★ Top sights 10
Laid-back fishing village with a long sandy beach and excellent snorkeling on surrounding reef islands. Perfect antidote to El Nido's crowds.
A hilltop shrine on Matinloc Island with sweeping views of the Bacuit Archipelago, combined with access to the famous Hidden Beach below.
Unique volcanic lake with a thermocline -- water shifts from cool to 38 C within meters. The resident barracuda is a famous photo subject.
Pristine 4 km white-sand beach north of El Nido, one of the best in the Philippines. Merges with Calitang Beach into a twin-beach peninsula.
Picturesque beach at the edge of El Nido town with a famous zipline over the sea. Excellent sunset views toward Cadlao Island.
Two connected lagoons separated by a limestone wall. At high tide, swim through an underwater crevice to reach the warmer inner lagoon.
Island-hopping area near Puerto Princesa with powder-sand islets, coral gardens and clear shallow water. Easy day trip from the capital.
UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. A navigable 8 km underground river through spectacular cave chambers.
The iconic El Nido lagoon enclosed by towering limestone karsts. Explore by kayak through crystal-clear emerald water. Tour A must-do.
A serene enclosed lagoon accessible only through a narrow rock entrance. Even more intimate than Big Lagoon, reached by swimming or kayak.
Activities & local 2
Gateway to Coron's WWII wreck diving and island lagoons. Climb Mt Tapyas for panoramic views over the island-speckled bay at sunset.
The main base for exploring the Bacuit Archipelago. Tour boats, restaurants and guesthouses line the beach; vibrant evening food scene.
Beaches & coast 3
Vibrant coral garden around seven limestone islets near Coron town. Excellent snorkeling with sea turtles, nemo fish and tropical reef life.
One of the most accessible WWII Japanese wrecks in Coron, lying in shallow water. Good for snorkelers and beginner divers alike.
UNESCO World Heritage dive paradise in the Sulu Sea, reachable only by liveaboard from Puerto Princesa (March to June season). World-class walls and pelagics.
Getting there 3
Small airport 10 km from El Nido town, with direct flights from Manila. Saves the 5-hour van ride from Puerto Princesa.
Airport on Busuanga island serving Coron town (45 km away by road). Direct Manila flights; transfers by van or boat.
Main gateway to Palawan. Frequent flights from Manila and Cebu; direct connections from Singapore and other regional hubs.
Nature 2
Dubbed the cleanest lake in Asia. A stunning freshwater lake inside limestone cliffs on Coron Island. Reached by a staircase with a famous viewpoint.
Hidden lagoon on Miniloc Island, reached by swimming through a small crevice in the cliff. Compact but unforgettably beautiful.