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 hours of sunlight to enjoy this magical moment. Since this is something we consider so important and, to be honest, something we love doing, we thought it would be useful to compile the best places for sunset.
What time is sunset in El Nido?
This will depend a lot on the time of year you travel, but you can estimate it will be between 17:30 and 18:00.
As we tell you in best time to travel to the Philippines, summer in the archipelago is during April and May. Therefore, at those times the sun sets a little later.
You can check the exact time of sunset in El Nido for a specific day here.
What are sunsets like in El Nido?
Seriously, sunsets in the Philippines are no joke. We don’t know what the sky has around here, but it’s highly likely you’ll have an almost otherworldly experience. Most days you’ll see intense orange tones that later turn into pinks and purples.
If you get a cloudy day, don’t give up. Unless it’s completely overcast or raining, sometimes days with more clouds bring surprises. In most cases, the colors in the sky are also reflected in the clouds, creating a wonderful spectacle.
Due to the Earth’s tilted axis of rotation and its orbit, the sun doesn’t set in exactly the same spot every day. While it always does so roughly to the west, depending on the month you visit El Nido you’ll see it shifted more or less. It only sets exactly due west on the 2 days of the equinox. You can see exactly where it will set with an app called Sun Surveyor Lite.
Best places for 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, also a fabulous spot to watch an epic sunset.
From its golden sand you can admire the beauty of the Bacuit Archipelago, so when sunset begins you’ll see how the landscape changes color. You can do this from the end of the beach, right where you enter, which is more comfortable for swimming. But you can also walk to the opposite side and find a spot in one of the bars on the sand. Perhaps the most suitable are the bar at Las Cabañas Beach Resort and The’Shed Beach Bar, right next to Depeldet Island, the islet that reigns over this beach.
If you want more peace and quiet for your sunset in El Nido, you just have to walk towards the Sunset Cliffs area, that is, just past the bars we recommended above.
How to get there? From El Nido Town it’s roughly an hour on foot. If you don’t have a rental motorbike (500 pesos per day), you can opt for tricycles. They charge 150 pesos per trip for the whole vehicle (4–5 people fit). Another option is to try to hop on one “in line”, that is, carrying other passengers. In that case, they should charge you 20 pesos. From Corong Corong they usually charge 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 well-kept beach has direct views of Cadlao Island, one of El Nido’s most characteristic islands, which gives us a stunning landscape. Much less well-known than Las Cabañas, you’ll be able to enjoy a much more relaxed sunset in El Nido. If you feel like it, you can sit on one of the free poufs on the sand. There are also a few beachfront bars, though with the vegetation you might miss the best part.
The times we’ve been lucky enough to see this sunset in El Nido, we’ve been treated to wonderful violet skies. Hopefully you’ll have the same luck!
How to get there? By motorbike it will take you about 20 minutes from El Nido Town. Otherwise, you can go by tricycle (around 300 pesos per trip) or by motorbike.
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 gained prominence to become the best alternative for staying right on the beach. While it’s true that it isn’t among the most beautiful beaches in the Philippines, it’s a perfect place to base yourself, as the El Nido island-hopping tours also depart from here.
Even so, the best thing is that you’ll have one of the best sunsets in El Nido at your disposal every day. If it isn’t cloudy or raining, the show is on. With the silhouette of Helicopter Island in the background and a bunch of islets around, the usual thing is for the sky to turn red.
You have a very long beach at your disposal to sit on the sand and enjoy it, but, of course, there are also several bars where you can sit and have a drink while you enjoy it. The best thing is to place yourself in the central area or towards the far left of the beach. Good examples of bars are: Lion’s Sunset Lounge, Republica Sunset Bar, and Outpost Beach Hostel.
How to get there? you can walk from El Nido Town in about 15–20 minutes or also take a tricycle, which will cost you 50 pesos. You can take it shared for 10 pesos per person.
4. Seven Commandos Beach
Seven Commandos is a gorgeous white-sand beach with palm trees. It can be visited either on one of the island-hopping tours or by kayaking, and you’ll find a small bar serving cocktails and other refreshments.
This place to watch the sunset in El Nido has a bit of a catch. Since it can’t be accessed by land, only by sea, it might be a little more effort, but it’s not impossible.
⛵ How to get there? You can do it in 3 ways:
- On an island-hopping tour: even so, you’ll need to confirm with the company that this will be the last stop and that they’ll let you 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 along with the waiting time.
- Paddling a kayak: they’re also rented in Corong Corong, but keep in mind that you’ll have to return at night. It’s not the most advisable thing in the world, so check the sea conditions carefully. They can be rented from 400 pesos per day.
5. El Nido Town, sunset in El Nido but seasonally
If you’re staying in El Nido Town itself and don’t feel like moving, don’t worry, you’ll also be able to enjoy the colorful skies. That said, you might not see the sun set over the water, depending on the time of year and your location.
We’ve been able to enjoy wonderful sunsets in El Nido Town in December. To do so, we used to go to the far right (if you’re facing the sea) and there we watched how the sun fell between Cadlao Island and Palawan itself in a stunning way. Right there you have a bar called Havana Beach Bar & Restaurant, which also offers happy hour at that time.
6. From a helicopter, the deluxe option to watch the sunset in El Nido
You’ve already seen that at ground level you can see some wonderful sunsets in El Nido. Well, if you want to treat yourself or you’re looking for a special moment (attention, marriage proposals), since 2020 there have been helicopters flying over the islands at sunset.
It isn’t cheap, because the 15-minute flight costs about 190$, but it’s a magical experience. From above you’ll be able to contemplate the thousand shades of turquoise in the water and the huge limestone formations, which turn golden at this time of day.
Where to stay to watch these wonderful sunsets in El Nido from your room
Sure, seeing them from the seashore is great, but how about watching an epic sunset in El Nido from your room? Here are some hotel recommendations for that:
Maremegmeg Beach Club – Las Cabañas
This is the only “decent” hotel to date on Las Cabañas Beach. That said, what you’ll find there is pure luxury. The rooms are perched on a hill, so they have direct views of the sea and, of course, the sunset in El Nido. You can choose between enjoying it on your balcony, in the infinity-style pool, or on the hammocks on the beach. Your call!
Last Frontier Beach Resort – Corong Corong
We stay in Corong Corong, right on the waterfront. Last Frontier is one of the most seasoned resorts in the area, and from it you’ll be able to see some epic sunsets in El Nido. They have rooms that are relatively affordable for where they are located (from 80€), but you also have suites and cottages if you want to splurge.
Book at Last Frontier Beach Resort
Karuna El Nido Villas – Corong Corong
When we plan honeymoons, it never fails—almost everyone chooses to stay at Karuna Villas. Located in the upper part of Corong Corong, these Balinese-style bungalows have epic views of the Bacuit Archipelago. Some have their own private pool, but if you want to spend a little less, you’ll be able to enjoy wonderful sunsets in El Nido from the communal infinity pool.
Seda Lio – Lio Beach
We move over to Lio Beach to recommend the best of the hotels on this beach. Belonging to the best hotel chain in the Philippines and perched in the midst of nature, you’ll have the feeling of being isolated from everything but with all the comforts. You’ll find beautiful rooms with sea views and several pools also with direct views of El Nido’s islets. Of course, from both places and the loungers they set up on the beach you’ll enjoy those sunsets in El Nido you want to see.
Vellago Resort – Seven Commandos Beach
If what you want is to really splurge, book Vellago Resort. It’s located at one end of the wonderful Seven Commandos Beach. It’s a small, very intimate place, with rooms decorated in Balinese style that have direct sea views. On the ground floor there is a fabulous bar-restaurant, from which you can watch the sunset in El Nido with a cocktail in hand.
Also, don’t miss our article 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 places to watch the sunset in El Nido
Here you can find the locations of the places we’ve talked about, including the accommodation recommendations:
Remember that you have 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 make the most of your stay.
We hope this article has been useful for enjoying a magical sunset in El Nido. If you have any questions or suggestions, we’ll be happy to read them in the comments.
