El Nido history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of the region's settlement dates back to ancient times. Long before the arrival of Spanish colonisers, the territory of modern El Nido was inhabited by the indigenous Tagbanua and Cuyonon tribes. The first official mentions of the settlement in Spanish records date back to the late 19th century.

Until the mid-20th century, the town was known as Bacuit. It received its current name officially only in 1954 on the initiative of local authorities.

Key Factors of Development

The development of the settlement was predetermined by its unique geographical location and natural resources:

• Geography: The rugged coastline and majestic limestone cliffs created natural protection and conditions for specific trades.
• Trade: Archaeological finds confirm that active trade with Chinese merchants was conducted here as early as the Song Dynasty (960–1279 AD), long before European colonisation.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The economy of the early period was based not on tourism, but on the extraction of a rare natural resource. The town received its name, which translates from Spanish as "The Nest," thanks to the colonies of swiftlets inhabiting the local caves.

Their edible nests, highly valued in Asian cuisine and medicine, were the main export commodity and the foundation of the local residents' prosperity for centuries.

Key Historical Milestones

• 960–1279 AD (Song Dynasty) — Chinese traders regularly visit the region to exchange goods for valuable edible bird's nests.
• 1890 — Spanish colonisers found the first official settlement on the site of the modern town.
• 1916 — The settlement of Bacuit separates from the territory of Taytay and becomes an independent municipality.
• 17 June 1954 — A law is passed officially renaming the town of Bacuit to El Nido in honour of the swiftlet nests found in the limestone cliffs.
• 1979 — An accidental stop by a diver's vessel in Bacuit Bay leads to the discovery of stunning coral reefs for international tourism.
• 1983 — The first diving resort opens on Miniloc Island, marking the beginning of the region's hospitality industry.
• 1991 — The Philippine government declares Bacuit Bay a marine reserve to protect the unique ecosystem from overfishing.
• 1998 — The status of a protected natural area (El Nido-Taytay Managed Resource Protected Area) is enshrined at the national level.
• 2016 — El Nido and Palawan Island are recognised as the best island destination in the world by authoritative international publications.
• 2018 — Authorities introduce new strict environmental regulations and restrictions on visiting lagoons to preserve nature amidst mass tourism.

Stages of Development and Transformation

The evolution of El Nido is a journey from a secluded fishing village to a world-class tourism hub. Below are the key events that defined the modern appearance and economy of the town:

• Gaining Administrative Independence (1916). The separation of the settlement into an independent municipality allowed for the formation of its own governing bodies. This kickstarted the development of local infrastructure, independent of the neighbouring town of Taytay.
• Cultural Rebranding (1954). The official name change from Bacuit to El Nido was a significant event. It cemented the main source of income at the time—swiftlet nest harvesting—into the toponymy, inextricably linking the town's name with its unique natural resource.
• Birth of the Hospitality Industry (1980s). The construction of the first island resorts by Ten Knots Development transformed the economic model. The region began reorienting from traditional fishing to servicing tourists, initially focusing on exclusive leisure and diving.
• Creation of a Legal Framework for Nature Protection (1998). Granting the status of a protected natural area legally limited industrial construction and mass fishing. This decision preserved the landscape untouched, which in the long term became the resort's main competitive advantage.
• Transport Accessibility (2010s). The development of the private Lio Airport and the launch of regular direct flights from Manila broke the region's isolation. Simplified logistics led to a sharp increase in tourist flow and stimulated a construction boom in the town itself.
• Urbanisation and Digitalisation (Recent Years). The arrival of 24-hour electricity supply, the first ATMs, and high-speed internet transformed El Nido from a "wild" location into a comfortable hub. This attracted a new category of travellers, including freelancers and families with children.
• Sustainable Tourism Policy (Since 2018). The introduction of government restrictions on the number of boats in lagoons and a ban on single-use plastics were a response to the threat of overcrowding. These measures marked the town's transition to conscious resource management to save the ecosystem.

Architectural Evolution and Urban Planning

Unlike the old colonial towns of the Philippines, El Nido cannot boast monumental Baroque cathedrals or Spanish mansions. The architectural appearance of this place was formed under the influence of the harsh tropical climate, the lifestyle of fishermen, and, in recent decades, the rapid development of tourism. The urban fabric of the town represents an eclectic mix of traditional huts and modern hotels.

Main Construction Stages and Styles

The development of architecture in the region can be roughly divided into three key stages, each of which has left its mark on the settlement's appearance:

• Traditional Style (Vernacular Architecture). Historically, locals built dwellings of the Bahay Kubo type. These are light structures on stilts, created from bamboo, wood, and palm leaves (nipa).
  • Characteristics: High roof for air circulation, raised floor for protection against floods and animals, use of exclusively natural materials.
  • Where to see: In remote areas of the municipality and in the design of bungalows on island eco-resorts, styled to look antique.
• Utilitarian Style (Mid — Late 20th Century). With population growth and the advent of concrete technologies, the town centre (Poblacion) began to be built up with simple functional buildings.
  • Characteristics: Two- or three-storey boxes made of concrete and cinder blocks, flat or pitched tin roofs, minimal decoration. The ground floor is often dedicated to trade, the upper floors to housing.
  • Features: Construction was carried out chaotically, without a single master plan, which led to the formation of narrow streets and high density in the centre.
• Modern Tropical Style and Eco-Minimalism (21st Century). With the arrival of mass tourism began the era of hotel and restaurant construction striving to blend into the natural landscape.
  • Characteristics: Use of panoramic glazing, open terraces, natural stone, and recycled wood. Emphasis on eco-friendliness and visual lightness of structures.
  • Examples: New boutique hotels along Corong-Corong beach and luxurious villas on the islands.

Iconic Districts and Landmarks

The appearance of modern El Nido is shaped by several key zones demonstrating different approaches to urban planning:

• Poblacion (Town Proper). The historical and administrative core. Dense, organic development reigns here. Narrow streets are filled with cafes, souvenir shops, and guesthouses. The architecture here is strictly utilitarian but possesses the special charm of a lively Asian village.
• Lio Tourism Estate. An example of modern planned urban development. This is a new district built from scratch in compliance with strict environmental standards. Buildings here are limited in height (no higher than coconut palms), designed in a unified eco-style, and harmoniously integrated into the green zone and beach line.
• Saint Francis of Assisi Church. One of the few buildings reminding of the colonial past and the role of religion. Although the current structure has been reconstructed multiple times, it retains the features of simple provincial church architecture, serving as the spiritual centre of the community.

Iconic Figures in the History and Development of El Nido

El Nido is a small municipality, so the list of outstanding people here is formed not so much by natives of the town, but by those who had a decisive influence on its destiny, status, and popularity. From spiritual patrons to Hollywood stars, these people have forever inscribed their names in the history of the resort.

• Saint Francis of Assisi (1181–1226)
  Role: Spiritual Patron of the Town
  Although this figure lived in Italy long before the town's foundation, his influence on the culture of El Nido is fundamental. He is the official patron saint of the municipality. The main town church bears his name, and the annual fiesta in his honour (4 October) is one of the most important cultural events, uniting local residents and preserving regional traditions.
• Corazon Aquino (1933–2009)
  Role: 11th President of the Philippines
  It was Corazon Aquino who played a key role in protecting the unique nature of this region. In 1991, the presidential administration initiated the creation of a marine reserve by signing the relevant decrees. This political decision saved Bacuit Bay from industrial fishing and destruction, laying the foundation for the eco-tourism we see today.
• Andres Soriano Jr. (1926–1984)
  Role: Businessman, Tourism Pioneer
  An influential Filipino industrialist and head of the San Miguel Corporation. The Soriano family was at the origins of the Ten Knots Development Corporation. It was they who first recognised the tourism potential of the region in the 1980s and built the first luxury resorts (Miniloc and Lagen), setting high standards of service and careful attitude towards nature for which El Nido is famous.
• Alex Garland (born 1970)
  Role: Writer, Screenwriter
  The British author of the cult novel "The Beach." It is known that Garland lived in El Nido for a long time in the 1990s, charmed by the local landscapes. Although the film adaptation with DiCaprio was shot in Thailand, it was the atmosphere and hidden lagoons of Palawan that served as the initial inspiration for the book, creating the myth of a "lost paradise" that still attracts backpackers from all over the world.
• Jeremy Renner (born 1971)
  Role: Hollywood Actor
  Star of the film "The Bourne Legacy" (2012). The filming of the final scenes of this blockbuster took place directly in the lagoons of El Nido and the straits between the islands. The film's release on global screens became a turning point in the town's recent history, sparking an explosive growth of interest in the resort from mass international tourism.