El Nido Island Hopping

El Nido, at the northern end of Palawan, looks out over Bacuit Bay, where dozens of limestone islands rise straight out of clear turquoise water. Local outrigger boats, called bancas, run the island-hopping tours that are the main reason to come.

Tours follow set routes, each mixing lagoons, beaches and snorkelling spots. The most popular include the Big and Small Lagoons, where you kayak between sheer cliffs into still, emerald water; the Secret Lagoon, entered through a gap in the rock; and beaches such as Seven Commandos for lunch and a swim.

Boats get busy, so we start early and can arrange a private banca for families and honeymooners. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a dry bag and water shoes for rocky landings. El Nido is reached by a short flight from Manila or a long road transfer from Puerto Princesa.