El Nido town is the perfect base for exploring Palawan — not just the famous island-hopping tours, but also a range of excellent day trips you can do independently by motorbike, trike, or boat. This guide covers the best day trips from El Nido town, how to get there, and what to expect.
| Day Trip | Distance | Transport | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nacpan Twin Beach | 17 km north | Motorbike / trike | ₱500–600 (bike) / ₱400–600 (trike) | Beach day |
| Duli Beach | 22 km north | Motorbike | ₱500–600 | Surfing, seclusion |
| Las Cabanas Beach | 4 km south | Trike | ₱80–100 | Sunset, zipline |
| Lio Beach | 7 km north | Trike / motorbike | ₱100–150 | Upscale beach clubs |
| Corong-Corong | 1.5 km south | Walk | Free | Sunset, seafood dinner |
| Maremegmeg Beach | 5 km south | Trike | ₱100–150 | Snorkeling, quiet beach |
Table of Contents
Nacpan Twin Beach
The most popular day trip from El Nido town. Nacpan’s twin-beach formation — two parallel stretches of golden sand separated by a sandbar — is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Philippines. Rent a motorbike (₱500–600/day) or hire a trike (₱400–600 return) for the 45-minute ride north.
Tips: Leave early (7:30–8am) to beat day-trippers. Bring cash and your own snacks. Allow a full morning minimum.
Duli Beach
El Nido’s wild, remote surf beach — 55–70 minutes north by motorbike on a rough road. Duli faces the open South China Sea and catches consistent swell, making it the only real surf spot near El Nido. Even non-surfers love the dramatic, uncrowded setting. Very limited facilities — bring food and water.
Best time: June–October for surf. Year-round for the scenery.
Las Cabanas Beach
Just 10 minutes by trike (₱80–100), Las Cabanas is El Nido’s go-to sunset spot. The beach has a zipline connecting to nearby Depeldet Island (₱350–500), beach bars, and unobstructed views of the Bacuit Archipelago at sunset. Small environmental fee (₱20) on entry.
Lio Beach
A 15-minute trike ride north, Lio Beach is home to El Nido’s upscale beach clubs and the Lio Tourism Estate. The beach itself is beautiful — calm, clear water with a more manicured feel than other El Nido beaches. Good option for a relaxed afternoon swim away from the town bustle.
Corong-Corong Beach
A 15-minute walk south of town, Corong-Corong is El Nido’s most accessible beach. Long, curved, and lined with seafood restaurants and guesthouses. Perfect for an evening stroll, sunset drinks, and fresh seafood dinner. No transport needed.
Maremegmeg Beach (Las Cabanas area)
A quieter alternative to Las Cabanas, Maremegmeg is a small beach with good snorkeling just offshore. Less crowded than the main tourist beaches, with a handful of local restaurants. Trike from town: ₱100–150.
Combining Day Trips
With a motorbike, you can combine Nacpan and Duli in one day (leave early, Nacpan in the morning, Duli for lunch, back by 4pm). For an afternoon/evening combo, do Las Cabanas for sunset then Corong-Corong for dinner — both accessible by trike for under ₱200 total.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best day trip from El Nido town?
Nacpan Twin Beach is the best day trip — stunning scenery, easy to reach, and a full beach day experience. For something wilder, Duli Beach is worth the longer ride.
Do I need a motorbike for El Nido day trips?
Not for all trips. Las Cabanas, Lio, and Corong-Corong are easily reached by trike. For Nacpan and Duli, a motorbike gives you more flexibility and is better value for a full day. See our motorbike rental guide for details.
Planning your itinerary? See our 3-day El Nido itinerary to fit these day trips into your schedule alongside island-hopping tours.
| Platform | Best For | El Nido Deals |
|---|---|---|
| Booking.com | Hotels, resorts, free cancellation | View deals → |
| Agoda | Best Asia prices, loyalty rewards | View deals → |
| Klook | Tours & activities | Browse tours → |
