Town · Philippines · Southeast Asia
Limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons and island hopping in Bacuit Bay, Palawan
Photo: Bobby Mc Gee Lee / Pexels
El Nido is a town in northern Palawan, Philippines, and the base for island-hopping tours of Bacuit Bay's lagoons and beaches. Hostels cluster in El Nido town, Corong-Corong, the Maremegmeg area and near Nacpan Beach.
You’ll complete your booking with Hostelworld. We may earn a commission from qualifying bookings.
Best for: Tour departures, nightlife and convenience
The compact town centre sits on the bay beneath towering limestone cliffs, with most island-hopping boats departing from the beach here. Hostels, dive shops, tour desks, restaurants and bars are all within a few minutes' walk. It is the most convenient base for early tour starts, though it can be crowded and noisy in the evenings.
Best for: Sunsets and a slightly calmer base
Just south of town along the coast, Corong-Corong is known for its sunset views over Bacuit Bay. It has hostels, bars and restaurants along the shore, and some tours depart from its beach. It is a short tricycle ride from town, offering a little more space while keeping the social scene within easy reach.
Best for: Beach time and sunset bars
Further south, Maremegmeg Beach (often called Las Cabañas) is a long stretch of sand with beach bars and sunset views across the bay. Hostels and guesthouses here feel more relaxed than in town. A tricycle ride connects it with El Nido town and the tour departure points, so many travellers base themselves here for a quieter stay.
Best for: Long beaches and remote stays
North of El Nido town, Nacpan and its neighbour Calitang form twin white-sand beaches backed by palms. The area is much quieter, with a few hostels and beachfront places, and getting to town for tours involves a longer tricycle, van or scooter trip. It suits travellers who want beach days and are less focused on daily boat trips.
Live rooms and prices
See live dorm beds, private rooms, prices and cancellation terms for your dates on Hostelworld.
You’ll complete your booking with Hostelworld. We may earn a commission from qualifying bookings. You’ll choose your dates and guests there.
El Nido sits at the northern end of Palawan, the long island in the west of the Philippines, facing the limestone islands of Bacuit Bay. Sheer karst cliffs rise from turquoise water, and lagoons, coves and white-sand beaches are scattered among the islands. It is one of the most photographed coastlines in the country and a highlight of many Philippines itineraries.
Most days revolve around the boat. Classic island-hopping tours, labelled A to D, visit spots such as the Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon and Secret Beach, with snorkelling stops and lunch on board. An environmental fee usually applies, and visitor numbers at some lagoons are capped, so booking ahead matters in peak season. On land, Nacpan and Calitang twin beaches to the north are popular for a day out.
El Nido town is small and busy, with hostels, dive shops and bars packed between the cliffs and the bay. Hostels range from simple dorms in town to beach-side places in Corong-Corong and around Maremegmeg. Evenings are usually spent watching the sunset, sharing tour stories and planning the next boat trip. Kayaking, diving courses and scooter trips to quieter beaches add variety for travellers staying more than a few days.
Most travellers fly to Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS), which has regular flights from Manila, Cebu and Clark, then continue north by van or bus, typically around five to seven hours. El Nido also has its own small airport, Lio Airport (ENI), a short ride from town, with limited flights on smaller aircraft; schedules change, so check with airlines. Ferries and fast boats also connect El Nido with Coron. In town, tricycles are the usual way to get around.
The Philippines has a dry season from December to May, split into a cooler stretch from December to February and a hotter one from March to May. These months usually bring calmer seas and are the busiest for island-hopping tours. The rainy season runs from June to November, when rougher seas and storms can cancel boat trips. Book tours and hostels ahead in peak months.
Most backpackers stay in El Nido town (Poblacion), where hostels, tour desks, restaurants and bars are close together and island-hopping boats depart from the beach. Corong-Corong, just south of town, is known for sunsets and feels slightly calmer. Maremegmeg (Las Cabañas) offers a beach base with sunset bars, while Nacpan to the north is quieter and more remote.
From Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS), most travellers take a shared or private van north to El Nido, which typically takes around five to seven hours depending on stops and road conditions. Buses also run the route and are usually slower. Many vans can be booked in advance or at the airport. Some travellers break the journey at Port Barton.
El Nido's classic island-hopping tours are labelled A to D, and each follows a set route around Bacuit Bay. They visit spots such as the Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon and Secret Beach, with snorkelling stops and lunch usually included. An environmental fee typically applies, and visitor numbers at some lagoons are limited, so booking a day or more ahead is wise in peak season.
El Nido is popular with solo travellers because island-hopping tours are shared-boat trips, which makes it easy to meet people. Hostels in town and in Corong-Corong often have social common areas, and sunset gatherings are a daily ritual. The town is compact enough to walk around, with tricycles for longer trips to beaches such as Maremegmeg and Nacpan.
The dry season, from December to May, is usually the best time, with calmer seas for island-hopping tours. December to February is slightly cooler, while March to May is hotter and very busy. The rainy season runs from June to November, when rough seas and storms can cancel boat trips, though there are fewer visitors.
Reviewed by the HostelConnect editorial team on 8 November 2026. Check entry rules, transport and conditions with official sources before you travel.
