The famous Big Lagoon El Nido Palawan is at the top of everyone’s Philippines Bucket List and it’s easy to see why.
I can tell you now that it’s every bit impressive and I highly recommend adding Big Lagoon to your list of places to see in Palawan!
I have put together this complete guide to visiting El Nido Big Lagoon including how to get there and what to expect when you arrive.
QUICK ANSWERS – BIG LAGOON EL NIDO
Let’s start this guide with all the essentials you should know when visiting, such as the location, how to get there, and more.
HOW TO GET TO BIG LAGOON IN EL NIDO?
El Nido Big Lagoon can only be accessed by boat on one of the El Nido Island Hopping Tours.
More specifically, El Nido Tour A is the only boat tour that operates trips to Big Lagoon Palawan.
I personally booked El Nido Tour A online in advance and it couldn’t have been easier!
This particular tour is the most top-rated El Nido Island Hopping Tour with great reviews.
Tour A includes a full day of island hopping on an outrigger boat to Seven Commandos Beach, Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and a BBQ lunch on the boat.
BEST BIG LAGOON TOUR EL NIDO
The best way to visit Big Lagoon is to join El Nido Tour A!
It includes hotel transfers, a buffet lunch, entrance fees, and a fun crew to spend the day with!
HOW MUCH IS THE BIG LAGOON EL NIDO ENTRANCE FEE?
To get to the Big Lagoon you’ll have to join the Tour A in El Nido, which costs between $17 and $40 per person.
On top of that, you’ll have to pay an extra 200 pesos (US$4) per person for the Big Lagoon entrance fee and 200 pesos per person for the environmental fee.
It’s worth noting that renting a kayak at the Blue Lagoon El Nido costs 400 pesos (US$8).
WHAT TO EXPECT AT BIG LAGOON EL NIDO PALAWAN
Big Lagoon El Nido is located on Miniloc Island and it’s typically the second stop on El Nido Tour A.
When we arrived on the boat I could finally see why El Nido Big Lagoon was at the top of everyone’s list of things to do in El Nido!
The towering limestone cliffs of Miniloc Island are other-worldly and the deep blue-colored waters inside Big Lagoon are too inviting not to go for a swim!
One of the best activities to do when you arrive is to rent a kayak and paddle your way through the opening of the lagoon and explore the deep blue waters inside.
The cost to rent a kayak is an additional 400 pesos which is worth every cent.
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EXPLORING EL NIDO BIG LAGOON
There are a few Big Lagoon El Nido activities, and if you choose not to go kayaking, it’s possible to swim from the boat into the opening of the lagoon where the water is quite shallow.
From here you can walk around beneath the curving limestone cliffs and take a moment to let the phenomenality of this place soak in.
I decided to fly my drone camera to capture the beauty of it all from a birds-eye perspective. Safe to say these were my favorite photos I took on the El Nido island-hopping tour.
You’ll have around 1 hour – 1.5 hours to enjoy your time inside the lagoon before heading off to the next stop of El Nido Tour A which is Secret Lagoon.
Full Blog Post: El Nido Island Hopping
The BEST Hotel in El Nido
Need a place to stay? Lagùn Hotel is conveniently located in the heart of El Nido Town.
Whether you’re here to explore the sights or relax in comfort, Lagùn Hotel offers the best of both worlds.
BEST EL NIDO TOURS
Looking for the best El Nido Tours?!
Visit the Viator website to see all of the most top-rated tours in El Nido. Be sure to book online in advance to be guaranteed the best rates!
WHERE TO STAY IN EL NIDO
El Nido has hundreds of accommodation options to choose from, so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay to fit the needs of budget backpackers, luxury travelers, and everyone in between.
See the list of accommodations below that I personally recommend:
Luxury: Lagùn Hotel
Lagùn Hotel is one of the best and most modern hotels in El Nido featuring an outdoor swimming pool, terrace, restaurant, bar, and free wifi throughout the property.
The rooms are fitted with a flat-screen TV, wardrobe, work desk, fridge, kettle, private bathroom, and some with a balcony.
Recommended place to stay for couples, families, or friends.
Mid Range: Sea Cocoon Hotel
I personally stayed at Sea Cocoon Hotel which is located right in the heart of El Nido town and just a minute’s walk to the beach.
Sea Cocoon Hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, terrace, restaurant, bar, and a shared lounge.
The rooms are spacious and modern with air-conditioning, large comfy beds, a wardrobe, a balcony, and a private bathroom. A buffet breakfast is also included for all guests.
Affordable place to stay for couples, families, or friends after enjoying the El Nido Lagoon.
Budget: One Hostel El Nido
One Hostel is one of the best budget accommodations in El Nido which is centrally located and within walking distance of the bus terminal, shops, cafes, bars, restaurants, and beaches.
There are dorm rooms, double rooms, and quadruple rooms available with air-conditioning. The hostel also has free wifi and a shared lounge area for guests to hang out.
It’s the perfect place to stay in El Nido for solo travelers, couples, or friends on a budget.
FOR ALL OTHER PLACES TO STAY IN EL NIDO, SEARCH ON BOOKING.COM
WHAT TO PACK FOR THE PHILIPPINES
When visiting the Philippines, here is a list of items I highly recommend bringing with you:
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FINAL THOUGHTS – BIG LAGOON IN EL NIDO
I hope you enjoyed reading this article about the Big Lagoon Philippines and if you have any questions at all about El Nido Big Lagoon, please leave me a comment below this post and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
For a quicker response, be sure to join Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your questions or recommendations to our awesome community.
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THANKS FOR READING
Hey friend, thanks for reading this guide!
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