El Nido Canopy Walk: Easy and Eco-friendly Way to Enjoy the Taraw Cliff

El Nido Canopy Walk

The 230-meter-high El Nido Taraw Cliff is an imposing natural landmark in El Nido town. I remember the strenuous climb up its craggy limestone cliffs years before. It was not easy but definitely rewarding panoramas. I wanted to climb up again when I came back to El Nido coming from Balabac. Unfortunately, the Taraw Cliff climb is not being offered by any tours. Pandemic restrictions were just easing out and the next best thing is the El Nido Canopy Walk. I could actually see the view deck just behind the bed and breakfast where I’m staying. I thought it was rather low, but since I’m already there and have an afternoon to spare, I decided to try the El Nido Canopy Walk.

El Nido Canopy Walk

The El Nido Canopy Walk is operated by Via Ferrata. Their office is located in the town along Rizal St, Bgy Maligaya, El Nido. According to my guide, the canopy walk opened around 2015 and started installation of the steel walkways, canopy, and web before that.

El Nido Canopy Walk
Swamp park leading to the access gate.

Their operating hours start from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The last call is usually around 4:30 PM.

There are two available tours.

  • The Hanging Bridge and Viewdeck is usually the popular one as it’s the cheapest at P400.
  • The access to the Dreamcatchers is P700 heading down to a different route from the view deck.

Both tours come with a helmet, harness, and a guide. I decided to take the Dreamcatcher access so I can experience the El Nido Canopy Walk in its entirety.

The access to the Taraw is a few meters away via the Barangay Hall. Visitors must log in here and pay an environmental fee of P10 per head.

El Nido Canopy Walk
The viewdeck
El Nido Canopy Walk
Hanging bridge
El Nido Canopy Walk
Starting to see the town

Hanging Bridge + Viewdeck

We made our way through a swamp park. There is a gate to secure access to the canopy walk. Abruptly, we climbed the steel stairs leading to the main suspension bridge leading to the view deck. It was late afternoon already and I was one of the few guests. I brought a telephoto lens with me in case I see some birds in the area. I was delighted to see the lush forest from the treetops but I didn’t spot any birds. 

El Nido Canopy Walk
El Nido Canopy Walk

I’m quite impressed with how everything was carefully installed along the limestone rocks. I imagine it took some extensive study on where everything will be placed. 

The climb was quite easy really and it took maybe just 15 minutes to reach the view deck. I’m still quite impressed to see the picturesque panorama of the town and El Nido bay. The height of the view deck is said to be around 75 meters high, less than half of the Taraw Peak.

El Nido Canopy Walk
El Nido Canopy Walk
El Nido Canopy Walk

Dreamcatcher

For the P400 tour, this is the point they start to head back. My guide and I turned right to another steel platform leading to the Dreamcatcher trail. This one has a series of webbings similar to those in Masungi Georserve. I thought it was a really cool place to stay for a while. Since there aren’t many guests that afternoon, we took our sweet time here. I enjoyed the breeze and the view of the town. 

El Nido Canopy Walk

Aside from the several scenic webbings, I thought it was also amazing we get to walk through narrow passages through jutting limestones. The stairs going down here was a lot steeper. Those who have fear of heights may be challenged. I enjoyed hanging out at the smaller dreamcatchers facing the forest and the Taraw peak. For one who enjoys time with nature, this was really worth the climb.

El Nido Canopy Walk
El Nido Canopy Walk
El Nido Canopy Walk

Climbing Tips

The whole climb at the canopy, dreamcatchers, and view deck was only around an hour. And that’s already taking a relatively slow pace. The fee of P400 and P700 may seem exorbitant to some but looking at the complexity of how this was set up and the views, it warrants the fee.

El Nido Canopy Walk
The view of Taraw Peak from this dreamcatcher

Here are a few tips before climbing:

  • Better schedule a trip early or late afternoon. It can be hot during mid-day.
  • Wear sturdy footwear. A hiking sandal with straps or fully covered shoes would be recommended.
  • Bring only what you need. Only a small pouch or dry bag for important belongings like mobile phones or cameras.
  • Drones cannot fly from this point (I tried). You can try to fly manually at your own risk.
  • Put on some bug spray as you’ll be passing through swampy areas.

Contact:

El Nido via Ferrata
Bgy Maligaya, El Nido
Telephone: (048)434.2341 | (048)723.3401
Mobile: +639062126396
email: [email protected]
Facebook: /elnidoviaferrata

El Nido Canopy Walk
Descending down the Taraw
El Nido Canopy Walk
El Nido Canopy Walk
El Nido Canopy Walk