6-Day El Nido, Philippines Itinerary: Relaxation and Adventure Awaits
Planning a dreamy getaway to El Nido, Philippines? This 6-day itinerary has everything you need from where to stay and eat to must-do activities, cost breakdowns, and transportation tips.
El Nido is a paradise for those who want a mix of adventure and relaxation, and I'm excited to help you plan your Philippines getaway! This trip was particularly special to me. It was my first time back after 10 years, and I got to share this experience with my husband, who'd never been before. Needless to say, it was an unforgettable journey.
Day 1-4: Our Stay at a Luxury Resort in the Philippines
We started our journey with a direct flight from Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Lio Airport ($110/pp). Flying here is the easiest way to reach this top destination in the Philippines. I remember my first visit when the only option was to fly into Puerto Princesa, Palawan, and endure a grueling 4-5 hour drive to El Nido. The new airport is a game-changer!
Upon landing, the wonderful team from Cauayan Island Resort greeted us and escorted us to their private boat. The journey from the airport to the resort took about 30-40 minutes by car and boat.
Tip: While taxis and tricycles (aka "tuk-tuks") are available at the airport, most mid-to-high-end hotels, like Cauayan, offer transportation—a much more seamless experience.
Cauayan Island Resort was absolutely stunning. The lush greenery, turquoise waters, and luxurious villas made it feel like a slice of paradise. The warm welcome with refreshing drinks and a thorough briefing on resort amenities set the tone for our stay. We opted for the all-inclusive meal plan ($120 a day per person), which turned out to be a fantastic value—everything from the fresh seafood to the tropical cocktails was top-notch. The package included a three-course meal for lunch and dinner and unlimited drinks. All guests get to enjoy an incredible complimentary breakfast buffet.
Although our first choice of villa wasn't available on our first night, we ended up loving the spacious beach villa (PHP 35,000 or $598 per night) we stayed in. While the water villa (PHP 40,000 or $684 per night) offers a unique view, it felt a bit tight for us. Both options are great, but we'd recommend the beach villa for its airy design and direct access to the shore. Watch my videos to get an inside look at the beach villa and water villa.
For the rest of our stay, we mainly relaxed and enjoyed the complimentary amenities and activities:
Spa Experience: I treated myself to a 90-minute signature massage ($100) in a serene spa overlooking the ocean. It was pure bliss, and I even spotted a baby shark swimming nearby—an unexpected but exciting surprise!
Fitness: The air-conditioned gym was a rare treat in the Philippines and perfect for keeping up with our routine.
Water Activities: The resort provides complimentary kayaks, snorkeling gear, water shoes, and paddleboards, so you'll never run out of things to do.
Wildlife Encounters: On our last day, we saw a few blacktip sharks near the shore, adding a touch of adventure to our stay.
Guided Hiking Tour: The resort also offers a guided hiking tour that takes you through lush trails with stunning views of the island's natural beauty.
Day 4: Exploring Marimegmeg Beach
On Day 4, we checked out of the resort and returned to the mainland to explore other parts of El Nido. We asked the Cauayan team to help us get to our next stay, and they were more than happy to do so. A short walk from Vanilla Beach led us to the golden sands and serene waters of Marimegmeg Beach. Let me tell you, the incredible views of the surrounding islands will shock you!
Tip: Ask your taxi or tricycle driver to take you to Vanilla Beach, the main access point for Marimegmeg Beach.
We stayed at a gorgeous jungle villa called Colibris Corner, perched on a hill with breathtaking views. While the location was a bit tricky to find, the host's team ensured a smooth arrival, even helping us with our luggage. The rates depend on the villa size and season. We booked the Amelia room in October, which sleeps three, for under $200 per night through Airbnb.
After we were done oohing and ahhing at our villa and view, we went to El Nido Private Yachting Club to book our island/boat tour. While the price was higher than most companies (I recommend shopping around beforehand, as tours can be as low as $20), we opted for convenience and booked it for $72. We got incredibly lucky because no one else booked that day, so we ended up with a private tour (which would've cost $500+, so who really won here?)—more on our boat day on Day 5!
Tip: Keep your Eco-Tourism Development Fee (ETDF) receipt for your next stay to avoid getting an additional charge. The cost is PHP 400 per person.
After booking, we spent the evening at Marimegmeg Beach Club for dinner and sunset views. The food and vibes were 10/10, with a laid-back atmosphere that was the perfect way to end the night.
Day 5: el nido island hopping
We started the day with a workout at a local gym, El Nido CrossFit—an unexpected but fun addition to our itinerary. Breakfast at Tanaw Restaurant was delightful, followed by coffee at The Beach Shack. The iced ube latte here is a must-try—a creamy, dreamy concoction that's perfect for a tropical morning.
Our first stop was the breathtaking Big Lagoon, where kayaking amidst towering limestone cliffs and turquoise waters felt like stepping into a natural paradise. We rented a kayak for PHP 300—about $5—which was the best way to explore since it let us get up close to all the incredible rock formations.
Next, we enjoyed lunch on a private island owned by the tour company. The setup was idyllic—think lounge chairs, fresh bento boxes, and adorable guard dogs! Despite a little rain, we couldn't resist a swim before heading to Hidden Beach, accessible only by swimming through a narrow limestone passage. This secluded gem truly lived up to its name (and yes, it'll stay hidden—no waterproof phone case here!).
To top it all off, Matt got to steer the boat on the way back, ending our day on a high note. From stunning views to an attentive crew, this boat tour was a 10/10. Watch my vlog about our boat day in El Nido, Philippines, here.
Day 6: Final Day and Departure
Thanks to our villa host at Colibris Corner, we learned that tricycles start parking as early as 5 am at the Vanilla Beach entrance. For a more comfortable ride, Colibris Corner can help you book a van or car to the airport if you notify them ahead of time—the cost ranges between PHP 1,500 and 2,000. We opted for a tricycle ride for PHP 400. Despite having a fair amount of luggage, the driver managed to fit everything.
Tip: Keep some cash on hand for snacks or small purchases at the airport, as credit card options may be limited.
El Nido exceeded our expectations with its blend of natural beauty, luxury accommodations, and friendly locals. Whether kayaking in crystal-clear waters, indulging in a beachfront massage, or sipping an iced ube latte with a view, this destination offers something for everyone.
I hope this itinerary helps you plan your own dreamy El Nido escape. Let me know in the comments if you've been or are planning to visit—I'd love to hear about your adventures!
