If you’re planning a trip to the Philippines, chances are El Nido is already on your radar. It’s one of those “must-see” spots that pops up in every travel guide and Instagram feed. Like most people, we did our research—scanned the top activities, read a bunch of blogs, and made our own list of things to do while we were there. What follows is our honest take on what we actually experienced.
A bit of background:
We spent four days in El Nido, splitting our stay between two very different locations. The first was just outside the busy town centre (Vali-Joe)—close enough to enjoy the action, but far enough to avoid the constant honking and party playlists.
The second spot was much further out—technically still in El Nido, but it felt like a whole different world. Quiet, remote, and definitely not in walking distance of a smoothie bowl. We stayed in £5 a night beach tents at Amwani Breeze.
By the time we arrived into El Nido from Port Barton, it was lunchtime—and we’re going to be honest here: if we’d had one more rice meal, there might’ve been tears. Eating “Filipino power” two or three times a day does start to wear you down. So, in a moment of desperation (and sheer craving), we caved and splurged on a ridiculously overpriced Italian restaurant. Worth it? Debatable. Necessary? Absolutely.
The rest of the day was spent recovering—mostly horizontal in the blissful air conditioning of our room. We later wandered down to the beach for a golden sunset, which made us feel slightly better about our financial choices. Dinner was a humble affair: pot noodles in the room. After the lunchtime indulgence, balance had to be restored somehow.
That left us with one full day near El Nido town, and a decision to make: do we join one of the famous boat tours, or try something different—like the zipline and Via Ferrata experience we’d heard so much about?
In the end, we chose to skip the boat tour. We’d already done a few during our travels, and honestly, we’d been told by other travellers that the snorkelling in Coron was far better. So, we figured we’d save the ocean adventure for later and try something new instead. At the time, it felt like a solid decision.
Update: our boat tour in Coron ended up getting cancelled due to an amber rainfall alert and flash flood warnings. So, in a twist of fate, we didn’t do any boat tours. Brilliant.
Via Ferrata Canopy Walk – Worth It?
Let’s not sugarcoat this. If you’re happy to pay 430 PHP per person for what’s essentially a short scramble, a steep metal staircase, and a hanging bridge leading to a viewpoint—this activity might be for you. But for us, it wasn’t what we were hoping for.
The whole thing took less than 30 minutes, and a third of that was spent at the top wondering, “Is this it?” Sure, the view was nice—but not enough to justify the price or hype.
Thankfully, we chose not to pay extra to add the Dream Catcher route. It was clearly visible just a few steps away from the main viewpoint, and I can confidently say that spending 730 PHP per person for both would have left us frustrated and disappointed.
And yes, we know—someone will say it only cost us around £13, so what did we expect? But honestly, if we knew we was paying £13 just to walk to a viewpoint, we’d have skipped it. For an activity that’s often called a “must-do,” our expectations were much higher. In our opinion? It’s not a must-do. Not even close.
Was it worth it? For us, no. While it might suit travelers looking for something low-effort with a quick photo op, it didn’t live up to the price or the promise.
Would we do it again? Honestly, no. But if you go in knowing exactly what to expect—and you’re happy to pay for the view—it might still be a fun, easy tick off your list.
Our Zipline Adventure in the Philippines
When someone says “adventure” ziplining almost always makes the list—and for good reason. With stunning landscapes, dramatic cliffs, and turquoise waters below, there’s hardly a better backdrop for flying through the air at high speed.
We decided to give it a go, and it didn’t disappoint. After being strapped into our harnesses and getting the usual safety briefing (joking, there was not one), we were off—soaring hundreds of feet above the ground. The view? Absolutely unreal. It’s one thing to admire the beauty of the Philippines from a beach or a boat—but gliding above it all gives you a totally different perspective.
The ride itself was quick but exhilarating. There was the option for single, or “Superman-style” ziplines, where you’re lying flat, arms stretched forward like you’re taking flight. It’s over before you know it, but the rush is well worth it.
What we loved most wasn’t just the adrenaline—it was the setting. Soaring over the brightest blue sea to a tiny island? What’s not to love? Well, let me tell you what’s not so lovable: the walk back to the beach if you choose to skip the round trip, especially in flip-flops. Not ideal.
And then there’s the journey there. Sure, we could’ve been smarter and splurged on a trike ride to save time, we’re not called tight travelers for nothing. Instead, we decided to walk for 40 minutes (one way), only to end up on a steep incline. What did we expect? We were heading to the starting point of a zipline, after all.
Was it worth it? Definitely. It’s not the cheapest activity in the Philippines, but it’s one of those travel moments that sticks with you.
Would we do it again? In a heartbeat.
Final Thoughts:
Overall, our adventure in the Philippines was a mix of highs and lows, with plenty of thrills and a few bumps along the way. The zipline offered an unforgettable experience with incredible views, while the Via Ferrata was a bit of a letdown compared to what we expected. Despite the minor setbacks—like the unexpected walks and a few underwhelming activities—it’s the kind of trip that leaves lasting memories.
For anyone planning their own adventure, the Philippines has so much to offer. From heart-pumping ziplining to beautiful beaches and hidden gems, there’s something for every kind of traveler. Just be sure to do your research, manage expectations, and remember that not every “must-do” activity lives up to the hype.
Tight Travellers 