What are the best places to watch the sunset in El Nido? In Things to do in El Nido, we strongly recommend saving the last few hours of daylight to enjoy this magical moment. Since we think it’s so important and, to be honest, it’s something we absolutely love doing, we thought it would be useful to put together a list of the best places to watch the sunset.
What time is sunset in El Nido?
This will depend greatly on the time of year you travel, but you can expect it to be between 5:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
As we explain in best time to travel to the Philippines, summer in the archipelago falls during April and May. As a result, the sun sets just a little later during these months.
You can check the exact sunset time in El Nido for a particular day here.
What are sunsets in El Nido like?
Seriously, sunsets in the Philippines are no small thing. We don’t know what it is about the sky here, but there’s a very good chance you’ll have an almost supernatural experience. On most days, you’ll see intense shades of orange that later turn pink and violet.
If you happen to get a cloudy day, don’t give up. Unless the sky is completely overcast or it’s raining, cloudier days can sometimes bring unexpected surprises. In most cases, the colors of the sky are also reflected in the clouds, creating a wonderful spectacle.
Due to the tilt of the Earth’s rotational axis and its orbit around the sun, the sun doesn’t set in exactly the same place every day. Although it always sets more or less in the west, where you see it set will shift depending on the month you visit El Nido. It only sets exactly due west on the two equinoxes. You can see exactly where it will set using an app called Sun Surveyor Lite.
Best places to watch the sunset in El Nido
1. Las Cabañas or Maremegmeg Beach, wonderful sunsets in El Nido
Las Cabañas is one of the best beaches in El Nido and, not only that, it’s also a fabulous spot to watch an epic sunset.
From its golden sand, you can admire the beauty of the Bacuit Archipelago, so when the sun begins to set, you’ll see the landscape change color. You can watch it from the end of the beach where you enter, where swimming is more comfortable. However, you can also walk toward the opposite end and find a spot at one of the bars on the sand. Perhaps the best options are the bar at Las Cabañas Beach Resort and The Shed Beach Bar, right next to Depeldet Island, the small island that dominates the view from this beach.
If you want a more peaceful setting for your sunset in El Nido, all you have to do is walk toward the Sunset Cliffs area, just past the bars we recommended above.
How do you get there? It will take you about an hour to walk from El Nido Town. If you don’t have a rental motorcycle (500 pesos per day), you can take a tricycle. They charge 150 pesos each way for the entire vehicle (which fits 4-5 people). Another option is to try to hop on a shared one that is already carrying other passengers. In that case, they should charge you 20 pesos. From Corong Corong, the usual fare is 100 pesos.
2. Lio Beach
It’s no secret that Lio Beach is one of our favorite beaches in the area, but it’s also one of the best places to watch the sunset in El Nido.
This very long and beautifully maintained beach has direct views of Cadlao Island, one of El Nido’s most distinctive islands, making for an incredible view. Far less well known than Las Cabañas, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a much more relaxed sunset in El Nido. If you feel like it, you can sit on one of the free beanbags on the sand. There are also a few beachfront bars, but the vegetation may block the best part of the view.
Whenever we’ve been lucky enough to watch the sunset in El Nido from here, we’ve been treated to wonderful violet skies. We hope you’re just as lucky!
How do you get there? It will take you about 20 minutes by motorcycle from El Nido Town. Alternatively, you can take a tricycle (around 300 pesos each way) or go by motorcycle.
3. Corong Corong, wonderful sunsets in El Nido
Corong Corong is the neighborhood or barangay right next to El Nido Town. In fact, this is where the bus terminal is located, and it has gradually grown in popularity to become the best alternative for staying right on the beach. Although it’s true that it’s not one of the most beautiful beaches in the Philippines, it’s a perfect place to use as a base, as El Nido island-hopping tours also depart from here.
Even so, the best thing of all is that you’ll have one of the best sunsets in El Nido right on your doorstep every day. If it isn’t cloudy or raining, you’re in for a show. With the silhouette of Helicopter Island in the background and plenty of small islands all around, the sky usually turns red.
There’s a very long beach where you can sit on the sand and enjoy it, but, of course, there are also several bars where you can sit down with a drink while taking it all in. The best place to be is in the central area or toward the far left of the beach. Some good examples of bars are Lion’s Sunset Lounge, Republica Sunset Bar, and Outpost Beach Hostel.
How do you get there? You can walk from El Nido Town in about 15-20 minutes or take a tricycle, which will cost you 50 pesos. You can also take a shared one for 10 pesos per person.
4. Seven Commandos Beach
Seven Commandos is a beautiful beach with white sand and palm trees. You can visit it on an island-hopping tour or by kayak, and you’ll find a small bar there serving cocktails and other refreshments.
There’s a bit of a catch with this place to watch the sunset in El Nido. Since it can’t be reached by land, only by sea, getting there can be a little more difficult, but it isn’t impossible.
⛵ How do you get there? You can do it in 3 ways:
- On an island-hopping tour: however, you’ll need to confirm with the company that this will be the final stop and that they’ll give you time to watch the sunset. Read more about it in Island hopping in El Nido.
- Hiring a boat from Corong Corong Beach: they usually charge 700-800 pesos for the round trip, including waiting time.
- Paddling there by kayak: kayaks can also be rented in Corong Corong, but keep in mind that you’ll have to paddle back at night. It isn’t exactly the most advisable option, so check the sea conditions carefully. Kayaks can be rented from 400 pesos per day.
5. El Nido Town, a place to watch the sunset in El Nido, but only at certain times of year
If you’re staying in El Nido Town itself and don’t feel like going anywhere, don’t worry—you’ll still be able to enjoy the colorful skies. However, depending on the time of year and your location, you may not see the sun set over the water.
We’ve enjoyed some wonderful sunsets in El Nido Town in December. To see them, we would head toward the far right end (when facing the sea), where we watched the sun set spectacularly between Cadlao Island and Palawan itself. Right there, you’ll find a bar called Havana Beach Bar & Restaurant, which also offers happy hour at that time.
6. From a helicopter, the deluxe option for watching the sunset in El Nido
You’ve already seen that you can enjoy some wonderful sunsets in El Nido from ground level. Well, if you want to treat yourself or are looking for a special moment (take note if you’re planning a proposal), helicopters have been flying over the islands at sunset since 2020.
It isn’t cheap, as the 15-minute flight costs around $190, but it’s a magical experience. From above, you’ll be able to admire the countless shades of turquoise in the water and the enormous limestone cliffs, which turn golden at this time of day.
Where to stay to watch these wonderful El Nido sunsets from your room
Okay, watching them from the beach is great, but how would you like to watch an epic sunset in El Nido from your room? Here are some hotel recommendations where you can do just that:
Maremegmeg Beach Club – Las Cabañas
This is the only “decent” hotel on Las Cabañas Beach to date. That said, what you’ll find there is pure luxury. The rooms are perched on a hillside, so they have direct views of the sea and, of course, the sunset in El Nido. You can choose to enjoy it from your balcony, in the infinity pool, or from the beach loungers. The choice is yours!
Last Frontier Beach Resort – Corong Corong
We’re sticking with Corong Corong, right on the beachfront. Last Frontier is one of the area’s most established resorts, and from here you’ll be able to watch some epic sunsets in El Nido. They have relatively affordable rooms considering the location (from $128), but there are also suites and cottages if you feel like treating yourself.
Book Last Frontier Beach Resort
Karuna El Nido Villas – Corong Corong
Whenever we plan honeymoons, it never fails: almost everyone chooses to stay at Karuna Villas. Located high above Corong Corong, these Balinese-style bungalows have truly epic views of the Bacuit Archipelago. Some have their own private pool, but if you want to spend a little less, you’ll still be able to enjoy wonderful sunsets in El Nido from the shared infinity pool.
Seda Lio – Lio Beach
We’re heading over to Lio Beach to recommend the best hotel on this beach. Part of the best hotel chain in the Philippines and surrounded by nature, the hotel makes you feel completely secluded while still offering every comfort. There are beautiful rooms with sea views and several swimming pools that also overlook El Nido’s small islands. Of course, you’ll be able to enjoy those El Nido sunsets you came to see from both, as well as from the loungers set up on the beach.
Vellago Resort – Seven Commandos Beach
If you really want to splurge, book a stay at Vellago Resort. It’s located at one end of the wonderful Seven Commandos Beach. It’s a small, very intimate place, with Balinese-style rooms that have direct sea views. On the ground floor, there’s a fabulous bar-restaurant where you can watch the sunset in El Nido with a cocktail in hand.
Also, don’t miss our articles Where to stay in El Nido, Best resorts in El Nido, and Best hostels in El Nido. You’ll find accommodations organized by area and type.
Map of the best places to watch the sunset in El Nido
Here you can find the locations of the places we’ve mentioned, including our accommodation recommendations:
Remember that you’ll find all the information you need about this destination in our El Nido Guide. In it, we recommend activities, restaurants, accommodations, and tours. You’ll also find tips to help you make the most of your stay.
We hope this article has been useful in helping you enjoy a magical sunset in El Nido. If you have any questions or suggestions, we’d love to hear them in the comments.
