The rain didn’t take away from the experience, it actually made the island feel calm and refreshing.
I visited El Nido for the first time last August, right at the start of the rainy season. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it turned out to be one of the most peaceful trips I’ve had. The rain didn’t take away from the experience, it actually made the island feel calm and refreshing. The cliffs were covered in light fog, the air was cooler, and everything looked greener. It was El Nido without the crowds, and that made it special.
If you’ve got 72 hours here, here’s a simple food trip and itinerary you can follow to make the most of your stay.
Related story: You can now discover this 8-km. UNESCO World Heritage Site in Palawan with ease
Related story: Boracay, Palawan, Siargao voted among Asia’s best by Condé Nast Traveler readers
Day 1 – Arrival and first impressions
I took an early morning Cebu Pacific flight straight to Lio Airport. If you only have a few days, it’s better to fly to Lio instead of taking the long drive from Puerto Princesa. The Lime Resort El Nido team picked us up, and after a short ride, we were at the hotel.
My room at Lime Resort El Nido opened to a view of the cliffs and boats by the shore. Even though it was cloudy, it was beautiful. The hotel was modern, comfortable, and the staff were very welcoming.
We had lunch at Angkla Beach Club & Boutique Resort. The place was quite busy when we arrived, mostly with young travelers. The space felt lively and open, with a nice view of the sea. We had Filipino dishes that were flavorful and filling.
Dinner was at El Nido Boutique and Artcafe, a long-time favorite in town. The menu features fresh, local ingredients, and we got to chat with the owner who shared stories about life in El Nido. The place also sells local artworks and little souvenirs, and they often have live bands playing at night. It’s a great spot to unwind and get a feel of the local culture.
Day 2 – Island hopping and local eats
Breakfast at Lime Resort with a nice view of Bacuit Bay. Then we joined Señorita Travels for island hopping. Their guides were helpful and timed our trip so we didn’t run into big crowds.
We went to Small Lagoon, Cadlao Lagoon, and Helicopter Island. The light rain didn’t bother us, it made the limestone cliffs look even more striking. The sea was clear, perfect for kayaking and snorkeling. Having fewer people around made it feel like we had the place to ourselves.
Then after a fun tour, lunch was at Wonderland El Nido on Cadlao Island. The bamboo restaurant sits above the beach, and though the climb up was a bit steep, the view and food made up for it. We had a simple but delicious meal of grilled seafood, fresh fruits, and vegetables.
After the tour, we went back to our hotel, freshened up, recharged a bit and prepped for dinner at Chabacano by Panorama, where we shared paella and tapas. The restaurant had a fun and relaxed atmosphere with good music. It’s a nice place to enjoy food and drinks with your barkada or a night out with girlfriends.
Day 3 – Slow morning before flying back
On our last day, we had breakfast at Jeje El Nido, a cozy cafe in the town proper. Their Eggs Benedict was my favorite, it was simple, warm, and exactly what I needed after days of exploring. After breakfast, we dropped by Vanilla Beach for a short stroll and did a bit of pasalubong shopping at the nearby stores.
We spent the rest of the day relaxing at Lime Resort before checkout. The staff surprised us with a send-off lunch by the pool. It was a generous spread of their specials: truffle pasta, pizza, and salads. The rain had stopped, and it was a good way to end the trip.
Our last stop before the airport was Masa Bakery, famous for its sourdough and croissants. The bakery started in La Union and now has a branch in El Nido. I grabbed a few loaves to take home. It’s a good pasalubong option and perfect for breakfast the next day.
We had dinner at Isla Amara before flying back to Manila on our last day. Isla Amara is partly-owned by Kathryn Bernardo and Piolo Pascual, and it has a cozy, boutique feel. It’s just a few minutes from Lio airport,which makes it a great choice if you’re looking for a nice spot or a place to stay near your flight home.
By the way…
If you’re planning to visit soon, Lime Resort El Nido has an Always Summer promo running until October 31, 2025. Rates start at P4,200 per night, which already includes breakfast, access to resort facilities, and a free room upgrade. For around P6,500 per person, you can also get a stay with an island-hopping tour, perfect if you want a simple, all-in package without the hassle of planning everything yourself. Just a tip!
Before you book that flight…
Here are a few things I learned from my first trip to El Nido that might help you too:
El Nido had drinking water issues in the past, but things have improved over time. Still, it’s best to be careful. Always drink bottled or filtered water. Bring a refillable bottle and refill only from safe water stations at hotels or restaurants. Use bottled water when brushing your teeth, and avoid drinking straight from the tap. For extra safety, I also brought Erceflora with me since my stomach tends to be a bit sensitive when traveling.
Rainy season tips
- Mornings are usually clearer, so plan your island hopping or beach time early.
- Bring a light raincoat or poncho and a waterproof bag for your phone and camera.
- Wear sandals or quick-dry shoes since paths can get slippery and sand sticks easily.
- Don’t worry too much about the rain, it often passes quickly, and you can still swim or explore after.
Traveler tips
- Book tours ahead, especially if you want smaller or private trips.
- Pack light but don’t forget insect repellent and sunscreen, even when it’s cloudy.
- Support local cafes, restaurants, and shops; it’s nice to know your visit helps the community. I got a really nice handmade bracelet from a local store and it goes with almost all my outfits!
Related story: The new Four Points by Sheraton Palawan is your gateway to the Subterranean River National Park
Related story: Palawan named as Top Trending Destination for 2024 by Tripadvisor
Related story: Three PH nature spots join ASEAN’s five newest heritage parks
