Skip to content
  • Essence GU
  • Beautycon
  • NaturallyCurly
  • Afropunk
  • Essence Studios
  • Soko Mrkt
  • Ese Funds
  • Refinery29
  • WeLoveUs.shop
  • 2026 ESSENCE Festival Of Culture
  • Celebrity
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Entrepreneurship
  • News
  • Shopping
  • Video
  • Events
  • Subscribe
Home • Travel

Black Travel Vibes: Discover Gorgeous Hidden Beaches In El Nido, Philippines

ESSENCE's exclusive guide on how to see, taste and experience the hottest destinations in Black travel. 
Black Travel Vibes: Discover Gorgeous Hidden Beaches In El Nido, Philippines
Photo Credit: @corinneof_90210
By Danielle Pointdujour · Updated December 6, 2020
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready…

If you’re a beach lover, chances are the islands of the Philippines are on your travel list. After a brief stop in the hectic capital city of Manila, jet-setters in the know make a mad dash for the stunning islands of El Nido–the waters are incredibly beautiful.

From becoming Black mermaids on its sandy shores to floating endlessly through its crystal clear waters, there’s no shortage of amazing gems and activities to get into during your stay. Recently, globetrotter Corinne (@corinneof_90210), who prides herself on being a small girl with big dreams, went on a solo escape to El Nido and found herself on a hunt to discover the area’s most picturesque hidden gems.

Check out our exclusive guide and follow along on her Philippines adventure to uncover the allure of El Nido.

01
Welcome to the Philippines
Located in Southeast Asia, the archipelago known as the Philippines is a mash-up of hectic cities and serene island escapes. In fact, there are about 7,641 islands total that make up the Philippines! Popular islands like El Nido are a hit with visitors looking to explore their crystal blue waters. If you’re planning a trip, be sure to visit between November and April when the weather is perfect.
Black Travel Vibes: Discover Gorgeous Hidden Beaches In El Nido, Philippines
Getty Images
02
Overwater Villas
If you thought the Maldives was the only place to get your overwater villa stay on, think again. El Nido is full of luxe resorts like Pangulasian Island where you can soak up spectacular views right from your room.
Black Travel Vibes: Discover Gorgeous Hidden Beaches In El Nido, Philippines
Photo Credit: El Nido Resorts
03
Dig In
Filipino cuisine may not be as famous as nearby Thailand and Vietnam, but trust us when we say the country has food yummy enough to satisfy even the most critical foodie. Don’t leave without trying local dishes like chicken adobo, lechon and pastillas de leche.
Black Travel Vibes: Discover Gorgeous Hidden Beaches In El Nido, Philippines
Getty Images
04
Fall In Love
In between sailing around El Nido on the hunt for another beach to tan on, make sure to swing by Kawasan Falls and get lost in its natural pools, picturesque waterfalls and lush jungle trails.
Black Travel Vibes: Discover Gorgeous Hidden Beaches In El Nido, Philippines
Photo Credit: @corinneof_90210
TOPICS:  Black Travel Moment of the Day El Nido travel travel guide