7 days in El Nido, Palawan

A 7-Day Palawan Itinerary

Planning a trip to Palawan? Here’s a guide to how you can spend 7 amazing days exploring this tropical paradise. From island hopping to jungle treks and glamping by the beach, this itinerary will help you make the most of your time in one of the Philippines’ most beautiful destinations.

Day 1 – Fly from Manila to Lio

Start your adventure with a quick flight from Manila to Lio! Once you land, settle into your accommodation in El Nido. If you prefer a quieter vibe, I’d recommend staying in Corong-Corong. Here are some great options:

1. Hostel: Kame House Backpackers
2. Hotel: Suites by Eco Hotel
3. Coffee/Breakfast: Blend & Grind
4. Dinner/Drinks: Lion’s Sunset Lounge

After settling in, rent a scooter and start beach-hopping! There are loads of beaches around El Nido to explore. We visited Lio Beach and it was absolutely stunning—plenty of bars and restaurants serving great food and drinks.

Pro tip: Watch out for sand flies on the beaches. Coconut oil works wonders to keep them away!

Once you’ve soaked up some sun, head back to your accommodation and book yourself a tour. These usually cost around ₱1,500 per person. Just a heads-up: Tour A is super crowded in January (we learned this the hard way!). If we had to do it again, we’d opt for Tour D instead.

Pro tip: Grab a waterproof bag from the beach vendors. They’ll cost around ₱500-₱800. Those cheap phone cases? Spoiler alert: not actually waterproof.

Wrap up your day with Happy Hour at Lion’s Sunset Lounge (3 PM–5 PM). Their cocktails are top-notch, the menu is super varied, and the sunset views are unbeatable.

Day 2 – Enjoy Your Tour!

Kick off the day with your tour and explore the beautiful islands around El Nido.

Pro tip: Be prepared to get wet as soon as you arrive at the boat! Wear something you don’t mind getting soaked, and bring a shirt to protect your skin from the sun. A towel always comes in handy, and don’t forget to pack plenty of water. Keep any electronics safely tucked away in your dry bag.

In the evening, scooter into El Nido town for some hustle and bustle. There are loads of bars to choose from, but we loved Sava for its chilled vibes and live music. If you’re in need of some relaxation, head to one of the many spas along the main strip for a massage.

Not drinking? No problem—El Nido has plenty of smoothie stalls and ice cream spots to satisfy your cravings.

Pro tip: ALWAYS park your scooter in designated parking areas. Ours got impounded, and we had to pay ₱500 to get it back. Lesson learned! 😂

Day 3 – Check-In at Parada Beach Glamping

Before heading to Parada, drop off your scooter in town and grab breakfast at Hama Coffee. Their coffee is great, and it’s the perfect spot to chill while you wait for your pick-up (11 AM from the town square).

Stock up on snacks for the next fee days—you might not need them, but I was craving salty crisps and fresh fruit the whole time!

You will arrive at Parada anywhere between 1:30 and 4 PM, depending on the waves. The bus journey from El Nido to Sibultan is around 1 hour & then the same for the boat.

Make sure to pack your electronics and valuables in a waterproof bag because the ride can get a little bumpy. 😂

Once you arrive, settle into your glamping setup and try some fresh fish for dinner. The whole menu is tasty but the fish is next level.

Day 4 – Island Hopping

Parada offers a private island-hopping tour starting at ₱1,500. If no one else joins, you’ll have the boat to yourselves! A local guide usually comes along, and they’ll pack snacks and cold drinks for you. If the weather’s good, this is an absolute must-do.

Prepare in the same way for this island hopping experience as your last.

Day 5 – Jungle Trekking

Get up early and hike to the jungle viewpoint! Locals and even the resident dogs will lead the way—it’s a tiring but fun experience.

If you’re not feeling a full hike, take a relaxing walk into the nearby town of Pical. Here, you’ll see boatmakers hard at work and can grab a cold drink from a local store.

Day 6 – Check Out of Parada

Time to leave Parada and head back to El Nido for one final night before continuing your journey.

Day 7 – What’s Next?

Whether you’re flying back home or heading to your next destination, you’ll be leaving Palawan with plenty of unforgettable memories (and maybe a tan, if you’re lucky).

I hope this guide helps you make the most of your time here. Palawan is truly magical—enjoy every second of your adventure!

A Few Things to Note:

1. The weather in Palawan is unpredictable—don’t rely on your phone’s forecast!
2. You can get sunburnt even when it’s cloudy, so always wear sunscreen.
3. Locals are incredibly relaxed, and timings are flexible—boat trips and journeys often take longer than expected. Go with the flow and enjoy the ride!
4. Bring a refillable flask bottle. There are refill points almost everywhere, making it easy to stay hydrated and eco-friendly.

Visit our instagram @nomad_couple to see some images & videos of our time in Palawan.

Thank you for reading!