Breathtaking views of nature are the main reason to visit El Nido. The pristine waters of El Nido offer beautiful coral reefs, while its beaches are uncrowded unlike the popular Boracay, exploring the lagoons by kayaking is a great way of visiting the islets, coves and caves are also abundant. Inland El Nido, springs and waterfalls are also found. Bacuit Bay composes of limestone islands, where its possible to either dive, snorkel and hike. The easiest way to see the Bacuit Bay is on an island hopping boat. These boats goes around 4 or 5 islands in a day. Booking an island hopping tour is very convenient in El Nido, even when travelling solo.
El Nido Town Proper. Nestled around the towering marble and limestone cliffs and green hills, the town proper is a thriving tourist center where most cottages, bars, and souvernir shops can be found.
Cadlao Island. The largest island in El Nido, occupying a land area of 10.06 square kilometers. Among all islands, it is the closest to town proper and has the highest peak that towers up to 640 meters above sea level.
Dilumacad Island (Helicopter Island). This island has a beautiful white sand beach stretching to some 300 meters. The island is also called Helicopter Island because its limestone cliffs resemble that of a helicopter when it is viewed from a considerable distance.
Miniloc Island. Famous for its “big,” “small,” and “secret” lagoons and Miniloc Island Resort, the first resort established in El Nido. It is surrounded by tranquil turquoise-green waters and framed by orchid-lined limestone walls.
The entrance of the Small Lagoon
Big Lagoon at Miniloc Island
Umbrella Beach at Miniloc Island
El Nido Miniloc Resort
Secret Lagoon at Miniloc Island
Secluded Beach beside the Secret Lagoon in Miniloc Island
Secluded Beach beside the Secret Lagoon in Miniloc Island
Lagen Island. The island hosts a high diversity of birds including almost all of the species endemic to Palawan. The Lagen trail is one of the best sites for birdwatching, more rewarding during the early morning or towards late afternoon. In one of its cove, which is fringed by a lush forest and limestone walls, lies the Lagen Island Resort, the most luxurious exclusive resort in the area.
Pangalusian Island. It has one of the widest stretches of powdery white beaches in El Nido, which is very ideal for sun bathing, sunset viewing, and other beach activities. The waters fronting the beach are clusters of coral reefs that make this area a good snorkeling and diving site.
Vigan Island (Snake Island). Located near Pangulasian Island, it is also referred to as, “Snake Island,” because of the fine natural sandspit (s-shaped sandbar) that “snakes” off it shores.
Cudugnon Point. An important anthropological site, where jewelry and pottery dating back to the Sung Dynasty (960-1279 BC) were yielded.
Matinloc Island. The longest slim island in El Nido, has a secret beach, which is a pocket of white sand beach at the corner of a sinkhole, that is inaccessible by boat and surrounded by steep rock walls. There are four dive sites around the island with the one at the south tip of Matinloc being the deepest at 39 meters.
Hidden Beach in Matinloc Island
Tapiutan Island. Has excellent snorkeling sites and beaches for picnic lunches.
Pinasil Island. The island has a cathedral-like cavern accessible by dinghy and kayak. Its cool interior is lit at certain times of the day by sunlight coming through an opening at its peak. This one of important sites for the busyadors or the birds’ nest gatherers.
Shimizu Island. An oddly shaped island jutting steeply from the sea. It has a small beach and an excellent snorkeling site just a few meters from the shore.
Aberawan River. Aside from its several islands and beaches, tourists can also enjoy a mangrove tour along the Aberawan River where they can watch egrets roost among the mangrove trees at the mouth of the river.
Ille Cave. Ille is located at New Ibajay, a 45-minute drive from the town center, and is frequented by tourists. 12,000 years ago, El Nido was inhabited already by humans. Archaeologists found human and animals bones, potteries and even traces of 8,000 year old cremation at Ille Cave.
Calaan Beach. Located north of El Nido Town Proper towards the airport
Balay Tubay. A 70-year old house turned into a bar along Calle Real where paintings and handicrafts of local artists are put on display. Every night, live music is performed there.
Taraw Peak / Viewpoint. Located within the town proper of El Nido. Provides a panoramic aerial view of El Nido town and islands of Bacuit Bay.
Makinit Hot Spring and Makalit-Kalit waterfalls. Hot Spring 5 kilometers from El Nido Town Proper.
Balay Tubay. A 70-year old house turned into a bar along Calle Real where paintings and handicrafts of local artists are put on display. Every night, live music is performed there.
Corong-corong Beach. A long beach located before the town proper of El Nido. Providesthe best view of the islands during sunset.
Marimikmik, and Santikan Point. A smaller cove south of Coron-corong Beach
source: Wikipedia, Wikitravel
