Most El Nido visitors spend every day on a boat. The inland tour is the exception — a land-based day through northern Palawan’s jungle to Nagkalit-Kalit waterfalls, past the Lio Estate, and along the full length of Nacpan Beach. It is a complete change of pace from the island-hopping circuit and rewards travellers who include it in their itinerary.
Table of Contents
Inland Tour at a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Also called | Tour E, Land Tour, Inland Beaches and Waterfalls Tour |
| Main stops | Nagkalit-Kalit Falls, Nacpan Beach, (optionally Lio Estate) |
| Distance from El Nido Town | 21 km to the falls / 45 km to Nacpan |
| Shared tour price | 800-1,200 PHP per person |
| Independent (motorbike) cost | 500 PHP motorbike rental + 300 PHP falls entrance + 300 PHP guide |
| Duration | Half day (falls only) or full day (falls + Nacpan) |
| Difficulty | Moderate — 20-40 min jungle hike to falls |
| Best time | Morning; early departure before midday heat |
Nagkalit-Kalit Falls
Nagkalit-Kalit Falls is El Nido’s most accessible waterfall and one of the few inland natural attractions that rivals the island-hopping tours for sheer beauty. Located in Barangay Pasadena, 21 km north of El Nido Town on the road to Nacpan Beach, the falls consist of two cascades — a large main fall and a smaller companion — emptying into a natural pool large enough for swimming.
The Hike
From the road, the trail to the falls is 20-40 minutes through dense jungle. The path crosses several small river crossings that require wading through ankle-to-knee-deep water — wear appropriate footwear. A local guide (300 PHP) is available and recommended at the trailhead; without a guide, the trail can be difficult to follow in the wet season when vegetation overgrows the path markers.
- The first crossing is approximately 10 minutes from the road; after this, the path becomes more jungle trail than creek
- Bring water — the hike is not long but humidity under the jungle canopy makes it feel warmer than the coast
- The sound of the falls becomes audible about 5 minutes before you reach them — a reliable signal that you are on the right path
- The natural pool at the base of the main fall is chest-deep in the centre; cool, clear, and refreshing after the hike
Costs at Nagkalit-Kalit
| Item | Cost (2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Entrance fee | 300 PHP | Paid at the trailhead; barangay-managed |
| Local guide | 300 PHP | Optional but strongly recommended |
| Life jacket (if needed) | Included | Pool is not dangerous but available for non-swimmers |
Best Time to Visit
Morning is ideal — the sunlight filters through the jungle canopy and illuminates the pool in a way that afternoon light cannot replicate. During the wet season (June-October), the falls volume increases dramatically and the pool fills; the hike is muddier but the falls are more dramatic. In the dry season, the flow is more modest but the hike is cleaner.
Tour E: The Inland Beaches and Waterfalls Tour
Tour E is El Nido’s official inland tour operated by accredited operators. Unlike Tours A-D which are boat-based, Tour E uses a tricycle or van to explore the northern interior of Palawan.
Standard Tour E Itinerary
- Departs: El Nido Town, typically 8-9 AM
- Stop 1: Nagkalit-Kalit Falls (1.5-2 hours including hike)
- Stop 2: Lio Estate / Lio Beach (optional 30-minute stop at the upscale eco-tourism area)
- Stop 3: Nacpan Beach (2-3 hours; lunch available from beach bars)
- Returns: El Nido Town, approximately 4-5 PM
Tour E Pricing (2026)
| Option | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shared Tour E | 800-1,200 PHP / person | Min 2 people; tricycle or van; guide included |
| Private Tour E | 2,500-4,000 PHP / group | Private vehicle; flexible schedule |
| Online booking | Similar or slightly higher | Klook, Viator, GetYourGuide sell Tour E packages |
Note: Tour E does NOT include the 200 PHP island-hopping environmental fee (that fee applies to marine area stops only). The falls entrance fee (300 PHP) is typically included in Tour E packages — confirm with your operator before booking.
Doing It Independently by Motorbike
The independent motorbike route is the most popular way to do the inland tour. A rental motorbike costs 500-700 PHP per day in El Nido Town; the road to Nagkalit-Kalit and Nacpan is straightforward and well-signed. No driving licence is strictly checked locally, but Philippine law requires one — riding at your own risk assessment.
Self-Drive Directions
- From El Nido Town, take the main road north (Busuanga Road / National Highway)
- After approximately 18-20 km, look for the Nagkalit-Kalit Falls sign on the right; the trailhead is a short distance off the road in Barangay Pasadena
- After the falls, continue north on the same road for another 23 km to Nacpan Beach
- Total riding time from El Nido Town to Nacpan: approximately 45-60 minutes including the falls stop
- The road is mostly paved with some rougher sections; manageable on a standard automatic scooter
Self-Drive Cost Breakdown
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Motorbike rental (full day) | 500-700 PHP |
| Petrol (round trip) | ~100 PHP |
| Nagkalit-Kalit entrance fee | 300 PHP |
| Local guide at falls | 300 PHP (optional) |
| Food and drinks at Nacpan | 400-800 PHP |
| Total independent day | ~1,600-2,200 PHP |
The independent route is cheaper than Tour E, gives you full flexibility on timing, and allows you to spend more time at the falls or Nacpan without a group schedule. It is the preferred approach for most backpackers and couples who rent motorbikes.
Nacpan Beach: The Inland Tour’s Highlight
Most visitors to the falls combine it with a full morning or afternoon at Nacpan Beach — the 4 km twin-arc beach 45 km north of El Nido Town widely regarded as the finest in the area. The falls make an excellent first stop on the way to Nacpan (or a refreshing final stop on the way back).
From the falls trailhead, Nacpan is a further 23 km north (approximately 25-30 minutes by motorbike). The road passes through small fishing villages and coconut plantations — the journey is part of the experience.
Full Nacpan Beach guide: Nacpan Beach Complete Guide 2026.
Inland Tour vs Island Hopping: Which Day?
The inland tour is the ideal break from consecutive boat days in the island-hopping schedule. The physical contrast — jungle hike, freshwater pool, long beach walk — provides a completely different kind of El Nido day.
- Best placement: Day 4 of a 5-7 day trip, after completing Tours A and C on days 2-3. Nacpan Beach is also excellent as a weather-backup day if a tour cancels
- Wet season advantage: The inland tour is significantly more reliable in wet season than boat tours. The falls are at their most dramatic in high water; Nacpan Beach remains accessible regardless of sea conditions
- Not a substitute for island hopping: The inland tour is different, not comparable. Include it as an addition to the tour circuit, not a replacement
What to Pack
- Water shoes or old trainers for the river crossings on the hike
- Swimwear (for the falls pool and Nacpan Beach)
- Insect repellent (the jungle trail to the falls has mosquitoes)
- 2+ litres of water (limited drinking water available at the falls trailhead)
- Cash (300 PHP for entrance + 300 PHP guide; no ATMs on route)
- Dry bag or waterproof case (phones get wet at river crossings)
- Reef-safe sunscreen for Nacpan Beach
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Nagkalit-Kalit Falls from El Nido?
Nagkalit-Kalit Falls is 21 km north of El Nido Town in Barangay Pasadena. Options: rent a motorbike (500-700 PHP/day) and ride independently, book Tour E through a local operator (800-1,200 PHP), hire a tricycle for a private trip (approx. 1,500-2,000 PHP return), or ask your hotel to arrange a private day tour. The motorbike route is the most popular among independent travellers.
Do I need a guide to visit Nagkalit-Kalit Falls?
A guide is not legally required, but it is strongly recommended, especially in the wet season when the trail becomes harder to follow. Local guides are available at the trailhead for 300 PHP. They know the path, can help with the river crossings, and are worth the cost for peace of mind.
Is the inland tour worth it in El Nido?
Yes — especially for visitors staying 5+ days who are looking for variety beyond island hopping. Nagkalit-Kalit Falls is a genuine highlight: the jungle hike, natural swimming pool, and total absence of tourist crowds make it one of the most memorable El Nido experiences for travellers who do it. Pair it with Nacpan Beach for a perfect full day.
Plan Your El Nido Itinerary
Combine the inland tour with the island-hopping circuit using our 7-day El Nido itinerary. For island-hopping tours, see our guides to Tour A, Tour C, and Tour D.
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