4 Days El Nido Itinerary Travel Guide

Last Updated on June 21, 2025 by Roxanne Tamayo

Are you searching for 4 Days El Nido Itinerary? With its dramatic limestone cliffs, crystal-clear lagoons, and vibrant marine life, El Nido, Palawan is a must-visit destination in the Philippines. Whether you’re after adventure, island-hopping, or total relaxation, this El Nido itinerary will help you plan the perfect escape in 2025.

I got an invite for a trip to Palawan and got a one-way ticket for free. The trip was from September 17 to 26, 2014. Everything was on the spot. I brought a rolling suitcase, my laptop bag, and a tripod while my friend is a backpacker so it was easy for him to bring his stuff. But then, that was the time I got the idea of backpacking as I see a lot of backpackers from different countries going to Palawan.

How to Get to El Nido

Direct flight to El Nido Airport (Lio) via AirSwift from Manila or Cebu

Fly to Puerto Princesa then take a 5–7 hour van ride to El Nido

The van ride from Puerto Princesa to El Nido cost P500 and it took us 5-7 hours to reach El Nido proper. We arrived in Puerto Princesa before lunch but we had to wait for other passengers before the van was full. Arrival in El Nido was at 7 PM.

4 Days El Nido Itinerary

I spent 10 days during my first trip to Palawan but here’s a 4 Days El Nido Itinerary you can enjoy.

First Day: Arrival & Town Exploration

• Check in at your hotel and explore El Nido town
• Grab lunch at Artcafe or Big Bad Thai
• Stroll along Calle Hama and shop for beachwear or local crafts
• Sunset at Las Cabanas Beach
• Dinner at Trattoria Altrove or Happy Home

🛏 Where to stay: Town proper or Corong-Corong for easy access to shops, tours, and dining

Second Day: Island Hopping Tour A – The Lagoons & Beaches

I think it was P1200 each person for the Tour A. The tour consists of Secret Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Big Lagoon, and Seven Commandos Beach. Lunch was prepared while we were having snorkeling.

Tour A is the most popular and covers iconic spots:

• Big Lagoon (or Small Lagoon*)
• Shimizu Island
• Secret Lagoon
• 7 Commandos Beach

💡 Tip: Bring waterproof bags, cash for environmental fees, and reef-safe sunscreen

🎒 Tour Price: ~₱1,200–₱1,400/person (includes lunch)

Third Day: Island Hopping Tour C – Hidden Coves & Snorkeling

For the tour C, we paid P800 and it was a great deal that the snorkeling gears and masks were free. It was because we booked the same agency during the Tour A and most of our Nacpan Beach and Las Cabanas trip were booked by the agency. I forgot the name because I lost the business card again.

Perfect for snorkeling and dramatic limestone scenery:

• Secret Beach
• Hidden Beach
• Matinloc Shrine
• Tapiutan Island
• Helicopter Island

🎒 Tour Price: ~₱1,400–₱1,600/person

📷 Don’t miss: Aerial shots via drone (allowed in open beach areas)

Fourth Day: Inland Adventure & Departure

Hike Taraw Cliff early for panoramic views (guided only)

Visit Nacpan Beach – 45 mins north by tricycle or van

Lunch at Sunmai Nacpan beach bar

Depart in the afternoon (van or flight)

Top Things to Do in El Nido (Besides Island Hopping)

Kayak through Big/Small Lagoon

Snorkel around Cadlao Island

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Zipline from Las Cabanas to Depeldet Island

Sunset cocktails at The Nesting Table or Republica Sunset Bar

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Scuba dive with local PADI centers (great reef walls)

In 2018, I had the chance to scuba dive in El Nido and it was all worth it.

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Pukka Bar

I had my nightlife for a reggae night together with the other backpackers. It was awesome because I’ve never been a night-life kind of girl. While everyone was having their rum cola, I only opted for mango shake, a bottled-water and some burgers and fries. I only spent a few hours as I had to get back to my room for my online work.

Nacpan Beach

It was raining the first few days in El Nido because of the typhoon at that time but we were able to spend a day at Nacpan Beach. From El Nido proper we opted for a tricycle ride, had our lunch there and spent the day swimming on the wavy beach. I suggest for a tricycle ride because it was a tiring trip but worth it.

Las Cabanas Beach

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Another day well spent at Las Cabanas Beach with friends. We also opted for a tricycle ride. We were just chilling on the beach, sipping some beer and mango shake, eating chips and had a nice chit-chat with friends.

Where to Stay in El Nido

Luxury Resorts

• El Nido Resorts (Miniloc or Lagen Island) – All-inclusive private island stays
• Pangulasian Island Resort – For ultimate luxury and seclusion

Mid-Range Favorites

• Frangipani El Nido – Boutique beachfront hotel in Corong-Corong
• Vellago Resort – Located on Seven Commandos Beach, boat access only

Budget-Friendly Options

• Spin Designer Hostel – Social, clean, and modern
• Happiness Hostel – Great food, vibes, and location in town
• Mad Monkey Hostel – For backpackers and party-goers

Travel Tips – 4 Days El Nido Itinerary

Bring cash – ATMs are limited

There is no ATM in El Nido so withdraw money from Puerto Princesa which is enough for your El Nido trip. It was crazy at that time that we panicked as we didn’t know where to get money. For Europeans, Western Union to the rescue and for me, I asked some friends who could send money through M Lhuillier.

Book tours in advance during peak season (December–May)

Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life

Respect local marine conservation rules

Pack light: flip-flops, swimsuits, dry bags, insect repellent

The Best Philippines Travel Itinerary and Guide for 10 Days

Overnight in Puerto Princesa

Blue Lagoon Inn and Suites

I only had a few photos but not with my DSLR camera. I didn’t pay anything for the accommodation as somebody paid for it. 😉 My iPad was busted so no photos but I was using my Huawei phone which was bad. Our stay was great, I wasn’t able to take a swim in their pool as I had to back home.

Related Article: 6 Best Places to Stay in Puerto Princesa Hotels with a Pool

Tiki Resto Bar

I didn’t bring my camera so I just spent the night with the people I was with before they go back to their home country. We enjoyed the music, some beers, some mango shakes for me, sandwiches and fries.

How much did I spend on the trip?

If you asked me, I spent around P15,000 for this trip as I was eating European food all the time during my stay in El Nido. If I went for street food, for sure it would be cheaper. Yes, I gained some fats for the whole trip. Then I booked a flight on the spot going back to Cebu for less than P2,000 and bought some souvenirs at Art Café. But then, I never regretted anything. That was the first time I had my first ever long-term trip for 10 days.

Interested to go to Coron? Then you should take a ferry from El Nido to Coron that will take 3 1/2 hours of travel.

Final Thoughts

El Nido offers a unique mix of raw beauty and unforgettable adventures. Whether you’re swimming through lagoons, chilling on hidden beaches, or savoring sunsets, El Nido is the kind of destination that stays with you long after you leave.

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