Lio Estate

Lio Estate, is a sustainably master-planned eco-destination. It’s home to Lio Beach, upscale resorts and a beachfront commercial area with restaurants and shops. This area is designed for travelers seeking a polished, serene, and environmentally conscious experience.

Considerations

• Ambiance: Quiet, organized, and upscale with a focus on eco-tourism.
• Amenities: High-end resorts with modern facilities like pools, spas, and onsite dining. Activities include kayaking, paddleboarding, and dirt bike tours.
• Accessibility: Extremely close to Lio Airport, making it ideal for those prioritizing convenience upon arrival.
• Cost: More expensive, with luxury accommodations.

Nearby Attractions

• Lio Beach: A well-maintained beach perfect for swimming, skimboarding, and windsurfing.
• Kalye Artisano: A local market for artisanal goods and dining.
• Sitio Uno: A rest stop with homecooked meals and travel services.
• Bacuit Bay: Accessible for island-hopping tours to Small and Big Lagoons.

Disadvantages

• Distance from Town: About 20 minutes by car or 30 minutes by tricycle to El Nido Town, which can be inconvenient for accessing nightlife or budget dining.
• Higher Costs: Accommodations and dining are pricier compared to other areas.
• Limited Nightlife: Lio Estate is peaceful, which may not suit singles or groups seeking vibrant evening activities.

Recommendations

• Families with Children: Ideal due to its safe, clean beach and family-friendly resorts like Seda Lio, which offer spacious rooms and kid-friendly activities like beach play and kayaking. The quiet environment ensures a relaxed stay.
• Elderly Travelers: Excellent choice for its proximity to the airport, modern amenities, and tranquil setting.
• Singles: Less suitable unless prioritizing luxury and relaxation over socializing. Limited nightlife may feel isolating.
• Couples: Great for those seeking a romantic, upscale retreat with beachfront dining and serene views, though it’s less budget-friendly.

El Nido Town Proper

El Nido Town Proper (officially Barangay Buena Suerte) is the bustling heart of El Nido, located along a 600m white cove beach. It’s the main hub for restaurants, bars, shops, and island-hopping tour operators.

Considerations

• Ambiance: Vibrant and lively, with a grid of busy streets filled with motorbikes, tricycles, and vendors. Ideal for those who want to be in the center of the action.
• Amenities: Wide range of budget to mid-range accommodations, with access to restaurants.
• Accessibility: Walking distance to island-hopping departure points and attractions like Taraw Cliff. Tricycles and scooters are readily available for further exploration.
• Cost: Most budget-friendly area.

Nearby Attractions

• El Nido Beach: Not ideal for swimming due to boat traffic but serves as the launch reference:
• Taraw Cliff and Ferrata Canopy Walk: Scenic hiking and climbing with stunning bay views.
• Cadlao Island: Reachable by kayak for a fun adventure.
• Night Market: A cultural experience with local food and crafts.

Disadvantages

• Beach Quality: The beach is not swimmable due to boat traffic and can be less clean.
• Noise: Can be noisy at night due to karaoke and nightlife, which may disrupt light sleepers.
• Health Concerns: Some accommodations have closely situated wells and septic tanks, posing potential health risks if not properly maintained.

Corong-Corong

Corong-Corong, a short 10-minute tricycle ride from El Nido Town, is a quieter coastal village along a 3km scenic beach known for its stunning sunsets. It offers a mix of budget to luxury accommodations.

Considerations

• Ambiance: Laid-back and serene with beautiful beachfront views, ideal for relaxation and sunset watching.
• Amenities: Range of accommodations from hostels to boutique resorts, with beach bars.
• Accessibility: Close to El Nido Town (10-15 minutes by tricycle) and a key departure point for island-hopping tours.
• Cost: Generally cheaper than Lio Estate but slightly pricier than El Nido Town.

Nearby Attractions

• Corong-Corong Beach: Scenic but shallow, not ideal for swimming; great for sunset drinks at beachfront bars.
• Pops District: A lane with bars and restaurants for dining variety.
• Las Cabanas Beach: A short tricycle ride away, offering swimmable waters and a zipline.
• Bacuit Bay: Accessible for island-hopping to lagoons and hidden beaches.

Disadvantages

• Beach Limitations: The beach is shallow and not swimmable, requiring travel to other beaches like Las Cabanas for swimming.
• Accessibility: Requires tricycle rides to reach El Nido Town or other attractions, adding minor costs and time.
• Noise: Accommodations along the main road may experience early morning traffic noise, though beachfront options are quieter.