What to See
5 highlights📍 Tap the pin for directions
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River — Underground River
One of the New Seven Wonders of Nature and a UNESCO World Heritage Site — a navigable underground river running through a vast cave system inside the Saint Paul Mountain Range. Paddle boats take visitors 1.5km into the cave, past cathedral-like chambers, stalactite formations, and a colony of bats. The scale is extraordinary — some chambers are large enough to contain a multi-story building. Important logistics: Entry requires a permit (150 PHP ($2.59 USD)) obtained in advance from the City Tourism Office in Puerto Princesa, plus a 300 PHP ($5.17 USD) environmental fee at the site. Permits sell out on busy days — book through your hotel or tour agency at least 2 days ahead. Tours from Puerto Princesa typically include the permit, boat transfer to Sabang (90-minute drive or ~1 hour by speedboat), and the cave paddle. Half-day to full-day excursion.
El Nido Island Hopping Tours A–D
El Nido's island hopping tours (Tour A, B, C, and D) are organized day-trips by banca (outrigger boat) to the surrounding karst limestone islands, lagoons, beaches, and snorkeling sites in the Bacuit Archipelago. Each tour visits a different set of islands and each is spectacular in its own way.
Tour A — the most famous — includes the Big Lagoon and Secret Lagoon at Miniloc Island: turquoise water enclosed by towering vertical limestone cliffs accessible only at certain tide levels. Snorkeling in the shallow waters is excellent. This is the tour most visitors prioritize and for good reason — the scenery is unlike anywhere else.
Tours depart around 9am from the El Nido town beach (1,200–2,000 PHP ($20.69–$34.48 USD) per person for a group tour; 5,000+ PHP ($86.21+ USD) for private). The boat, guide, snorkeling gear, and a basic lunch are included. Book through your guesthouse or the many tour operators in El Nido town.
Kayaking Through El Nido's Limestone Karst
El Nido's most unhurried experience — renting a kayak and paddling at your own pace through the channels between the limestone formations directly off El Nido town beach. The formations rise sheer from the water in every direction, with small coves and beaches tucked between them that you can reach independently without an organized tour. Kayaks rent for 200–400 PHP ($3.45–$6.90 USD) per hour from vendors on the beach. Early morning is best — the water is glassy calm and the light in the channels is beautiful. This is the most peaceful way to experience El Nido.
El Nido Town — The Feel of the Place
El Nido is a small beach town with one main road, a sand-and-pebble beach, and a relaxed pace that feels far removed from any busy resort. The restaurants are open-air, the nightlife is low-key, and the real social scene is people sitting on the beach watching the sun go down over the karst formations. It's the kind of place where days become weeks unintentionally. The best restaurants are on the main street (Calle Real) and the streets behind the beach — some simple, some surprisingly good for the setting. Budget well: El Nido's prices have risen significantly as it's become popular, but it remains great value by international standards.
Nacpan Beach & Duli Beach
Two of the finest beaches in Palawan — and in the Philippines — both about 45 minutes north of El Nido town by habal-habal or hired motorcycle. Nacpan is a 4km arc of white sand with almost no development, backed by coconut palms. Duli Beach is even quieter, with surf and a more rugged feel. These are the beaches for people who find Boracay too busy — bring food and water, as facilities are minimal. The habal-habal ride through the jungle and over the hills is itself a good experience.