Maremegmeg Beach Neighborhood Guide (Updated 2023)

Discover the Ultimate Foodie Destination in El Nido

The Vanilla Beach Complex is just four kilometers from the heart of town, and it houses a wide variety of restaurants serving up everything from the town’s first big fast food chain—a McDonald’s, to an elevated cafe brunch at Hayahay Cafe. Shots of espresso can be found at Lazy Hammock Cafe, Giovanni’s offers a fresh slice of pizza, and D’Factory covers ice cream. Walking to the shoreline you we recommend you walk to the corner and back to see the options for you to choose from.

Tranquility and Happy Hour Within Reach

You may find peace at the corner of Las Cabanas, continuing a beach hike that will take you to Dolarog Beach Resort, taking you away from the crowds and giving spectacular views of the bay. Happy Hours can be found at Maremegmeg Beach Bar or The Beach Shack where DJs spin sunset beats. Sunset cocktails can be had at Blue Iguana Bar in front of the Vanilla Beach complex. And to unwind after a long day, pamper yourself with a massage at The Organic Spa.

Dream in Comfort, Wake up Refreshed: Find Your Perfect Resting Spot

If you’re planning to stay for a couple of days at Vanilla Beach, there are many perfect resting spots for you to choose from. There are beachfront places that feature an infinity pool like the newly constructed Mua Tala Hotel and the Maramegmeg Beach Club, both offering a stunning view of Bacuit Bay. Las Cabanas Beach Resort also has a pool that allows walk-ins (those dining) to take a dip. If you’re on a tighter budget, you can opt to stay in Orange Pearl Beach Resort or Las Cabanas Beach Resort, both providing simple and charming guestrooms and serving both international and local dishes. Lexias Hostel is also the local hostel host to in-house pan-Asian restaurant, Trival.

Thrills by the beach

After enjoying a sumptuous meal and drinks by the beach and basking in the golden sunset, it’s time to explore the pristine waters of Maramegmeg Beach. Guests can swim, snorkel, or go kayaking! The choice is yours. After some rest, do a hike up the hill  behind Orange Pearl. This will take you to the zipline which is 750 meters across Las Cabanas Beach to the nearby Depeldet islet. There, you’ll have a better view of Pinagbuyutan and Miniloc Island. It’s best to visit the islet in the morning for a cool and refreshing breeze! With its unique blend of relaxation and excitement, Maremegmeg Beach is the ultimate destination for your next beach getaway.

For the more active visitors, there are plenty of water activities available including stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking. Nearly all of the establishments along the beach have SUP boards and kayaks. Snorkeling gear can be rented at Orange Pearl, Las Cabanas, Beach Shack or Maremegmeg.

Kayaking is a nice sunset activity on the water. If you’re looking at more activity and a longer day on the water, we suggest kayaking directly across from the Maremegmeg Beach. On a calm day, we recommend heading to Papaya Beach (see map) or Seven Commandos Beach. To beat the crowds go early, Tour A ends at Seven Commandos, so it gets crowded by 3 PM onwards. Bring your masks and snorkels as there are plenty of fish and some turtles in the area. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, snacks, and drinking water. Papaya Beach has a coconut stand where you can have some fresh coconut juice to quench your thirst. Beer and soda are also available at the stand. There are some snacks available, but you won’t be getting any lunch here. For more selection, Seven Commandos, which is just a few-minute kayak away from Papaya, serves sandwiches and other snacks.

The shallow seashore is home to turtles, dugongs, and various fish. While snorkeling can be done in front of Beach Shack and Maremegmeg Beach Bar, the coral life is better fronting the Las Cabanas Beach Resort. Just across from this hotel is the tiny Depeldet Island, which hosts a marine sanctuary around its shores. There’s good marine life and few people there, though occasionally you’ll run into local fishermen throwing a line out.

If you prefer to stay on land, you can walk around the rocky island taking in some of Bacuit Bay’s most dramatic views. Also, note that Depeldet Island is the end of the 700-meter zip line. Depeldet is be reached by foot through a landbridge that connects it to the mainland even at high tide. Use footwear when walking around Depeldet for more protection from the rocky surface, though it is definitely doable with flip flops. The zipline costs PhP500/600 one way (sitting position/Superman position). *Note: If you’re going to Puerto Princesa and the Underground River area, there’s a lovely zipline there as well.

This is El Nido’s top day beach, which means there are some crowds, but you’ll have plenty of space during the rainy season. Walk five minutes past Las Cabanas corner and you’re nearly on your own.

From the highway to Las Cabanas, it’s a gentle 15-minute walk. Once you hit the corner of Las Cabanas you get great views of Pinagbuyutan and Malapacao Islands. You also get views of Miniloc Island, home of the Big and Small Lagoons. The walk along this shoreline goes on for many kilometers with very few tourists. Then, continue the walk and you’ll pass a treehouse a few minutes after Las Cabanas Resort, more beach. Beyond the rocky section, your next landmark is a small pier that is part of the Dolarog Beach Resort. After Dolarog Beach Resort, there are some more beach huts and villas. Once you get around the next corner, you’ll notice El Nido Resorts Materials Recycling Facility and then a lot of outrigger boats dry docked for repair. Bring a stick as there are sometimes dogs here. Eventually, you’ll reach the mangrove area about an hour or so from Las Cabanas Beach Resort. You can turn around or use the barangay road that loops back to the zipline to go back.