El Nido
Palawan, Philippines
5.0
Overview
El Nido is the crown jewel of Palawan and one of the most spectacular island-hopping destinations in the world. Towering limestone karsts rise from crystal-clear lagoons, and the Bacuit Archipelago's 45 islands offer hidden beaches, secret lagoons, and pristine coral reefs. The town itself is compact and walkable, with a solid backpacker infrastructure of hostels, dive shops, and beachfront bars.
Daily Budget
~$30
Best Months
DecJanFebMarAprMay
Hostels
4 hostels with reviews and vibe scores
Things to Do
7 activities and experiences
Getting Here
Transport routes, prices, and tips
Top Hostels
View all 4 hostels
Things to Do
View all 7 activitiesKayak through Big Lagoon at your own pace
water sports
Rent a scooter and ride to Nacpan Beach for a full day on a 4km stretch of white sand
water sports
Snorkel or dive at South Miniloc or North Rock
water sports
Take a multi-day expedition to explore remote islands and overnight beach camps
water sports
Tour A: Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island
classes
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does it cost to backpack in El Nido?
- Budget around $30 USD per day in El Nido, covering a hostel dorm, meals, local transport, and a few activities.
- When is the best time to visit El Nido?
- The best months for backpackers to visit El Nido are Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, when the weather is most favourable and conditions are ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
- What are the best hostels in El Nido?
- Top-rated hostels in El Nido include Frendz Hostel, Outpost Beach Hostel, Mad Monkey Nacpan Beach. Prices for a dorm bed typically start from $20 USD per night.
- What are the top things to do in El Nido?
- Must-do activities in El Nido include Kayak through Big Lagoon at your own pace, Rent a scooter and ride to Nacpan Beach for a full day on a 4km stretch of white sand, Snorkel or dive at South Miniloc or North Rock. There are 7 activities and experiences listed for backpackers.