El Nido’s famous boat trips show you the coast from the water. This guided land tour gives you a different view: a waterfall reached by a hike, a working fishing village, and two beaches, all in one day. It’s a useful change of pace if you want to see more of Palawan than its coves and island scenery.
I like two things in particular: the mix of local life and well-known beach stops, and the fact that admission, lunch, snacks, refreshments, and hotel transfers are included. You can also choose between a join-in tour and a private outing, depending on your budget and how much control you want over the day.
One consideration: the waterfall visit involves a hike, and the stops may not suit every pace or mobility level. The schedule can also shift with traffic and weather, while a shared pickup may arrive earlier or later than expected.
- Five things to know before you book
- A land day to balance El Nido’s boat trips
- Bulalacao Waterfalls: expect a hike, not a roadside view
- Bucana Fisherman Village: a look beyond the resort stops
- Nacpan and Lio: two beaches in one itinerary
- What the ride and schedule mean for your day
- Join-in or private: which version suits you?
- What the price covers, and what it doesn’t
- Pack for sun, water, and a walk
- Who should book this El Nido land tour?
- FAQ
- What stops are included on the tour?
- Is lunch included?
- Are attraction admission fees included?
- What is the difference between the join-in and private options?
- What should I bring?
- What time does the tour return?
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Five things to know before you book
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6 / 6- Bulalacao Waterfalls is the active stop. A hike is part of reaching the falls, so bring swimwear and be ready to walk.
- Bucana Fisherman Village adds a local-life stop. It’s a chance to see more of the area beyond the beach circuit, though the time there may feel brief.
- Nacpan and Lio give the day its beach time. The tour combines two named beaches rather than focusing on a single stretch of sand.
- Lunch, admission, and transfers are included. That makes the starting price easier to compare with a tour where you pay for essentials separately.
- Join-in starts at $57.25; private starts at $106.60. The private option costs more, but can offer a more personal pace for your group.
👉 See our pick of the Best 2 Day Tours In El Nido
A land day to balance El Nido’s boat trips
El Nido is often associated with island-hopping, and for good reason. But a day on the road changes the view of the place: instead of moving between coastal stops by boat, you travel by van to a waterfall, a village, and beaches on the mainland.
I’d consider this tour if you already have a boat trip planned and want a different kind of day, or if you’d rather spend time on land. Its appeal is the range. You get a nature stop, a glimpse of everyday local life, and beach visits, without arranging separate transport or admission yourself.
The advertised route includes Bulalacao Waterfalls, Bucana Fisherman Village, Nacpan Beach, and Lio Beach. The exact order and time at each stop aren’t specified, and the schedule may change with traffic and weather. Treat the route as a plan for the day, not a minute-by-minute timetable.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in El Nido.
Bulalacao Waterfalls: expect a hike, not a roadside view
The waterfall is the tour’s most active stop. Reaching it involves hiking, including a route to and from the falls. One private-tour outing was manageable for a 77-year-old traveler, but that should not be taken as a guarantee that the path will be easy for everyone. If you or someone in your group has mobility concerns, ask the operator about the current route before booking.
The falls offer a change of scene from the beaches, and you can bring swimwear if you want to be ready for water. The tour includes admission, so you don’t need to budget a separate entry fee for the listed attractions.
Wear shoes you’re comfortable walking in, even though the recommended packing list highlights swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat or cap. The available details don’t specify trail conditions, walking distance, or how long the stop lasts, so don’t count on a particular level of difficulty or time at the falls.
Bucana Fisherman Village: a look beyond the resort stops
Bucana is the stop that gives the day a more local focus. A fishing village offers a different perspective from a beach visit: you get a chance to see a place where people live and work, rather than experiencing El Nido only through its scenic attractions.
That distinction matters if you want your itinerary to include more than views and swimming. The village visit may be short, however. If spending time in Bucana is a priority for you, ask how much time is usually allowed, especially if you’re choosing the join-in option and sharing the day’s schedule with others.
A private tour may be a better fit if your group values a slower pace. One private outing was described as flexible, with time to stay longer at stops, but don’t assume that every private booking follows the same arrangement. Confirm the pace and stop duration with the operator before you pay.
Nacpan and Lio: two beaches in one itinerary
Nacpan Beach and Lio Beach bring the tour back to the coast. Having both on the route gives you a broader beach day than a single-stop outing, though the time at each beach will depend on how the schedule unfolds. The tour details don’t specify swimming time or activities at either beach, so think of these as visits rather than a promise of a long beach stay.
Lunch is included, and one outing had lunch by the beach. That can make the day feel less like a string of van transfers and more like a proper pause between stops. The precise lunch location may vary, so don’t plan around a specific restaurant or beachside setup.
A photo associated with the tour prompted one traveler to expect a rice-field stop, but rice fields aren’t among the four named destinations. If that scenery is a must for you, ask whether it’s part of the current route rather than assuming it is included.
What the ride and schedule mean for your day
Land transport is by van, with round-trip transfers to and from your hotel or personal address included. That takes away the need to arrange separate transport to each stop, a real convenience when the day covers several places outside the central area.
The stated return time is 16:00. Your pickup time is confirmed after booking, and shared transfers can run early or late. Enter your hotel name and address when booking, then watch for the operator’s pickup confirmation. Build a little slack into the morning rather than expecting a precise departure minute.
Traffic and weather can affect the schedule. That’s worth bearing in mind if you’re planning another activity for the same evening. The tour is designed as a day out, but the available details don’t give a specific departure time or guarantee how long you’ll spend at each stop.
Join-in or private: which version suits you?
The join-in option starts at $57.25. It’s the lower-cost choice if you’re happy to share the van and follow a group schedule. Shared transfers can mean an early or late pickup, and you may have less say over how long the group stays at a particular stop.
The private tour starts at $106.60. It costs more, but may make sense if you’re traveling with family, want a more personal outing, or value flexibility over the lowest price. In one private tour, guide Grace and driver Julius were praised for a thoughtful day and for helping an older family member manage the hike. Those names are useful context, not a promise that they’ll lead your tour.
A separate private outing was described as having little time pressure and allowing longer stays at stops. Since the listed schedule still gives a 16:00 return, confirm with Happiness Travel and Tours how much flexibility your booking includes. If you’re comparing prices, weigh the private option against your group’s needs, not just the difference in cost.
What the price covers, and what it doesn’t
At the starting join-in price, the included items make this fairly simple to budget. Attraction admission, lunch, refreshments, snacks, a licensed guide, van transport, and round-trip transfers are covered. You won’t need to set aside extra money for entry tickets at the listed attractions.
Personal expenses and tips are not included. You may still want spending money for anything you choose to buy along the way, but the tour’s core costs are covered. The price is more compelling if you value the convenience of having transport and meals arranged; if you prefer to explore each place at your own pace, compare that convenience with the higher starting price of a private tour.
The private rate isn’t cheap by comparison, but it can be worth paying more when the group needs a gentler pace or wants more control. The value depends on what matters to you: a lower-cost shared day, or a more personal outing with the possibility of added flexibility.
Pack for sun, water, and a walk
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a cap or hat for the outdoor stops. Swimwear is also recommended, particularly if you want to be ready for time at the waterfall or beaches.
For the waterfall hike, choose footwear you can walk in comfortably. The tour information doesn’t describe the trail surface or walking distance, so it’s sensible to check those details if you have a concern about the route. Keep personal expenses separate from your tour budget, since they aren’t covered.
Who should book this El Nido land tour?
I’d put this tour on your shortlist if you want a break from boat trips, like the idea of combining a waterfall and beaches, or want a guided way to visit Bucana. It also suits people who value a package with transport, lunch, refreshments, snacks, admission, and a licensed guide included.
It may be less suitable if you’re looking for a very long stretch of unstructured beach time, need a guaranteed easy route to the waterfall, or expect rice fields to be part of the itinerary. Ask about the hike, village-stop length, and private-tour pacing before booking if any of those details could make or break your day.
Book the join-in tour if price matters most and you’re comfortable sharing the schedule. Choose private if your group needs a more personal pace and the higher price fits your budget. Either way, this is a practical way to see a different side of El Nido without giving up the beaches.
Exclusive El Nido Land Tour by Happiness Philippines
“I hope you can expand the tour options. Please include places like Coron Coron Beach in the tour to offer more sights to see.”
FAQ
What stops are included on the tour?
The listed stops are Bulalacao Waterfalls, Bucana Fisherman Village, Nacpan Beach, and Lio Beach. The order and time at each stop may vary with traffic and weather.
Is lunch included?
Yes. Lunch, refreshments, and snacks are included.
Are attraction admission fees included?
Yes. Admission to the listed attractions is included.
What is the difference between the join-in and private options?
The join-in tour starts at $57.25, while the private tour starts at $106.60. The join-in option is shared; the private option is for your own group.
What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a cap or hat, and swimwear. Comfortable footwear is sensible for the hike to the waterfall.
What time does the tour return?
The stated return time is 16:00, to your hotel or personal address. The schedule may change because of traffic or weather conditions.
