Introduction to Lio Beach
If you want to get out of the hustle and bustle of El Nido’s main town, Lio Beach provides a much cleaner, quieter experience with a spacious, swimmable beachfront. Beautiful scenery and peaceful surroundings all come together in perfect harmony to create this close-knit community. The proximity of Lio Airport makes for a leisurely staycation. Exploring the town just 25 minutes south is easy as there’s a free hourly shuttle, shuffling guests back and forth. Half an hour north takes you to Nacpan Beach. Go just a little further and end up in Duli Beach, where you can surf. Lio Neighborhood has many activities that refresh your soul and connect you with nature. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing vacation, a new home, or in the mood for a warm and hearty breakfast, a delicious lunch, or a comforting dinner, the neighborhood has something for you. Enjoy top-notch accommodations at one of the many hotels and resorts, where you can lounge by the pool, indulge in a spa treatment, or dine on delectable cuisine.
What to do in Lio Beach
Kalye Artisano
Wake up to a gorgeous view of Lio Beach. Start your day with a cup of coffee at Kalye Artisano. Some locals start their kids off in Kalye Artisano — dropping them off at Earth School, pulling up their laptops, and grabbing a coffee from Islas Makinas while waiting for weather and water condition updates from the baristas who also want to go out surfing in Duli, Caalan, or Lamoro Beach. Kalye Artisano also hosts cultural events, Thirsty Thursdays, live music, and several other events. If you’re loving it there, try checking in to the newly opened Bahay Artisano.
For the adventurous spirit, there’s an endless array of activities to explore, from kayaking and surfing to hiking and beachcombing. Experience paddling through the calm waters of Lio’s natural freshwater lagoon, or try the stand-up paddling by the beach. Stay active while on vacation! Invite neighborhood folks for a friendly game of volleyball, beach soccer, American football, or frisbee. Equipment is available at the Lio Beach Activity Hut. You can also choose a self-guided trek or take a guided tour from Kalye Artisano. A 30-40-minute leisure hike through Lio’s forests leads to a deck with a panoramic view of the bay.
From the Lio pier to the opposite side of the beach, it’s a short 10-15 minute one-way. This can be done by foot, or with a bamboo bike when the tide isn’t high. Our favorite walk is the Wetlands Trail, as you are immersed inside Palawan wetlands, complete with birds, native tropical trees, and the rhythms of nature.
Where to Eat in Lio Beach
Get your work done at Liam’s Beach Cafe while having brunch, or start your day on a zen note with a yoga session with Bek at Yoga Tayo (there’s also refreshing coconut for you to enjoy). Looking for a healthy morning meal? Grab a Power Bowl or a delicious coffee with an elevated beach view.
For lunch, satisfy your cravings at The Clay Kitchen for wood-fired brick-oven pizza, or treat yourself to the mouth-watering roasted pork belly and ribs. Seafood lovers can indulge in the freshest catch at Red Crab. If you’re looking for a wider range of options, head to Globy’s conveniently located by the pier. There’s also a gem waiting for you to discover – Punta Playa, which is a Chiringuito (pronounced chee-reeng-gee-toh), a traditional Spanish bar and restaurant. For seafood and Filipino hits, pop into Elnido Grill right at the center of it all.
Soon to open is La Moro Hill Bakery. Known for its mouth-watering sourdough loaves baked fresh daily by the talented Yana, this bakery is a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth. But that’s not all – La Moro Hill is also a commissary supplying bread to many local establishments and residents. So what’s on the menu, you ask? Some of the most popular items include the flaky Sagana Croissant and the cinnamon-sugar-coated Cinnamon Knots.
What more could you want on a sunny day at the beach? For coffee lovers, Lamoro Hill has got you covered with a drink menu that’s reminiscent of Islas Makinas, featuring a variety of coffee options that will satisfy any caffeine craving.
On the way out there’s Sitio Uno home to Bento Box and AirSWIFT Picks good spots for picking up snacks. Mr. G’s Laundry Shop covers you’re washing needs. One destination we love out here is the Lost Islands Center for Kape in El Nido, aka LICK, a space designated for caring and roasting specialty and premium Philippine coffees. For cupping sessions or info on their upcoming Kape Kamp reach out to Director Silvester Dan Samonte. Good Earth also recently opened up with
Along the highway, when you’re making your way up north, pop into any of the roadside digs: Kape Ni Manang is considered a favorite local hangout, Kusina ni Maya are the new kids on the block, and 86’d Gourmet Cafe x Bar serves burgers. On your way back, hit up Charlie’s for a romantic poolside meal, or check into their in-house spa for some relaxing treatment.
All hotels are within a minute’s walk to a clean and beautiful beach with a variety of restaurants and shops nearby. A quiet nightlife exists with a few drinks in hand, this place is a great area to escape the crowds. Live music can sometimes be found at El Nido Grill or Clay Kitchen.
Where to stay in Lio Beach
Charlie’s El Nido is our go to in the neighborhood. They’ve got frequent shuttles to and from town and Lio Beach, a great spa, a gym to workout in, and of course a pool. Service is great and they’ve are focused on sustainability with GM Ed Franco at the forefront of it all.
On the beach Huni and Balai Adlao are good options. Isla Amara is also located at Lio Beach and was renovated just a few months ago after being acquired by celebrities Piolo Pascual and Katlyn Bernardo as well as some business partners.
SEDA is you’re go to for conferences, weddings, and big gatherings. Their ginormous 1,800 square meter pool might make you forget there’s a beach in front of you. For the kids, there’s a Children’s Playroom and Game Room. For the adults, there’s a SEDA spa, and for meals, they’ve got an in-house restaurant, Misto.
Related
