Who does not want to be in El Nido? El Nido Palawan is for everyone dreaming of paradise. Provided in this El Nido guide are latest information that will make it easier for your to plan your trip to the island. Know the latest travel requirements, information on getting there, accredited accommodation, activities, sample itinerary, budget and more.
Paradise is Here
North of the mainland Palawan is El Nido, a paradise considered by many as one of their dream destinations. With 45 islands and islets that harbor some of the country’s best white sand beaches, hidden lagoons, picturesque cliffs and rich marine life underneath, El Nido is indeed a piece of paradise.
The town is a managed and resource protected area of Palawan, 238 kilometers from Puerto Princesa. Contrary to common notion that El Nido is an expensive destination, the place is in fact, can be explored on a budget. With plenty of budget accommodations lined up on the streets of the town and lots of tour groups offering cheap packages, El Nido is another backpacker’s haven.
Get a tan on numerous white sand islands of Bacuit Bay; climb a cliff; dive to its diverse underwater life; snorkel and feed the tame fishes; sit and relax along the beach; watch the sun set; satisfy your cravings on its array of restaurants… El Nido is for everyone.
Perhaps it is now time to fulfill your dream, or revisit and rekindle the good times in paradise. El Nido is a promise of a perfect getaway. Experience paradise, experience El Nido!
How to Get to El Nido
From Manila, Caticlan, Cebu and Clark By Air
Air Swift has regular flights from Caticlan, Cebu, Clark and Manila to El Nido, and vice versa.
From Manila By Sea
There are also cargo ship operators that also ferry passengers from Manila to El Nido. Contact the shipping lines for schedule and fare information. Please note that these are smaller cargo ships/hauls that cater specially to cargo but also allow passengers.
Operator: San Nicholas Shipping Lines (M/B Andrea-1, M/V Catalyn-A, M/V Catalyn-C, M/V Catalyn-E, M/V Asuncion-IX, M/V Asuncion-XI)
Route: Manila-El Nido-Liminangcong and vice versa
Contact Info: (02)-243-4595
Operator: Atienza Shipping Lines (M/V Josilee-II, M/V April Rose, M/V Q-Carrelyn-III)
Route: Manila-Coron-El Nido-Liminangcong and vice versa
Website : http://www.atienzashippinglines.com
Email: [email protected]
Telephone No. : (02)-986-3118 and (02)-536-8123
From Puerto Princesa by Van
Coming from Puerto Princesa, air-conditioned vans to El Nido depart from as early as 7AM to as late as 9PM. Vans depart from Puerto Princesa Airport and from San Jose Terminal. Travel time is approximately 5 to 6 hours and one-way fare is P500.
Van Operators:
Daytripper Palawan: +63917-8488755
Lexus Van: +63917-5859612
Fort Wally: +63917-3488078
You can book your bus or van seat from Puerto Princesa to El Nido or vice versa below:
Bus from Puerto Pricesa to El Nido Palawan
Cherry and RoRo Buses regularly ply the Puerto Princesa-El Nido route and vice versa. Buses leave San Jose Terminal to El Nido with stop over in Roxas and Taytay from 4AM to 9PM. Fare is P380 for the aircon bus and P350 for the non-aircon.
You can book your bus or van seat from Puerto Princesa to El Nido or vice versa below:
Boat from Coron to El Nido Palawan
There are boats to El Nido from Coron daily. Fare is P2200 for foreigners and P1500 for Filipinos. Travel time: approximately 8 hours.
You can book your ferry from Coron to El Nido or vice versa below:
Where to Stay in El Nido
Accommodation in El Nido ranges from very basic for as low as P500 per room to high-end resorts that go by the thousands.
If you prefer more adventure, just pitch a tent or a a hammock in one of the islands in Bacuit Bay 🙂
For the list of DOT Accredited Hotels, Travel Agency and Establishments: Click HERE
Top-Rated High End El Nido Resorts
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El Nido Resorts Miniloc Island |
Cadlao Resort and Restaurant |
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El Nido Resorts Lagen Island |
Cauayan Island Resort El Nido |
Top-Rated Mid-Range Resorts and Hotels in El Nido Palawan
H Hotel El Nido |
Duli Beach Resort |
Dryft Darocotan Island |
Isla – The Island Experience |
Top-Rated Budget Resorts and Hotels in El Nido Palawan
Outpost Beach Hotel |
Kame House Backpackers |
Mad Monkey Hostel Nacpan |
Big Paul Hostel |
What to Do in El Nido
- Island Hopping: Island Hopping in Bacuit Bay is a must and touring these islands are quite easy because the packaged tours are organized into common itineraries known to all organizers. The rates are standard as set by the local government but if you are good in haggling, you can lower it down.
- A Tour: Small and Big Lagoons of Miniloc Island, Payong-Payong Beach, Shimizu Island and Seven Commandos – P1,200/person
- B Tour: Pangulasian Island, Snake Island, Codugnon Cave, Cathedral Cave and Pinagbuyutan Island – P1,300/person
- C Tour: Hidden Beach, Secret Beach, Star Beach, Matinloc Shrine and Helicopter Island – P1,400/person
- D Tour: Cadlao Lagoon, Pasandigan Beach, Bukal Beach, Paradise Beach and Natnat Beach – P1,200/person
- E Tour (Inland Tour): Nacpan and Calitang Beaches, Makinit Hotspring, Nagkalit-kalit Waterfalls – P1,200/person
- Scuba Diving: The average cost for a three-dive package is P3,600 per person inclusive of gear and equipments, lunch, DM, boat and marine conservation fee. Here are some of the dive shops in El Nido:
- Palawan Divers
Contact No: +63921-6205469 or +63908-3306778
Email Address: [email protected] / [email protected]
Website: www.palawan-divers.org - El Nido Marine Club
Contact No: +63916-6682748 or +63928-3834244
Email Address: [email protected]
Website: www.elnidomarineclub.com - Sea Dog Divers
Contact No: +63916-7776917
Email Address: [email protected]
Website: www.seadogdivingpalawan.com - Deep Blue Dive Seafari
Contact No: +63915-8921763 or +63916-7776917
Email Address: [email protected]
Website: www.deepblueseafari.com
- Free diving
- Snorkeling
- Cliff Climbing
- Kayaking/Kayak Island Trip
- Wind Surfing
- Beach Bumming/Camping
- Watch the beautiful sunset in Bacuit Bay or Corong Corong Bay
- Biking/motorbike tour to Makinit Hot Spring and other villages nearby
- Hike to Nagkalit-kalit Falls
- Explore the historical Ille Cave
- See the beautiful twin beaches of Nacpan and Calitang
- Visit Taytay, Roxas, Coron and Puerto Princesa
Tips
- Electricity runs from 2PM to 6AM only
- Bring cash, there is an ATM in town but is usually runs out of cash
- Unlike Coron that charges entrance fees to almost every spot, El Nido implemented a single payment of “Eco-Tourism Development Fee” for only P200/person for each visit of up to ten (10) days. This gives access to almost all public tourist sites in El Nido and Bacuit Bay
- If your entry and exit point to El Nido is Puerto Princesa, it is advised to reserve your seat in advance, call the numbers above
- Go to Bacuit Bay before sun down for the best view of sunset
- Touring El Nido can be done on a budget. Try Lagoon Tours of Sir Harvey Templado (+639263049680), they offer cheap package tours complete with meals, and they cooked real good foods 🙂
Sample Itinerary (4D/3N via Puerto Princesa)
Estimated Budget (Airfare excluded): P6000-P6500
Day 1: En Route to El Nido Palawan
0900H-1000H: Manila to Puerto Princesa
1000H-1100H: Puerto Princesa Airport to Fort Wally Terminal(San Jose Terminal)/Breakfast
1100H-1700H: Puerto Princesa to El Nido
1700H-1900H: Hotel check-in/fix stuff/rest
1900H-2100H: Dinner/Night Walk/Lights out
Day 2: Whole Day Island Hopping Tour
0700H-0800H: Call time/Breakfast
0800H-1700H: Tour A: Small and Big Lagoons of Miniloc Island, Payong-Payong Beach, Shimizu Island and Seven Commandos (Lunch included)
1700H-1900H: Back to hotel/fix up/wash up/rest
1900H-2100H: Dinner/Night Walk/Lights out
Day 3: Whole Day Island Hopping Tour
0700H-0800H: Call time/Breakfast
0800H-1700H: Tour C: Hidden Beach, Secret Beach, Star Beach, Matinloc Shrine and Helicopter Island
1700H-1900H: Back to hotel/fix up/wash up/rest
1900H-2100H: Dinner/Night Walk/Lights out
Day 4: Back to Puerto Princesa
0600H-0700H: Call time/Breakfast/Proceed to terminal
0700H-1300H: El Nido to Puerto Princesa
1300H-1500H: Lunch in KaLui
1500H-1530H: To Airport
1530H-1730H: Check-in/Assemble
1730H-1830H: Puerto Princesa to Manila
Hi mr, Lakwatsero:). I’m so glad I came across your website. Four of us are booked from Mla-PP on Oct 7 and PP- Mla on Oct 10 (thanks to Cebu Pac piso fare;) We have seen that El Nido is a beautiful place and we would like to be able to see and enjoy that;). However, our budget is a bit tight. Your IT sounds very good, but can we still insert going to the Underground River since our two companions have not seen that yet.
We would be happy to get your advice:)
Thanks:)
Hi Seni,
Im from puerto princesa ,its better to have 4d3n,elnido tour w/underground river
hi ms angie,
i can help you with your tour,4days&3 nights elnido tour w/ underground river in an affordable price.just tex me 09396249459
were planning to have a trip to el nido 29-31 july , were group of 5 how much is the cheapest rate if we stay for 2 nights but accomodating? tnxs Good Day!
hi ms imee,
i can help you with your elnido tour for just 4900/pax .just text me 09396249459.
Come and experience a unique adventure with our family in Deep Blue Seafari. We specialize in diving expeditions in the Palawan Area. We can organize different dive packages, which we will design based on your experience , budget, and things you like to see – average trips 2 to 5 diving days. Group packages available upon request. Charters also available for Palawan and Visayas region, please contact us for more details. We teach all PADI courses from Open Water to Dive Master and also Specialties like Deep Diver, Enriched Air and Wreck. This allows you to enhance your skills, confidence, knowledge and experience new dive environments. Let’s Dive, Explore, Experience, Palawan!!!
Hi jose, im intrested in diving, i don’t have any experience but i want to try, can i ask for the amount of your diving packages??i will go to puerto princesa on dec 10 -12 and im planning to go directly to el nido,, pls. email @ [email protected]
Do you offer Puerto Princesa – El Nido tour packages (Underground River, Honda Bay, City Tour, El Nido island hopping)? Please quote us for 5 pax on March 30 to April 3, 2014 including aircon room accommodation, breakfast, lunch and transfers. Thanks.
hi mr. lakwatsero,
i was able to booked my family & I to PP next year january 19-22. its a 4days 3 nights trip.im planinng to visit el nido since i was advise that i shouldnt miss that place kaya lang i wanted to see underground river din. is it possible for us to have that arrangement where we can see underground river & go island hopping in el nido? we’re group of 5..baka meron din po kayong maisusuggest sakin na itinerary where i can explore PP & el nido..is it better po ba to explore el nido muna before PP since sa PP airport po kami sasakay pupunta at pauwi ng manila or vise versa?? hope to hear from u po..thanks for the blog..more power ^_^
Sorry for the late reply. 4 days and 3 nights for Underground River and El Nido is quite a hectic schedule but it is doable. If you are arriving in PP before lunch, I suggest you head to Underground River first, arrange it with any of the tour organizers in PP and tell them to fetch you from the airport. But before heading to Underground River, drop by at the RoRo Bus terminal first to reserve/pay tickets for the night trip to El Nido on the same day.
Hi,
You mentioned about pitchign tent in one of the isladns in Bacuit bay. Are we allowed to do that?
We are planning to explore Palawan, – We were wonderign if it is worth us bring our tent and staying back on one of the islands? I mean is it allowed? And how do we do it?
We had done it earlier in hundred islands – we jsut had to inform the local tourist office at lucap wharf. what shold we do in El Nido
One more thing – please make it easier to post comments – I cannot correct my spellign mistakes as your dialogue box does not allow me to move the cursor usign my mouse!!!
Yes it is allowed. Just tell your tour/boat operator your plan.
Wow! Thanks! Nakatulong yung blog mo sa akin. May 8 to 12 ako nasa el nido. Mag isa nga lang. Sana ma enjoy ko coz i love nature? Nabisita ko na ang prinsesa at coron…. sana ok din sa el nido
Hi, we are planning to visit Palawan, for 3days 2 night, or 4 days 3 nights , can somebody give me an advice which place is the best place, el nido, puerto princesa or coron. Please help me. Thanks
Napuntahan ko na po ang prinsesa. Ok naman po dun ksi may mga island tour, city tour at underground river. Mura at madaming masarap na kainan po dun. Sa coron ta,agang swimming and snorkling ang activities aside from mt tapyasn aakyatin ang bundok and maquinit hot spring. Walang masarap na kainan sa coron eh. Sa el nkdo try ko pa lang po ds may 8 to 12. Pero naka set po ako ng hotel plus tour ko ng 4,100 lang. Ako lang pomag ksa which ks mura as compared sa ibang napuntahan ko.
hi sir,
ask ko lang po kung maximum travel time na po ba yung 6 hours from puerto prinsesa to el nido??and regular po ba ung trips vice-versa?thanks po.. 🙂
Hi whela, im not mr. Lakwatsero but i would just like to share to you my experience since just last month, we went to all 3 palawan destinations (puerto, el nido & coron) we traveled for 8hrs. thats from puerto princesa to el nido via van, and according to the van driver, they travel daily, their last trip is at 6pm. Again, this is just according to my experience last month. 🙂
thank you trabex.. 🙂
hi mr.lakwatsero thanks for your tips! im planning to visit el nido on the month of september. ok lang ba yung buwan na yun? di po bumabagyo nun? maraming salamat kabayan!
GUYS how much should be pocket money? that include flight from manila vice versa. thank you so much….
Hi Lakwatsero
Good day. I called up fort wally, the number you stated on your blog for van service. I was informed that the fare for a group of 4 going to El Nido is Php 6,000. So, what is the P 600.00 fare goin to El Nido is all about? Please clarify. Thnx
Hi Jun, P6,000 is for the whole van rental. You should have said that you will be taking the public van and not renting the whole van.
Coool. my fav place is palwan.
Me and family stayed in a budget hotel (kase nga nkabudget tlaga kami hahaha)
http://gohotels.ph/puertoprincesa we stayed here and super nagenjoy kami with all the services and facilities.
Ilove my stay and i recomment it to those people in a tight budget 🙂
Hi! Hope matulungan mo ako. If sa boracay is mamimili ka ng hotels mula station 1 to station 3. (alam mo kung saang area ka lang mamimili). ano naman ang sa el nido?, saang lugar ba dapat mag-stay at maghanap ng hotel? Salamat!
hello mr. lakwatsero,
I am planning a trip with my boyfriend to palawan this summer, we are planning to visit both el nido & coron as we heard both place are amazing…
May I ask you for some suggestion on how we can go about the trip & hotel you will recommend? We’ve 5days, are there any ferry that is leaving el nido in the afternoon instead?
Thnk u thnk u sooo much!!
hello mr. lakwatsero,
I am planning a trip with my boyfriend to palawan this summer, we are planning to visit both el nido & coron as we heard both place are amazing…
May I ask you for some suggestion on how we can go about the trip & hotel you will recommend? We’ve 5-6days
Thnk u thnk u sooo much!!
sa The Beach Farm by JRV mura ng accommodation, simple, comfortable, at clean ng rooms. Located sa El Nido, Palawan. Ideal sa mga backpackers at budgeters! Like their page on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/jrvbeachfarm 🙂
hi. read this site, thank you. I am planning to go there on August. please advice; ok lang ba if i go on august? hinde po ba mabagyo nun? and if its safe to travel alone? can i join a group tour? hope you could advice. thank u.
hello mr. lakwatsero,
I am planning a trip with my boyfriend to palawan this summer, we are planning to visit both el nido & coron as we heard both place are amazing…
May I ask you for some suggestion on how we can go about the trip & hotel you will recommend? We’ve 5-6days 🙂
Thnk u thnk u sooo much!!
Hi there… I am an avid follower of ur blogs and ur fb page… Super thanks to ur infos. very helpful… Maybe you can give some advice… My husband and I booked to Puerto Princesa this coming June 23-25 and were planning to go to El Nido unfortunately three days lang naibooked ko I thought keri na yung 3 days & 2 nights… My bad di ako nag research how long will it take getting to El Nido from Puerto Princesa… Late ko na nabasa sa blog mo…
Hi venustar624, Thanks for reading my blog 🙂
May I know the exact date and time of your flights? 🙂
June 23 Manila to PPS
6:30AM – 7:50 AM
June 25 PPS – Manila
3:20 PM – 4:25 PM
Do you think kya yung 1 1/2 day tour at kung meron nag ooffer na ganun set up…
Thanks for ur immediate response
Hi Venustar624, yes, possible and kaya naman with your sched. Athough 1 and 1/2 day nga lang ang magiging El Nido Tour nyo. Yes may mga nag offer ng ganung setup 🙂
WOW! This guide is what I’ve been looking for! I’ll follow your sample ITI since we’ll be in PALAWAn for 4days 3 nights as well on March 14 ETA 12:20PM, Departing PPS March 17, @ 10pm.. Kaya lang since mga kasama ko is gusto itry ang undeground river, pwede kayang isingit yun on our last day since gabi pa naman alis namin ng PP? Balak namin is on our third night, byahe na kami then tulog sa bus. diretso sa umaga sa undergorund river on our last day!
A very comprehensive guide indeed. Cheers! Kudos to you sir!
Hi Edgar! Yes, your plan is very doable since may mga night trips na ang RoRo bus between Puerto Princesa and El Nido. But you have to book in advance your PPUR Tour since they are limiting tourist per day sa underground River. Advise nyo na din yung tour handler nyo of your schedule 🙂 Also do not forget to reserve your RoRo bus ticket ahead para sure 🙂
Enjoy El Nido and Puerto Princesa 🙂
hello mr. lakwatsero…..im a pinoy working in canada….going pinas for vacation this july to august…. however, july is the month of tagulan right….but i really want to go to el nido and july is the only month that i can do it….. watcha think????? great blog by the way very informative….thanks..
Dear Sir, I do think your going to El Nido on July is just about right for two reasons. You can book cheap flights to Puerto Princesa this early because it is off season for foreign tourist arrivals in Palawan. August, September and October are the months of “Habagat” or westerly winds and that may sometime rearraange the El Nido daily routine package offering,; cancellations are very rare occurence. July allows you the feel of special treatment and the rural aura of tranquility that El Nido offers during off season. You can enjoy your stay at El Nido both ways -alone or with friends – as the place is conducive to romance / intimaciy. I am Mr. Mel Cortes and a Palawano. I have no doubrt you will have fond memories of El Nido. Good Day!