Nightlife in El Nido: Best Bars & Party Spots
Are you wondering where to party in El Nido? Or perhaps you’re looking for the best spot to enjoy a cocktail as the sun goes down?
This post will detail the very best El Nido nightlife, updated for 2024.
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El Nido is known for being one of the most picturesque places in the Philippines, with its limestone cliffs and turquoise waters captivating travelers from all over the world.
If you’re looking to let your hair down after a busy day of island hopping, then you’re in luck. El Nido also has some of the best nightlife in Palawan.
Although you will not find crazy beach raves, a pumping strip, or buckets of alcohol, El Nido has a vibrant atmosphere when the sun goes down.
Start your night sipping happy hour cocktails and admiring the view from a rooftop bar. If you fancy it, dance into the night with amazing DJ sets and beachfront parties.
Bar hopping is one of the best things to do in El Nido at night. This post will detail the best bars in El Nido and top party spots for an unforgettable time.
Where to party in El Nido
Whilst you will find many amazing bars in and around El Nido, the main nightlife scene is centered in El Nido Town Proper.
The majority of the bars are dotted along the main walking street Calle Hama and back onto the beach. Most are within walking distance of each other, creating a buzzing atmosphere perfect for bar hopping.
Sava Beach Bar
As one of the longest-standing bars, a post about El Nido nightlife would be incomplete without Sava Beach Bar.
Offering one of the best sunset views in El Nido, this is a great spot to sip on a cocktail and admire the changing colours of the sky as the sun sets behind the limestone cliffs.
This El Nido bar has a chilled vibe in the early evening, with beanbags and happy hour from 4- 7 PM. The blend of indoor and outdoor seating creates a relaxed beach vibe.
You can enjoy a wide range of drinks, live music showcasing local talent, and even shisha if you fancy.
If you’re looking to party in El Nido, swing by later in the evening for DJ sets and a large dancefloor to get your groove on. This is a top El Nido nightlife spot, with themed nights and funky beats.
Oz El Nido
Another one of the best bars in El Nido is Oz. With three floors, rustic wooden decor, and laidback jungle vibes, enjoying some warm-up drinks here is one of the best things to do in El Nido at night.
Bring your bikini and take a dip in the rooftop pool, or simply lounge around on the hanging net to enjoy the view.
The atmosphere is chill with a great playlist and live acoustic music.
Whether you prefer to unwind on a sofa or perch on a wooden bench and watch the world go by, this is one of the best bars in El Nido.
If you’re looking to party in El Nido, then maybe this isn’t the place for you. But if you want to warm up for your night in a trendy setting with delicious drinks, then Oz is a must-visit bar.
Happiness Beach Bar
Serving healthy refreshing food with Middle Eastern influences, Happiness Beach Bar turns into a great El Nido nightlife spot when the sun goes down.
You may recognise Happiness from other parts of the Philippines. Just meters from the beach, Happiness is kitted out with swinging chairs and a laidback vibe.
With happy hour from 3 – 7 PM, it is the perfect spot to enjoy a cocktail (or three).
Happiness hosts a range of events, from reggae and throwback nights to techno street parties. It is worth checking out their Instagram for upcoming events here @happinesselnido.
Must Read: The Top 5 MOST BEAUTIFUL El Nido Beaches
Pukka Bar
A post about the best bars in El Nido would be incomplete without Pukka Bar. This bar is a particular favourite with backpackers and locals alike.
This is the only bar on this list not located in El Nido town, but about 10 minutes away. Drop by in the early evening and enjoy live reggae music if you’re looking for a chilled vibe.
If you want to party in El Nido, then stay late into the evening as the DJ livens the atmosphere with house and techno beats.
There is a large outdoor decking area come the dancefloor which backs right onto the beach.
This is the best nightlife spot in El Nido if you want to meet like-minded travellers and dance the night away.
The Pangolin Bar
The Pangolin Bar is another top nightlife spot in El Nido where you are guaranteed a fun and lively atmosphere.
This spot has a wooden tiki bar style with friendly staff shaking up hand-crafted cocktails. Swing by from 8 PM to enjoy the DJ and have a boogie.
This is also one of the best bars in El Nido for environmental enthusiasts. 50 PHP from each cocktail is donated to Pangolin conservation efforts.
Getting drunk but it’s for a good cause? Sign me up.
The Pangolin hosts many different events, from live music and saxophone players to epic full-moon parties. If you happen to be in El Nido for the full moon, this bar is well worth checking out.
If you’re looking for where to party in El Nido, you can’t go wrong with the Pangolin.
Amigos
Another place to party in El Nido is Amigos. One of the best beachfront bars in the area, you are guaranteed a night of dancing and fun.
The DJ here is fantastic, with a mixture of Spanish music and those mainstream hits we all know the words to even if we hate to admit it.
The later the night gets, the more lively you’ll find this bar with a mixture of backpackers and locals. If your legs are tired from dancing, there is outdoor seating on the beach.
If you’re like me and can’t accept when the party is over, you’ll love this El Nido bar as it stays open as late as 4 AM. The drinks here are also cheaper than other bars on the list!
Rooftop Bar
The final El Nido nightlife spot on this list is Rooftop Bar.
Rooftop Bar has a chill and aesthetic vibe, with three floors, cozy seating, and beanbags. It is also famous for having the best mojito in El Nido, so checking out their happy hour is a must.
Although not a wild party spot, the music here is on point and it is one of the best bars to appreciate that breathtaking El Nido sunset.
With beautiful decor and delicious drinks, this is a top El Nido bar to warm up for your night.
Philippines Essentials Packing List
Is El Nido a party island?
If you’re looking for Palawan nightlife, then El Nido is the best spot for it. Whilst the vibe is more relaxed than a typical party island, El Nido is certainly not short of bars, happy hours, DJs, and parties.
The nights begin much earlier than the standard party island and you can expect to be tucked up in bed by 3 AM at the latest.
The party scene is a bit more civilised compared to other destinations in South East Asia and the Philippines. It is very distinct to the nightlife in Siargao for example.
If you like rooftop bars, cocktails, and DJs playing a wide variety of music, then you will love El Nido nightlife.
What month is best to visit El Nido?
The best time to visit El Nido is during the dry season which runs from November-May. This also coincides with the peak season, so you will be sure to meet many other travellers.
You are (almost) always guaranteed good weather and a lively atmosphere, so you can take advantage of all of the activities on offer.
If you want to avoid flocks of tourists, January and February would be the best months.
Must Read: Taraw Cliff: The BEST Guide To El Nido’s Canopy Walk
How many days in El Nido is enough?
I had heard a lot of mixed opinions about El Nido before visiting so did not know what to expect. We actually ended up extending our stay in El Nido because we loved it so much!
I would recommend at least 4 days in El Nido.
As well as many different tours exploring the surrounding islands, there are some pretty amazing beaches and things to do in and around El Nido.
El Nido also has some great restaurants and a vibrant nightlife scene, so it is worth allowing extra time to take this all in too.
As with most destinations in the Philippines, the WiFi in El Nido can be a little patchy and unreliable. For a stress-free trip, I would suggest getting a data plan with an Airalo eSIM.
This post has detailed the very best El Nido nightlife spots and best bars to party the night away. If you’re going to be spending some time in El Nido, feel free to check out the following –
