Things to do in  El Nido

A pristine channel of gin-clear waters framed by limestone cliffs, Big Lagoon meanders through forested Miniloc Island in the Bacuit Archipelago. Island-hopping boats from El Nido generally stop in the shallow water at the head of the lagoon, but travelers can discover the scenic coves or search for turtles by sea kayak.

One of Palawan’s most-Instagrammed natural wonders, the Small Lagoon in El Nido is a clear-water cove surrounded by dramatic limestone rock formations. Because of the near-vertical walls, swimming or paddling through the Small Lagoon can make you feel like you’re on the set of a Hollywood action film.

Jagged limestone cliffs and sculptural boulders frame the powder-soft white sands and vivid blue waters of Entalula Island, one of dozens of isles and islets that make up El Nido’s Bacuit Archipelago. Visitors relax under swaying coconut palms, shaded from the tropical sun, and there’s good snorkeling just offshore.

Reached by swimming between the tall cliffs that shield it from view, Hidden Beach is one of the most popular adventures in El Nido’s Bacuit Archipelago. A strip of pale sand backed by a landscape of tumbled karst, jungle, and palm trees, and framed by soaring cliffs, it’s as beautiful as a movie set.

A hidden pool almost completely enclosed by jagged limestone, Secret Lagoon lies concealed beside one of the Bacuit Archipelago’s most perfect beaches. Many travelers find the soaring pinnacles and spires of the karst behind the creamy beach more impressive than the cool, dark pool—although scrambling through the rocky entrance is an experience.

It takes a little imagination to see how Dilumacad Island got its nickname, Helicopter Island, but as your boat sails in you’ll likely detect a tail rotor to your left and the cockpit to your right. However, it’s the golden sand beach, one of the Bacuit Archipelago’s longest, that draws island-hoppers. Scuba divers come for the green sea turtles that graze offshore.

A soaring sea cave that gleams brilliant turquoise thanks to a hole in the ceiling, Cathedral Cave is the star attraction on tiny Pinasil Island (aka Cathedral Island). Stalactites drip from the ceiling like natural chandeliers and frame the entrance arch like pillars; the beauty of the limestone formations continues below the clear water.

A white-sand strand with views across a narrow strait to the saddle of Matinloc Island, Star Beach is a private beach on Tapiutan Island (although some travelers call it Star Island and say it’s a private island). Snorkelers love not only the starfish that gave the beach its name but also the sheer reef drop-off that sometimes plays host to turtles.

On pocket-sized Shimizu Island, flying buttresses of jagged karst frame slender pale gold beaches. Sculptural rock formations, gin-clear waters, and colorful coral offer impressive snorkeling, while small caves and slithering monitor lizards add to the Lost World feel—all within easy reach of the ever-popular Secret Lagoon.

A rocky, jungle-clad islet with a long white tail of powder-soft sand stretching all the way to the mainland, Snake Island—officially known as Vigan Island—is one of El Nido’s most photogenic islands. It’s particularly striking at low tide, when a cavalcade of different shades of blue frames the brilliant white sandbar.

A gorgeous strip of creamy sand and lazy coconut palms backed by the same jungle-clad cliffs that tower over El Nido town, Seven Commandos Beach is one of the prettiest beaches around El Nido. Although it’s on mainland Palawan, you can only reach it from the water, and so it often features on Bacuit Archipelago island-hopping tours.

On sunny days, a light ray pierces the roof of Cudugnon Cave, creating a puddle of light that throws the limestone and lichen interior into moody relief and can make for epic selfies. Coupled with the entrance through a low tunnel in what looks like a solid rock wall, it’s an atmospheric experience, although the formations are not spectacular.

Long, narrow Matinloc Island wiggles its way through the waters of El Nido’s Bacuit Archipelago like the spine of an arching lizard. As well as a resort and an atmospheric shrine to the Virgin Mary, it’s home to two of the archipelago’s top island-hopping draws: Hidden Beach and Secret Beach.

Jagged pinnacles and top-heavy flowers of dark karst surround white sand Payong-Payong Beach, making it one of the most beautiful beaches in El Nido’s Bacuit Archipelago. What it lacks in size it makes up for in atmosphere, with picturesque rock formations, brilliant turquoise water, and views across the small bay.

With tumbled limestone boulders; jagged, jungle-clad karst; a slim strip of pale sand; and turquoise water, Talisay Beach is a common stop on El Nido island-hopping tours. It perches on the strait between Tapiutan Island and Matinloc Island, so visitors looking to go snorkeling will find plenty of marine life to enjoy.