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Hey there, fellow happy trippers!
I’m thrilled to share with you an updated travel guide packed with all the essential information you’ll need for your first visit to this incredible destination. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure in none other than El Nido, Palawan – my absolute favorite vacation spot in the Philippines!
Picture this: El Nido is a coastal paradise nestled amidst a cluster of 45 enchanting islands and islets. It’s a place where majestic towering cliffs meet powdery white beaches kissed by crystal clear waters. But that’s not all – El Nido is also home to hidden caves that lead to secret beaches and an astounding array of wildlife. It’s no wonder why it’s considered one of the top tourist hotspots in the country!
Now, let’s talk about one of the most thrilling activities you can experience here: island hopping! Prepare to be amazed as you explore a multitude of breathtaking beaches and serene lagoons. Imagine yourself surrounded by turquoise-green waters, gently cradled by magnificent limestone rock formations. These islands and islets were shaped by the dissolution of soluble rocks like limestone, giving rise to captivating sinkholes and caves that are sure to leave you in awe. In fact, many well-traveled visitors have likened the karst backdrop of El Nido, Palawan to the iconic landscapes of Ha Long Bay, Krabi, and Guilin.
So, my fellow wanderers, get ready to immerse yourselves in the beauty of El Nido. Let the stunning scenery, thrilling adventures, and warm hospitality of the locals make your visit an unforgettable experience. This is a destination that will capture your heart and leave you longing for more.
Things to do in El Nido Palawan + Travel Guide Hotels, Resorts, Tours, Packages
Looking for an adventure beyond island hopping? El Nido has it all! Dive into the depths with over 30 dive sites, climb cliffs, explore caves, kayak, windsurf, or rent a motorbike for easy exploration. El Nido offers a world of excitement and breathtaking beauty. Get ready to create unforgettable memories in this tropical paradise!
Things to do in El Nido Palawan + Travel Guide Hotels, Resorts, Tours, Packages
Because of the beauty of the place, tourism became the main source of income in the place. The beachfront area has exploded in popularity over the years and is now largely a party area. Of course, the place is still not as crowded or as festive as Boracay when it comes to beach parties. The place is also known for water sports such as diving, snorkeling, and kayaking.
Please click these articles for additional Travel Guides :
The place is a top destination in the Philippines for Island hopping. Various tour operators are offering 4 Tours (A to D) and their prices are almost the same. Your own hotel can help you book your tour as most of them (if not all) are connected with any tour operators on the island. Tour operators will normally pick up their guests from their hotels early morning to start the tour. All tours are inclusive of sumptuous buffet meals prepared by the staff during the trip.
Here’s a short description of these Island Hopping Tours
Tour A
BOOK THE CHEAPEST EL NIDO TOUR A HERE
Please click here for my review of “TOUR A” (LAGOON AND BEACHES)
El Nido Tour B
BOOK THE CHEAPEST EL NIDO TOUR B HERE
Tour C
BOOK THE CHEAPEST EL NIDO TOUR C HERE
El Nido Tour D
Things to do in El Nido Palawan + Travel Guide Hotels, Resorts, Tours, Packages
Van Transportation from Puerto Princesa to El Nido – P700/pax (one way)
Hotel – P900 ( I stayed at Gemini Traveler’s Lodge, Air-conditioned with Private Bath)
Island Hopping Tour Packages:
Things to do in El Nido Palawan + Travel Guide Hotels, Resorts, Tours, Packages
The most popular way to reach the place is via Puerto Princesa, the capital city of Palawan. In going to Puerto Princesa, there are several flights from various airports in the country like Manila, Clark, Cebu, and Iloilo through Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and Air Asia.
More affordable transportation, ideal for groups or budget travelers to reach Puerto Princesa is by sea. It takes 18 to 22 hours from Manila on board the 2Go Travel. 2Go Travel calls on Puerto Princesa once a week.
2Go Travel – Schedule Manila (Pier 4) to Puerto Princesa
Things to do in El Nido Palawan + Travel Guide Hotels, Resorts, Tours, Packages
FROM CORON, CUYO, ILOILO, AND CEBU BY SEA
From/To Cuyo, Iloilo, and Cebu, Montenegro Shipping also travels to Palawan once a week.
From Coron, it takes approximately 10 hours from Coron to Puerto Princesa on board To Go Travel.
To Go Travel – Schedule Coron to Puerto Princesa, Palawan
Things to do in El Nido Palawan + Travel Guide Hotels, Resorts, Tours, Packages
FROM PUERTO PRINCESA
Upon arrival at Puerto Princesa, you still have to cover about 220 kilometers of a highway to get to reach the destination. This is why it would be great to take the earliest flight possible from your place of origin so that you can reach Puerto Princesa very early as well. Of course, you don’t want to reach the place at night.
BOOK A VAN IN ADVANCE
If you want to ensure a ride from Puerto Princesa to El Nido and vice versa, you can book in advance on this link:
If you are a budget traveler, take a bus. Two companies ply the Puerto Princesa-El Nido route every day. Outside the airport, take the tricycle and ask them to bring you to the bus terminal for El Nido. It takes about 6-8 hours, depending on how many stopovers the bus will take on the way.
Van: If you book your trip to the place through a Travel Agency, they can also book a van for you. However, a lot of Vans are waiting just outside the airport to bring you to the destination. The trip usually takes 5-6 hours.
LEXXUS TRIP SCHEDULES FOR A VAN
TO EL NIDO TO PUERTO PRINCESA
| TRIP NO. | DEPARTURE TIME | TYPE OF VAN | TRIP NO. | DEPARTURE TIME |
| TOYOTA COMMUTER | 1 | 4:00 AM | ||
| 1 | 5:30 AM | TOYOTA COMMUTER | 2 | 5:00 AM |
| 2 | 7:00 AM | TOYOTA GRANDIA | 3 | 7:00 AM |
| 3 | 8:00 AM | TOYOTA GRANDIA | 4 | 8:00 AM |
| 4 | 9:30 AM | JOYLONG MAJESTIC | 5 | 9:30 AM |
| 5 | 11:00 AM | JOYLONG HIVAN | 6 | 11:00 AM |
| 6 | 1:00 PM | TOYOTA GRANDIA | 7 | 1:00 PM |
| 7 | 2:30 PM | TOYOTA GRANDIA | 8 | 2:30 PM |
| 8 | 4:00 PM | TOYOTA COMMUTER | 9 | 4:00 PM |
| 9 | 5:30 PM | TOYOTA GRANDIA | 10 | 5:30 PM |
| 10 | 8:30 PM | JOYLONG MAJESTIC | 11 | 8:30 PM |
| TOYOTA GRANDIA | 12 AirAsia SPECIAL TRIP FOR AIR ASIA MORNING FLIGHTS | 2:00 AM ESTIMATED TIME OF ARRIVAL @ PPS 8:00AM | ||
| SPECIAL TRIP TO SABANG BOOKING FROM TRAVEL AGENCIES | 4:00 AM IF THERE IS 9PAX RESERVED DIRECT TRIP TO UNDERGROUND RIVER |
The schedule may change without prior notice.
Things to do in El Nido Palawan + Travel Guide Hotels, Resorts, Tours, Packages
It would be best to book ahead of your hotel/resort when visiting the place. For certain months, more guests are visiting the place. Listed below are hotels and resorts wherein you can book directly your room. Just click the link and it will bring you directly to a booking site.
BOOK YOUR EL NIDO RESORTS/HOTEL ROOM HERE
BUDGET HOSTELS/INNS
Our Melting Pot Hostel
Real Street, Philippines, 531
Relucio Travellers Pension
Blessed Inn
Rizal Street, Barangay Maligaya, El Nido
Forever Blessed Home
Serena Street, Barangay Buena Suerte Palawan, Philippines
Bnky Bed and Breakfast
Calle Amboy, Brgy. Maligaya
Big Creek Mansion
Zone 3, Barangay Masagana,
BOOK YOUR EL NIDO RESORTS/HOTEL ROOM HERE
Alexzus Backpackers Travel Lodge
Calle Amboy (beside Giecel Pension), Palawan, Philippines, 531
Kalinga Beach Resort
Sitio Caalan, Palawan, Philippine
ALESTON Secret El Nido Hotel
Bacuit Station
Mochileros Guesthouse
Real Street corner Tabanca, Brgy Masagan
Lolo Oyong El Nido Pension House
Rizal Street, Barangay Maligaya Zone 1
Karizma InnRecently
Pecado Street, Barangay Maligaya
Lualhati Garden Cottage
Rizal Street, Philippines, 5313
BOOK YOUR EL NIDO RESORTS/HOTEL ROOM HERE
Arkitel Bed and Breakfast
Amboy St. Brgy. Maligaya, Palawan, Philippines, 5313
MEDIUM-PRICED RESORTS AND HOTELS
El Nido Beach Hotel
Calle Hama Street, Brgy. Masagana
Swiftlets Inn
Balinsasayaw Road, Maligaya, Philippines, 5313
Four Seasons Resort
Barangay Corong Corong
Sophia’s Beach Guest House
Barangay Corong Corong
El Nido Beach Hotel
Calle Hama Street, Brgy. Masagana
LUXURY RESORTS AND HOTELS
Matinloc Resort
Matinloc Island
BOOK YOUR EL NIDO RESORTS/HOTEL ROOM HERE
Cauayan Island Resort
Bacuit Bay
Things to do in El Nido Palawan + Travel Guide Hotels, Resorts, Tours, Packages
When it comes to island hopping in El Nido, you don’t have to worry about lunch as it is usually provided. However, not all hotels offer free breakfast, and finding restaurants with breakfast options can be a challenge. My suggestion is to grab your breakfast and head to the beach. You’ll get a chance to observe how people prepare for their island hopping tours while enjoying the beautiful view.
When night falls, the coastline or beachfront of El Nido becomes a popular dining spot for tourists. It’s also my personal favorite because of the lively atmosphere. Keep in mind that dining in this area can be a bit expensive, so be prepared for higher prices.
If you’re on a tight budget, don’t worry! There are small grocery stores in the area where you can find affordable options like cup noodles, coffee, bread, water, and drinks. This is a great way to save money while still enjoying your time in El Nido.
HAPPY TRIP TRAVEL TIPS
Pin me! Things to do in El Nido Palawan + Travel Guide Hotels, Resorts, Tours, Packages
More Travel Guides
Here’s your updated travel guide to help first-time travelers with the basic information they might need when visiting the place.
Things to do in El Nido Palawan + Travel Guide Hotels, Resorts, Tours, Packages
As of this writing El Nido, Palawan remains to be my favorite vacation place in the Philippines.
The place, being part of the Island is a coastal community composed of 45 islands and islets. From its spectacular towering cliffs to its white sandy beaches with crystal clear water, caves that can take you to hidden beaches, and a very diverse variety of wildlife, El Nido is no doubt one of the top tourist destinations in the Philippines.
One very exciting activity when visiting the place is the Island hopping wherein guests can explore various beaches and enchanting lagoons with tranquil turquoise-green water surrounded by spectacular limestone rock formations. The islands and islets of the place have a landscape formed from the dissolution of soluble rocks such as limestone. This is why sinkholes and caves are very common and are great attractions of the place. Many well-traveled visitors compare the karst backdrop of El Nido, Palawan similar to those found in Ha Long Bay, Krabi, and Guilin.
Apart from Island hopping, this destination offers a wide array of activities that will surely delight each of her guests. Activities which you may like include scuba diving as the place has over 30 dive sites for varying levels and skills; cliff climbing and spelunking for the more adventurous ones; kayaking, and windsurfing. If you wanted to see more of the place, you can also hire a motorbike for easy mobility.
Because of the beauty of the place, tourism became the main source of income in the place. The beachfront area has exploded in popularity over the years and is now largely a party area. Of course, the place is still not as crowded or as the festive as Boracay when it comes to beach parties. The place is also known for water sports such as diving, snorkeling, and kayaking.
Please click these articles for an additional Travel Guides :
Things to do in El Nido Palawan + Travel Guide Hotels, Resorts, Tours, Packages
The place is a top destination in the Philippines for Island hopping. Various tour operators are offering 4 Tours (A to D) and their prices are almost the same. Your own hotel can help you book your tour as most of them (if not all) are connected with any tour operators on the island. Tour operators will normally pick their guests from their hotels early morning to start the tour. All tours are inclusive of sumptuous buffet meals prepared by the staff during the trip.
Here’s a short description of these Island Hopping Tours
El Nido, Palawan: Tour A
BOOK THE CHEAPEST EL NIDO TOUR A HERE
Please click here for my review of “TOUR A” (LAGOON AND BEACHES)
El Nido, Palawan: Tour B
BOOK THE CHEAPEST EL NIDO TOUR B HERE
El Nido, Palawan: Tour C
BOOK THE CHEAPEST EL NIDO TOUR C HERE
El Nido, Palawan: Tour D
Things to do in El Nido Palawan + Travel Guide Hotels, Resorts, Tours, Packages
Van Transportation from Puerto Princesa to El Nido – P700/pax (one way)
Hotel – P900 ( I stayed at Gemini Traveler’s Lodge, Air-conditioned with Private Bath)
Island Hopping Tour Packages:
Things to do in El Nido Palawan + Travel Guide Hotels, Resorts, Tours, Packages
The most popular way to reach the place is via Puerto Princesa, the capital city of Palawan. In going to Puerto Princesa, there are several flights from various airports in the country like Manila, Clark, Cebu, and Iloilo through Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and Air Asia.
More affordable transportation, ideal for groups or budget travelers to reach Puerto Princesa is by sea. It takes 18 to 22 hours from Manila on board the 2Go Travel. 2Go Travel calls on Puerto Princesa once a week.
2Go Travel – Schedule Manila (Pier 4) to Puerto Princesa
El Nido Palawan Travel Guide | Hotels, Resorts, Tours, Packages
HOW TO GET TO EL NIDO, PALAWAN FROM CORON, CUYO, ILOILO, AND CEBU BY SEA
From/To Cuyo, Iloilo, and Cebu, Montenegro Shipping also travels to Palawan once a week.
From Coron, it takes approximately 10 hours from Coron to Puerto Princesa on board To Go Travel.
To Go Travel – Schedule Coron to Puerto Princesa, Palawan
HOW TO GET TO EL NIDO FROM PUERTO PRINCESA
Upon arrival at Puerto Princesa, you still have to cover about 220 kilometers of a highway to get to reach the destination. This is why it would be great to take the earliest flight possible from your place of origin so that you can reach Puerto Princesa very early as well. Of course, you don’t want to reach the place at night.
BOOK A VAN IN ADVANCE
If you want to ensure of a ride from Puerto Princesa to El Nido and vice versa, you can book in advance on this link:
BOOK A SHARED VAN TRANSFER FROM PUERTO PRINCESA TO EL NIDO (VICE VERSA) HERE
If you are a budget traveler, take a bus. Two companies ply the Puerto Princesa-El Nido route every day. Outside the airport, take the tricycle and ask them to bring you to the bus terminal for El Nido. It takes about 6-8 hours, depending on how many stopovers the bus will take on the way.
Van: If you book your trip to the place through a Travel Agency, they can also book a van for you. However, a lot of Vans are waiting just outside the airport to bring you to the destination. The trip usually takes 5-6 hours.
LEXXUS TRIP SCHEDULES FOR A VAN IN PUERTO PRINCESA AND EL NIDO, PALAWAN
PUERTO PRINCESA TO EL NIDO EL NIDO TO PUERTO PRINCESA
| TRIP NO. | DEPARTURE TIME | TYPE OF VAN | TRIP NO. | DEPARTURE TIME |
| TOYOTA COMMUTER | 1 | 4:00 AM | ||
| 1 | 5:30 AM | TOYOTA COMMUTER | 2 | 5:00 AM |
| 2 | 7:00 AM | TOYOTA GRANDIA | 3 | 7:00 AM |
| 3 | 8:00 AM | TOYOTA GRANDIA | 4 | 8:00 AM |
| 4 | 9:30 AM | JOYLONG MAJESTIC | 5 | 9:30 AM |
| 5 | 11:00 AM | JOYLONG HIVAN | 6 | 11:00 AM |
| 6 | 1:00 PM | TOYOTA GRANDIA | 7 | 1:00 PM |
| 7 | 2:30 PM | TOYOTA GRANDIA | 8 | 2:30 PM |
| 8 | 4:00 PM | TOYOTA COMMUTER | 9 | 4:00 PM |
| 9 | 5:30 PM | TOYOTA GRANDIA | 10 | 5:30 PM |
| 10 | 8:30 PM | JOYLONG MAJESTIC | 11 | 8:30 PM |
| TOYOTA GRANDIA | 12 AirAsia SPECIAL TRIP FOR AIR ASIA MORNING FLIGHTS | 2:00 AM ESTIMATED TIME OF ARRIVAL @ PPS 8:00AM | ||
| SPECIAL TRIP FOR EL NIDO TO SABANG BOOKING FROM TRAVEL AGENCIES | 4:00 AM IF THERE IS 9PAX RESERVED DIRECT TRIP FROM EL NIDO TO UNDERGROUND RIVER |
The schedule may change without prior notice.
Things to do in El Nido Palawan + Travel Guide Hotels, Resorts, Tours, Packages
It would be best to book ahead of your hotel/resorts when visiting the place. For certain months, more guests are visiting the place. Listed below are hotels and resorts wherein you can book directly your room. Just click the link and it will bring you directly to a booking site.
BUDGET HOSTELS/INNS
Our Melting Pot Hostel
Real Street, Philippines, 531
Relucio Travellers Pension, Palawan, Philippines
Blessed Inn
Rizal Street, Barangay Maligaya,
Forever Blessed Home
Serena Street, Barangay Buena Suerte Palawan, Philippines
Bnky Bed and Breakfast
Calle Amboy, Brgy. Maligaya
Big Creek Mansion
Zone 3, Barangay Masagana,
BOOK YOUR EL NIDO RESORTS/HOTEL ROOM HERE
ALESTON Secret El Nido Hotel
Bacuit Station
Alexzus Backpackers Travel Lodge
Calle Amboy (beside Giecel Pension), Palawan, Philippines, 531
Kalinga Beach Resort
Sitio Caalan, Palawan, Philippine
Mochileros Guesthouse
Real Street corner Tabanca, Brgy Masagan
Karizma InnRecently
Pecado Street, Barangay Maligaya
Lualhati Garden Cottage
Rizal Street, Philippines, 5313
Lolo Oyong El Nido Pension House
Rizal Street, Barangay Maligaya Zone 1
BOOK YOUR EL NIDO RESORTS/HOTEL ROOM HERE
Arkitel Bed and Breakfast
Amboy St. Brgy. Maligaya, Palawan, Philippines, 5313
MEDIUM PRICED RESORTS AND HOTELS
El Nido Beach Hotel
Calle Hama Street, Brgy. Masagana
El Nido Four Seasons Resort
Barangay Corong Corong
Sophia’s Beach Guest House
Barangay Corong Corong
El Nido Beach Hotel
Calle Hama Street, Brgy. Masagana
Arkitel Bed and Breakfast
Amboy St. Brgy. Maligaya
Swiftlets Inn
Balinsasayaw Road, Maligaya, Philippines, 5313
LUXURY RESORTS AND HOTELS
Matinloc Resort
Matinloc Island
BOOK YOUR EL NIDO RESORTS/HOTEL ROOM HERE
Cauayan Island Resort (El Nido)
Bacuit Bay
Things to do in El Nido Palawan + Travel Guide Hotels, Resorts, Tours, Packages
If you visit the place for an Island Hopping, lunch is already provided. For your breakfast, not all hotels offer free breakfast and not all of them have restaurants as well. But there are a few restaurants along the beach which offer breakfast. I recommend for you to take your breakfast to the beach to see how people prepare for the Island Hopping Tours which are the major activities on the Island. Moreover, the beachfront also offers a great view while dining.
At night time, most tourists prefer to dine also along the coastline or beachfront of El Nido, Palawan. This is also my favorite place to eat for dinner because the beach is a little livelier as compared to other parts of the place. However, I noticed that the food in the area is a bit pricey.
For those who are really on a tight budget, there are small grocery stores available in the area which sell cup noodles, coffee, bread, waters, drinks, etc.
HAPPY TRIP TRAVEL TIPS
Pin me! Things to do in El Nido Palawan + Travel Guide Hotels, Resorts, Tours, Packages
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View Comments
Indeed! Palawan is a great place and must be on your bucket list. Ive been to Puerto Princessa last year. I like the calm environment. So relaxing. So natural. I like the people and the cleanliness of them. But no one knows that it was the last. I mean now that there was corona virus, I'm afraid of. So the next destination if the corona virus already vanished is Coron. I heard of it but never been there.
We spent 3 days in El Nido and 5 days to Puerto Princessa, I wish I could stay longer
Is it comforable to travel alone in El Nido? What's the recommended hostek to stay at? Among the tours, which is the highly recommended? How much is the expected buget to prepare? Thanks,
Yes, it's safe even if you're alone ..kindly search El Nido Hotels on this site...so many hotels and pension houses at El Nido, need not worry .Have a happy Trip and thank you for dropping
This is such a beautiful looking place. I am not one for doing much swimming but I would definitely like to explore some caves.
Omg can we say dream destination?!?! I would love to travel there one day!!! Looks like a beautiful place!
What a great guide! El Nido looks like a beautiful place to visit.
The water looks so beautiful. And this is one of the most thorough travel posts that I have ever read.
I don't mind crowds or touristy areas. I'd love to visit and maybe even dive a bit there.
Nice photos! Palawan is really amazing. Your information would be helpful. Thanks for sharing!
What a beautiful place! Your pictures are gorgeous, I would love to visit it!
El Nido, Palawan. The Phillipines is a beautiful exotic place to begin with. But El Nido provides such a beautiful view and 45 islands to discover. Love it!