El Nido OFF ROAD Tour (Intermediate)

REVIEW · EL NIDO

El Nido OFF ROAD Tour (Intermediate)

  • 5.05 reviews
  • From $200.00
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Operated by Lakwa Motorcycles · Bookable on Viator

Two wheels, big views, and real dirt roads. This El Nido OFF ROAD tour with Lakwa Motorcycles strings together beach roads, inland trails, a riverbed challenge, and cliffside viewpoints that boat tours just can’t touch. It’s run as a private ride, with a mobile ticket and a full day’s worth of variety in about 5 to 6 hours.

What I really like is the combo of hands-on riding time and practical support. You’ll use the Honda CRF150L (with an optional CRF300L upgrade for taller/heavier riders), and you get a full set of protective gear like MX helmets, knee and elbow pads, riding boots, goggles, and gloves. You’re not just dropped at a trailhead either. Guides like Bon focus on pacing your skill level while still keeping the ride fun and challenging.

One consideration: this is genuinely intermediate off-road, and the route includes technical sections and flowing-water crossings. If the weather turns rough, the tour may be changed or refunded, and you should plan for heat, dust, and getting sweaty. Also, long pants aren’t included, so pack them if you want extra comfort and protection.

Key things that make this ride worth your time

El Nido OFF ROAD Tour (Intermediate) - Key things that make this ride worth your time

  • Intermediate trails with real obstacles, not just scenic cruising
  • Honda bike choice actually matters, with CRF300L recommended for riders over 100kg/220lb or 192cm/6’3″
  • Complete riding gear is included, so you can travel lighter
  • Stop variety is the point, from panoramic viewpoints to a village/community moment
  • Riverbed riding is part of the experience, including a flowing-water section at Villa Paz
  • Lunch and breaks are built in, with a solid 1-hour meal stop at Teneguiban

Getting oriented at Lio: meeting point, timing, and bike choice

El Nido OFF ROAD Tour (Intermediate) - Getting oriented at Lio: meeting point, timing, and bike choice
The tour meets at Lakwa Motorcycles & Enduro Adventure tours at Kalye Artisano, Lio Estate Villa, Libertad, El Nido (and you end back at the same place). The start time is 8:30 am, and the ride typically runs about 5 to 6 hours, so it’s a real morning-to-afternoon plan rather than a short activity.

A big practical advantage here: you don’t need to figure out bikes or safety gear on your own. The tour includes a Honda CRF150L rental plus a complete protective kit. That means you can focus on riding and not on where to rent boots, find a helmet, or worry about whether the gear fits.

Bike selection is one place you should pay attention, because comfort and control matter more than people expect. The base bike is the CRF150L, but you can upgrade on the day for an additional fee (availability depends on the company). If you’re over 100kg/220lb and/or 192cm/6’3″, they strongly recommend the CRF300L. If you think you’ll need the upgrade, contact them before booking so you’re not stuck hoping on the day.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in El Nido.

Why this North Loop style route feels different from boat El Nido

El Nido is famous for views, but most visitors see the coast from the water. This route is built around getting inland and off-grid: you’ll go from main roads with big ocean views into single-track trails, then out to beaches and cliffside viewpoints. Along the way, you’ll hit a mix of surfaces—sandier/looser sections, hardpack trail, and technical bits where balance matters.

The other reason it feels special is the “you’re not just passing through” pacing. The itinerary isn’t only about looking. You’ll stop at places long enough to catch your breath, take photos, and reset for the next ride segment. Those pauses make a big difference on a hot day, especially when there’s dust in the air.

Finally, this tour is designed for riders with some off-road background. It’s not for absolute beginners, and it’s not a mellow “cruise and pose” outing. You should be ready to use your body—arms, legs, and core—because the bike handles differently once the trail turns rough.

Caalan roads to Danat single-track: a warm-up with teeth

El Nido OFF ROAD Tour (Intermediate) - Caalan roads to Danat single-track: a warm-up with teeth
You start with gear up and a pre-ride briefing, then you ride scenic roads with breathtaking views of Bacuit Bay on the way to Caalan. This first stretch is a good setup. It gets you rolling in daylight, helps you get your bearings on the bike, and puts you in the mood for the trails to come.

Then the route shifts south into El Nido Town before pushing into the real off-road work. The Danat section is where the ride starts feeling like a proper enduro day. You’ll conquer Danat single-track through lush tropical vegetation, riding a narrow trail that demands concentration. The goal here is not just speed—it’s line choice and staying smooth over uneven ground.

One practical note: single-track means you’ll feel the bike’s weight more. Your elbows should stay loose but your grip steady. If you’re stiff, you’ll tire quickly.

Dewil Valley viewpoints and Ille Cave: where the riding earns the photos

El Nido OFF ROAD Tour (Intermediate) - Dewil Valley viewpoints and Ille Cave: where the riding earns the photos
Dewil Valley is all about the payoff: 360-degree panoramic vistas. You’ll also explore the ancient Ille Cave and see rice fields plus limestone formations. This is a nice reset after technical riding, because the stops here aren’t just for photos. They’re for context—how the hills, farmland, and rock formations shape what El Nido looks like from above.

What I like about including viewpoints like this is that it keeps the day balanced. You’re working hard, then you get a clear visual reward that makes the effort feel worth it.

The cave stop can be a little cooler and calmer than the open air, but it’s still part of your overall day rhythm. Plan to move slowly, keep your energy for the next ride segment, and don’t rush through if you want good photos.

Villa Paz riverbed with flowing water: the moment you plan for

El Nido OFF ROAD Tour (Intermediate) - Villa Paz riverbed with flowing water: the moment you plan for
If you want one section that turns this tour from enjoyable to memorable, it’s Villa Paz. This stop is built around a challenging riverbed crossing with flowing waters around you.

This doesn’t mean you should panic or go too fast. In water-on-trail situations, smooth throttle control and steady balance matter. If you come in overly tense, the bike feels heavier. If you go too timid, you can stall or lose momentum. That’s why having an experienced guide matters.

The good news is the tour’s intermediate level is designed for riders who can handle some challenge. Guides help set a pace that matches your ability, like Bon doing with riders who needed trails adjusted but still wanted the full experience.

Beaches, cliffs, and short breaks: Sibaltan and Duli Beach

El Nido OFF ROAD Tour (Intermediate) - Beaches, cliffs, and short breaks: Sibaltan and Duli Beach
After the technical riverbed moment, the route moves toward calmer scenery without losing momentum. You’ll stop at Sibaltan, where you can pause at pristine beaches and get a feel for Palawan’s east-coast mood. It’s a breath-of-air stop, but you’ll still be riding there, so don’t treat it like an easy sightseeing break.

Then come Duli Beach and the cliffside angles above it. You’ll ride toward cliff views, take a water break, and soak up the scenery from a peaceful spot. This is where the day’s earlier work makes sense. You’re standing (and resting) after riding through more rugged terrain, and the views feel earned.

If you’re sensitive to heat, use these breaks strategically. Drink water, wipe off sweat, and let your hands recover a bit. Off-road riding is surprisingly tiring on wrists and forearms.

Teneguiban lunch plus Ligad village life: the human side of the route

El Nido OFF ROAD Tour (Intermediate) - Teneguiban lunch plus Ligad village life: the human side of the route
The route gives you a proper meal at Teneguiban, with about 1 hour to recharge. Lunch is included, which is a big value piece because you’re fueling for the second half of the ride. This is also a chance to cool down, sit with your guide and group, and reset before the final trail segments.

Then you get something many tours skip: real community time. At Ligad Elementary School, you’ll experience authentic village life and connect with the local fishing community. This is a meaningful contrast to the adrenaline sections. It’s not just “look at the view” time. You get a glimpse of how people live in the areas you’re riding through.

If you’re the type who likes travel that feels grounded, these stops are a major reason this tour lands well. It’s not only about mechanics and dirt; it’s about the places your bike can reach.

Back toward El Nido Beach, Pasadena trails, and Lio Tourism Estate

El Nido OFF ROAD Tour (Intermediate) - Back toward El Nido Beach, Pasadena trails, and Lio Tourism Estate
Later in the ride, the route brings you back through beach and town-linked terrain. You’ll navigate a single-track trail that winds its way to the town of Pasadena, then ride on toward Lio Tourism Estate to wrap things up and return to the Lakwa garage.

This end stretch matters. By the time you’re near the finish, you’ve already done the hard parts—technical trail, cave/valley viewpoints, and the riverbed section. The ride back gives you that last “I’m glad I stayed with it” feeling.

There’s also an optional extra: if you want, you can head down to Lio beach to watch the sunset after the tour. That’s a nice way to turn a sweaty riding day into a smoother travel moment.

Value and what’s actually included in the $200 price

At $200 per person, the value depends on what you compare it to. If you’re thinking of boat tours only, this is a different kind of experience: active, off-road, and more gear-driven. If you’ve been paying separately for bike rentals, protective gear, and guided access, this price starts to look more realistic.

Here’s what you get included:

  • Lunch
  • Honda CRF150L rental
  • Fuel surcharge
  • Full riding gear (helmet, pads, boots, goggles, gloves)
  • Experienced guides
  • Entrance and facility fees for certain stops

What’s not included:

  • Breakfast
  • Insurance
  • Long pants (recommended)

That last point matters because off-road riding can rub at your legs and expose you to dust and minor brush. Even if the ride isn’t extremely long in minutes, it’s long enough to feel it.

Also remember: it’s private, meaning you’re riding with only your group. That tends to make the experience better, because the guide can adjust pacing and attention without balancing multiple groups.

Who this intermediate off-road tour fits best

This one fits you if you have a good amount of off-road experience and you’re physically ready for 5 to 6 hours of riding. It’s for people who can handle technical trail segments and stay calm around water-on-trail moments.

It may not fit you if:

  • You’re a brand-new rider without trail experience
  • You’re not comfortable with getting hot, dusty, and a bit sore
  • You weigh more than 100kg/220lb or are taller than 192cm/6’3″ and don’t arrange the bike upgrade

If you’re right in the intermediate range, that’s when this route shines: you’ll have enough skill to enjoy it, and enough challenge to feel like you earned the views.

Quick tips so you don’t spend the day thinking about discomfort

  • Bring long pants even though they’re not included. They’ll help with dust and rubbing.
  • If you’re considering the CRF300L, ask ahead. It’s easier to solve before the morning of the tour.
  • Wear the included gear correctly. Straps too loose can feel annoying fast, and pads that shift will distract you.
  • Use the planned breaks—especially water breaks and the meal stop—to recover your hands and shoulders.

Weather matters too. The tour requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Should you book the El Nido OFF ROAD Intermediate Tour?

Book it if you want a real off-road day that mixes technical trail riding with viewpoints, beaches, and at least a couple stops that feel local rather than purely scenic. The combination of included gear, guided pacing (including adjustment for rider ability), and a lunch-focused schedule gives you a complete package for the money.

Skip or reconsider if you only want gentle sightseeing, if you’re not ready for intermediate trail conditions, or if you can’t handle getting wet and dusty. And if your height/weight puts you in their recommended CRF300L range, make sure you line up that upgrade early.

If your schedule is flexible and the forecast looks decent, this tour is a strong way to see El Nido beyond the usual waterline.

FAQ

What time does the El Nido OFF ROAD tour start?

The tour starts at 8:30 am.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 5 to 6 hours.

Where do I meet and where does the tour end?

You meet at Lakwa Motorcycles & Enduro Adventure tours at Kalye Artisano, Lio Estate Villa, Libertad, El Nido, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

What bike do I ride on the intermediate tour?

The tour includes use of a Honda CRF150L. You may be able to upgrade to a Honda CRF300L on the day for an additional fee, depending on availability.

What’s included in the price?

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

Is insurance included?

No. Insurance is not included.

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