Philippines · Trip plan
5 days in El Nido & Palawan
Limestone lagoons, island hopping and some of Asia's most beautiful beaches.
- Best time
- Dec – May
- Ideal length
- 5 days
- A day, mid-range
- $120 per person
- Trip for two
- about $1,200
Planning a 5-day trip to El Nido & Palawan? Here's a day-by-day El Nido & Palawan itinerary with what it costs, where to stay and how to get there, ready to follow or make your own.
Why go now
December to May is the dry season, with calm seas for island-hopping tours.
El Nido on Palawan is famous for its towering limestone karsts, lagoons and island-hopping boat tours.
- Jan: a good time to go
- Feb: a good time to go
- Mar: a good time to go
- Apr: a good time to go
- May: a good time to go
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec: a good time to go
December to May: 26–32°C.
Don't miss
Best things to do in El Nido & Palawan
- 01
Big and Small Lagoons
Kayak into hidden lagoons.
- 02
Nacpan Beach
A 4 km stretch of golden sand.
- 03
Island hopping
Tours A to D around Bacuit Bay.
- 04
Coron
Shipwreck diving nearby.
Day by day
El Nido & Palawan itinerary for 5 days
- D1
Day 1: Arrive in El Nido
- Morning
- Fly into El Nido's tiny airport from Manila.
- Afternoon
- Swim at Las Cabanas beach.
- Evening
- Watch the sunset at Corong-Corong with the limestone islands in silhouette.
Book flights early; the airport is small.
- D2
Day 2: Tour A: the lagoons
- Morning
- Island-hopping Tour A: kayak into the Big and Small Lagoons, enclosed by towering limestone cliffs.
- Afternoon
- Lunch of grilled fish on the boat and snorkelling at Seven Commandos Beach.
- Evening
- Dinner in El Nido town.
Kayak rental at the lagoons costs extra.
- D3
Day 3: Tour C: hidden beaches
- Morning
- Tour C: Hidden Beach, Secret Beach and Matinloc Shrine.
- Afternoon
- Snorkel over coral gardens.
- Evening
- A relaxed evening.
Bring water shoes for the rocky entries.
- D4
Day 4: Nacpan Beach
- Morning
- Take a tricycle to Nacpan Beach, a 4 km stretch of golden sand.
- Afternoon
- Lunch at a beach shack.
- Evening
- Sunset at a beach bar.
The ride takes about 45 minutes.
- D5
Day 5: Home
- Morning
- A last swim.
- Afternoon
- Fly back to Manila.
- Evening
- Connect home.
Leave a buffer for weather delays.
Shorter or longer
El Nido & Palawan in 4, 5 or 7 days
4 days in El Nido & Palawan
Follow days 1 to 4 above and leave out “Home”. Start early each day and book the main sights ahead.
7 days in El Nido & Palawan
Slow down with a free day for a spa, a cooking class or simply wandering.
What it costs
El Nido & Palawan trip budget
| Style | Per person, a day | 5 days for two |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $50 | $500 |
| Mid-range | $120 | $1,200 |
| Luxury | $450+ | $4,500 |
Stay, food, local transport and entry fees; travel to El Nido & Palawan is extra. Rough guides from recent prices, so check before you book.
Where to stay
Best hotels in El Nido & Palawan for every budget
What to eat
Food to try in El Nido & Palawan
Adobo
Chicken or pork braised in vinegar and soy.
Kinilaw
Filipino ceviche.
Grilled seafood
On the beach.
Getting there
How to reach El Nido & Palawan
- Travel
- Fly to El Nido from Manila, or to Puerto Princesa and drive 5–6 hours.
- Getting around
- Tricycles in town; boats for islands.
- Pay the environmental fee.
- Bring cash; ATMs are limited.
Before you go
What to pack for El Nido & Palawan
- Power bank and charging cables
- Passport and visa printouts
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Swimwear and flip-flops
- A small first-aid kit
- A reusable water bottle
- A forex card or some local cash
- Travel insurance
Good questions
El Nido & Palawan trip FAQs
How many days are enough for El Nido & Palawan?
5 days are enough to see the highlights: Big and Small Lagoons, Nacpan Beach, Island hopping. Add a day or two if you like a slower pace.
How much does a 5-day El Nido & Palawan trip cost?
Roughly $50 a day per person on a budget, $120 mid-range and $450+ for luxury, not counting travel to get there. For two people mid-range, that's about $1,200 for 5 days.
What is the best time to visit El Nido & Palawan?
Dec – May. December to May is the dry season, with calm seas for island-hopping tours.
Where should I stay in El Nido & Palawan?
Budget: Hostels in El Nido town (Town), from about $25 a night. Mid-range: Beach resorts in Corong-Corong (Corong-Corong), from about $120 a night. Luxury: El Nido Resorts Miniloc Island (Miniloc), from about $600 a night.
How do I reach El Nido & Palawan?
Fly to El Nido from Manila, or to Puerto Princesa and drive 5–6 hours.
Is 4 days enough for El Nido & Palawan?
Yes, if you focus: follow days 1 to 4 of the itinerary above and skip "Home". 5 days is the comfortable length.
What is the weather like in El Nido & Palawan?
December to May: 26–32°C.
What food should I try in El Nido & Palawan?
Adobo: Chicken or pork braised in vinegar and soy. Kinilaw: Filipino ceviche. Grilled seafood: On the beach.
How do I get around El Nido & Palawan?
Tricycles in town; boats for islands.
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