8 Touristy And 3 Non-Touristy Things to Do in El Nido Palawan

El Nido, Palawan is easily one of the most popular, if not the most popular destinations in the Philippines.

Most people come here for the nature, and for good reason. The towering limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, and crystal-clear water are what make the island hopping tours the main attraction. But there’s actually more to do in El Nido than just hopping on a boat every day.

In this article, I’ll walk you through not only the classic touristy things to do in El Nido, but also some more offbeat experiences I found while exploring. If you’re trying to mix the famous highlights with a few less crowded spots, this list will help you do just that.

The Best Things to Do in El Nido – My Experience

I spent about three months in the Philippines trying to see as much as I could and naturally, El Nido was a big part of that. I have mixed feelings about it, to be honest. El Nido town itself isn’t exactly charming, it’s crowded, kind of messy, and very touristy. But once you leave the town and get out into the surrounding nature, it’s a completely different story.

The scenery I saw on the island hopping tours around El Nido was some of the most beautiful I’ve come across anywhere in the Philippines.

While I did two of the classic island hopping tours (which I’ll talk about in this article, I kind of have to), I also spent a lot of time exploring the area on my scooter. And honestly, there are so many cool places around El Nido that didn’t feel touristy at all.

My favorite beach in the Philippines is actually here and it’s called Duli Beach. It’s a bit of a drive outside of El Nido town, but I went on my own and barely saw anyone else there. No crowds, no noise. Just a long, empty beach and a perfect place to hang out for the day.

8 Touristy Things to Do in El Nido (That are still worth it)

1. Island Hopping Tours

The island hopping tours in El Nido are famous for a reason, they were honestly some of the most incredible things I did in the Philippines. I did Tours A and C, which are supposedly the best (and also the most popular), and they completely lived up to the hype.

We stopped at places like Seven Commando Beach, Secret Beach, Big Lagoon, and Small Lagoon. We went kayaking, snorkeling, swam in crystal-clear water, and chilled on some of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen. The limestone cliffs, the insane shades of blue and turquoise in the water, all of it was just incredible.

That said, there were definitely moments that were a bit much. At Secret Lagoon on Tour A, there were hundreds of people lining up in the water just to squeeze through the tiny opening. And once inside, it was shoulder-to-shoulder. Totally ruined the vibe.

I still 100% recommend doing the tours, but just go in knowing that it’s going to be crowded.

2. El Nido to Coron Expedition

Another one of the big highlights around El Nido, and something that honestly felt like everyone was doing, is the El Nido to Coron expedition (or the other way around).

I already thought the regular island hopping tours from El Nido were amazing, but this boat trip took it to the next level. It felt way more remote, less crowded, and a lot more unique. Honestly, I think this was probably my favorite thing I did in the entire Philippines.

You can do it either from Coron to El Nido or El Nido to Coron, and it’s usually a 3-day, 3-night expedition. We stayed on tiny remote islands, snorkeled in ridiculously clear turquoise waters, and it really felt like a proper castaway experience. I absolutely loved it.

3. Ride the El Nido Zipline

One of the most iconic things to do in El Nido is the famous zipline that runs from the hills on the mainland all the way to Depeldet Island just off the coast.

And I mean, how incredible is that? Flying over the ocean on a zipline, landing on a little island surrounded by turquoise water and white sand, it’s honestly just such a cool experience.

4. Coffee with a View

I mentioned earlier that I’m not the biggest fan of El Nido town because it’s a bit built up and feels very much like a tourist hub, especially if you compare it to places like Siargao or Siquijor. But one thing El Nido town does do really well is the view. The bay is absolutely stunning.

One of my favorite places to enjoy it is from Hama Coffee. A lot of people love this spot, so it’s usually a bit busy, but for good reason. 

I think it’s hands down the best coffee shop in El Nido, their latte and flat white are both amazing. And if you manage to grab a seat outside on the little patio, you get the most beautiful view of the bay while sipping your morning coffee.

I’ll drop a photo below so you can see what I mean.

5. Manta Ray Scuba Diving in El Nido

I wouldn’t say I’m the most hardcore scuba diver out there, but I do have my PADI Advanced Open Water, and whenever there’s a cool dive opportunity, I usually try to go for it.

Just before coming to El Nido, I had done some scuba diving in Malapascua with thresher sharks , which was honestly incredible, so I didn’t feel a huge urge to dive again right away. But apparently, there’s some amazing diving around El Nido too, with the chance of seeing manta rays.

Since I haven’t seen manta rays yet, I’m kind of kicking myself for skipping it. So maybe you need to go and let me know how it was, because it really does look awesome.

6. Rent a Kayak and Explore on Your Own

One thing I loved about El Nido is that you can actually reach some amazing beaches by kayak totally on your own. So that’s exactly what we did. We rented a kayak from one of the little rental spots right by the beach in El Nido town (I think it was around $10 USD for the whole day).

From there, it took us about 40 minutes to paddle out to Paradise Beach. It’s pretty much a straight shot from the beach in town, heading toward that huge limestone cliff you can see in the distance, that’s where Paradise Beach is. We brought a dry bag with towels, snacks, and drinks, and just hung out for a bit. It was such a fun little DIY adventure.

And honestly, I’m sure there are way more hidden beaches and little spots you could paddle to as well, this is just the one we picked.

7. Private Sailing Trip in El Nido

While I loved all the beaches, lagoons, and snorkeling spots we saw on the island-hopping tours, I have to say that the typical Filipino pump boats they use aren’t exactly the most comfortable. And the whole thing does feel pretty mass tourism-y.

So I started wondering what the more upscale version of that experience would look like.

Turns out, you can actually book a private sailing trip around El Nido. It takes you to many of the same beautiful spots, but instead of being packed on a tour boat, you’re on a private sailboat for the day. You can stop in quiet little coves, have lunch in peace, and apparently even do some surfing off the boat too.

If I come back to El Nido with friends or family, that’s 100% what I’d do, just book a private boat for the day and explore the area in a more relaxed and personal way.

8. Ride Your Scooter to Nacpan Beach

I wasn’t sure whether to include this under touristy or non-touristy things to do, but in the end, it’s definitely touristy. That said, it’s still worth it.

I spent quite a bit of time exploring El Nido by scooter because I figured there had to be more to this place than just island hopping. And yep, there definitely is.

One of the spots I rode to was Nacpan Beach, and wow, it’s stunning. Long stretches of golden sand, swaying palm trees, and the perfect crystal-clear water. The part where I first arrived was super built up with lots of people, beach bars, shops, sun loungers, all of that. Which is why I’m calling it touristy.

But if you just keep walking down the beach, it gets quieter and quieter. Eventually, I was practically alone, and it felt like a totally different place. Peaceful, remote, and absolutely gorgeous.

I even ended up staying a couple of nights at Angkla Beach Club & Resort, and honestly, I loved it. Super chill, beautiful design, and right on that quieter end of the beach, would totally recommend it.

3 Non-Touristy Things to Do in El Nido

1. Surfing at Duli Beach

From my experience, Duli Beach is definitely not touristy. I was basically the only person there when I visited. It was one of the stops on my little scooter adventure, and it took me about 40 minutes to get there from El Nido town. Totally worth it.

The beach itself is stunning. Miles and miles of golden sand, clear water, and barely anyone around. There are a couple of small beach shacks selling coconuts and snacks, but that’s about it.

The coolest part is that apparently, you can surf here. I didn’t even know there was surfing around El Nido, but there were a bunch of surfboards and little rental huts near the entrance, so I figured it must be a thing.

Turns out Duli Beach gets consistent waves during the surf season (roughly November to March), with mellow beach breaks that are great for beginners and longboarders. You can rent boards right on the beach or book a quick lesson with one of the local surf schools. It’s not Bali or Siargao, but it’s a super fun and less popular place to catch a few waves.

2. Stay on a Private Island

One thing I would’ve absolutely loved to do but didn’t get around to, was staying on one of the private islands around El Nido.

I know, you’re probably thinking that sounds insanely expensive, and yes, it can be. But there are actually some incredible private islands with beautiful eco-resorts that are surprisingly affordable.

The one I had my eye on was Dryft Darocotan Island, a stunning eco-resort right on the beach of its own little island. It just looks incredible, proper castaway vibes, but with comfortable beds, yoga, snorkeling and cocktails. I was so close to booking it when I was in El Nido, but it didn’t end up working with my schedule.

The amazing thing is that rooms here are only around $100 a night, which honestly feels like such a steal for the experience. It’s definitely going on my list for next time.

Book Here: Dryft Private Island Resort

3. Sunset at Las Cabanas Beach

One of the best sunset spots around El Nido, and yes, it’s a bit touristy is Las Cabañas Beach. I actually didn’t know about it when I first got to El Nido, but I’m so glad I ended up going.

It’s super close to town, and the beach itself is beautiful, with a perfect view of the sunset and a bunch of little bars and restaurants lining the shore. It definitely has more of a social vibe, but not in an annoying way.

I’d say this was hands down the best sunset I saw in El Nido.

Where to Stay in El Nido Palawan

When it comes to where to stay in El Nido, I honestly think you’ve got two solid options.

Option one is staying in El Nido Town. It’s usually the cheaper choice, super central, and close to all the tours, restaurants, bars, shops, and cafes. The downside in my opinion is that it’s kinda busy, it’s touristy, and it’s not exactly the cutest town in the Philippines.

Option two is staying outside of El Nido Town in one of the beach resorts or villas nearby. These are often right on the sand, surrounded by nature, with pools, views, and a way more relaxed vibe. They’re usually a bit more expensive but so worth it if you want a more luxury experience

I did a mix of both, I spent a few nights in town to do the tours, then moved out to one of the beach resorts for some chill time. That’s also what I’d recommend if you want the best of both worlds.

Here are a few places I’d personally look into:

• Book here: Angkla Beach Club & Boutique Resort
  
• Book here: Morgan Villas El Nido
  
• Book here: Dryft Darocotan Island

Best Time to Visit El Nido

Here’s something I learned the hard way about traveling in the Philippines: not every place has the same dry and rainy season. El Nido’s dry season runs roughly from December to May, while Siargao’s is basically the opposite and has more sunshine from May to October. So if you’re planning to travel around the country, definitely keep that in mind.

The second thing, and this one got me good, is that Filipinos love traveling in their own country, especially around public holidays like Easter and Christmas. Hotels book out like crazy, and places like El Nido get super packed.

So here’s what I’d do:

Visit El Nido during the dry season (December to May) because you’ll definitely want sunshine for those island hopping tours. But if you can, avoid the peak holiday periods like Christmas (December) and Easter (usually April), unless you’ve booked way in advance and don’t mind the crowds.

FAQs About Things to Do El Nido Palawan

What are things to do in El Nido aside from island hopping?

There’s actually quite a lot. My favorite thing was renting a scooter and driving out to Duli Beach, which ended up being one of my favorite beaches in all of the Philippines.

What are unique things to do in El Nido?

Honestly, all the island hopping tours are pretty unique on their own. But if you want to level it up, check out the El Nido to Coron 3-day expedition. That’s a whole different kind of experience.

Is El Nido worth visiting?

Absolutely. I won’t lie, El Nido is super touristy. Probably the most touristy spot I visited in the Philippines. But honestly, it makes sense. The natural beauty here is insane. It’s still 100% worth it.

Are there any free things to do in El Nido?

For sure. First off, the island hopping tours are surprisingly affordable with around $30 for a full-day tour with lunch and everything. But if you’re looking for something cheap and independent, rent a scooter and explore beaches like Nacpan and Duli Beach. Just cruising around was one of the highlights of my trip.

When is the best time to visit El Nido?

I’d say March is a sweet spot, still within the dry season but usually with fewer tourists than January or February.

Final Thoughts on What to Do in El Nido, Palawan

To wrap it all up, even though I’ve mentioned in a few spots that I’m not the biggest fan of how touristy El Nido has become, I still think it’s one of the most beautiful places in the Philippines. 

The white sand beaches, the endless shades of blue, the dramatic limestone cliffs, it’s just so so amazing.

But what made El Nido really memorable for me was getting off the beaten path. Rent a scooter, go explore inland, visit spots like Duli Beach, and you’ll get to see a different side of the area, one that’s quiet, relaxed, and way less touristy. 

There’s definitely more to El Nido than just boat tours, and in my opinion, that’s what makes the whole experience better.

Check Out My Other El Nido Palawan Guides

Best Beach Resort in El Nido Palawan: My Honest Hotel Review

Beaches in El Nido Palawan: My Top El Nido Beaches

Restaurants in El Nido: Where to Eat in El Nido Palawan

How to Get to El Nido Palawan: My Full Guide on How to Get to El Nido

Is El Nido Worth Visiting?: My Honest Review

El Nido or Siargao: My Honest Comparison

El Nido Itinerary: My 4 Days in El Nido Travel Itinerary

Best Time to Visit El Nido: When to Visit El Nido Travel Guide