What To Buy In El Nido, The Philippines

what to buy in el nido palawan
Celeste
Celeste 
Updated
| 4 min read

Upon arrival in stunning El Nido, visitors will be overwhelmed by the beautiful paradisaic location full of sandy white beach hideaways, lagoons, lush forests, and crystal clear turquoise waters to enjoy days spent snorkeling in. To keep visitors hydrated and full of energy for their adventures, check out the local stands and restaurants for refreshing, taste bud-popping tropical flavours, delicious organic vegetables, and succulent seafood dishes throughout the area. There are numerous shopping areas to pick up last minute essentials such as snorkeling gear, sun tan lotion, towels, beach chairs, swimwear, t-shirts, and shorts if visitors forget or run short during their stay. To commemorate the amazing time you’ve enjoyed checking out the natural scenic beauty, culture, historical sights, and dining on sumptuous dishes, don’t forget to pick up some souvenirs on the following list of what to buy in El Nido, the Phillippines.

1. Postcards

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

After spending a morning at one of the many white sand beaches in El Nido, return to the main area for a little browsing in the local shops. Check out the racks for postcards of Small Lagoon with its turquoise waters and rock formations, Las Cabanas beach with its slender palms overlooking the white sand beach and azure sea, or Lio Beach with its white sand beach stretching for miles bordered by the sea and lush green jungle on either side. Then return home to your accommodations and start writing up your favourite cards to mail back home detailing your adventures in tropical El Nido.

Visited this place?

2. Desk decorations

El Nido, Kalye Artisano
Source: Photo by Flickr user Bertahan Luxing used under CC BY 2.0

Enjoy wandering the many charming boutiques through the El Nido shopping district browsing for a little something to take home. Look through the numerous shelves searching for items such as shell encrusted picture frames, sea shells, notebooks with tropical scenery, etc., as mementoes to decorate your desk at home or at work when you return home. Don’t forget to ask for protective wrapping upon purchase for travel if you have forgotten to bring along bubble wrap.

Visited this place?

3. Snorkeling gear

Snorkeling gear
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Petey21 used under CC0

Before heading out on a tour to stunning Malcapuya Island to snorkel the crystal clear tropical waters and check out the schools of tropical fish and sea creatures, stop in at El Nido Boutique Artcafe to check out standard snorkel gear, beach towels, sunscreen, and swimwear. If available, try out one of the new full-face snorkel masks which keeps the salt water out of your eyes and mouth for your underwater adventures. Before leaving El Nido, check out the numerous online vendors to purchase a full-face snorkel mask for your snorkeling fun. Just make certain not to dive down too far as some have issues with water seeping in since they are a new product in the market.

Visited this place?

4. Fridge magnets

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Marchylle Souvenir & Pasalubong Center on Thursday, July 6, 2017

While walking through the Pasalubong Center, make certain to check out Marchylle Souvenir And Pasalubong Center where you can pick up fridge magnets, postcards, and other items to remind you of your visit to tropical El Nido. The El Nido Boutique & Artcafe also is a popular stop for those searching for souvenirs before returning home. Spin through the racks of brightly coloured key chains and fridge magnets with rhinestone flip-flops, seashells, palm trees, tropical flowers, and photographic renderings of Nacpan Beach with its aqua waters, white sand beach, and lush green hills or Secret Lagoon Beach with its turquoise waters, rock formations, and white sand beach. Pick out your favourites to commemorate your adventures in sunny El Nido.

Visited this place?

El Nido Tour Guide

Rosalyn Capablanca

Rosalyn Capablanca

From Palawan Paradise, greetings! Hello, my fellow nomads! Your guide to Palawan, the Last Frontier, is me, Rosa! I live in a tropical oasis surrounded by luscious flora and blue lakes. Together, let me be your ticket to paradise as we discover Palawan's wonders.Palawan is well known for its breathtaking islands, each with an individual allure. The most well-known locations are Puerto Princesa, Coron, and El Nido. Bright coral reefs, secret lagoons, and majestic limestone cliffs are the main attractions of El Nido. Coron is home to gorgeous scenery, World War II wreck dive locations, and lakes that are glistening with clarity. The capital, Puerto Princesa, serves as a point of entry for the Underground River, one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Palawan's landscapes are a mix of lush rainforests, limestone karst formations, and captivating beaches. The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature, showcases an underground river winding through a mesmerizing cave system.Palawan is not just a destination; it's a journey into a tropical paradise where nature's wonders unfold at every turn. Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, Palawan invites you to explore its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant marine life.

5. Scarves

Well stocked gift shop
Source: Photo by Flickr user shankar s. used under CC BY 2.0

Wander through El Nido’s shops and market areas searching for the perfect scarf to wear during your visit. Choose from polyester or silk with floral designs, paisleys, and many other designs. Wear it on your head to keep cool or transform it into a strapless top to wear out during the sun-drenched days. Turn it into a simple, yet stunning skirt and add some embellished sandals or heels, for evenings out in El Nido.

Visited this place?

6. Swimwear

Swimsuit
Source: Needpix

If you, for some reason, forgot to pack your swimsuit to enjoy during your vacation to El Nido’s white sand beaches and turquoise warm tropical waters, do not despair. There are many boutiques and even shopping complexes to purchase a bathing suit last minute if need be. Choose from brightly coloured bikinis, tropical printed tankinis and an array of bottoms, and monochromatic one pieces. Before departing, don’t forget to pick up a beach bag, some sunglasses, and an over-sized straw beach hat to complement your beach look.

Visited this place?

7. Local t-shirts

PP Gift shop
Source: Photo by Flickr user shankar s. used under CC BY 2.0

Search through the piles of local t-shirts on tables throughout numerous souvenir shops or market areas during your visit to El Nido. Here you can find inexpensive options if you haven’t packed enough or you end up ruining one of your fave tees during your vacation. Visitors can enjoy choosing from plain options to silk-screened logos, blinged out choices, and bright options with tropical scenery of the surrounding stunning landscapes.

Visited this place?

Enjoy a getaway to stunning El Nido

souvenirs
Source: Photo by Flickr user Jose Nicdao used under CC BY 2.0

Enjoy sunbathing on sugar soft, white sand beaches that stretch for miles surrounded by turquoise waters and lush green hills during a visit to El Nido and its surrounding Phillippine archipelago. Relax and de-stress while soaking up the sun on the deck of the numerous sailing and snorkeling tours before jumping into the warm, tranquil waters to check out the array of tropical fish and sea life. Wander leisurely through the streets checking out the local shops and markets and buy a scarf to wear to sacred sites or to accessorize your wardrobe in the hot, humid heat of the island. Check your list twice of what to buy in El Nido, The Philippines, for items to remind you of your time spent in beautiful El Nido to accompany you on your return home before departure.

Visited this place?
Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

History


Get Trip101 in your inbox

Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data

Celeste is a writer based in British Columbia with a profound passion for travel and the exploration of new destinations. Her adventurous spirit leads her to engage in exciting activities during...Read more

 Want to contribute as a Local Expert?
Explore El Nido
x
Good things are meant to be shared!
Back to top
Visited any of these places? Click this button to activate our "Add a Tip" feature to share your experience.