Most travelers arrive in Palawan with a plan to island hop every single day. But some of the best experiences in Palawan happen on land — waterfalls, viewpoints, village markets, and the drive between destinations that most tourists sleep through. This guide helps you decide how to split your time.
Quick Answer
Island hopping tours cost ₱1,200–1,400 per person per day and take you to El Nido’s famous lagoons and beaches. Land tours cost ₱800–1,200 per day and include waterfalls, viewpoints, and cultural sites. Most travelers benefit from a mix of both — 2 to 3 days island hopping and 1 day exploring by land.
Island Hopping in El Nido — What You Get
El Nido’s four standardized island hopping tours (A, B, C, D) run daily from the town pier. Each tour visits 4 to 6 stops including lagoons, beaches, caves, and snorkeling sites. Tours run approximately 9 AM to 5 PM and include a beach barbecue lunch.
| What you get | What you miss |
|---|---|
| Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Secret Beach | Interior Palawan landscapes |
| Pristine beaches inaccessible by land | Waterfalls and jungle trails |
| Snorkeling with tropical fish | Local village life and culture |
| Dramatic limestone cliff scenery | Viewpoints overlooking the bay |
| Beach barbecue lunch included | Local restaurants and street food |
Best for:
First-time El Nido visitors, beach lovers, snorkelers, anyone who wants the Instagram-worthy lagoon shots, and families with children who enjoy swimming and beach time.
Land Tours in El Nido — What You Get
El Nido’s land tour visits the town’s surrounding barangays, jungle viewpoints, and cultural sites by motorbike, tricycle, or rented scooter. Key stops include:
- Nagkalit-kalit Waterfalls — a 40-minute hike from Barangay Villa Libertad through jungle to a multi-tiered waterfall with swimming holes
- Taraw Cliff — a challenging 2 to 3 hour rock scramble above El Nido town with panoramic views of Bacuit Bay. One of the most memorable experiences in all of Palawan.
- Nacpan Beach — a 45-minute drive north of El Nido town, a 4 km beach that is almost always uncrowded compared to the island hopping beaches
- Corong Corong viewpoint — 15 minutes south of town, a hilltop sunset view over the bay
- El Nido town market — the morning wet market is a genuine local experience with fresh fish, tropical fruit, and Filipino street food
Best for:
Return visitors to El Nido, travelers who have done island hopping before, hikers, culture-focused travelers, and anyone who wants to see a different side of Palawan beyond the lagoons.
Cost Comparison
| Activity | Cost Per Person | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Island hopping Tour A (shared boat) | ₱1,200–1,400 | Full day (9 AM–5 PM) |
| Island hopping private boat | ₱5,000–8,000 per boat | Full day, flexible |
| Taraw Cliff guided hike | ₱600–800 | Half day |
| Nacpan Beach day trip by tricycle | ₱400–600 round trip | Half or full day |
| Nagkalit-kalit Waterfall hike | ₱300–500 including guide | Half day |
| Motorbike rental (self-drive) | ₱500–700 per day | Full day flexibility |
Recommended Schedule — 4 Days in El Nido
- Day 1: Island Hopping Tour A — Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Seven Commandos Beach
- Day 2: Island Hopping Tour C — Secret Beach, Helicopter Island, Matinloc Shrine
- Day 3: Land day — morning Taraw Cliff hike, afternoon rest, sunset at Corong Corong
- Day 4: Nacpan Beach by motorbike — depart early, full day on the empty beach, back for dinner
Getting to El Nido
The standard route to El Nido is a van transfer from Puerto Princesa — a scenic 5 to 6 hour drive covering 264 km. Book your Puerto Princesa to El Nido transfer here from ₱750 per person. Private vans from ₱7,500 for groups who want door-to-door service and flexible departure times.
