A Complete Guide to El Nido’s Taraw Cliff & Canopy Walk
The view from Taraw Cliff is one of the most breathtaking in Palawan.
But what if you’re not an experienced climber? This post will detail everything you need to know about the El Nido Canopy Walk, updated for 2024.
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El Nido is well known for its turquoise waters, limestone cliffs, and paradisiacal surrounding islands. It is a must-visit destination when visiting the Philippines.
But what if you’re looking for something different from island hopping tours?
The Taraw Cliff Canopy Walk is one of the best things to do in El Nido and offers spectacular panoramic views of El Nido town and the surrounding Bacuit Bay.
Whilst it is possible to unofficially climb Taraw Cliff with a guide, the El Nido Canopy Walk is the safest way for inexperienced climbers to appreciate the beauty of Taraw Cliff and the surrounding bay.
In this post, we will discuss everything you need to know about the El Nido Canopy Walk, including the price, how to prepare, and what to expect.
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 climbing route in the mountains that employs steel cables, fixed ladders, and bridges in order to be more accessible to climbers and hikers.
When is the best time to visit the El Nido Canopy Walk?
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 colours 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.
How much is the entrance to Taraw Cliff Canopy Walk?
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.
I would recommend just turning up and booking on the day, but if you prefer to book in advance you can do so here. This is sometimes cheaper.
What to wear to the El Nido Canopy Walk
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 actually quite surprised at how quickly we reached the top.
There is a short 5-minute walk over some rocks at the beginning before the marked trail properly begins.
You will then have to cross a 75-meter hanging bridge. This is super wobbly so worth bearing in mind if you are afraid of heights.
Rest assured, you are strapped in with steel wires and a carabiner the whole time, so there is no real risk.
You continue following the trail up, it is slightly steep in some places with a few stairs, so you are guaranteed to get hot and sweaty. However, it is perfectly manageable for someone with average fitness.
As you reach the top of the canopy walk, you are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of El Nido town and Bacuit Bay. If you visit on a clear day, you can make out the islands dotted in the distance.
We spent about 15 minutes admiring the views and taking pictures. Be sure to use this time to ask your guide any questions you may have, as they are super knowledgeable.
In total, the El Nido Canopy Walk takes no more than an hour. It is therefore a great activity to squeeze in before a day of island hopping if you are short on time.
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.
Please do not consider going without a guide who knows the route well. This is not so much a hike but more of a climb up the jagged rocks, which is super steep and practically vertical at some points.
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.
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.
Must read: Top 5 MOST BEAUTIFUL El Nido Beaches
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 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.
This post has detailed everything you need to know about El Nido’s Canopy Walk, for a safe way to appreciate Taraw Cliff’s breathtaking view.
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 –
