Secret Lagoon El Nido is one of the most epic places to visit in Palawan!
Featuring pinnacle limestone cliffs, secluded white sand beaches, and of course, a secret lagoon!
I have put together this complete guide to visiting Secret Lagoon El Nido including how to get there and what to expect when you arrive.
QUICK ANSWERS – SECRET LAGOON EL NIDO
Let’s start this guide with some essential information you should know before visiting, such as its location, getting there, and more.
WHERE IS THE SECRET LAGOON IN EL NIDO?
The Secret Lagoon in El Nido is hidden within the limestone cliffs on Miniloc Island, accessible through a small opening that leads to a secluded pool of turquoise waters.
HOW TO GET TO THE SECRET LAGOON EL NIDO?
El Nido Secret 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 Secret Lagoon Palawan.
I personally booked Tour A El Nido online in advance with Viator and it couldn’t have been easier!
El Nido Tour A is the most top-rated El Nido Island Hopping Tour with great reviews.
Tour A El Nido includes a full day of island hopping on an outrigger boat to Seven Commandos Beach, Big Lagoon/Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon El Nido, Shimizu Island, and a BBQ lunch on the boat.
BEST EL NIDO TOUR PACKAGE
The BEST Island Hopping trip you can get is the El Nido Tour A!
It includes hotel pickup, lunch, entrance to the secret lagoon, the environmental fee, and a fun guide!
WHAT TO EXPECT AT SECRET LAGOON EL NIDO?
Secret Lagoon El Nido is around the corner from Big Lagoon which is typically the third stop on El Nido Tour A.
The name isn’t quite fitting as it’s one of the more popular spots on the itinerary, though, despite its popularity, Secret Lagoon is something you just have to see with your own eyes!
Our boat anchored just off the shore and the boat crew started to prepare lunch while we were off exploring.
We had around 45 minutes to explore the small caves, sandy coves, and inside El Nido Secret Lagoon itself.
RELATED ARTICLE → 3 WEEK PHILIPPINES ITINERARY
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.
LUNCH AT EL NIDO SECRET LAGOON
Buffet Lunch is served on the boat here at Secret Lagoon El Nido and what a spread it is! A mix of BBQ prawns, fish, chicken, pork and fresh salads, noodles, rice, and fruits!
The limestone cliffs that envelop Secret Lagoon Palawan are some of the most impressive ones that you’ll come across when island-hopping in El Nido.
You could marvel at these classic El Nido cliffs for hours and ponder how they came to be.
You’ll have around 1 to 1.5 hours to enjoy your time at the lagoon before heading off to the next stop of El Nido Tour A which is Shimizu Island.
Full Blog Post → El Nido Island Hopping
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BEST EL NIDO TOURS
Looking for the best El Nido Tours?!
Visit the Viator website to see all of the 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.
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:
Must-Have Travel Essentials
Hidden Money Wallet
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Reusable Water Bottle
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Travel Backpack
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Quick-Dry Travel Towel
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Portable PowerBank
Keep your phone, laptop, and accessories charged while you’re on the go with the Anker PowerBank!
More Philippines Travel Guides
Click the button below to view all articles related to the Philippines!
FINAL THOUGHTS – SECRET LAGOON EL NIDO
I hope you enjoyed reading this article and if you have any questions at all about El Nido Secret Lagoon, please leave me a comment below 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.
TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP
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THANKS FOR READING
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