Taraw Cliff, located in El Nido, Palawan, Philippines, is one of the most iconic landmarks in the region, offering panoramic views of Bacuit Bay and its karst limestone formations. It’s up there with my favorite viewpoints in the Philippines. It may only be a 30-minute journey to the summit but it’s also incredibly tough with extreme humidity and sharp rocks.
Most people are in El Nido for island hopping, which is an amazing experience but not necessarily an adrenaline rush like a steep hike. The beauty of the Taraw Cliff Hike is that you can be up and down for sunrise and still make it on your island hopping tour so you don’t waste a day in El Nido. In fact, my friend Bryan who is the suggested Taraw Peak guide also works as a tour guide on island-hopping trips so you will definitely be down in time for a quick breakfast before you set off for your island hopping in El Nido because he will surely have his own island hopping group to guide as well.
To contact Bryan, you can send him a message via his tour guiding page ‘The Couch El Nido“: www.facebook.com/thecouchelnido/
WHERE IS TARAW CLIFF IN EL NIDO
You will see the jagged cliffs that hang over El Nido town when you are out on the island hopping boats. They look dramatic and impossible to climb, but there is a route. The entrance to the hike is at a small little neighborhood next to ‘Skyline Bar’. This is where I met my guide Bryan an hour before sunrise.
The hike winds through the neighborhood before you begin the climb up the rocks. Having a guide is something I would 100% suggest on this hike as it is quite dangerous and knowing, which rocks are stable and the specific routes to take is very important. Below are the images of the entrance from the main street.
TOP 3 PLACES TO STAY IN EL NIDO
El Nido has a mix of luxury resorts, budget hotels and backpacker hostels. I’ve stayed in all three of those categories over the years and these are my favorite picks.
- My TOP Pick: Cadlao Resort: I simply love the sunset view from their infinity pool. Simple!
- Beachfront: Piece Lio: The perfect, peaceful beach setting for your vacation.
- Best Resort: Panorama Resort: – Best overall vibe with awesome design, restaurant and pool
YOUR GUIDE FOR TARAW PEAK IN EL NIDO
In 2016, I met Bryan Hamora on the bus from Puerto Princesa to El Nido. The Taraw Peak hike was closed back then due to a storm but this time in 2019 I returned and got to link up with Bryan who toured me up to the Taraw Peak Summit.
Bryan does the hike multiple times per week and is incredibly hard-working. Most days he takes tourists up the hike and then does a full day of island hopping tour guiding. A classic Filipino, Bryan is humble, friendly and someone I really enjoy hanging out with.
Bryan provides headlamps, gloves (for the sharp rocks) and will meet you at the bakery in time to reach the summit for sunrise.
To contact Bryan, you can send him a message via his tour guiding page ‘The Couch El Nido”: www.facebook.com/thecouchelnido/
3 BEST EL NIDO TOURS
- Island Hopping Tour D: Hidden Beaches, Lagoons and Snorkeling (Less busy than the other island-hopping tours)
- Island Hopping Tour A: Big Lagoon, Hidden Lagoon and other POPULAR but AWESOME locations. Most booked tour in El Nido for a reason.
- Luxury Speed boat Island Hopping Tour: – A day of luxury with your own group on a speedboat as you visit the top locations in El Nido.
TARAW PEAK CLIFF CLIMB IN EL NIDO – WHAT TO EXPECT
Expect extreme humidity. That’s what to expect! Holy hell this was the most humid climb of my life. But seriously, expect a short, steep intense climb and then to enjoy an epic, epic view for sunrise on jagged rocks. If you like adventure and miss this one in El Nido, you messed up!
The trail winds through the small neighborhood before throwing you into the jungle. From the first minute, you are clambering more than following a trail or ‘climbing’. The jagged rocks mean that you are constantly concentrating so you don’t misplace a step as they are unforgiving. I believe now (2025) there have been significant improvements to the trail, therefore you may have a different experience to what you see here almost half a decade earlier.
There are sections that are relatively vertical but nothing too extreme. There were lots of amateur hikers and climbers both male, female, young and old on the trail so don’t be scared of this hike just because of the sharp rocks.
There were a few sections that were a bit sketchy but there is always something to hold on to. I’d say the level of difficulty for this hike is medium to high because of the rock clambering. I don’t want to discourage you from climbing Taraw Peak but some people may struggle or get frightened, so I made sure to take these two photos in probably the two most sketchy spots. However, not all of the route is like this and your guide will make sure you are in safe positions.
After thirty minutes or so, we reached the top. I simply could not believe how sweaty I was after just thirty minutes on the climb. The humidity was off the charts.
Once we cleared the final little ascent the view opened up and what a view it is. You have a birds-eye view over El Nido town and the entire bay, where the island-hopping boats are all lined up for another day of touring. We could see all the way out to Cadlao Island and beyond. Once you reach the top, it will be clear that your early start was worth it given the expansive views and unblocked sunrise vantage point from the summit.
I think we spent about an hour or more at the summit with about 10 other people who casually hung out on the dangerous spires. The top isn’t dangerous at all if you stay in the middle but if you are like me and go towards the edges there are straight drops down so those decisions are up to you. Just wanted to make that clear that there is actually zero chance of falling down if you just enjoy the view and despite the dramatic appearance of the rocks it is quite safe.
For the drone pilots out there, I can share with you my experience. I couldn’t fly towards the ocean because I think the airport blocked my drone. I could only fly away from the beach, which turned out to be pretty nice anyway but just something to keep in mind.
Overall, it was an awesome hike and worth the three-year wait. Hope you head up with Bryan and say hello to him for me!
WHERE TO STAY IN EL NIDO
- (Value) Spin Designer Hostel: Let’s go for Spin! This rad hostel is located at the bustling town of El Nido. This property is highly recommended by many travelers as the service is superb. Spin Designer Hostel also provides a shared kitchen with a barbecue facility. It is value for money and very close to shops and beach. If you stay here you will make friends with like-minded strangers and be in the prime location for the nightlife, island hopping and hiking Taraw Peak. The beach literally steps away.
- (Most Insta-worthy) Panorama Resort: Panorama Resort is an exotic boutique resort tucked between Corong-Corong Beach and Maremigmeg Beach, is a 3-star property that features a panoramic view of the mountains in El Nido. The resort is very insta-worthy and has a lot of amenities including a private beach, outdoor and indoor swimming pool, and free WiFi. It offers an amazing sunset view and chill vibe to guests.
- (Luxury Resort) Las Cabanas Beach Resort: This incredible beach resort is situated perfectly on the shore of Las Cabanas beach in El Nido. It offers a peaceful sanctuary from the harsh realities of the outside world. The resort is picturesque and provides easy access to island hopping and other activities. It has rooms with sea and garden views, and the beachfront cottages are single standalone units.
ARE YOU KEEPING UP WITH MY EL NIDO SERIES?
You want to go island-hopping in El Nido but aren’t sure whether TOUR A,B,C or D will be better? Take a look at my El Nido Island Hopping Guide that compares all of the four tours to help you pick the best one for you. One of the best ways to explore Palawan is with Big Dream Boat Man on their 3-night Island-Hopping Tour to avoid the crowds and visit all the best spots between El Nido and Coron. I’ve done it and loved it!
Wondering what there is to do in El Nido? I’ve been twice and spent almost 30 days in El Nido so I’ve got some great recommendations for you in my Travel Guide to El Nido: 20 Awesome Things To Do
Which region will you choose for your accommodation in El Nido? I’ve broken each region down and given you suggestions for budget, value and luxury in El Nido Town, Lio Beach and Las Cabanas Beach in this guide: Where to stay in El Nido or check out my Guide to the 16 Best El Nido Resorts or for some luxury the 13 Best Overwater Bungalows in The Philippines.
Of course, everyone loves the island hopping in El Nido, but it can be hard to figure out which tour is best for you. I’ve done a full review about each tour.
- My review and photos of: Island Hopping Tour A
- My review and photos of: Island Hopping Tour B
- My review and photos of: Island Hopping Tour C
- My review and photos of: Island Hopping Tour D
If you are considering which island to visit in Palawan, here is a helpful Guide Comparing El Nido vs Coron or you can visit El Nido and then take the ferry to Coron.
Ana
Monday 3rd of February 2025
Hey, Jackson! Thank you so much for this article. Its so well written and informative. I just came back from Taraf Cliff (about which I read for the first time in your article) from where I witnessed the sunrise. Such a cool experience! Its worth all the hotness and steepness. A message for the ladies who are thinking to do the hike/climbing. If you like rock climbing and you have an ok physical condition, its doable. Its challenging at times, but the cliff is very edgy so you have a good grip. I went up during the night and I think its better because the temperature is ok. Also because I wanted to see the sunrise, which is absolutely beautiful from above. Go with a guide who speaks good English, as you need to follow precise instructions, as there is no harness (like when you go to canopy walk), and sometimes you climb the rock vertically, so you need someone you can understand properly.
Katerina
Sunday 23rd of March 2025
@Ana, Hi Ana, thank you for this comment! And thank you Jackson for such an informative article. We're going to Philippines this April/May and I'm really tempted by this short hike. My husband and I hike frequently and I also used to climb, so I believe we will manage just fine. I would just like to check with you @Ana what was the price for a guide?
April
Thursday 25th of January 2024
Spectacular view and informative blog. Will defo add Taraw cliff in my itinerary.
BARTOLOME Diana
Wednesday 4th of March 2020
Hi! thanks for the info. Heading to El Nido in 2 days I wish I could do this treck alone even though it looks more like clinbing rather than trekking!
Bernadette
Saturday 12th of October 2019
Hello! Thank you for visiting Philippines. Your blog is so informative even to local people like me.
Marissa
Friday 17th of May 2019
Hi Jackson,
What a splendid view indeed! I have some qs:
1. Were there massive influx of people during your climbing? 2. The journey to the summit honestly look really numbing, does it require some sort of climbing or rock climbing skil?
Thanks!
Jackson
Tuesday 18th of June 2019
it's not too bad with a guide but it depends on your level of comfort and experience. the worst parts i have shown in the photos there to help you decide if you are capable.