El Nido Palawan Complete Travel Guide for Tourists [Updated 2022] - Philippines Travel and Tourism
From its stunning waters, white sand beaches, serene islets, limestone cliffs, and diverse wildlife, El Nido, Palawan is on every vacationer’s bucket list.
Tucked in the northernmost tip of mainland Palawan, the Municipality of El Nido is home to magnificent limestone cliffs and formations, biodiverse ecosystems, crystal-clear waters, stunning beaches, spectacular views, and beautiful people with amazing culture and hospitality – it’s no wonder that Palawan was declared the World’s Best Island in 2020 by travel magazine Travel+Leisure!
“El Nido” are Spanish words that translate as “the nest”. The thriving Balinsasayaw (swiftlet) bird’s nest industry in Town was one of El Nido’s leading trades before the boom of tourism. Currently, the nest trade is highly monitored and regulated as the birds’ population needs to recover. At present, many of the residents depend on tourism – the Town’s leading commerce for the last two decades.
List of 64 Islands and Islets in El Nido
How to Get There
Located at the nothernmost tip of Palawan , El Nido is quite a remote municipality. It is around 148 miles northeast of Puerto Princesa, Palawan’s only city. Nowadays, this tropical wonder is much easier to reach.
AIRPLANE
Direct flights from Manila are available via Air Swift. Many people fly into Puerto Princesa City in Palawan, and then take a bus or van to El Nido.
When saving yourself from all the travel time, getting to El Nido by air is the best way to do it. AirSwift Airline – the only company that presently flies directly to El Nido offers flights to and from Manila. Reservations may be made through their official website at www.air-swift.com or at their local agents in El Nido.
AirSWIFT is the only airline that flies directly to El Nido from Manila
AirSWIFT Advisory #53 [As of Jan. 26, 2022]
Please check AirSWIFT Airlines Facebook Page for updated travel information.
SHUTTLE VAN
From Puerto Princesa, one will have to travel about 5- 6 hours to get to El Nido. Van trips are available through local travel agents.
El Nido is about 5 hours away from From Puerto Princesa City where most of the commercial flights land. Van trips priced at approximately PhP 500 per person are readily available through the travel operators in El Nido, online, or sometimes at the Airport’s arrival area.
BUS
From Puerto Princesa, buses to El Nido are also available. Trips can take up to 7-8 hours due to the many stops for local passengers.
Bus trips priced at approximately PhP 500 per person depart from the San Jose terminal which is around 20 minutes away from the Puerto Princesa International Airport. From San Vicente International Airport, the ride to El Nido is about 4 hours. Vans priced at approximately PhP 600 are available at the Airport’s arrival area. From other areas in Palawan such as Port Barton and Sabang, daily van trips are offered by most local travel agents.
Cherry Bus Palawan
2x2 Aircon with CR/ Toilet for your Comfort!
Puerto Princesa City to El NiDo via Roxas and Taytay vice versa
Daily Trips Schedule:
Puerto to El Nido - 9AM
El Nido to Puerto - 9AM
Fare/ Pamasahe: 585 pesos per pax
For Bus Ticket/s Reservations please go to Bicol Isarog Transport System Inc.
or you can call the following cp numbers:
(0998) 868 4178 / 0946 070 3963
FERRY
If one is coming from the Calamian group of islands (Coron, Culion, and Busuanga), there are ferries traveling daily from Coron to El Nido and vice versa.
While most sea transport to and from El Nido are dedicated for cargo, there are passenger ferries bringing tourists at priced at approximately PhP 1800 per person to and from Coron – the gateway for the Calamian group of islands
Must See - Island Hopping Tours
El Nido, Philippines. THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACE in the entire world. We did Tour A which brought us to Small Lagoon, Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon and a couple other spots. This vlog is probably my best, so enjoy!
Big Lagoon Premium Tour
A top feature of many travel magazines and a the tourist favorite, Big Lagoon should indeed be on your El Nido bucket list!
Small Lagoon Premium Tour
The Small Lagoon boasts its serene turquoise waters that make up a natural pool in the middle of breathtaking cliffs.
Matinloc Island Premium Tour
The Matinloc Shrine is an abandoned spiritual oasis in the Matinloc Island. The area offers one of the best views of El Nido's Tapiutan Strait.
SEVEN COMMANDO
Located very close to town, Seven Commando Beach is a beautiful stretch of white sand combined with wonderful swimming and snorkeling areas.
DULI BEACH
Known as the Surfer’s Paradise, Duli Beach offers the most surfing waves in El Nido. It also has a pristine long beach ideal for beach activities and photo shoots.
NACPAN BEACH
Offering great beach days, Nacpan is perfect for relaxation as it boasts its long perfect cream sand and wonderful swimming areas.
Cave Exploration Tour
Explore the mysterious caves, secret coves, pristine beaches, and intriguing historic sites in El Nido, Palawan: Enjoy the exclusive use of the tour boat as you visit Cudugnon Cave, Cathedral Cave, Snake Island, and Pinagbuyutan Island.
Tapiutan Strait Tour
Discover the white-sand beaches and limestone formations in Palawan on a tour to El Nido’s Tapiutan Strait. This tour is perfect for travelers wanting to bask in the sun, swim, and snorkel across scenic beaches and idyllic landscapes.
Cadlao Channel Tour
Go on an island-hopping escapade to visit some of the most beautiful sites in El Nido, Palawan. This island-hopping tour is perfect for those wanting to visit breathtaking beaches, caves, and lagoons in El Nido.
History Islands Tour
Each one of the El Nido Tours A, B, C, D will take you on a journey to explore a specific part of the islands surrounding El Nido. You will discover beautiful and preserved islands, clear water lagoons, white sand beaches, snorkeling sites and their hundred of fishes and coral species.
5D4N EL NIDO PACKAGE TOUR ON A BUDGET SAMPLE ITINERARY 👌
January 2022
PACKAGE INCLUSIONS:
• 3 Nights Hotel Accommodation
- Standard Pension AC room with Private Bath
- Daily Breakfast
• Airport Transfer (Pick Up/Drop Off)
• Roundtrip air conditioned Van Transport
- Airport – EL Nido Van Terminal – Airport
• TOUR A
• TOUR C
• TOUR D
• Picnic Style Lunch
SAMPLE ITINERARY:
• Day 1. Arrival
- Pickup at the Airport
- Travel to El Nido (5 – 6 hours)
- Check in at Novie's Tourist Inn - https://www.facebook.com/noviesinnofficial/
• Day 2. TOUR A
1. Seven Commandos Beach
2. Shimizu Island (where we had our picnic lunch)
3. Small Lagoon
4. Big Lagoon - Sobrang ganda 🥺
5. Secret Lagoon
Sunset at Nacpan Beach after the tour, you can rent a van (travel time of 30-45 mins)
• Day 3. TOUR C
1. Helicopter Island
2. Secret Beach
3. Hidden Beach
4. Star Beach
5. Matinloc Shrine
Dinner at Las Cabañas Beach. Get a chance to have an breathtaking sunset dito!
• Day 4. TOUR D
1. Cadlao Lagoon
2. Ipil Beach
3. Paradise Beach
4. Pasandigan Beach
5. Bukal Beach
5pm - Travel back to PPS
- Day 5. Departure day
- Breakfast
- Check out at Accommodation
- Travel Back to Airport for Departure
TOTAL EXPENSES with airfare - ₱9,700
Note: This is estimate only based on actual travel experience so you can have a rough idea. The cost will depend on your travel style, preference, airfare, etc.
• Cebu Pacific RT airfare ₱1,700 (via Travel Fund)
• Tour Package ₱6,000 (rates may change based on your itinerary)
• El Nido Eco-Tourism Fee ₱200
• Entrance for the Lagoons ₱200
• Matinloc Shrine Entrance Fee ₱100
• Kayak Rental ₱300/2 pax
• PPS accommodation ₱500/2 pax
• Las Cabañas Dinner ₱500 - optional
• Van to Nacpan Beach ₱600/2 pax
📌 Recommended travel and tours!
Contact Number: 0947-617-3708, 0926-038-7378
📌 Don’t forget to bring aqua shoes. There’s rental available but cheaper if you have your own.
📌 Bring your own snorkeling equipment. They won’t let you borrow one due to COVID restrictions.
📌 Please scroll down to see list of travel and tour operators in El Nido
El Nido Experience (November 6-9) - TIPS from a local tourist
Requirements:
Rt pcr
S pass
El Nido tourist qr code
*airfare 900plus round trip per pax sa ceb pac. Seat sale
* ELByahe's Travel and Tour yung name ng travel and tour na nacontact namin (authorized sila ng el nido tourism office). Transfer+2tours (tour a and tour c)+ hotel(anangs) for 7500 per pax ang offer samin 5.
*Mahirap mag DIY dun kase sa airport palang ichecheck na nila lahat.
*Pwede po kayo bumaba sa Puerto Princesa airport kung namamahalan kayo sa airswift na direct flight to El Nido
*Kung group kayo magtatravel and di magkasabay ung dating nyo sa Puerto Princesa airport, di pwede lumabas sa airport ang mga nauna dapat sabay kayo lahat lalabas at susunduin ng van going to el nido
*Sa mga naiwan ng eroplano, no need to worry about spass and el Nido qr code basta makahanap kayo ng flight within the day regardless kung ano airline ang magdadala sayo sa palawan.
*Make sure na umaga kayo darating ng Puerto Princesa para hapon nasa El Nido na kayo. Sa case namin gabi na kami nakarating dahil naiwanan ng eroplano (ceb pac) ung kasama ko. So nakabook sila ng pal for an afternoon flight.
*Kung ceb pac ang sasakyan nyo at wala kayong check in baggage. Strict sila sa one bag policy pero pwede ung isang personal sling bag aside from the bag mismo. May extra kaming supot dahil namili kami ng food pero hinaharang kami kaya iniwan na namin un. Yung bag ko (mountaineering bag) naharang din dahil sa laki pero nung tinimbang di umabot sa 7 kilos kaya nakalusot din. Muntik na kaming maiwan dahil sa higpit ng security guard sa terminal 3. Di naman mahigpit ung pagchech in namin sa Puerto Princesa airport kase di na nila tinimbang ang bag ko at naconsider agad as hand carry ung bag ko.
*Regarding sa place to stay mas maganda kung malapit kayo sa bayan magstay para in case magutom kayo pwede kayo maglakad lakad for food trip. May free breakfast (packed bfast with one sachet ng coffee) na inooffer ung travel and tours na agency pero masarap na mabango ung bfast na luto ng anangs make sure to order ahead of time.
*Regarding sa tour kung ilan kayo nagavail ng package kayo lang din ang magkasama. May 200 pesos kayong babayaran during the tour sa pier ng bangka nyo babayaran un. Libre po ang tricycle sundo from hotel to bangka pier pwera lang sa tricycle pabalik ng hotel from island tour. May 500 pesos fee for the kayak dun sa lagoon.
*10 am ang sched ng ceb pac flight pabalik ng Manila kaya 2am na kami sinundo ng van
Hope this helps. 😊
Aired (June 14, 2019): Do you want to know why El Nido, Palawan is on top of many travelers’ bucket lists? Watch this video!
TOURISTS ENTERING THE MUNICIPALITY OF EL NIDO
TRAVEL ADVISORY FOR TOURISTS FROM OUTSIDE PALAWAN
A. Required documents prior to boarding your aircraft to El Nido, Palawan
1. VAXXED: Vaccination card/certificate
2. Approved S-Pass (UNRESTRICTED)
B. Other Documents and Policies for your safety and security
EL NIDO TOURISM CONTACT DETAILS | FOR S-PASS CONCERNS
Please be advised that erroneous applications cannot be entertained and tourists will be asked to re-apply correctly. The most common mistakes made are the incorrect input of type of traveler and point of destination. El Nido Municipal Tourism Office will not be able to receive applications if the point of destination entered upon permit application is not El Nido (Bacuit), and travelers who will select other categories besides local tourist will be routed to another office and will be considered a mistaken or incorrect application.
Fully Vaccinated Tourists from Outside Palawan Visiting El Nido
Tourists with Incomplete or NO Vaccination from Outside Palawan Visiting El Nido
Fully Vaccinated Palawan-Based Tourists Visiting El Nido
What You Need To Know About Travelling to the Philippines
Municipal Tourism Office Advisory 013
SHARED ISLAND HOPPING ACTIVITIES - NOW ALLOWED
Kindly present the following documents upon booking and before embarkation:
- Valid ID with photo;
- Approved S-PASS travel coordination permit for tourists or apors; &
- Vaccination certificate, vaccination card or *negative antigen test result
EMERGENCY HOTLINES
Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO)
Emergency Operations Center (EOC)
Philippine Coast Guard Station - El Nido
El Nido Tourism Office
UPDATED LIST OF DOT-ACCREDITED Accommodation, Travel and Tours, Dive Shops, Restaurants, Recreational Activities
UPDATED LIST OF DOT-ACCREDITED TREs AS OF MARCH 22, 2022
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