A Complete Guide to Taraw Cliff & Canopy Walk El Nido

The view from Taraw Cliff is one of the most breathtaking in Palawan, but scaling its jagged limestone cliffs isn’t for everyone.

Thankfully, the El Nido Canopy Walk offers a safe way to enjoy the same incredible views, without the need for climbing experience.

El Nido is well known for its turquoise waters, limestone cliffs, and paradisiacal surrounding islands, making it a bucket list destination in the Philippines.

If, like me, you tire from beach bumming and crave something beyond the usual island-hopping tours, the Taraw Cliff Canopy Walk is the perfect alternative adventure.

Whilst it is possible to climb Taraw Cliff with a guide unofficially, the El Nido Canopy Walk is the safest way for inexperienced climbers to appreciate El Nido’s stunning panoramic views.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from ticket prices to tips for making the most of your visit.

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El Nido Canopy Walk: Overview

If you don’t have time to read the whole guide, here is the important stuff.

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Where is the El Nido Canopy Walk?

When visiting El Nido, you cannot miss the imposing jagged limestone cliffs that hang over the town.

The El Nido Via Ferrata Canopy Walk is conveniently located in El Nido town on Rizal Street.

If you are staying in town near El Nido Beach, the offices and start of the walk should be no more than a 10-minute walk away.

What is a Via Ferrata?

A Via Ferrata is a mountain climbing route that employs steel cables, fixed ladders, and bridges to be more accessible to climbers and hikers.

Preparing for the Taraw Cliff Canopy Walk

Before embarking on your Taraw Cliff adventure, you probably have a few questions.

What should you wear? Do you need to book in advance? How long does it take?

Below are my top tips to help you prepare and make the most of your experience.

When is the best time to visit?

The El Nido Canopy Walk is open every day from 8 AM to 5 PM.

I would recommend coming in the morning if you want to avoid the heat as much as possible.

Coming around dusk to admire the pastel colors of the sky might also be beautiful too.

We are not early risers and started the canopy walk at about 11 AM. Although it is hot at this time, most of the trail is covered and you are not in direct sunlight.

Entrance fee

The entrance fee to Taraw Cliff Canopy Walk is 400 PHP ($7) and can either be booked in advance or on the day.

You will then pay another 30 PHP ($0.50) on top of this just before starting the hike. The canopy walk price includes a guide, harness, and helmet.

We simply turned up and booked on the day.

However, booking in advance can sometimes be cheaper. If you’re traveling in high season, I’d also recommend booking in advance to guarantee yourself a spot.

BOOK YOUR SPOT IN ADVANCE HERE

What to wear

The El Nido Canopy Walk hike is not hard or strenuous, but it is guaranteed to be hot and humid.

Therefore, wearing anything comfortable, light, and airy should do the trick.

There is a marked trail and you do not spend much time walking over rocks. While hiking trainers or boots would be helpful, they are not strictly necessary.

Any closed-toe shoes will do.

However, if you only have sandals, you should still be fine doing the El Nido canopy walk, just make sure to take extra care.

How long does the El Nido Canopy Walk take?

To reach this El Nido viewpoint it takes roughly 20 minutes, depending on your fitness level – I was surprised by how quickly we reached the top!

Accounting for the time at the top appreciating the scenery and snapping photos, the El Nido Canopy Walk takes no more than 1 hour.

Tip: if you’re short on time, you could fit this activity in before a day of island hopping or exploring El Nido’s beaches

What to expect

The adventure starts with a short 5-minute walk over some rocks before the marked trail begins.

Soon after, you’ll cross a wobbly 75-meter hanging bridge—thrilling but manageable, even if you’re nervous about heights.

Don’t worry; you’re securely strapped in with steel wires and a carabiner the entire time.

The trail continues upward with a few steep parts and stairs. While you’ll definitely break a sweat, it’s totally manageable for anyone with average fitness.

At the top, you’re rewarded with jaw-dropping panoramic views of El Nido town and Bacuit Bay. On a clear day, you can even spot the distant islands scattered across the water.

We spent about 15 minutes admiring the views, snapping photos, and chatting with our incredibly knowledgeable guide.

Be sure to make the most of their insights while enjoying this unforgettable experience!

Fun Fact: our guide informed us that the name changed in 1954 from Bacuit to El Nido due to the edible nests of swiftlets found in the limestone cliffs. El Nido means ‘the nest’ in Spanish

Climbing Taraw Cliff

While hiking these rocks may appeal to the adrenaline junkies and climbers among us, a couple of accidents in the past and the risk involved means the official climbing route is now closed to tourists.

However, where there’s a will, there’s always a way.

Even though it is not officially permitted, it is possible to hire a private guide who will help you up Taraw Cliff. It is worth asking around the tour agencies in El Nido if you are keen.

Important: do not attempt this climb without an experienced guide. This isn’t just a hike—it’s a steep and often vertical climb over jagged rocks, requiring caution, strength, and a lot of nerve

For those who love a bit of adventure, climbing Taraw Cliff for sunrise is one of the top things to do in El Nido.

However, proceed with caution and only opt for this if you have some previous experience climbing.

Although the views are even more spectacular than the canopy walk, getting home safe and sound is always more important than getting that picture-perfect shot.

How high is Taraw Cliff El Nido?

Taraw Cliff is the highest point of El Nido and offers an extraordinary birdseye view of the surrounding area.

Taraw Cliff is 270 meters high.

The El Nido Canopy Walk is about 150 meters lower than this.

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Where is the best place to see the sunrise in El Nido?

The best place to see the sunrise in El Nido is undoubtedly Taraw Cliff. You can expect the sun to start rising from about 5:30 AM.

If you’re hoping to catch an El Nido sunrise, this is not possible with the Canopy Walk as it does not open until 8 AM. Your best bet would be to hike Taraw Cliff unofficially with a private guide.

Recommended: Top 5 MOST BEAUTIFUL El Nido Beaches

Where to stay in El Nido

El Nido is home to some of the best accommodations in the Philippines.

There are a couple of different areas to stay depending on the type of traveler you are.

If you are a budget backpacker, I would suggest staying in town proper, which is where you will find most of the main hostels, restaurants, and bars.

However, for the luxury traveler, I would recommend staying a little further out to guarantee yourself the best views. I’d recommend the area around Las Cabanas or Nacpan Beach.

Sun Valley Backpackers Inn

As a budget backpacker, I always make it my personal mission to find the cheapest accommodation in any destination (but still to a certain standard) – El Nido was a challenge.

Located close to El Nido Beach and a 10-minute walk from Town Proper, Sun Valley Backpackers Inn was the result of my efforts.

Choose between shared dorms or private rooms, this hostel has great wifi, a swimming pool, and many areas for socializing and meeting other travelers.

We also found this was the cheapest place to book our island hopping tour. They also offer free pickup from El Nido bus station.

Shared dorm prices start from $10 and private rooms from $25

Frend’z Hostel

This hostel is the best place to stay for solo travelers looking to meet other backpackers.

With a rooftop pool overlooking the stunning Bacuit Bay, Frend’z Hostel feels like a luxury escape without the hefty price tag.

There are plenty of places for socializing, as well as a billiards table, table tennis, and darts.

Choose between a private room (from $114) or dorms (from $34), all with aircon.

Las Cabanas Beach Resort

Las Cabanas Beach Resort is the best option for the luxury traveler.

Located on the beachfront about 15-minutes from El Nido town, this hotel offers cozy bungalows or private suites with private terraces and amazing sunset views.

Indulge in luxury with the on-site restaurant, massages, and amazing activities.

Room prices start from $160 per night.

How to get to El Nido

Getting to El Nido is very straightforward, and you have a couple of options depending on the type of traveler you are.

Fly to El Nido directly

• Most convenient option but most expensive
• Flights from Manila or Cebu into El Nido Airport – average price $120

Fly Puerto Princesa + bus to El Nido

• Cheaper than flying to El Nido but more time consuming
• Flights from Manila or Cebu into Puerto Princesa Airport – average price $50
• Bus from Puerto Princesa to El Nido – 6 hours (book here)

FAQs

Can you hike in El Nido?

Yes, you can hike in El Nido! While El Nido is famous for its island-hopping tours, turquoise waters, and stunning beaches, it also offers some amazing hiking opportunities.

Here are some popular hiking options in and around El Nido –

• Taraw Cliff
• Mt. Mansilawit (Daracoton)
• Ille Cave in New Ibajay

Why is El Nido called El Nido?

El Nido, which means “The Nest” in Spanish, gets its name from the nests of the balinsasayaw (swiftlet birds) found in its towering limestone cliffs and caves.

These birds create edible nests from their saliva.

Before it was named El Nido, the town was called Bacuit. Spanish colonizers changed the name during their occupation of the Philippines after discovering the abundance of these nests in the area.

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.

Full Post: El Nido Nightlife: Top 7 Best Bars & Party Spots

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 travelers.

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.

Why is El Nido so famous?

El Nido is famous for its stunning beaches, towering limestone cliffs, and turquoise waters. It is one of the most sought-after destinations in the Philippines.

El Nido’s fantastic tourist infrastructure, including many amazing restaurants and 5-star hotels, also makes this the perfect destination for all types of travelers.

Taraw Cliff Hike & El Nido Canopy Walk: Final Thoughts

Well there you have it. This post has detailed everything you need to know for a thrilling time exploring El Nido’s Canopy Walk.

If you have visited Taraw Cliff, I would love to hear from you – reach out to me on Instagram or Pinterest and let me know how it was!

If you liked this post and you’re going to be sticking around in El Nido, then feel free to check out my other handy posts –

• El Nido Nightlife: Top 7 BEST Bars & Party Spots
• Top 5 MOST BEAUTIFUL El Nido Beaches

Planning your Philippines trip?

With so many amazing islands to explore, how do you decide where to visit? For inspiration, itinerary ideas, and dream destinations, check out the following –

1-Month Philippines Itinerary – the ideal backpacking route exploring popular destinations & off-the-beaten-path spots

Top 10 Best Places To Visit in the Philippines – your ultimate guide to the best destinations to suit every type of traveler