Things to do in El Nido Palawan + Travel Guide Hotels, Resorts, Tours, Packages
THINGS TO TO IN EL NIDO, PALAWAN TRAVEL GUIDE
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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 :
THINGS TO DO IN EL NIDO, PALAWAN (Island Hopping Tour 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 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
- Places to be visited: Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Simizu Island, Secret Lagoon, and 7 Commandos Beach
- Schedule: 9 AM to 4 PM
- Includes: Lunch, mask & snorkel, life vest, and guides to assist you
Please click here for my review of “TOUR A” (LAGOON AND BEACHES)
El Nido Tour B
BOOK THE CHEAPEST EL NIDO TOUR B HERE
- Places to be visited: Entalula Island, Pinagbuyutan Island, Snake Island, Cudugnon Cave, and Cathedral Cave
- Schedule: 9 AM to 4 PM
- Standard Rate: 1,300 Pesos/person
- Includes: Lunch, mask & snorkel, life vest, and guides to assist you
Tour C
BOOK THE CHEAPEST EL NIDO TOUR C HERE
- Places to be visited: Hidden Beach, Helicopter Island, Secret Beach, Matinloc Shrine and Star Beach
- Schedule: 9 AM to 4 PM
- Includes: Lunch, mask & snorkel, life vest, and guides to assist you
El Nido Tour D
- Places to be visited: Bukal Island, Ipil Beach, Nat-Nat Beach, Cadlao Lagoon, and Paradise Beach
- Schedule: 9 AM to 4 PM
- Standard Rate: 1,200 Pesos/person
- Includes: Lunch, mask & snorkel, life vest, and guides to assist you
Things to do in El Nido Palawan + Travel Guide Hotels, Resorts, Tours, Packages
BUDGET FOR YOUR THINGS TO DO IN EL NIDO, PALAWAN
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:
- Tour A – PHP 1,200/pax
- Tour B – PHP 1,300 /pax
- Tour C – PHP 1, 400 /pax
- Tour D – PHP 1,200 /pax
Things to do in El Nido Palawan + Travel Guide Hotels, Resorts, Tours, Packages
HOW TO GET THERE
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
LIST OF EL NIDO, PALAWAN HOTELS, AND RESORTS
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
FOOD: THINGS TO DO IN EL NIDO, PALAWAN
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.
Things to do in El Nido Palawan + Travel Guide Hotels, Resorts, Tours, Packages
HAPPY TRIP TRAVEL TIPS
- There are no ATM machines at the place, so it’s important to carry enough cash throughout your stay. Western Union is available for cash transfers if needed.
- Always wear your life vest and prioritize safety while enjoying the water.
- Bring an action camera to capture the spectacular underwater scenes.
- Respect the environment by not stepping on corals and properly disposing of trash.
- Remember to bring your emergency medicines.
- Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to protect your skin.
- Pack extra batteries for your camera and a power bank for your mobile phones.
- Foreign tourists may consider processing visa extensions in Puerto Princesa.
Pin me! Things to do in El Nido Palawan + Travel Guide Hotels, Resorts, Tours, Packages
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- Things to do in El Nido Palawan
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!
That’s amazing. I had no idea Palawan had 45 islands alone. El Nido is such a beautiful place and I would very much love to tour it someday. Thanks for sharing all these details and prices!
Two summers ago I won a trip for 2 to Miniloc Island, El Nido Palawan courtesy of Ayala Malls. It was the best 3D2N stay we had in the island and also the place is so awesome! One of the best vacation spot we need to go to.
The Philippines are truly gorgeous. I have never been there before but I would love to visit.
This is gorgeous! It really makes me want to go to the beach 🙂
Awesome! I have been researching to go to El Nido, I really want to visit the great Palawan this summer. I will check out your itinerary and budget posts
Wow!!the sight scenes are superb,blue sea water along with untouched beauty of nature.Such an wonderful place to relax the mind.When it comes about the night life it also seems pretty enjoying as well.Overall a great place to spend some quality time .
True! El Nido in Palawan is one of the most beautiful place in the Philippines.
this is one of my dream destinations… Palawan has so many wonderful spots to offer and El Nido alone is already a paradise… I don’t know how to dive nor swim though haha so maybe once I get there I will settle myself with a boat ride
Thank you very much for this detailed post. While we were in Puerto Princesa, our guide told us that El Nido is more stunning than Puerto Princesa. I believe him and thus we want to to El Nido someday.
Awesome! I haven’t been here and no plans yet even in the near future but if we do get to go, will check back here. Thanks! 😀