El Nido 5 Day Itinerary for Expecting Mothers
Approximate reading time: 15-20 minutes
Table of Contents
Introduction
Safe Pregnant Traveling
Disclaimer
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Chill (Window Shopping by Corong Corong Beach, Chill at Resort)
Day 2: Land Tour (Bulalacao Waterfalls, Nacpan Beach, Bucana Fishing Village, Lio Beach)
Day 3: Island Hopping (Tour D)
Day 4: Explore Vanilla Beach and Walk to Marimegmeg Beach
Day 5: Goodbye, El Nido
Quick Tips
Tips for Island Hopping
Check if Snorkeling Gear is Included
Don’t Forget to Pack the Essentials
Rent a Kayak
Consider Booking a Private Island Hopping Tour
When to Go
Always be Prepared
Where to Eat
El Nido Plaza
Happiness Beach Bar
The Food Truck Philippines
CLAYGO
Short on Time?
Ending Notes
Introduction
El Nido, which translates to “The Nest” from Spanish, cradles so much wondrous natural beauty within it. From the gorgeous white sand beaches, strikingly clear blue water, and prominent jagged limestone cliffs, El Nido will leave you breathless in awe.
El Nido is perfect for those who love to lounge on the beach and for those who love to seek out adventure while on vacation. There is a little bit of something for everyone on this beautiful island. Martin and I are very much island people. We feel most like ourselves when we can explore an island with little to no plan, taking a lot of nature appreciation stops along the way.
Safe Pregnant Traveling
Another thing that adds to the beauty of El Nido is that there are still plenty of things to do safely even while you are pregnant. This is why we decided to spend our “babymoon” here while I was around 7 months pregnant with baby Tokyo. At El Nido we were able to treat ourselves with some much needed downtime and self-care before Tokyo was born. We had such a great time that I decided to create a 5 day itinerary for any other expecting mothers who love island living as much as I do!
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Disclaimer
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Itinerary
DAY 1: Arrival and Chill
Martin and I took a flight to El Nido from Manila which was around an hour and a half long. There are other ways of getting to El Nido like a van from Puerto Princesa or a boat from Coron, another one of Palawan’s most spectacular wonders, but as a pregnant woman, I think that the plane ride was definitely the most convenient option.
“Window” Shopping by Corong Corong Beach
Once we arrived and settled down in our accommodation, we decided to explore the tourist stalls by the side of the road near Corong Corong Beach. This long strip of stalls offers a variety of locally made products and pasalubong that you can purchase for yourself or your loved ones back home. This is a great spot if you want to go shopping because the products here tend to be cheaper compared to other spots since the rent for the stalls here is lower, meaning the products are priced for less as well.
Martin’s pro tips for shopping here would be to make sure you walk through each store at least once before buying something, because different stalls might be selling the same things at different prices. This is also a great place to practice making tawad or bargaining for lower prices with the sellers. Tawad is very common in Filipino culture, if you are traveling with Filipinos you could also ask them to ask for the price for you and show you how it is done.
If you still have energy after all that haggling, you can make your way over to Corong Corong Beach and chill on the fine sand, maybe even grab a bite to eat. But for us, we decided to head back to our accommodation and take some time to relax there instead.
Chill at Resort
After all the stall exploring, we took ourselves, and our newly bought goods, back to our accommodation. When we had our babymoon, we stayed at the Happiness Boutique Resort. We would highly recommend booking here because of their delicious restaurant, comfortable accommodations, and lively environment. There were mostly families and couples there when we went.
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But if you would like to try someplace else then you might want to check out our top 11 hotels in El Nido list. El Nido has a variety of accommodations available depending on your budget and preferences.
At the resort we mostly just lounged by the pool and ate some delicious food. The cool water was just what we needed on that hot day. The pool also helped me feel a bit lighter after being on my feet for most of the day. Martin was even able to make use of the resort’s sauna and ice bath.
DAY 2: Land Tour
After our calm day 1, it was time for some exploring! On this land tour, we were able to see Bulalacao Waterfalls, Nacpan Beach, the Bucana fishing village, and Lio Beach.
Bulalacao Waterfalls
Our first stop was a little hike to Bulalacao Waterfalls. It was a little challenging for me but thanks to Martin and our kind local Filipina guide, I was able to make it to the waterfalls. I definitely wanted to take care of myself and baby Tokyo so I made sure to take my time and take a break every once in a while. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes that can get wet when you do this because you’ll have to do some river crossings as well.
Patrice Averilla
“It was a fun little challenge for myself to get my body moving. The waterfalls washed away all my tiredness once we got there. Martin was even able to do a 5 meter dive, after doing a depth check to make sure that it was safe enough to dive of course. “
Nacpan Beach
After the refreshing waterfalls, we made our way over to Nacpan Beach. Nacpan Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in El Nido. From the last time we went, it still felt very untouched with only a few establishments present. It felt like the perfect place to just relax after the hike that we went on.
I decided to lounge on the beach instead of getting in the water this time because the current looked a bit strong and I thought it might be better not to swim here first. But even just staying by the sand was a great experience. The seabreeze swept through my hair and Martin and I felt a great calm while just appreciating the beauty of this beach and soaking up all that good vitamin D.
Bucana Fishing Village
The third stop of the day was a different destination that might be uncommon from your average land tour stops. Stopping at the Bucana fishing village was a unique experience because we were able to see a colorful array of different boats that the fishermen use to explore all the bodies of water around the island.
Out of the 18 barangays on the island, Bucana is the biggest with the most people living in it. We were able to see their raised houses which are raised to make room for more storage and to avoid floods and insects. We were also lucky enough to meet someone who was seasoned in making hooks to catch squid while we also saw someone painting names on their boats. It was a lovely quaint little experience.
Lio Beach
Our last stop for the tour was Lio Beach which is right by the airport. The sand here is not as fine as the powdery white sand of the other beaches in El Nido but it is still pretty great. What’s nice about this beach is that it’s a great spot for any beginner surfers.
The waves here tend to roll, making it perfect for longboard surfing. Of course, I did not surf but it was a gorgeous place to just relax and watch the sunset. Believe me when I tell you that El Nido is one of the best places to watch the sunset in the world. You need to catch at least one on the beach, if not all for every night that you stay there!
DAY 3: Island Hopping (Tour D)
For our third day, we were still in the mood for some more adventure and this time we picked out an island hopping tour! I think my body was more ready for this now after our chill 1st day and 2nd day tour which was only around the surrounding area. When I woke up, baby Tokyo was also kicking with excitement for island hopping.
El Nido has one of the best island hopping experiences in the Philippines. For our tour, we chose Tour D. If you are interested about the other common tour options in El Nido, check out our ultimate island hopping travel guide. This guide breaks down each tour to help you choose the perfect one for you!
Small Lagoon
Despite being called “small”, this lagoon’s impact is anything but small! The view at Small Lagoon is peppered with trees and prominent limestone rock formations all around some crystal clear water.
You can choose to swim or kayak around the lagoon and really take in all of its natural beauty. While it has a beautiful and calming energy, Small Lagoon is also the occasional location for cliff diving competitions.
Bukal Beach
Next up was Bukal Beach, a popular spot for lunch. This beach is the perfect backdrop as you fill your belly with food. Here we feasted on lunch full of island staples. Our tour guide prepared some muscles, adobong manok, shrimp, sauteed vegetables, pancit, grilled fish, fresh fruits, and of course - the power of the Philippines - white rice. Wow! My mouth is watering again just thinking about it.
Fun fact that it was in the Philippines where Martin learned how to eat with his hands. Sometimes eating with your hands just makes the food taste even better. Relax on the beach after eating or take a quick dip before you go because you still have two more stops left!
Cadlao Lagoon
For our third stop, we made our way to Cadlao Lagoon. At Cadlao Lagoon, while you float in the turquoise water and soak up the sun, you can buy ice cream, soft drinks, and even beer from the floating sellers nearby. We had some ice cream as our post-lunch dessert and admired the way that the sun shined through the towering rock formations and lit up the gorgeous blue water.
At this lagoon, you also have the option to explore using a kayak or just swim around if you’re feeling sporty. If you’ve got a snorkel on you, this is also a great spot for some marine life watching. We chose to paddle around, well, Martin paddled while I relaxed, but we both couldn’t stop smiling at the beauty of everything around us.
Pasandigan Cove
Our fourth stop, and second to the last stop, was Pasandigan Cove. It was one of the cleaner beaches that we went to on this tour, and the clear water was so inviting we couldn’t help but take a dip and snorkel around. We also had some time to lounge on the beach. We had to be careful not to fall asleep because the sand was just too soft and relaxing!
At this beach, the mountains stick up from the ocean all around you. In moments like this, you really feel the “nest” aspect of El Nido, almost like the mountains are cradling you and the beach that you are on.
Natnat Beach
Natnat Beach is one of the cleanest beaches in El Nido. Because of this, the underwater life is flourishing, and you can grab your snorkel to see all the living beauty. The cold water refreshed our body and souls after a long day of island hopping.
Martin was even able to get a cold refreshing Tequila Sunrise here made right on the beach. I had to live vicariously through him, but this was definitely a great way to end our island hopping tour.
Day 4 : Explore Vanilla Beach and Walk to Marimegmeg Beach
For the last full day in El Nido, let’s slow things down again and end the trip on a mellow note.
Vanilla Beach
Get the mix of island and city living at Vanilla Beach. It is the location of the first and only strip mall in El Nido. Here you can shop for any of your beach needs and find even more pasalubong. Most of the shops here are locally owned so you’ll be supporting the local businesses as well, which is alway a plus!
After all the window shopping you might start to get hungry, walk a few feet and you’ll find yourself in the Marimegmeg Beach area.
Marimegmeg Beach
Marimegmeg Beach is a great spot for a meal with a fantastic view. Marimegmeg Beach is one of the nicer beaches that is close to the El Nido Town Proper. It is a great spot for finding good eats. Some of the restaurants here are quite decently priced considering how much of a prime location they are at.
After eating, you can lounge about on the powder white sand and take a little dip in the inviting water. It would be great for you to spend some time here until the sun sets. Like I said earlier, El Nido has one of the best sunsets in the entire world and Marimegmeg is a great place to catch them. The colors of the sunset reflect on the water and you don’t know where the water ends and the sky begins. It’s the perfect way to wrap up your trip.
DAY 5: Goodbye, El Nido
Unfortunately, your trip has now come to an end. It’s time to pack up your things once more and return home. Hopefully you’ll be bringing home more than just pasalubong but some good memories and a happy heart as well.
Depending on the time of your flight, you might still be able to sneak in one more dip in the water or do any last minute shopping. If you feel like you could have done more things on this trip, check out our top 12 essential things to do in El Nido for more sights to see and adventures to have.
Quick Tips
Here are some tips for you before you travel to El Nido, especially if it’s your first time there and you are pregnant.
First, here are some tips specifically for island hopping
Tips for Island Hopping
Check if snorkeling gear is included in the tour packages that you avail of because you should definitely dive into the waters of El Nido to be able to check out another side of its beauty: the thriving aquatic life. If there is no snorkel gear included, you can definitely rent some equipment or even make sure to pack your own.
Don’t forget to pack the essentials like sunscreen and water. It is important to stay hydrated and protect yourself from the beams of the sun. You may also want to pack/purchase a waterproof aqua bag to place all your valuables so that they will be safe from the water throughout your entire island hopping journey. Make sure to also pack any motion sickness medicine or any other medicines that you might need throughout the day. You might also want to consider bringing bug spray because some of the beaches in Palawan are notorious for sand flies.
Renting a kayak costs extra money but it’s usually worth the purchase, especially if it's your first time in El Nido. The kayaks allow you to really take in the view and explore all the stops at your own pace.
If you are willing to spend, you may want to consider booking a private island hopping tour. This means that it would just be you and your group alone in the boat instead of having to share it with other people. This costs extra money as well but a bonus of this is that you have a more flexible tour, you can take your time in certain spots that you end up loving or you can ask your tour guide if you can do the tour in the reverse order to beat the crowds. An alternative to this would be to find a boat that leaves much earlier than the rest of the tour boats.
When to Go
Generally, December to March offers a good time to visit El Nido. The weather won’t be too hot but it will still allow for your outdoor activities. Of course, coming in the summer around April or May, could also be fine but the heat might be too much for some people. This would also mean that the summer vacationers would come and it may get quite crowded.
More than just coming when the summer crowds aren’t here, try booking your trip during the weekdays so that the crowds aren’t too big when you visit all the famous spots.
Always Be Prepared
Make sure to always have cash on hand. El Nido continues to develop daily, and there are a few ATMs across it, but it is always better safe than sorry. If you plan on taking tricycles to get to different places then you would definitely need to have cash on you.
Traveling while pregnant, while exciting, can also sometimes be unpredictable. Another way to stay prepared could be by signing up for or updating your travel insurance. Let Safety Wing give you peace of mind and remove one more worry off your shoulders.
Where to Eat
Here are a few restaurant suggestions that serve up some sulit meals that will definitely satisfy those pregnancy cravings!
El Nido Plaza
At night in the El Nido Plaza, many food stalls open for you to choose from. The stalls offer a variety of food like fresh seafood, ihaw-ihaw, and many more! The beauty of the Plaza is that all the stalls surround a general seating area. This means that you can buy from all the stalls your heart (and stomach) desires and feast in the middle, also keeping you close to the stalls in case you are in the mood for seconds, thirds, or more!
Happiness Beach Bar
Located under the Happiness Hostel, at the Happiness Beach Bar there is something for everyone. You can’t miss it because of the wooden swings that they have hanging from the ceiling. The entire place gives off a very vibrant island vibe. You can get some Mediterranean food and tapas here. This cafe serves some great breakfast.
The Food Truck Philippines
This black and yellow little food truck dishes out some amazing comfort food. They offer dishes from various cuisines like Filipino and Spanish. Feast on their gyozas, tacos, noodles, and desserts! Their delicious food aims to redefine Filipino fast food, and they’re doing a pretty good job of it. They also have a food truck out in Siargao in case you were considering going there as well.
CLAYGO
Always make sure to clean up after yourself wherever you go. Let us keep these beautiful places beautiful and free from any trash and pollution. Preserving these places makes sure that other people and future generations can continue to enjoy them.
Please also remember to be kind and respectful to the local community. These people were generous enough to let us visit their home, let us show them the respect they deserve.
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Seda Lio [ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ]
Address : Lio Tourism Estate, Barangay Villa Libertad, Palawan, 5313 El Nido, Philippines
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Address : Bacuit Bay, Palawan, 5313 El Nido, Philippines
Ending Notes
There is something about El Nido that keeps me in awe every time I see it, no matter how many times I visit it. It’s one of a kind view never fails to amaze me, reminding me to slow down from the fast paced motions of everyday life and take some time to truly appreciate the wonders of the Earth around me.
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El Nido has developed so much since the last time I was there around 2 years ago. If there was ever a time to visit the Philippines, and El Nido specifically, it’s now! Actually it might have been yesterday, but as they say – better late than never!
I always come back to El Nido bringing the people I love and I felt incredibly blessed to be able to come back while I was pregnant and bring baby Tokyo here even before she was born. I can’t wait to bring her back here again.
I’ve always loved traveling and exploring new places, that’s why it felt important to me to keep doing this and stay active even during my pregnancy. There is still so much that you can see and experience while being pregnant. We’ve had multiple trips while little Tokyo was in my tummy and now we just can’t wait for all the trips we will take together as a family as she grows up!
Safe travels!
