El Nido OFF ROAD Tour (Intermediate)

This is one of the more exciting ways to see El Nido beyond the postcard beaches, because you are not just driving viewpoints. You are riding off the grid through single-track, mountain paths, and river sections that most people never reach on foot or by boat. The day mixes Bacuit Bay views with real back-country riding, so it feels like you are moving through the island’s geography, not just passing it.

I especially like two things. First, the bike choice and route pacing make it doable for intermediate riders who already handle dirt and uneven terrain. Second, the stops are varied, from Ille Cave to riverbed riding and cliffside beach breaks, so you do not get stuck with one kind of scenery all day. I also appreciate how guides like Bon focus on keeping the difficulty in the right lane for your comfort and skill.

One drawback to plan for: this is a weather-driven ride. If it has been wet, expect mud and water sections to feel more intense, and you will want long pants. Also, the CRF300L upgrade is not guaranteed, so taller or heavier riders should check availability before they arrive.

Key highlights

• Intermediate enduro style route with single-track, inland trails, and a riverbed water crossing
• Ille Cave, rice fields, and limestone formations at Dewil Valley, plus big panoramic views
• Honda CRF150L included, with an optional CRF300L upgrade recommended for riders over 100 kg or 192 cm
• All riding gear included, from MX helmet to boots, gloves, knee and elbow pads, and goggles
• A lunch stop in Teneguiban plus authentic village contact at Ligad with the local fishing community

What Makes the El Nido OFF ROAD North Loop Feel Different

The appeal here is simple. El Nido is famous for dramatic coastlines, but a boat mostly keeps you on the waterline. This ride brings you up into the hills and back into inland areas, then sends you back toward beaches for a satisfying loop.

The route is built around variety. You start with a scenic approach, then move into town, then you get real off-road riding with single-track sections through lush terrain. Along the way you also get viewpoints that feel earned, because you reached them on two wheels, not a tram and not a short walk.

This tour is labeled intermediate, and that label matters. You are not just tooling around a flat trail. The day includes technical segments, rocky or uneven ground, and at least one section where you ride through a riverbed with flowing water around you. If you have done some dirt riding already, you will likely feel in control instead of overwhelmed.

Bikes and Skill Level: CRF150L vs CRF300L for Intermediate Riders

You get a rental bike as part of the price: a Honda CRF150L, which is a solid fit for an intermediate enduro style route. If you want a bit more power and confidence on tougher sections, you can upgrade to a CRF300L on the day for an additional fee, subject to availability.

Here is the practical guidance they give, and I agree with it. If you are over 100 kg (220 lb) or over 192 cm (6’3″), they strongly recommend the CRF300L. Height can affect leverage and comfort on the bike, and weight can change how the bike carries you on climbs and rough terrain. The key is availability, so if you fall into that range, contact them before booking so you are not gambling on a last-minute upgrade.

As for skill, you should arrive ready for off-road and some trail experience. This is not a complete beginner day. If you can ride a bike on uneven surfaces without panicking, this should click better. If you are still learning balance on dirt, you will likely spend too much mental energy trying to stay steady instead of enjoying the ride.

Meeting at Lakwa Motorcycles in Lio and Getting Ready to Roll

The tour meets at Lakwa Motorcycles & Enduro Adventure tours at Kalye Artisano, Lio Estate Villa, Libertad, El Nido. It starts at 8:30 am and ends back at the meeting point, so you avoid the stress of figuring out transport at the end.

Logistically, this is straightforward. You get a mobile ticket, and the meeting point is near public transportation. Since this is a private tour for only your group, you will not get mixed pacing from strangers, and guides can adjust teaching and rhythm more directly.

Gear is handled for you. Included in the package is a complete set of riding protection: MX helmet, knee and elbow pads, riding boots, goggles, and gloves. You still want to bring comfort-minded clothing. Long pants are recommended, especially because there are wet sections and rough ground where direct skin contact is not fun. If you forget them, you will feel it.

Lunch is included too. That matters more than it sounds, because this kind of riding is physically demanding. If you are trying to hit a long, technical day without eating, your energy and focus drop fast.

Morning Setup: From Bacuit Bay to Caalan Warm-Up

After gearing up and the pre-ride briefing, the day kicks off with a scenic cruise. You ride toward Caalan, with breathtaking views of Bacuit Bay along the way. This warm-up is smart, because it lets your body sync with the bike and your brain calibrate to dust, bumps, and engine feel before you hit the real trail.

You are also starting early, which helps. Morning light tends to be better for views, and the trails often feel less slippery than later in the day if weather has been mixed. Even if you have ridden off-road before, that warm-up phase helps prevent little mistakes once the terrain gets more technical.

Then you head into the town area, taking in the energy of El Nido Town as you ride south to start the adventure trails. It is a quick mental shift from coastline views to inland riding mode.

Stop 1 and 2: Danat Single-Track to Dewil Valley Panoramas and Ille Cave

The route then turns into the kind of riding you come for: single-track through dense tropical areas. At Danat, you conquer a single-track trail surrounded by lush vegetation, heading north toward Villa Libertad. The time on this stop is short, around 30 minutes, but it is enough to pause, breathe, and take a few photos without stretching the ride too long.

What I like about Danat is that it builds flow. You are not spending hours negotiating only steep climbs. Instead, you work through traction and balance changes, which is a big part of intermediate enduro riding. If you keep your focus, it feels like momentum rather than punishment.

Next is Dewil Valley, where the day lifts into big scenery. You get 360-degree panoramic vistas, plus a chance to explore Ille Cave. There are also rice fields and limestone formations, so you see the island’s geology up close rather than just along the coast.

The stop is about 30 minutes, so you are not turning it into a half-day hike. It is more like a strategic break that refreshes you for what comes next. I find these shorter cultural and nature stops keep the energy up better than one long stop that slows the whole rhythm.

Stop 3 and 4: Villa Paz Riverbed Ride and East Coast Beach Calm

At Villa Paz, the tour turns physical. This is where you ride through a challenging riverbed with flowing water, with water around you as you pass through. For intermediate riders, this kind of section is where skill shows up, because you need to judge traction, keep your line, and not overcorrect.

A practical note: if you are hoping for a dry, clean day, adjust your expectations. This is one of the stops that makes the tour feel like an off-road adventure. Bring the right gear, keep your eyes up, and listen to the guide when they explain how they want you to approach the water section.

Right after that, you move to Sibaltan, where the mood shifts. You get pristine beaches and the calmer feeling of Palawan’s east coast. This break works as a reset after the intensity of the river section. You can cool down, dry off a little, and refocus for more riding.

The stop length is about 30 minutes, so again, it is not a long hangout. It is enough time to eat your thoughts, drink water, and get ready to roll.

Teneguiban Lunch Fuel: A Real Break for Energy and Hands

You reach Teneguiban for a meal and rest, about an hour. This is one of those stops that feels like a life hack for riders. When you are powering through off-road sections, you need calories to keep your core stable and your hands steady on the bars.

A full hour also gives your body time to recover from fatigue. Even with protective gear, repeated vibration and gripping can wear you out. If you skip a proper break on a day like this, the back half can feel longer and more stressful than it should.

This lunch pause also helps the guide pace the group. In a private group setting, the guide can check how everyone is feeling. If you are running a bit slower due to confidence or learning curve, a timed break keeps the day from spiraling into frustration.

Stop 6 and 7: Ligad Village Life and Duli Beach Cliffs

After lunch, you ride toward Ligad Elementary School, where you experience authentic village life and connect with the local fishing community. The time is around 30 minutes. This stop adds a human layer to the day. Instead of viewing El Nido only as scenery, you get a small, respectful contact point with how people live here.

It is not presented as a long cultural lecture, but the value is still real. When a tour includes a village stop, it reminds you this is a living place, not a theme park.

Then comes Duli Beach, reached via riding toward cliffside viewpoints. You take a water break and soak in stunning views from a peaceful spot. It is another 30-minute stop, but the setting matters. Cliffside viewpoints usually feel bigger than they look on a map, and your perspective is changed because you approached it by bike.

If you have ever ridden to a viewpoint by car, you know how different it feels to arrive after dealing with dust and rough ground. Your attention is calmer because you already went through the work.

Stop 8 and 9: Single-Track into Pasadena and the Lio Return

The final riding segments bring you toward El Nido Beach via a single-track trail that winds its way into the town of Pasadena. This is about 30 minutes. The payoff is that you end with a more accessible, charming town feel rather than ending in a gritty industrial back road. It helps the day feel like a loop, not just a long detour.

Then you conclude at Lio Tourism Estate, finishing with a scenic ride back to the Lakwa Motorcycles garage in Lio. You get around 30 minutes here, and there is an optional extra: you can head down to Lio beach to watch the sunset if you want.

That optional sunset is a nice way to take the edge off the physical effort. You end the ride, not with immediate stress, but with a gentle transition into evening.

Safety, Guide Pacing, and the Practical Reality of Intermediate Trails

A strong theme in the experience is that guides adjust to rider ability. In my view, that is not a small detail. Intermediate riding can mean two different things: you might be comfortable on dirt, but not on steep drop-offs or water sections. Or you might be confident with obstacles, but not with long, bumpy stretches.

Bon is mentioned by name as someone who made sure the trails were not too easy or too hard for the rider’s abilities. That kind of middle-ground coaching is exactly what helps most people enjoy the day instead of fighting it.

The safety setup is also practical. You get full protective gear, including goggles and gloves, and helmets are MX style which are made for impact and dust. This matters in off-road settings where a standard helmet can feel less secure for the riding style.

Still, you should treat this as an action sport day. Even with gear, you can expect fatigue, bumps, and occasional wet sections. If you ride with that mindset, you will have more fun.

Price and Value: What $200 Buys You in El Nido

At $200 per person, you are paying for a true guided off-road experience with equipment and food included. What stands out is that the package covers the big cost categories most people would otherwise pay separately:

• Honda CRF150L rental (with an optional upgrade available)
• Complete riding gear
• Experienced guides
• Fuel surcharge
• Lunch
• Entrance fees for certain locations

What is not included is also clear. Breakfast is not included, and insurance is not included. Long pants are recommended, and if you do not own them, you might want to pick them up before the day.

When I think about value for a tour like this, I focus on how much you reduce friction. With the gear handled, you can show up and ride rather than spend the morning hunting for equipment or worrying about logistics. Lunch included also reduces decision fatigue. For most people, that is worth real money.

Who This Tour Fits Best, and Who Might Skip It

This one fits riders who have already done some dirt riding and can handle off-road terrain without needing constant corrections. They ask for strong physical fitness, which makes sense. Even when trails are not extreme, enduro riding is tiring.

You should also fit the bike guidance. If you are over 100 kg or over 192 cm, seriously consider the CRF300L upgrade and confirm availability ahead of time.

This is also best for people who want a day that mixes riding with variety, not just beaches. If you mainly want beach hopping and easy sightseeing, you may find the riding demands too much. But if you want a route that includes caves, riverbed obstacles, villages, and cliff views, this is a good match.

Because it is a private tour, it also works well for groups that want shared pacing. If your group has different comfort levels, the guide can often manage it better than in a large mixed group.

Should You Book This El Nido OFF ROAD Intermediate Tour?

Book it if you want a guided way to reach inland El Nido, not just the obvious coastal spots. You get a real ride day with technical trails, river crossing intensity, and multiple viewpoint and nature stops, plus lunch and full gear included.

Skip or think twice if you do not have any off-road experience or you know you get stressed when the ground gets slick. Also take seriously the weather factor. This tour requires good weather, so you are betting on conditions. If you are unlucky with rain, you will be offered a different date or a full refund, but you still want the right day on the calendar.

If you do book, my best advice is simple: wear long pants, keep water handy, and treat the briefing like part of the tour, not a formality. When you follow the guide’s line choices, intermediate trails feel like a challenge. When you ignore them, the day can feel like work.

FAQ

Where does the El Nido OFF ROAD Tour start?

The tour starts at Lakwa Motorcycles & Enduro Adventure tours at Kalye Artisano, Lio Estate Villa, Libertad, El Nido. It ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does the tour begin?

The start time is 8:30 am. The ride lasts about 5 to 6 hours.

What is included in the price?

The price includes Honda CRF150L rental, lunch, fuel surcharge, complete riding gear (helmet, knee and elbow pads, riding boots, goggles, and gloves), and experienced guides, plus entrance fees for certain locations.

Can I upgrade from the CRF150L to a CRF300L?

Yes. You can upgrade to a Honda CRF300L on the day of your tour for an additional fee, subject to availability. The tour recommends CRF300L for riders over 100 kg and/or over 192 cm.

Is breakfast included?

No. Breakfast is not included.

Is insurance included?

No. Insurance is not included.

Do I need to buy tickets for the stops?

The tour includes entrance fees for some locations, and many listed stops show admission ticket free. You should still plan for the tour to handle the included fees as stated.

What if the weather is bad?

The tour requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

How soon will I get confirmation after booking?

You should receive confirmation within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.