If you’re craving a different way to see El Nido, this Off-Road Tour promises a journey beyond the typical boat trips. Instead of lounging on beaches or island hopping, you’ll hop onto a motorbike and carve through mountain trails, lush vegetation, and off-the-beaten-path villages. It’s an adventure that combines the thrill of riding with the reward of discovering hidden corners of Palawan’s famed landscape.
What we love about this tour? First, the stunning vistas you’ll encounter from cliffside viewpoints and mountain trails. Second, the expert guidance that ensures you experience the terrain safely while feeling the adrenaline of challenging tracks. The only caveat? This experience is designed for intermediate riders, so if you’re new to off-road biking, you’ll want to assess your comfort level beforehand.
This tour is best suited for those who enjoy a physical challenge but still want a guided, well-organized outing. Whether you’re an adventure seeker or a seasoned rider looking to explore off the grid, you’ll find plenty to love here.
- Key Points
- What’s Included and Why It Matters
- The Experience Breakdown
- The Trail and Terrain
- Authentic Encounters and Stunning Views
- Value for Money
- Who Will Love This Tour?
- Practical Tips
- Our Top Picks in El Nido
- More Tours in El Nido
- More Tour Reviews in El Nido
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in El Nido we have recnetly reviewed
Key Points
- Authentic off-road experience in scenic El Nido surroundings
- Guided tour with professional, passionate guides ensuring safety and enjoyment
- Diverse terrain including beaches, mountain trails, river crossings, and cliff views
- Includes gear, fuel, and lunch for hassle-free adventure
- Limited group size for personalized attention and safety
- Suitable for intermediate riders with some trail experience
👉 Check out our guide to the 3 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In El Nido
What’s Included and Why It Matters
Starting at Lakwa Motorcycles, this 5 to 6-hour adventure is designed to give you a taste of Palawan’s rough-and-tumble beauty. For $200 per person, it’s a fair price considering the full gear (helmets, pads, gloves, boots, goggles), fuel, and lunch all included. The guide’s expertise and the use of well-maintained bikes (Honda CRF150L or upgrade optional to CRF300L) add to the value, especially if you’re keen on riding off-road with confidence.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in El Nido.
The Experience Breakdown
Morning Warm-up in El Nido Town:
The tour kicks off with a warm-up ride through scenic roads leading to Caalan, offering beautiful views of Bacuit Bay. This sets the tone, giving you a chance to get comfortable with the bike and terrain before hitting the trail.
Danat Trail – Lush Single-Track:
The first major challenge is the Danat trail, a single-track surrounded by tropical greenery. As one review puts it, “The trails were not too easy or hard,” thanks to guides adjusting the route for rider ability. It’s a fun introduction to the technical aspects of off-road riding, with plenty of lush scenery to admire.
Dewil Valley – Panoramas and Ancient Caves:
Next, you’ll ascend into Dewil Valley, where 360-degree views of rice paddies and limestone formations await. The highlight here is the Ille Cave, adding a sense of adventure and discovery to the ride.
Villa Paz Riverbed – A Chilling Ride:
Riding through the riverbed at Villa Paz offers an exhilarating experience, with flowing waters around your tires. As one reviewer notes, “challenging obstacles” are part of the fun, perfect for riders with some trail experience.
Beach and Village Encounters:
Stops at Sibaltan, Duli Beach, and Ligad offer a chance to enjoy pristine beaches, local village life, and spectacular coastal views. These breaks give you a real sense of authentic Palawan away from tourist crowds.
Lunch Break at Teneguiban:
A restful hour at Teneguiban lets you recharge with a delicious meal, a vital rest before tackling the more demanding trails ahead.
Cliffside Views and Cultural Encounters:
Riding towards Duli Beach, you’ll enjoy cliffside panoramas, while a stop at Ligad Elementary School provides a glimpse into local community life—a meaningful connection for those interested in authentic travel experiences.
Final Stretch to Pasadena and Lio:
The last leg features a trail to the charming town of Pasadena, ending back at the Lakwa garage. Many riders choose to stay on for sunset at Lio Beach, wrapping up a day filled with adventure and memorable vistas.
The Trail and Terrain
Each stop offers a different facet of El Nido’s diverse landscape. Expect smooth scenic roads, technical single-tracks, river crossings, and cliffside viewpoints that give a broad perspective of Palawan’s natural beauty.
The intermediate level means you’ll tackle some challenging sections, but the guides are experienced and attentive, making sure everyone stays safe. The bike upgrade option (to the Honda CRF300L) is recommended for taller riders or those over 100kg/220lb, ensuring comfort during tougher parts.
Authentic Encounters and Stunning Views
Riders consistently praise the knowledgeable guides who make the route safe and engaging. “Bon, the guide, made sure the trails weren’t too easy or hard for my abilities,” shares one reviewer, emphasizing the personalized approach. The views from cliffside and mountain vistas are frequently highlighted as the tour’s standout feature—picturesque, breathtaking, and often better than what you’d expect from a typical tour.
Value for Money
At $200, this tour offers a full day of adventure including gear, lunch, fuel, and guided expertise. Compared to other activities in El Nido—mostly boat trips or beach stops—this is a unique, active experience that delivers both thrills and authentic exploration. The small group size and professional staff elevate the experience, making sure you’re not just a number.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This adventure appeals most to travelers who enjoy physical activity, love discovering off-the-beaten-path sights, and appreciate good guides. It is perfect for those with some trail riding experience, though riders over 100kg or taller than 6’3″ are advised to upgrade bikes for comfort. It’s not recommended for complete beginners or those seeking a leisurely sightseeing day.
El Nido OFF ROAD Tour (Intermediate)
“Amazing experience. The team is really passionate about what they do and it was a really enjoyable ride. We went through technical trails and fun t…”
Practical Tips
- Wear long pants (recommended for safety) and comfortable riding shoes.
- Bring sunscreen and water—staying hydrated is vital.
- Be prepared for some physical exertion; this isn’t a casual ride.
- Confirm your bike upgrade if you’re taller or heavier beforehand.
- If you’re interested in ending the day with a sunset, plan to stay at Lio Beach afterward.
This off-road El Nido tour stands out as a perfect way to blend adventure and authenticity. You’ll see parts of Palawan that are simply inaccessible by boat—hidden beaches, mountain trails, and local villages—while enjoying the exhilaration of riding a dirt bike through diverse terrain.
It’s a great fit for adventure lovers who want more than just a visual experience; they want to feel the landscape beneath their wheels. The knowledgeable guides and the well-maintained bikes give confidence, making it accessible for anyone with some trail riding experience. Plus, the scenic stops and local encounters add meaningful moments to the day.
While the price point might seem steep compared to standard tours, the inclusion of gear, fuel, lunch, and personalized guidance justifies it. You’re paying for a well-organized, memorable journey—one that’s sure to be a highlight of your trip to Palawan.
Is this tour suitable for beginners?
This adventure is designed for intermediate riders with some off-road experience. If you’re new to dirt biking, you may find the trails challenging without prior riding experience.
What bikes are available?
The tour includes the use of basic Honda CRF150L bikes, but you can upgrade to a Honda CRF300L on the day of your tour if you prefer or need a more comfortable ride, especially if you’re taller or heavier.
How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 5 to 6 hours, including stops for sightseeing, breaks, and lunch.
Are safety equipment provided?
Yes, the tour supplies complete gear—helmets, knee and elbow pads, riding boots, goggles, and gloves—to help keep you safe and comfortable.
What should I bring?
Bring long pants (recommended), sun protection, water, and wear comfortable riding shoes. The tour provides all necessary riding gear.
Can I cancel?
Yes, the tour has a free cancellation policy if you cancel more than 24 hours in advance. Cancellations less than 24 hours before the tour will not be refunded.
This El Nido OFF ROAD Tour offers an exciting and authentic way to uncover the landscape of Palawan. It combines off-beat trail riding with stunning vistas and local interactions—making it ideal for those seeking adventure with a touch of culture. It’s a perfect choice for active travelers eager to embrace Palawan’s wild side while benefiting from professional guidance and well-organized logistics.
If you’re comfortable on a bike and want to see El Nido from a completely different perspective, this tour will certainly deliver. Just remember: it’s not a leisurely sightseeing ride but a thrilling, physically engaging experience that rewards those ready to ride into the wild.
