Cadlao Island is the largest island in the El Nido area — a towering, jungle-covered limestone massif that dominates the view from El Nido town. It’s also one of the most diverse: home to the beautiful Cadlao Lagoon (visited on Tour D), pristine beaches on its western shore, excellent snorkeling reefs, and the haunting ruins of a Japanese lookout post from World War II. This guide covers everything to know about Cadlao Island.
Cadlao Island at a Glance
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Size | Largest island in the Bacuit Archipelago, ~7km long |
| Location | Directly visible from El Nido town, across the bay |
| Key attractions | Cadlao Lagoon, Pasandigan Cove, Japanese WWII lookout, reefs |
| Accessible via | Tour D (Cadlao Lagoon), private charter |
| Distance from El Nido town | ~15–20 min by bangka |
| Inhabitation | Small fishing communities on the north shore |
| Snorkeling quality | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent on the western reef |
What to See on Cadlao Island
1. Cadlao Lagoon
The highlight of Tour D, Cadlao Lagoon is an enclosed body of water on the island’s eastern side — smaller and calmer than Big Lagoon, with fewer boats and a more intimate atmosphere. The lagoon is surrounded by Cadlao Island’s dramatic jungle-covered limestone cliffs reflected in still, turquoise water.
- Swimming: Excellent — calm, clear, warm
- Kayaking: Some tours offer kayak rental inside the lagoon (₱150–₱200)
- Crowds: Significantly fewer boats than Tour A’s lagoons — one of Tour D’s biggest advantages
- Access: Tour D or private charter. See our Tour D Guide.
2. Pasandigan Cove
On Cadlao’s western shore, Pasandigan Cove is a hidden gem — a calm, sheltered cove with clear water and a small white-sand beach. It’s visited on Tour D and some private charters, but rarely crowded. The surrounding limestone formations create a dramatic backdrop.
- Swimming: Very calm — ideal for relaxed swimming and floating
- Snorkeling: Good coral reef extending from the rocky headlands
- Atmosphere: Secluded, quiet, rarely more than one or two boats
3. Japanese WWII Lookout Post
One of El Nido’s lesser-known historical sites, the ruins of a Japanese military lookout post from World War II survive on Cadlao’s southern cliffs. Japanese forces occupied parts of Palawan during 1942–1944, and this post was used to monitor ship movements through the Bacuit Channel.
- Access: Short hike from the beach — ask your guide or charter crew to show you the trail
- What remains: Concrete bunker ruins, rusted metal fittings, and panoramic views of the channel
- Historical note: The Japanese withdrawal from El Nido in late 1944 was part of the broader US Pacific campaign
- Best for: History enthusiasts; not on standard tour routes so requires a private charter or local guide arrangement
4. Cadlao’s Western Reef
The reef system along Cadlao’s western shore is among the healthiest in the immediate El Nido area. Hard coral coverage is excellent, fish diversity is high, and the proximity to town means it’s accessible without a full island-hopping tour.
- Depth: 2–12m along the reef slope — good for both snorkelers and divers
- Marine life: Parrotfish, surgeonfish, grouper, sea turtles, occasional eagle rays
- Access: Kayak from El Nido town (strong paddlers only — ~30 min); private charter; or dive trip
How to Visit Cadlao Island
| Method | Cost | What You Get | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tour D (group) | ₱1,500–₱2,000/person | Cadlao Lagoon + other stops | Budget travellers |
| Private charter | ₱6,000–₱9,000/boat | Cadlao Lagoon + Pasandigan + custom stops | Groups, flexibility |
| Kayak (from town) | ₱300–₱400/hr rental | Western reef snorkel | Fit paddlers only |
| Dive trip | ₱2,500–₱3,500 (2 tanks) | Cadlao reef dive sites | Certified divers |
Cadlao Island Tips
- Best on Tour D: Cadlao Lagoon is a Tour D stop — combine it with Bulalacao Island’s spectacular snorkeling for the best overall day on the water
- Private charter advantage: A private charter lets you spend more time at Cadlao Lagoon and visit Pasandigan Cove, which group tours may skip
- Visible from town: The dramatic profile of Cadlao Island is the view from El Nido’s beach — watching the sun set behind it from Corong-Corong is one of El Nido’s great moments
- Wildlife: Monitor lizards (bayawak) inhabit the jungle interior; harmless but impressive — up to 1.5m long
For the full Tour D experience including Cadlao Lagoon: Tour D Complete Guide
For all four tours: Tour Comparison Guide
For private charter options: Private Boat Charter Guide
