Lio Boardwalk
A laid-back beachfront destination with shops, restaurants, and a pier, perfect for sunsets and plane spotting.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, beautiful sunset
Lio Boardwalk
Best Time
Fewer crowds, beautiful sunset
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A laid-back beachfront destination with shops, restaurants, and a pier, perfect for sunsets and plane spotting.
"Lio Beach is a solid beach, and worth a visit. 8.5/10"
🦟 Bring Insect Repellent
Sandflies (niknik) can be present, especially near hotels. Pack repellent for a comfortable experience.
💰 Higher Prices
Food and drinks are generally more expensive here than in other parts of El Nido.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Pier
Adjacent to the airport
A long concrete pier perfect for sunset strolls, photos, and watching planes land with a beach backdrop.
Sunset Views
Along the beach
Witness breathtaking sunsets that paint the sky with vibrant colors, a perfect end to your day.
Beachfront Dining
Along the boardwalk
Enjoy a variety of cuisines at restaurants and cafes lining the boardwalk, though prices can be higher.
Plane Spotting
Near the airport
A unique experience watching planes take off and land against the stunning backdrop of the beach.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Getting to Lio Beach
Best Time to Visit Lio Beach
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🦟 Bring Insect Repellent
Sandflies (niknik) can be present, especially near hotels. Pack repellent for a comfortable experience.
💰 Higher Prices
Food and drinks are generally more expensive here than in other parts of El Nido.
El Nido - Nacpan or Lio Beach?
Lio, Nacpan, or Vanilla Beach?
🛬 Unique Plane Spotting
Enjoy watching planes land and take off with the beach as a scenic backdrop.
🌊 Waves for Surfing
Waves can be strong, making it great for surfing but sometimes challenging for swimming.
Transportation From Lio Beach to El Nido Town
Tips
from all over the internet
🦟 Bring Insect Repellent
Sandflies (niknik) can be present, especially near hotels. Pack repellent for a comfortable experience.
💰 Higher Prices
Food and drinks are generally more expensive here than in other parts of El Nido.
🛬 Unique Plane Spotting
Enjoy watching planes land and take off with the beach as a scenic backdrop.
🌊 Waves for Surfing
Waves can be strong, making it great for surfing but sometimes challenging for swimming.
📸 Pier for Photos
The long pier is a popular spot for photography, especially during sunset.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Lio Beach is praised for its beautiful sand, relaxing atmosphere, and stunning sunset views, making it a great spot for families and plane enthusiasts. While dining can be pricier, the convenience and unique experiences like watching planes land make it a worthwhile visit. Some visitors note the waves can be strong for swimming but ideal for surfing.
"Large beach with beautiful white sand a large long concrete pier right next to the airport. Plenty of shops, cafes, restaurants and bistros with a tonne of food on offer, though prices are a bit more expensive than other parts of El Nido. A few lounge chairs with umbrellas free of charge and some lounging chairs outside the cafes. There’s a spot to play volleyball as well. Great place to visit with the family."
Linda Tran
"Its a nice place. Quite and peaceful. Have a lot of things to do aside from swimming. Restaurants is quite expensive. Explore this area El Nido and you will enjoy."
John Roger Obera
"its a quiet beach (cream color sand) and not crowded on a rainy september season
to commute with tricycle 300 -roundtrip from lio town center"
Hidden Manna
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Tricycles are the most common way to get to Lio Beach from El Nido town. The ride takes about 15-20 minutes. Fares can be around ₱150-200 one way, and it's advisable to negotiate the price beforehand.
Yes, it's generally easy to find tricycles at Lio Beach, even after sundown. However, fares might be higher during late hours.
No, Lio Beach is located a few kilometers north of El Nido town. Walking is not a practical option.
Yes, Lio Beach has a road leading to it, and it's adjacent to the El Nido Airport. Private cars and vans can access the area.
The most convenient way to commute is by tricycle from El Nido town. Some accommodations might also offer shuttle services.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is typically no entrance fee to access Lio Beach itself. However, some establishments might have minimum spending requirements for using their facilities.
The boardwalk and its establishments generally operate from morning until late evening. Specific hours vary by restaurant and shop.
Yes, there are local tour operators on Lio Beach where you can book island hopping tours and other activities.
While not strictly enforced, it's generally expected that visitors purchase food and drinks from the establishments on the boardwalk.
No advance booking is usually required for general access to Lio Beach. However, for popular restaurants during peak hours, reservations might be beneficial.
📸 📸 Photography
The long concrete pier, the beachfront with its palm trees, and the area near the airport for plane spotting offer fantastic photo opportunities. Sunset is also a prime time for stunning shots.
Absolutely! Lio Beach is renowned for its spectacular sunsets, making it a photographer's paradise. The pier provides a great foreground element.
Yes, plane spotting is a popular activity, and you can take photos of aircraft landing and taking off against the beach backdrop.
The golden hours – early morning and late afternoon leading up to sunset – offer the best lighting for photography.
Generally, there are no specific photo restrictions for personal use. However, commercial photography might require permits.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You'll find a variety of dining options, including local Filipino cuisine, seafood, international dishes, and cafes offering snacks and coffee.
Prices at Lio Beach establishments are generally higher compared to other areas in El Nido. It's considered a more upscale dining experience.
While most options are mid-range to expensive, you might find some cafes offering more affordable snacks or coffee. It's best to explore and compare prices.
Many restaurants offer a range of dishes, and you can often find vegetarian options. It's advisable to ask the staff about vegan choices.
While specific recommendations vary, exploring the diverse range of bistros and cafes along the boardwalk will lead you to delicious finds.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the waves can sometimes be strong, making swimming challenging, the calmer areas or the shallow parts of the beach are usually safe for younger children. The unique experience of plane spotting near the airport can also be a big hit with kids. Remember to pack insect repellent, as sandflies can be present, especially in the late afternoon.
💰 Budget Travelers
Look for cafes offering more affordable snacks or coffee if you need a quick bite. Bringing your own water bottle and refilling it can also help cut down on costs. While tricycle fares can add up, negotiating prices and considering round-trip options might offer some savings.
couples
Enjoy a relaxed afternoon lounging on the beach, perhaps with a refreshing drink from one of the cafes. The laid-back atmosphere allows for quality time together, away from the hustle and bustle of more crowded tourist spots. Just remember to pack some insect repellent for a comfortable evening.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Lio Beach Experience
The beach itself is quite spacious, and during certain times of the year, the waves can be strong enough for surfing, adding an element of adventure. Even if swimming isn't ideal due to the waves, the chill vibe makes it a perfect place to simply unwind, soak up the sun, and enjoy the scenery. The proximity to the El Nido Airport also provides a unique opportunity for plane spotting, adding another layer to the Lio Beach experience.
Visitors often highlight the stunning sunsets as a major draw, with the pier serving as a picturesque vantage point. However, it's important to be aware of potential sandflies, especially in the late afternoon and evening, and to come prepared with insect repellent. While the convenience and amenities are appreciated, be prepared for slightly higher prices for food and drinks compared to other areas in El Nido.
Transportation and Getting Around
For those staying in accommodations near Lio Beach, getting around is straightforward. Many resorts and hotels offer shuttle services or are within walking distance of the boardwalk. If you plan to explore other parts of El Nido after visiting Lio Beach, it's advisable to arrange your return transport in advance or be prepared for potentially higher fares if you need to hail a tricycle late in the evening.
While tricycles are the main option, some visitors might opt for private car or van rentals for more flexibility, especially for group travel. The road access to Lio Beach is well-maintained, making it accessible for various vehicles.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit