Travel Tips: Things to Do on Your Vacation in Palawan El Nido

Everyone knows Palawan in the Philippines is a piece of paradise on earth, with many of its most breathtaking and spectacular views found in El Nido. The attractions of El Nido are carefully curated into tour packages so that you can dip your toes into the scene without the crowds of tourists. However, looking around Palawan for things to do without a clear agenda will not leave you disappointed. We have listed here both things to do and places to stay in Palawan.

Things to Do in Palawan: El Nido’s Attractions

Nacpan Beach

Nacpan Beach is said to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Palawan, and ranks among the top international destinations. The El Nido traveler would be a fool to miss out on heading to the golden-hued 3km long beach.

Duli Beach

Catching the waves is a great thing to do in Palawan at Duli Beach. The stretch of golden sand coupled with the complementary green of the forest surrounding it makes Duli beach a great place to stay with plenty of local activities to do.

Maremegmeg Beach

Maremegmeg Beach is the closest beach to El Nido. Catching the sunset emerge across the landscape from the Beach Shack should definitely be on your list of things to do in Palawan. Another popular activity in this area is zip-lining over the water between the mainland and an offshore island.

Lio Beach

If  you are seeking a private, more romantic time during your stay Palawan, Lio Beach should be on the top of your list. The wide, white-sandy beach is relatively empty due to the wealthy Ayala conglomerate developing the area. This quiet beach destination offers some mellow places to stay and low-key nightlife activities.

Nagkalit-kalit Waterfalls

The cool and enticing waters of the Nagkalit-kalit Waterfalls are worth the 40-minute walk through several other streams branching off from the national highway. This is a great thing to do for those who love nature, the outdoors, and adventure.

El Nido Restaurants

Trattoria Altrove

Trattoria Altrove serves the best pizza in El Nido, fresh from the brick oven with imported mozzarella cheese. Head here early or later in the day to avoid the tourist trap, as per usual.

El Nido Boutique & Art Café

Apart from the bread, seafood curry, salads, pizza, cakes, chocolate, and mango tarts, this cozy two-story dining room has a bar. Winding down to live music played four nights a week, after days of sitting in the beachy paradise, this should definitely be on your list of things to do in Palawan.  

Bulalo Plaza

Now, if sampling out Filipino dishes is on your list of things to do in Palawan, come to the Bulalo Plaza on the road to Corong Corong. The exotic squid adobo, sizzling pork bulgogi, and seafood curry will have you thinking “sarap” (delicious) to yourself. Is all of this food leaving you hungry? Bulalo Plaza is home to some of the higher end places to stay in Palawan.

La Plage

Eat in luxury at La Plague, a French restaurant with its own plunge pool where guests can take a dip and enjoy the stunning sunset views from the beachfront. Eating fish steamed in a banana leaf while enjoying the natural surroundings are great things to do in Palawan.  

Mezzanine El Nido

For both waterfront views and a variety of food choices, head to the Mezzanine El Nido. The restaurants here are known as great tourists activities; they offer such variety as pizza and homemade ice cream, to seafood risotto and mussels.

Taverna Agape

Taverna Agape not only has Greek treats such as authentic saganaki, moussaka, and souvlaki over orzo, it also presents the Greek vibes with its Mediterranean motif. Wash everything down with a homemade baklava and a shot of ouzo. Check out the local newspapers for comfortable places to stay in Palawan, specifically in Taverna Agape.

Boodle Fight Restaurant

Participating in a Boodle Fight (a communal way of eating from a huge banana leaf and through the hand) should definitely be on your list of things to do in Palawan.

Odessa Mama

Yes, there is a Ukrainian restaurant in El Nido. The counter-top food bar is run by actual Odessans serving up authentic food such as varenyky and nalysnyky.

El Nido Nightlife

SAVA

The bar/club is the most sophisticated of its kind in El Nido, with cocktails expertly made, and the menu featuring the most delicious food in town. Even the DJs are top tier in the resort; you are guaranteed a great night if you spend it here.

Happiness Bar

If the bohemian and hipster paradise experience is on your list of things to do in Palawan, the Happiness Bar boats a vegan-friendly menu and the best cocktails.

Bella Vita

Bella Vita provides a breathtaking sunset view not to be found in any other bar in El Nido. Drop by for the happy hour (3 to 5 in the afternoon) and their two-for-one San Miguel beer promo before catching that sunset which you came to Palawan for.

Pukka Bar

Pukka Bar is where you get live reggae music and buckets of beer in El Nido, perfect for chilling long into the night. If you enjoy experiencing the local vibe, Pukka Bar is a great destination to visit in Palawan.

Republica Sunset Bar

Catch the sunset from this bar which is suspended over Lugadia Beach. Viewing the sunset with a craft cocktail in hand, you will melt into the Palawan night sky.

La Salagane

If a sophisticated nightlife experience is on your list of things to do in Palawan, then the hotel bar La Salagane has it and much more, including French food.

Lucky Alofa

The Swedish-owned bar not only has snacks, burgers, and cocktails, but also ’90s tunes to get you in the dancing mood.

Where to Stay in Palawan

Now, people have confirmed that El Nido is often victim to power outages and other problems, such as the lack of access to clean water. Sickness is an additional concern — which is why we list where to stay in Palawan so you won’t have to experience these drawbacks.

Balai Adlao

Balai Adlao is in close proximity to the beaches of El Nido, while providing luxury and comfort. The places to stay offer cozy and quiet abodes perfect for any Palawan traveler.

Casa Kalaw

The modern and chic Casa Kalaw not only has its own garden and swimming pool, but also a bar and a restaurant where guests can stay in Palawan.

El Nido Cove Resort

Overlooking the Bacuit Bay, El Nido Cove Resort is an accommodation that you should definitely consider when deciding where to stay in Palawan. The garden and sea views are simply amazing.

Rasta Family House

For Bohemian vibes, Rasta Family House has it for you. While the homestay is far from luxurious, the cozy and art-like atmosphere of the area will have you feeling more at home than you would have in a posh hotel. Play guitar by the balcony and see the image of Bob Marley in Resa Family House’s reception area.

El Nido Resorts

Now, if you’re talking luxury, El Nido Resort has four luxurious options for you. Whether the vibe is romantic, adventurous, rustic, or natural, all of the places to stay here are guaranteed to make you feel like a king or queen. The thing to consider about the resorts is that they all have the beach right out your doorstep, so whether it be in in Apulit Island, Lagen Island, Miniloc Island, or Pangulasian Island, you need not look far to experience the best El Nido has to offer.