Where to watch the sunset in El Nido
Sunset in El Nido is nothing short of magical. With its dramatic limestone cliffs, turquoise waters, and golden beaches, this tropical paradise offers the perfect backdrop for nature’s nightly show.
As the sun dips below the horizon, the sky comes alive with breathtaking hues of orange, pink, and purple, creating an unforgettable experience.
Whether you’re drawn to the energy of a lively beach, the tranquility of a secluded spot, or the charm of a beachfront bar, El Nido has plenty of options to soak in this daily spectacle.
In this guide, we’ll take you through the best places to experience the sunset in El Nido.
#1: Sunset at Las Cabanas Beach
Las Cabanas Beach is the #1 recommendation people will give on where to watch the sunset in El Nido, and for good reason.
Its west-facing location provides front-row views of the sun sinking into the horizon, casting vibrant shades of orange, pink, and purple across the sky.
However, its popularity means it’s also one of the busiest beaches, especially during sunset, with a bustling atmosphere of visitors and beachgoers.
If you don’t mind the crowds, the energy and scenery make it an unforgettable experience.
How to get to Las Cabanas Beach From El Nido Town:
It’s about a 10-15 minute ride from El Nido town.
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Tricycle to and from Las Cabanas Beach:
- Cost: Around ₱150–₱200 one way. Make sure to agree on the price with the driver before you hop in.
- Availability: Tricycles are easy to find in El Nido town and in the parking lot for return trips.
-
Self-Drive:
- Rent a scooter or car in El Nido for more flexibility.
- Ample parking is available at Las Cabanas Beach.
Once You Arrive:
The tricycle will drop you off on the main road at a shopping center (at the Mcdonalds) and from there, you’ll walk down a short trail (about 5–10 minutes) to reach the beach. The path is easy to navigate, you’ll pass by a bunch of shops and restaurants.
This is the same spot you can pick up a tricycle to get back to El Nido town. Please be patient as it will be very busy right after the sunsets.
The beaches popularity means it can get quite busy, especially during sunset hours, so it’s a good idea to arrive early to secure a good spot.
Entrance Fee:
There is no entrance fee for Las Cabanas Beach.
Restaurants With Sunset Views:
- The Beach Shack
- Known for its relaxed vibe, beachfront seating, and vibrant “Sunset Sessions” with live music and DJs. Perfect for cocktails and laid-back dining during sunset.
- Maremegmeg Beach Club
- A chic beachfront venue with cozy lounge chairs, excellent service, and an upscale menu. Offers stunning views of the sunset over the ocean.
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- Renowned for its diverse menu, with a particular emphasis on tacos that fuse authentic Mexican flavors with Filipino influences.
#2: Sunset at Lio Beach
Lio Beach is my favorite spot to watch the sunset in El Nido. At Lio Beach, you won’t see the sun dip directly into the horizon—it sets behind the dramatic limestone cliffs instead—but the view is still breathtaking.
Located near El Nido Airport, Lio Beach is known for its clean, well-maintained shoreline, swim-able water, and its blend of natural beauty and modern amenities makes it an excellent choice for a chilled-out evening.
The beach is lined with palm trees and features a long pier that stretches into the ocean, providing a great vantage point for capturing the sunset or simply enjoying the view.
Lio Beach is much less crowded than Las Cabanas, and gets even quieter in the evening, so if you’re looking to avoid the crowds, this is a great spot to catch the sunset in El Nido.
The El Nido Airport (Lio Airport), is just a stone’s throw away from Lio Beach—literally a 2-minute walk!
The airport’s runway is situated near the beachfront, allowing visitors to watch planes approach and depart at close range. You get an amazing view of planes taking off and landing while relaxing on the beach.
How to Get to Lio Beach from El Nido Town
It’s about a 15 minute drive from El Nido to Lio Beach.
- Free Shuttle to and from Lio Beach:
-
- Operates hourly from El Nido town (pickup at the Ten Knots office on Calle Real Street).
- Cost: Free.
- Return Trip: Departs from Lio Beach every hour until late in the evening.
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Tricycle to and from Lio Beach:
- Cost: Around 300 PHP one way.
- Availability: Tricycles are easy to find in El Nido town and in the Lio Beach parking lot for return trips.
-
Self-Drive:
- Rent a scooter or car in El Nido for more flexibility.
- Ample parking is available at Lio Beach.
Entrance Fee:
There is no entrance fee for Lio Beach
For an in depth guide on the shuttle, and all things Lio Beach, check out my blog post:
Restaurants With Sunset Views:
Some restaurants on Lio Beach are beachfront and offer relaxing views of the changing evening colors reflected on the beach and surrounding areas. While the sun sets behind the inland hills, the atmosphere during sunset is still magical, with a tranquil vibe perfect for dining.
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Saboria Kitchen & Lounge
- Blending international flavors with Filipino traditions
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Punta Playa
- Offers a fusion of Mediterranean and Asian cuisine, specializing in seafood.
- El Nido Grill @Lio
- Specializes in Filipino cuisine with a focus on grilled dishes such as pork belly and squid.
#3: Sunset at Corong Corong Beach:
Corong-Corong Beach is a good spot to catch a breathtaking sunset, with its west-facing view offering an uninterrupted display of vibrant colors over Bacuit Bay’s limestone cliffs and islands.
However, it’s not ideal for swimming due to its shallow waters, rocky areas, and patches of seaweed. It’s better suited for relaxing on the sand, enjoying the view, or grabbing a drink at one of the beachfront bars as the day comes to a close.
Unlike the busier Las Cabanas Beach, Corong Corong offers a more laid-back vibe, making it a good spot to relax and soak in the breathtaking colors without the crowds.
How to Get to Corong Corong Beach from El Nido Town
It’s about a 12 minute drive from El Nido to Corong Corong Beach.
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Tricycle to and from Corong Corong Beach:
- Cost: Around ₱100–₱150 one way. Make sure to agree on the price with the driver before you hop in.
-
Self-Drive:
- Rent a scooter or car in El Nido for more flexibility.
Entrance Fee:
There is no entrance fee for Corong Corong Beach
The beach is easily accessible and doesn’t require a long walk to reach.
Restaurants With Sunset Views:
- Republic Sunset Bar
- Perched on a hillside along Corong-Corong Beach in El Nido, offers panoramic views of Bacuit Bay, making it a popular spot for enjoying sunsets while savoring Spanish tapas and cocktails.
- Lion’s Sunset Lounge El Nido
- Offers a cozy, family-owned vibe with organic, homestead-sourced dishes and stunning sunset views over Bacuit Bay.
- Bella Vita
- An Italian beachfront resto-bar offering authentic Italian cuisine, including brick-oven pizzas and homemade pasta, complemented by panoramic sunset views over Bacuit Bay.
- Sip Sunset Lounge & Bar
- With its bohemian beach bar ambiance, it offers a relaxed atmosphere complemented by live music and daily happy hour specials from 5 to 7 PM. Unwind on comfortable bean bags and swings under a large mango tree, enhancing the tropical experience.
#4: Sunset at Nacpan Beach (Twin Beach)
Nacpan Beach is one of the best spots to watch the sunset in El Nido because of its expansive west-facing shoreline, providing unobstructed views of the sun setting over the horizon.
Its serene atmosphere, with soft white sand, swaying palm trees, and calm turquoise waters, creates a tranquil setting to enjoy nature’s show.
Due to it’s distance from El Nido, the beach is less crowded than other popular sunset spots, allowing for a more relaxed and intimate experience.
How to Get to Nacpan Beach from El Nido Town
It’s about a 45 minute drive from El Nido to Nacpan Beach.
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Tricycle to and from Corong Corong Beach:
- Cost: Around ₱800–₱1,000 round trip. Make sure to agree on the price with the driver before you hop in, and have them wait for you.
-
Self-Drive:
- Rent a scooter or car in El Nido for more flexibility.
The ride itself is scenic, though some parts of the road can be bumpy.
Entrance Fee:
There is no entrance fee for Nacpan Beach
Restaurants With Sunset Views:
- Mad Monkey Hostel Bar
- Located right on Nacpan Beach, this lively bar offers affordable drinks, a social atmosphere, and great views of the sunset from their beachfront seating.
- Sunmai Sunset Restaurant
- A relaxed beachfront restaurant with fresh seafood, Filipino dishes, and cold beers. Its open setting provides unobstructed views of the horizon.
- Fisherman’s Restaurant
- A cozy beachfront spot known for its fresh, flavorful seafood dishes like grilled octopus, paired with stunning ocean views.
Bring Cash: Some local restaurants and bars of don’t accept cards.
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