to Bacuit Bay.
1h · Free
Calaan Beach Coastal Walk
Walk 15–20 minutes north from town along the quiet coastal road to Calaan Beach, where scattered guesthouses face the water with jungle behind. Enjoy a peaceful shoreline, tide pools, and views of the jagged islands at golden hour.
1h · Free
Corong-Corong Bay Sunset Walk
Return from Nacpan and head to the quieter, palm-lined Corong-Corong shoreline to watch outrigger boats and islands silhouetted against the sunset.
1h 30m · Free (plus tricycle fare)
Corong-Corong Evening Free Time
Return from sailing and relax by your resort pool or on the beach, listening to the waves and jungle sounds.
2h · Free
Corong-Corong Sunset & Last Swim
End your trip with a relaxed swim or beach walk at Corong-Corong as the sun sets behind jungle-covered islands.
1h 30m · Free
Corong-Corong Sunset Beach Walk
Stroll along the long, coconut-lined Corong-Corong shoreline at golden hour, watching bangkas (local boats) drift across the bay as the sun sets behind karst islands.
45m · Free
Corong-Corong Sunset Walk
Stroll along the palm-lined beach, watch bancas (outrigger boats) bob on the water, and find a quiet stretch of sand to sit together as the sun sets behind limestone islets.
1h · Free
El Nido Boutique & Souvenir Stroll
Wander the compact town center to pick up reef-safe sunscreen, dry bags, kids’ snorkel sets, and small souvenirs from local shops tucked among palms and vines.
1h · Free (shopping extra)
El Nido Inland Tricycle Tour
Hire a tricycle for a half-day to visit inland viewpoints, small villages, and roadside scenery—agree on a route and price in advance.
3h · $15-25 per tricycle (shared by family)
El Nido Island Hopping Tour C (Shared)
Join Tour C to explore hidden beaches and shrines such as Matinloc Shrine, Secret Beach, and Star Beach, with time for snorkeling and lounging on boat-access-only shores.
6h · $30-45 per person (including lunch and fees)
El Nido Town Beach Sunset Stroll
Walk along the main town beach, watch the boats bobbing in Bacuit Bay, and enjoy limestone cliffs turning golden at sunset; kids can look for shells and play in the sand near the shore.
1h · Free
El Nido Town Free Explore
Wander side streets, browse small shops, check tour agencies, or sit at the beach watching the boats and cliffs.
2h 30m · Free (shopping extra)
El Nido Town Orientation Walk
Take a short tricycle from Corong-Corong (5–10 minutes) and walk the main streets to find your preferred tour agencies, ATMs, and minimarts; you can pencil in Tours A and C for the coming days.
2h · $2-4 for tricycle, walking free
El Nido Town Waterfront Walk
Slow walk along the town’s beachfront and main lanes to browse shops, book gear, and watch the harbor activity.
1h 30m · Free
Evening Beach Chill at Corong-Corong
Sit on the sand or at a simple beachfront hut and enjoy one of El Nido’s best sunset views framed by limestone silhouettes.
1h · Free
Explore El Nido Town on Foot
Wander the small streets around the church and market area, check souvenir shops, grab fruit shakes, and let the kids pick small trinkets.
1h 30m · Free (plus any shopping)
Free Explore El Nido Town
After your tour, wander the compact town: browse small shops, grab fresh coconuts, and scout tour agencies for later in the week.
1h 30m · Free (plus any shopping)
Free Explore: El Nido Town Waterfront
After your tour, wander the narrow streets, browse simple souvenir shops, and take low-light photos of boats moored against jungle cliffs.
1h 30m · Free (shopping extra)
Free Explore: Nacpan Beach & Twin Beach Viewpoint
Walk to the quieter far end of Nacpan or, if conditions allow, head toward the small viewpoint where you can see the ‘twin’ beaches curving on both sides.
1h 30m · Free
Island Hopping Tour A (Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon & Beaches)
Join a standard Tour A (or a similar ‘Adventure with Highlights A & C’ private tour) visiting Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and Seven Commandos Beach. Swim, snorkel, and kayak through turquoise water beneath limestone cliffs. Arrange with your operator in advance for a halal-friendly buffet lunch focusing on seafood, grilled chicken cooked without pork, and vegetables.
6h · $25-45 per person (joiner), $150-250 per couple (private)
Las Cabañas / Marimegmeg Beach & Zipline
Spend a few hours on the palm-backed Las Cabañas beach; older child and adults can try the scenic zipline over the water while the younger one plays on the sand.
3h · $10-20 per person for zipline, beach access free
Las Cabanas / Marimegmeg Beach Sunset
Take a tricycle (about 10–15 minutes) to Marimegmeg Beach, then walk along the sand under palm trees and jungle slopes. Swim, relax on the sand, or sit at a beach bar while watching the sun drop behind the offshore islands.
2h · $2-3 for tricycle each way, beach access free
Las Cabañas Beach
Spend the afternoon on the beach for swimming, lounging, and a jungle-backed sunset viewpoint.
3h · Free
Las Cabañas Beach (Marimegmeg)
Relax on a palm-lined beach with views of jungle-covered islands and an easygoing shoreline just south of town.
2h 30m · Free (small tricycle fare)
Las Cabañas Beach & Sandbar
Transfer by tricycle (~15–20 minutes from Lio) and enjoy a palm-fringed cove with shallow water and a sandbar walk to Depeldet Island at low tide.
2h 30m · $3-5 for tricycle each way, beach freeRestaurants & Food
20 local favorites
Bella Vita El Nido
Beachfront Italian-style spot under palms and string lights; for halal-friendly options, stick to vegetarian pizzas (like Margherita or veggie toppings) and salads, and confirm no pork or alcohol in the sauce and a clean pan/utensils.
1h 30m · $10-18 per person
Cafe Athena
Greek-Mediterranean spot with sea views and lots of vegetarian and seafood options; stick to vegetable moussaka, Greek salad (no wine vinegar), hummus and pita, grilled fish, and prawn dishes prepared without wine or pork, clearly explaining that you need halal-friendly, no-alcohol cooking.
1h · $8-15 per person
Gusto Gelato & Caffè
Small café a short walk from the beach offering coffee, fresh juices, and light bites; stick to vegetarian items like pastries, fruit bowls, and gelato, and confirm no alcohol or pork-based ingredients in what you choose.
30m · $5-8 per person
Happiness Beach Bar
Beachfront dinner with halal-friendly seafood, grilled fish, rice plates, and vegetable sides; ask for no pork, no alcohol-based sauces, and separate utensils if needed.
1h 30m · $15-30 per person
Shaka El Nido (Lio Beach)
Beachfront café in a lush, landscaped area serving smoothie bowls, oatmeal, vegan pancakes, and strong coffee/juices; everything is vegetarian/vegan and therefore halal-friendly, and kids will love the colorful fruit bowls.
1h · $7-12 per person
Taste El Nido – Big Bad Thai
Upstairs, jungle-view Thai restaurant with lots of plants and wood decor looking over the bay. Halal-friendly options: pad thai with shrimp, vegetable green curry, tom yum with seafood, stir-fried morning glory, and fried rice with seafood—request no pork, no alcohol in cooking, and no fish sauce if you avoid it.
1h · $8-15 per person
Trattoria Altrove El Nido
Popular restaurant with a rustic wood interior and plants; choose seafood or vegetarian pizzas and pasta, and ask for no pork, no alcohol in sauces, and a clean surface/utensils.
1h 30m · $10-18 per person
Altrove El Nido
Pizza and pasta spot with clear halal-friendly choices like vegetarian pizzas, marinara-based pasta, and seafood options; confirm no pork ingredients when ordering.
1h 15m · $10-20 per person
Altrove Express El Nido
Popular pizzeria in town; choose vegetarian pizzas or seafood toppings, ensuring no pork or meat products are added.
1h · $8-15 per person
Artcafe (El Nido Boutique Artcafe)
Well-known restaurant and live-music venue; choose seafood mains, vegetarian pizzas, and salads, confirming no pork or non-halal meat is included in your dishes.
1h 30m · $10-20 per person
Artcafé Breakfast
Well-known café with a leafy, wooden interior; you can choose vegetarian breakfasts like fruit, eggs, toast, and pancakes, confirming no bacon, sausage, or alcohol-based ingredients in your order.
1h · $6-10 per person
Artcafe Breakfast (El Nido Boutique Artcafe)
Bright, plant-filled second-floor spot. Order fruit muesli, vegetable omelette without ham or bacon, pancakes, and fresh juices; specify no pork and that you only take vegetarian items.
45m · $7-12 per person
Artcafe El Nido (Vegetarian & Seafood Options)
Classic town restaurant with a wooden, slightly jungle lodge feel; order vegetarian pizzas, pastas, or grilled fish, and clearly request no pork, no bacon, and no alcohol in sauces.
1h 15m · $10-18 per person
Beach Shack at Lio
Order grilled fish, seafood rice bowls, or vegetable plates; explicitly request halal preparation and avoid anything with bacon, pork, or alcohol-based sauces.
1h · $15-25 per person
Bella Vita El Nido (Farewell Dinner)
Return for a final sunset meal, choosing again from vegetarian pizzas and salads prepared without pork or alcohol in the sauce and with clean utensils.
1h 30m · $10-18 per person
Boat Tour A Halal-Friendly Lunch
Typical tour lunches include grilled fish, prawns, rice, vegetable salads, and fresh fruit; instruct the operator in advance to exclude pork items from your plates and avoid alcohol in marinades or sauces.
1h · Included in tour price
Cafe Athena (Mediterranean, Halal‑Friendly Choices)
Mediterranean restaurant with a breezy, wood‑and‑plants look right on the water. For halal: focus on vegetarian/seafood dishes such as Greek salad without bacon, vegetable mezze, grilled fish, and pasta without pork; verify no pork or alcohol in sauces and request separate cooking from pork dishes.
1h 15m · $10-18 per person
Cafe Athena (Vegetarian & Pescatarian-Friendly)
Greek-inspired cafe by the water; opt for vegetarian omelets, Greek salad, hummus plates, and grilled fish without wine sauces. Confirm no pork/lard and no alcohol in cooking.
1h · $8-14 per person
Corong-Corong Beachfront Grill (Seafood Focus)
Back near your accommodation, pick a simple grill restaurant along Corong-Corong and ask for whole grilled fish or prawns, rice, and vegetables, confirming there’s no pork contact and no alcohol or wine in marinades.
1h 15m · $7-12 per person
El Nido Boutique Artcafe (Seafood & Veg Picks)
Airy, plant-filled upstairs cafe with lots of wood and greenery. While not a fully halal restaurant, you can safely choose non-pork, non-alcohol dishes like vegetable omelets cooked in vegetable oil, fruit bowls, pancakes, and fresh juices—clarify no bacon/ham and request separate utensils where possible.
45m · $6-10 per person