1. Because you can observe unspoiled nature up close and at it best

A scenic archipelago of forty-five islands located within majestic Bacuit Bay, El Nido not only is dotted with limestone cliffs and powdery white beaches; it is a world-class showcase of marine biodiversity, with a chance to learn and observe nature over land and underwater. The entire province of Palawan itself is protected as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

 

2. Because you can “hop” from island to island, eat on the beach, and go hiking or caving

The best way to discover El Nido is to take one of a number of “island hopping” tours around the bay to swim, hike, snorkel, and eat (packed lunches are offered). Snake Island is a popular pitstop; here your boatman/guide will set up a rustic lunch consisting of barbecued meat or seafood and fresh fruit while you explore the mangroves and picture-pretty sandbar that disappears with the tide. Take a quick twenty-minute hike up to the top of the island, and you’ll be rewarded with one of the best views of Bacuit Bay.

 

3. Because, they say, Alex Garland’s The Beach was originally inspired by El Nido

Locals allege that novelist Alex Garland, author of The Beach, was staying in El Nido when he discovered a secret lagoon that is now portrayed in the book (and in the movie) as Koh Phi Phi in Thailand.This secret beach is said to be that on the tiny islet of Matinloc. Go exploring at the now abandoned religious shrine, or climb the limestone’s jagged edges to get a view of nearby Tapiutan Island.

 

4. Because catching the sunrise in Bacuit Bay is magnificent

When in beautiful tropical islands like Palawan, you must start your day early. Get up at the crack of dawn, as the sun begins to dawn just a little past 5 a.m., and you’ll catch a magnificent sunrise break out into Bacuit Bay’s translucent waters, its limestone karst cliffs serving as dramatic backdrop as the sun rises to the sky. 

 

5. Because adventure reality shows and action movies have showcased the beauty of El Nido

El Nido was the first of three sites to have been featured in European editions of the Survivor Franchise (France, Sweden), The Amazing Race USA Edition, and movies like The Bourne Legacy (2012). In particular, views of El Nido’s Big Lagoon, adjacent to Miniloc Island, were featured in these programmes; (again) paddle your own kayak or hop aboard a pumpboat to explore this area’s tranquil waters.