What to pack for El Nido
A practical checklist for a stay at Lio Villas: what to sort before you fly, what to bring on the island tours, and what you can leave at home because we already have it.
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Before you fly
Sort these at home. They are the things that are hard or expensive to fix once you have landed.
- Passport with at least six months leftCheck the expiry date against your return flight, not your arrival.
- eTravel registrationThe Philippines asks arriving travellers to register online with eTravel shortly before they fly. Check the official eTravel site for the current rules.
- Travel insuranceMake sure it covers boat trips, snorkelling and medical evacuation, since the nearest large hospital is in Puerto Princesa.
- Mobile dataAn eSIM set up before you leave means you have maps and messages from the moment you land.
- Flights to El NidoThere are no direct flights from Manila, so see our Getting here guide for the three routes.
- Your transferSend us your flight times and we will arrange the van or tricycle from the airport.
For the island tours
Tours A to D spend most of the day on a boat and in the water. Masks, snorkels and life jackets are provided, so pack for sun, splashes and wet landings.
- Dry bagKeeps your phone, wallet and towel dry on the boat and during beach landings.
- Waterproof phone pouchFor photos in the lagoons without risking your phone.
- Reef-safe sunscreenProtects the coral you will be snorkelling over. Reapply after every swim.
- Rash guard or long-sleeved swim topEasier than sunscreen on your back and shoulders during long snorkels.
- Water shoesSome beaches and the Secret Lagoon entrance are rocky.
- Quick-dry towelLight, packs small and dries between stops.
- Small daypackFor the walk to the boat and the Inland Tour waterfall treks.
- Cash for feesThe ₱400 environmental fee and small purchases on the beaches are cash only.
Clothes
El Nido is warm all year. Pack light, breathable clothes, and add a rain layer between July and October.
- Swimwear, two setsOne can dry while you wear the other.
- Light cotton or linen clothesShorts, loose shirts and a cover-up for the boat.
- Sun hat and sunglassesThe sun on the water is strong, even on cloudy days.
- Sandals and trainersSandals for town and the beach, trainers for the viewpoint hikes.
- Light rain jacketShowers come and go quickly, especially in the wet season.
- Something smarter for dinnerRestaurants in town are relaxed, but it is nice to have one evening outfit.
Health and comfort
Pharmacies in El Nido town stock the basics, but it is easier to arrive with your own.
- Insect repellentUseful at dusk and on the Inland Tour.
- Motion sickness tabletsThe boat rides between islands can be choppy.
- Any prescription medicinesBring enough for the whole trip, in their original packaging.
- Small first aid kitPlasters, antiseptic and something for upset stomachs.
- Refillable water bottleWe can refill it at the resort, which saves buying plastic bottles.
- After-sunFor the evening after a long day on the water.
Money and tech
Cards are accepted in many places, but El Nido still runs largely on cash.
- Philippine pesosFor tricycles, tour fees and small shops. ATMs are in town but can run out at busy times.
- A backup cardKeep it separate from your main wallet.
- Plug adaptorThe Philippines uses 220V with mostly flat two-pin sockets, the same type as the US.
- Power bankHandy for long tour days.
- Offline mapsDownload El Nido on your maps app before you arrive.
Already in your room
No need to pack these. Every room at Lio Villas includes:
- Towels and robesFresh bath towels and robes in every room.
- ToiletriesShampoo, conditioner and body wash in the bathroom.
- Wi-FiFree throughout the resort.
- Air conditioningIn every bedroom.
- Coffee and teaA coffee and tea station in the room.
- Help with tours and transfersAsk the front desk and we will book them for you.