Welcome to El Nido in the rainy season. Our assumption you’re reading this because you’re here or planning on being here for the rainy season. Or you may have simply been out of luck during the high season and gotten a day when island-hopping tours are canceled. Regardless, we’ve got you covered as there are still tons of activities in and around town whether food-related, nature-driven, or of cultural interest.
Taraw Cliff
The Canopy Walk provides a safe and alternative to the more dangerous Taraw Cliff (which has had a few fatalities over the past couple of years). This tour takes you over a hanging bridge that leads to your 10 minutes hike up the limestone cliffs that tower of El Nido town. Once at the end there are spectacular views of Bacuit Bay and El Nido town. This can be combined with pretty much any other activity on your itinerary given it’s location in town and duration.
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Go windsurfing in Corong-Corong
Earlier this year Amihan Kite Windsurf Cafe (owners of Art Cafe) opened up in Tenegiban and has gotten more locals playing outdoors on the water. However as the winds changed and habagats come in they’ve set up a launching point for kiting and windsurfing in Corong-Corong at Panorama Beach Resort.
Dewil Mangrove Tour
Head east and hit both Ille Cave and the Dewil Mangrove Tour. Be ready for sandflies but the adventure is quite spectacular as you take a small motorized banca to Imorigue Bay through 7 kilometers of thick mangroves.
For bookings call in advance 0975 578 4766
Option 1- 1 hour River Tour only 500 php per person
Option 2- Half Day Tour- River Tour + Snorkeling in Imorigue Bay- 1000 php per person w/o lunch 1500 php per person w/ lunch
Whatsapp and Phone Number +63 975 578 4766
Go Caving in Ille Cave
Ille Cave is located just over 22 kilometers north of town proper on a bumpy road in the Barangay of New Ibajay. Note this is just down the street from the eco-mangrove tour and can be done on the same day. This area is the location of an archaeological site full of artifacts such as ceramics, animal bones, and stone tools dating as far back as 12,000-14,000 years ago. Ille Cave is the main site for now. There’s an network of other caves which may lead to more discoveries.
Get a massage in El Nido
There are tons of spots to get a massage in town our favorite is Organic Spa located at Serena Street (also in Vanilla Beach) and Oriental Spa in H-Hotel. This one is on the second floor right above Cafe Athena and has a lovely view of Bacuit Bay and Cadlao Lagoon. If you find yourselves in Lio pop into A-Spa in Lio Beach.
exploring
less-traveledVatifivesit mainland beach of El Nido
There are a few notable mainland beach neighborhoods to visit regardless of the weather- Nacpan Beach, Lio Beach, and Maremegmeg Beach.
Nacpan Beach is about 45 minutes north of town and gives you a long stretch of shoreline but swimming is a bit dangerous with the presence of riptides. In the past, there were just a few restaurants and bars here. Those that survived the pandemic include Mad Monkey Hostel, Sunmai Beach Bar, and Nacpan Glamping. Nacpan Glamping is home to the neighborhood’s turtle conservation efforts.
Newer establishments include Nacpan Beach Resort, Angkla Beach Resort, and just a couple hundred meters past that Eco-Sanctuaries Nacpan which also hosts yoga retreats.
Maremegmeg Beach is just 4 kilometers south of town’s center and has a few bars for lounging, the zipline, and a great swimming beach. From town hop in a tricycle where you’ll get dropped off at McDonalds and the Vanilla Beach complex. The area has many food options with our current favorites Hayahay Cafe and Tanaw. Go straight into the beach with snorkels and you’ll find seagrass that feeds resident sea turtles. Turn left and you’ll run into Maremegmeg Beach Club an iconic resort in the area and also home to Maremegmeg Beach Bar. After is The Beach Shack is connected to Mua Tala hotel. Budget travellers will find cheaper options than these two as you walk along. Orange Pearl has beach front rooms and Las Cabanas Beach Resort is great for those wanting to dip in a pool with an ocean view. Do yourself a favor and walk to the end of the corner as the view opens up to a wider view of Bacuit Bay.
For a more in-depth look, peek Maremegmeg Beach Guide.
Go for a Dive
Diving is great nearly year-round. The visibility stays good in general during the rainy season around 20-25 meters but can dip down to 10-meter visibility when there’s just been a typhoon. This activity is obviously weather dependent, but assuming it’s just raining outside without signs of a typhoon or storm, you should be fine. Note if island-hopping tours are cancelled dive trips will also be a no-go. During a storm, you may still be able to get some of the prerequisites and requirements for certification, as some of these don’t require you to be in the ocean.
In Bacuit Bay, if you’re in Corong-Corong, check out Tabanka Divers. For something in the east, check out Dive Sibaltan. Let them know ESTEL sent ya!
Day Drink
When you’re stuck on an island in the middle of a storm it almost seems appropriate to get the coke and rum out and wait out the storm to let up. You’d likely be beach drinking anyways so don’t feel guilty. Check out the comprehensive bar guide for more info on where to head.
“Looking for a unique way to spend a rainy day in El Nido? Head over to The Swingers Club, conveniently located on Hama Street at The Pangolin. This indoor golf club offers a delightful escape from the dreary weather. Whether you’re a pro or a novice, you can get your swing in on their 18-hole course or try your hand at hitting a long shot. But the fun doesn’t stop there! The club spices things up with various challenges where you can win drinks as prizes. It’s the perfect way to stay active and entertained while keeping dry. So, don’t let the rain dampen your spirits; swing by The Swingers Club and make it a hole-in-one kind of day
Swing Away the Rainy Day Blues at The Swingers Club
Looking for a unique way to spend a rainy day in El Nido? Head over to The Swingers Club, conveniently located on Hama Street at The Pangolin El Nido. This indoor golf club offers a delightful escape from the dreary weather. Whether you’re a pro or a novice, you can get your swing in on their 18-hole course or try your hand at hitting a long shot. Don’t let the rain dampen your spirits; swing by The Swingers Club and make it a hole-in-one kind of day! Instagram
Grab a coffee and dessert
There are tons of coffee spots popping up but these days I’ve personally enjoyed Liam’s Beach for getting work done, Yoga.Tayo for the social coffee, Isla Makinas for a dip into what some of the local community of Kalye Artisano feels like, Hama Coffee for the beautiful Cadlao views, and Grounded a new plant-based coffee shop on Rizal St.
Read Coffee in El Nido
Zipline across Maremegmeg Beach
If you’re looking for some adventure you can head to the Maremegmeg Beach area and do a 700 meter zipline from the mainland to Depeldet Island. From the island you can walk across to Las Cabanas Beach Resort for a beer or a meal. There’s a great walk away from Las Cabanas if you go further south (opposite the road and the rest of the establishments on the shoreline) towards Dolarog Beach Resort.
Book a Yoga Session in El Nido
Yoga.Tayo in Lio Beach great for yoga, brunch, lunch, coffee, or just as a general hangout. Pull the laptop out if you need to or grab a book from the library. If there’s surf it looks like they have boards. Namaste is a great location for those in Corong-Corong and they’ve got a great kombucha in case you’re looking for something to help with the stomach battles of El Nido.
For more info visit the Sibaltan Heritage Facebook Page.
Surf Duli
Occasionally on the off chance a typhoon comes and hits at the right place the conditions for surfing are possible. This will take you up north to Duli Beach and over some bumpy, muddy roads. Be prepared for that in case you do decide to get off-the-beaten-path during the rainy season. Accordingly, check water conditions online at Magic Seaweed.
Furthermore, contact Surf El Nido for more info or lessons- +639567202874, FB @surfelnido
Hike to Waterfalls
There are a few options for visiting waterfalls in and around El Nido. The most popular is Nagkalit-kalit waterfalls which is easily combinable with a trip to Nacpan. Additionally, if you’re simply looking for a half-day activity and not wanting the beach, go south, into the neighboring town of Taytay. After a 45-60 motorbike ride (or tricycle) in you’ll see signage to Kuyawyaw Waterfalls on your left. This short hike will last between 30-60 minutes depending on how much stopping you do. You’ll be taken to a series of 3 waterfalls each one about 10-15 minutes in walking away from each other. Lastly, there’s the less popular Small and Big Bulalacao Falls, which caters mainly to locals.
Read More Waterfalls in El Nido
Cooking Class- (currently closed)
El Kusina is culinary experience where you get to learn about the Filipino cuisine and have a go at cooking 5 dishes. This is the perfect way to spend half a day as this class runs 3-4 hours long but gives you a great opportunity to interact with locals, learn more about the culture, and take some new skills back home with you.
Visit the Sibaltan Heritage Center- *Currently closed
This area located in the eastern side of El Nido consists of the two museums. Although written three years ago blogger IronWulf gives a great overview of both the Pangko Maritime Museum and the Balay Cuyonon Museum. The Pangko Museum gives you background on the Cuyonons one of many ethno-linguistic groups in Palawan. They focus on their migration from the Cuyo archipelago to El Nido. The Balay Cuyonon Museum gives you a replica of a typical Cuyonon house and background to their community.
