Kumusta, mga ka-DadBuhay!
El Nido has always been on our family’s travel bucket list, and finally, we got the chance to explore this tropical paradise! It was even more special dahil kasama namin ang mga bata — challenging, yes, but so worth it!
If you’re planning a family trip to El Nido, especially with little kids, here’s our tried and tested guide—with travel tips, things to do, and the best spots you shouldn’t miss.
✈️ Getting There: How to Reach El Nido
There are a few ways to get to El Nido from Manila:
- Direct Flight to Lio Airport (El Nido):
The fastest but more expensive option. This is ideal if you’re traveling with kids to avoid long land transfers. We chose this route dahil convenient for kids. - Via Puerto Princesa Airport:
This is what most families do to save on airfare. From Puerto Princesa, it’s a 5-6 hour van ride to El Nido. Pro tip: Book a private van if you’re with kids para may control sa stops and comfort.
🏨 Where to Stay: Family-Friendly Accommodation
We stayed in a hotel close to the town proper for convenience, with AC and hot shower (very important when traveling with kids!). From Lio Airpot it will take at least 15mins tricycle ride going to the hotel.
Recommended areas to stay:
- Corong-Corong: Quieter than the town center, with stunning sunset views.
- Lio Beach Area: Cleaner, more modern, and close to the airport.
- El Nido Town: Ideal if you want easy access to shops, restos, and tour pick-up points.
🛶 Island Hopping Tours – The Main Attraction
El Nido is known for its jaw-dropping limestone cliffs, turquoise waters, and secret lagoons. Island hopping is a must!
Tour Options:
- Tour A (Must-Do):
Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Seven Commandos Beach
👉 Perfect for first-timers and families - Tour C (Scenic):
Helicopter Island, Secret Beach, Hidden Beach, Matinloc Shrine
👉 More open-sea travel; not ideal for infants or easily seasick toddlers
Tips for Island Hopping with Kids:
- Bring life vests for toddlers (some boats don’t have kid-sized ones)
- Waterproof dry bags are lifesavers
- Bring snacks, water, extra clothes, and small towels
- Avoid peak sun hours (late morning tours are better with kids)
🌅 Other Activities & Places to Visit
If island hopping is too much for the little ones every day, here are calmer alternatives:
🏖️ 1. Nacpan Beach
Just a 45-minute drive from the town. The beach is wide, clean, and more relaxing. Perfect for sand play and safe for toddlers.
🌊 2. Las Cabanas Beach
Great for sunset watching. May mga cafés and restaurants nearby so pwede chill with the family.
🧗♂️ 3. Taraw Cliff Canopy Walk
A short guided climb with safety gear. Skip this if you’re with small kids, but for older kids or teens, it’s a fun and safe way to see El Nido from above.
🍽️ 4. Try Local Restaurants
Our kids loved the pizza and smoothies at Trattoria Altrove. We also found some quiet cafés serving rice meals (because: Filipino = kanin always!).
🎒 Packing Tips for Families
Here’s what we brought that saved us:
- Rash guards and sunblock (El Nido sun is intense)
- Mosquito repellent
- Travel potty (for our toddler)
- Snacks and familiar food (some picky eaters might not like island lunches)
- Power banks and portable fan
⚠️ Travel Reminders
- El Nido has improved a lot, but don’t expect big city comforts.
- Internet can be slow or spotty — embrace the slow life!
- Be kind to the environment — no littering, and follow local rules.
- Make sure not to drink tap water. As much as possible buy water bottled and drink with no ice. Para was diarrhoea kung hindi ma tibay and sikmura lalo na for kids.
🧡 Final Thoughts
El Nido gave us not just stunning photos but unforgettable memories — swimming in lagoons, building sandcastles on white beaches, and just spending time as a family, away from screens and schedules.
It reminded me of why we travel as a family — to reconnect, to experience new things, and to show our kids how beautiful the world (and the Philippines!) can be.
So, mga ka-DadBuhay, if you’re thinking about El Nido — go for it. Plan well, prepare for a few toddler tantrums, but most of all, enjoy every moment.
Next post, I will share how much young cost ng travel naming going to El Nido.
Until our next adventure,
— DadBuhay
DadBuhay 
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