Trail Revival: The Reopening of El Nido's Hidden Hiking Paths

IMS HII • October 21, 2025

El Nido, Palawan is famous for its turquoise waters and island-hopping adventures, but there's another side to this tropical paradise waiting to be explored. The hiking trails winding through jungle forests and towering limestone cliffs offer a completely different perspective of this stunning destination, perfect for travelers looking to add adventure to their beach vacation.

Bay with mountains, boats, and town, framed by green trees and cliffs under a blue sky.

Explore El Nido's Diverse Hiking Trails

While most visitors focus solely on island tours, El Nido's hiking paths offer unique discoveries at every turn. Some trails lead to hidden waterfalls, others climb to panoramic viewpoints, and many provide encounters with local wildlife—experiences that simply can't be had from a boat.

Bay with mountains, boats, and town, framed by green trees and cliffs under a blue sky.

Explore El Nido's Diverse Hiking Trails

While most visitors focus solely on island tours, El Nido's hiking paths offer unique discoveries at every turn. Some trails lead to hidden waterfalls, others climb to panoramic viewpoints, and many provide encounters with local wildlife—experiences that simply can't be had from a boat.

These trails take you through diverse landscapes, from dense forests where sunlight filters through the canopy to streams that refresh tired feet, and up to summits where Bacuit Bay unfolds beneath you in all its glory. Whether you're seeking a gentle coastal walk or a moderate jungle trek, there's something for every fitness level that showcases the natural beauty of El Nido Palawan.

These trails take you through diverse landscapes, from dense forests where sunlight filters through the canopy to streams that refresh tired feet, and up to summits where Bacuit Bay unfolds beneath you in all its glory. Whether you're seeking a gentle coastal walk or a moderate jungle trek, there's something for every fitness level that showcases the natural beauty of El Nido Palawan.

Wooden suspension bridge with rope railings in a lush green park.

Canopy Walk: Panoramic Views Made Accessible

The Canopy Walk offers a safe and accessible way to experience stunning elevated views of El Nido town and Bacuit Bay. This via ferrata adventure features suspension bridges, metal stairways, and footbridges built into the rock, with sturdy railings throughout. The experience is suitable for visitors of all fitness levels, including families with children.


At the viewpoint, you're rewarded with panoramic vistas of El Nido town, the turquoise waters of Bacuit Bay, and the distant islands across the horizon. All participants receive safety equipment and are accompanied by a licensed guide. For additional excitement, the optional Dreamcatcher upgrade features a spider-web structure suspended at impressive heights, perfect for memorable photos.

Canopy Walk: Panoramic Views Made Accessible

The Canopy Walk offers a safe and accessible way to experience stunning elevated views of El Nido town and Bacuit Bay. This via ferrata adventure features suspension bridges, metal stairways, and footbridges built into the rock, with sturdy railings throughout. The experience is suitable for visitors of all fitness levels, including families with children.


At the viewpoint, you're rewarded with panoramic vistas of El Nido town, the turquoise waters of Bacuit Bay, and the distant islands across the horizon. All participants receive safety equipment and are accompanied by a licensed guide. For additional excitement, the optional Dreamcatcher upgrade features a spider-web structure suspended at impressive heights, perfect for memorable photos.

Suspension bridge made of wood and rope, with trees in the background.
Waterfall cascading into a pool. Person standing on a rock. Lush green foliage surrounds.

Waterfall Trails: Jungle Escapes

For a more moderate adventure, El Nido's waterfall hikes offer equally rewarding experiences. The Nagkalit-kalit Falls trail takes you through rice fields, bamboo forests, and lush jungle terrain. Located about 14 kilometers north of El Nido, the path follows a riverbed where you'll cross clear streams as you venture deeper into the forest. After roughly an hour of hiking, you'll reach the cascading falls, where water tumbles down moss-covered rocks into a natural pool perfect for swimming.


The Bulalacao Falls present another option, requiring about a two-hour trek from Barangay Pasadeña.

Waterfall cascading into a pool. Person standing on a rock. Lush green foliage surrounds.

Waterfall Trails: Jungle Escapes

For a more moderate adventure, El Nido's waterfall hikes offer equally rewarding experiences. The Nagkalit-kalit Falls trail takes you through rice fields, bamboo forests, and lush jungle terrain. Located about 14 kilometers north of El Nido, the path follows a riverbed where you'll cross clear streams as you venture deeper into the forest. After roughly an hour of hiking, you'll reach the cascading falls, where water tumbles down moss-covered rocks into a natural pool perfect for swimming.


The Bulalacao Falls present another option, requiring about a two-hour trek from Barangay Pasadeña. Local guides are mandatory for waterfall hikes and are readily available in nearby villages. These guides enhance your experience by sharing knowledge about the local flora and fauna while ensuring you stay on the correct paths.


The dry season from November to May offers the best conditions for waterfall hiking, when trails are more manageable and water levels are ideal for swimming.

Local guides are mandatory for waterfall hikes and are readily available in nearby villages. These guides enhance your experience by sharing knowledge about the local flora and fauna while ensuring you stay on the correct paths.


The dry season from November to May offers the best conditions for waterfall hiking, when trails are more manageable and water levels are ideal for swimming.

Coastal Trails: Where Land Meets Sea

The Nacpan Beach to Calitang Beach trail offers a different kind of beauty, stretching approximately 14 kilometers along El Nido's northern coastline. This scenic route takes you through diverse terrain including shorelines, rice fields, local villages, and hidden coves.

Aerial view of tropical beach with white sand, turquoise water, and lush green trees.
Aerial view of tropical beach with white sand, turquoise water, and lush green trees.

Coastal Trails: Where Land Meets Sea

The Nacpan Beach to Calitang Beach trail offers a different kind of beauty, stretching approximately 14 kilometers along El Nido's northern coastline. This scenic route takes you through diverse terrain including shorelines, rice fields, local villages, and hidden coves. The mostly flat terrain makes it suitable for various fitness levels, though some sections can be sandy and uneven.


The trail typically takes three to four hours at a leisurely pace, providing plenty of opportunities to stop for photos, interact with local communities, or simply pause to soak in the coastal scenery with views of cliffs, rock formations, and the vast ocean expanse.

Coastal Trails: Where Land Meets Sea

The Nacpan Beach to Calitang Beach trail offers a different kind of beauty, stretching approximately 14 kilometers along El Nido's northern coastline. This scenic route takes you through diverse terrain including shorelines, rice fields, local villages, and hidden coves. The mostly flat terrain makes it suitable for various fitness levels, though some sections can be sandy and uneven.


The trail typically takes three to four hours at a leisurely pace, providing plenty of opportunities to stop for photos, interact with local communities, or simply pause to soak in the coastal scenery with views of cliffs, rock formations, and the vast ocean expanse.

Aerial view of tropical beach with white sand, turquoise water, and lush green trees.

The mostly flat terrain makes it suitable for various fitness levels, though some sections can be sandy and uneven.


The trail typically takes three to four hours at a leisurely pace, providing plenty of opportunities to stop for photos, interact with local communities, or simply pause to soak in the coastal scenery with views of cliffs, rock formations, and the vast ocean expanse.

Preparing for Your Hike

Successful hiking in El Nido requires preparation. Sturdy hiking shoes with good grip are essential for rocky terrain and stream crossings. The tropical climate means you'll need plenty of water, sunscreen, a hat, and lightweight, breathable clothing. Pack insect repellent, a small first-aid kit, and a waterproof bag for electronics.


Early morning starts help you avoid intense midday heat and provide the best lighting for photography. Starting your hike in the cooler morning hours allows you to complete your adventure while temperatures are still comfortable.

Charlie's El Nido: Your Adventure Base

After a day of exploring trails, returning to comfort becomes essential. Charlie's El Nido serves as the perfect base for your hiking adventures. Located just 5 minutes from El Nido Airport with stunning mountain views, the resort combines convenience with tranquility.


The resort offers complimentary shuttle service to El Nido town and Lio Beach, making it easy to access various trailheads. After your hike, refresh in modern rooms with mountain views, relax in the outdoor swimming pool, or stay active in the fitness center. The on-site restaurant serves fresh cuisine that replenishes your energy, while the knowledgeable staff can arrange guided hiking tours and provide recommendations based on your interests.


Ready to experience El Nido beyond the beaches? Book your stay at Charlie's El Nido through the official website and discover why this is one of the best resorts in El Nido Palawan for adventure seekers. Your perfect base for exploring El Nido's trails awaits.