El Nido, Palawan: A Dream Vacation in the Philippines

We’ve been fortunate to visit some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, from the crystal waters of Tahiti and Fiji to the pristine shores of the Caribbean and Hawaii. Even the Philippines wasn’t new to us, as Boracay Island had been one of our honeymoon stops years ago. Yet, despite all of that, El Nido still managed to leave us absolutely speechless.

A Warm Welcome to El Nido

Like our time in Bohol, our accommodation in El Nido was simple but clean, and the staff was incredibly welcoming. In fact, it was so basic that when Ash plugged in his phone to charge, it literally started smoking and blew up! It made for a funny story (after we found a replacement) and a reminder of the simplicity of our stay.

This time, however, we had the added bonus of being within walking distance of everything in town. It was the perfect setup for our family to explore, and explore we did! We couldn’t get enough of the freshly squeezed juices from the many local spots and made it a nightly ritual to visit the bustling street markets. Each evening, we found ourselves drawn to the festive stalls offering an endless array of mouthwatering dishes cooked right before our eyes.

Island Hopping Adventures with the Family

Daytime in El Nido was all about island hopping, one of the top reasons why it’s such a fantastic destination for a family vacation to the Philippines. Tour operators are everywhere, and the simplicity of choosing a tour—A, B, C, or D—made it easy. We did several tours, giving us the chance to see numerous lagoons and powdery white sand beaches.

One unforgettable highlight was the Secret Lagoon, where you duck through a small entrance to discover a secluded pool of clear turquoise water surrounded by towering rocks. Our kids had the time of their lives jumping into the water from the rocky edges, an experience they still talk about. Each stop along the tour was its own little paradise, with snorkeling opportunities, dramatic limestone cliffs, and warm, inviting waters.

The Charm of El Nido Beyond the Beaches

El Nido’s charm goes beyond its stunning scenery. We found cozy little cafés and coffee shops, took surf lessons, and met some of the friendliest people we’ve ever encountered. Every corner seemed to offer a new postcard-perfect view, making it easy to see why so many families choose this spot for a tropical getaway.

Even something as simple as wandering through town became an adventure. The lively markets, the smell of fresh seafood grilling, and the sound of music playing from small restaurants all made our evenings feel magical. It was a mix of relaxation and excitement, exactly what we wanted for our family vacation to the Philippines.

Tips for Traveling Families

A small word of advice for fellow travelers, especially those with kids: be prepared to swim to your boat when you go on tours. On our first day, we weren’t quite ready for this and quickly realized the importance of packing our essentials in dry bags. We also invested in water shoes after that initial day, which proved invaluable for walking over rough coral.

Another great tip is to take advantage of the fresh fruit smoothies and juices available everywhere. Not only are they refreshing in the tropical heat, but they’re also incredibly cheap compared to what we’re used to in Southern California.

Why El Nido is a Must-Visit on a Family Vacation to the Philippines

El Nido truly is a little slice of paradise, and without a doubt, it’s a place we hope to return to someday. It was the perfect mix of adventure, natural beauty, and family-friendly activities. If you’re planning a family vacation to the Philippines, El Nido should absolutely be on your list. Whether you’re exploring secret lagoons, savoring delicious street food, or simply soaking in the breathtaking views, it’s a destination that leaves a lasting impression on both kids and adults alike.

Would we go back? Absolutely. And next time, we’ll be even more prepared—with extra dry bags, stronger phone chargers, and an even greater appreciation for this incredible destination.