THE FAMOUS BIG LAGOON EL NIDO – THE ULTIMATE GUIDE

The famous Big Lagoon El Nido seems to be at the top of everyone’s Philippines Bucket List and it’s easy to see why! I can tell you now that it is every bit impressive and I highly recommend adding El Nido Big Lagoon to your list of places to see in Palawan!

I have put together this complete guide of Big Lagoon El Nido including how to get there and what to expect!

 

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HOW TO GET TO BIG LAGOON 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 Tour A El Nido online in advance with Klook and it couldn’t have been easier!

El Nido Tour A is the most top-rated El Nido Island Hopping Tour with great reviews and thousands of bookings.

Tour A El Nido includes a full day of island hopping on an outrigger boat to Seven Commandos Beach, Big Lagoon El Nido, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island and a BBQ lunch on the boat. All this for just $18 USD.

Book Now ∼ El Nido Tour A

BIG LAGOON EL NIDO

Big Lagoon El Nido is located on Miniloc Island and is typically the second stop on El Nido Tour A. When we arrived on the boat I could finally see why Big Lagoon was at the top of everyone’s list of things to in El Nido!

The towering limestone cliffs of Miniloc Island are other-worldly and the deep blue-colored waters inside Big Lagoon El Nido are too inviting not to go for a swim!

One of the best activities to do at Big Lagoon El Nido 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 250 pesos which is worth every cent.

Big Lagoon El Nido

Kayaking at El Nido Big Lagoon

 

EXPLORING EL NIDO BIG LAGOON

If you opt not to go kayaking in Big Lagoon El Nido, 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 DJI Mavic Drone at Big Lagoon El Nido 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 to 1.5hrs to enjoy your time inside the El Nido Big Lagoon before heading off to the next stop of El Nido Tour A which is Secret Lagoon!

Full Blog Post ∼ El Nido Island Hopping

Big Lagoon Palawan

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 in El Nido to fit the needs of budget backpackers and luxury travelers. See the list of accommodations below that I personally recommend:

Luxury: Lagùn Hotel

Lagùn Hotel is one of the best and most modern hotel 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. A buffet breakfast is also included for all guests. Recommended for couples, families and friends.

Check prices on Agoda | Check prices on Booking.com

Mid Range: Sea Cocoon Hotel

I personally stayed at Sea Cocoon Hotel and can’t recommend this place enough! Located right in the heart of El Nido town and just minutes 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, wardrobe, balcony and private bathroom. A buffet breakfast is also included for all guests. Affordable place to stay for couples, families and friends!

Check prices on Agoda | Check prices on Booking.com

Budget: One Hostel El Nido

One Hostel is one of the best budget accommodations in El Nido with great reviews! Centrally located and walking distance to 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. Perfect place to stay in El Nido for solo travelers, couples and friends!

Check prices on Agoda | Check prices on Booking.com

FOR ALL OTHER PLACES TO STAY IN EL NIDO, SEARCH ON AGODA OR SEARCH ON BOOKING.COM

 

PIN LOCATION BIG LAGOON PALAWAN

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