El Nido

El Nido is a coastal town in Palawan. El Nido comprises 45 islands and islets; limestone cliffs are also found here, which form a Karst backdrop similar to those found in Ha Long Bay, Krabi and Guilin. It is a popular destination for locals during the long holidays of the Holy Week, but has been relatively unknown to foreign tourists. El Nido is more than just a stereotypical tropical paradise. Beaches, clear waters, jungle, steep limestone cliffs and stunning inlets make for one of the world's most beautiful seascapes.

Before El Nido became a popular tourist destination, fishing and harvesting swift nests, nidos, were the main source of income. Tourism has become the municipality's main source of revenue; however, the authorities are trying to keep it sustainable and hotel chains are refreshingly absent. Huge tour groups are nowhere to be seen. El Nido is also known for water sports such as diving, snorkeling and kayaking.

By plane


Puerto Princesa International Airport is Palawan's premier gateway. Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and Air Asia connect to Manila, Iloilo and Cebu. You can catch a bus, private or public van from Puerto Princesa to El Nido on arrival.

By van
Three van companies are doing regular shuttle trips to El Nido, departing from San Jose bus terminal in Puerto Princesa. Fares are per person and  for hotel or airport pick ups (minimum 2 people) and the travel time is 4-5 hours.

Fortwally Shuttle Service You can book directly at Cell: 09172762875 or 09213118755 or email: fortwallytransport@yahoo.com (www.fortwallytravelandtour.com www.fortwallytravelandtour.com). Departure times Puerto Princesa-El Nido 7AM, 9:30AM, 11AM and 1:30PM, and 6:30PM, and from El Nido to Puerto Princesa 5AM, 7AM, 9AM, 1PM, and 6PM (depending on the volume of passengers). As part of lean season, Fortwally offers, one-way fare including pick up in airport or hotel. They also offer van sharing from Puerto Princesa to Sabang for /person.

Eulen Joy Shuttle Van PPS-El Nido-PPS have daily trips from Puerto to El Nido at 7:30AM, 10AM and from El Nido to Puerto at 7:30AM, 9AM, 1PM. Phone: PPS +63 9494498858, El Nido +63 9494498858. Tickets are available at Artcafe Travel Center and other outlets.

Lexus Company Tel. +63 9121002652. From Sabang to El Nido: daily at 7:30AM, 8:30AM, 1PM, 2PM, 4:30PM. From El Nido to Sabang: daily at 5AM, 8AM, 9:30AM and 11AM. Sabang - El Nido fare is P900 but they will only run if they have enough passengers. From El Nido to Puerto Princesa: Daily trip schedule starts at 2AM. AM: 2:00, 5:00, 7:00, 8:00, 9:30, 11:00. PM: 1:00, 2:30, 4:00, 5:30, 8:30. Likewise, from Puerto Princesa to El Nido there are many daily trips. El Nido to Puerto Princesa fare is. Tickets are available from most guest houses and tour booking offices

Travelers prone to motion sickness may suffer as the local drivers aggressively overtake, swerve and slalom down the winding roads. Vans will not depart until full, which can leave little space for taller passengers. There is one break, at a rest stop with reasonable food. Vans will also stop to pick up & drop off locals en route, if there is space.

By bus
Slower than the vans, but cheaper and more comfortable by far, air-conditioned Cherry buses depart from San Jose Bus terminal, Puerto Princesa and El Nido Market every 2 hours from 4AM to 10PM. Fare:.

Non-aircon buses operate regular trips between Puerto Princesa and El Nido, stopping in Roxas and Taytay. Departures are daily at 5AM, 6AM, 7AM, 8AM from El Nido and from Puerto Princesa. Travel time is 5-6 hours, fare. Departure in Puerto Princesa from San Jose Bus terminal and from El Nido Bus terminal.

Oftentimes taxi drivers will try to get you on a more expensive chartered van because they receive commissions. When taking a taxi to the bus station be adamant about being dropped off at the bus terminal and not next to chartered vans.

By boat (from Coron Town and v/v)
The two mainstream choices are either the Montenegro fast ferry (3½ hours), or large outrigger boats (8 hours).

Montenegro fast ferry is a steel hull boat and leaves El Nido daily at 6AM for arrival in Coron at 9:30AM. For the return journey, departure in Coron is noon and arrival in El Nido is 3:30PM. Tickets cost one way, reductions for students, senior citizens and children apply.

The large outrigger boats depart most days of the week from Coron Town to El Nido and v/v. The costs vary from to  and departures vary between 7:30-9AM, depending on the schedule. The journey is 8 hours and includes a hearty hot meal. These are larger comfortable bancas, built for ferrying passengers. The scenery during the trip is beautiful.

M/Bca Wave & Hannah: El Nido to Coron/Linapacan - Su W F 9AM. From Coron to El Nido/Linapacan - Tu Th Sa 9AM. Tel: 0949-144-1677 0916-543-5146

M/Bca Island Commander (120 passengers - two stories): El Nido to Coron Tu Su 8:30AM. Coron to El Nido M Sa 8:30AM.

Overcomer: El Nido to Coron - M 8AM, W 7:30AM, Th 8AM. Coron to El Nido - Tu 8AM, Th 7:30AM, F 8AM. Tel: 0999-978-8564

See
Breathtaking views of nature are the main reason to visit El Nido. The pristine waters of El Nido offer beautiful coral reefs, while its beaches are uncrowded unlike the popular Boracay, exploring the lagoons by kayaking is a great way of visiting the islets, coves and caves are also abundant. Inland El Nido, springs and waterfalls are also found. Bacuit Bay composes of limestone islands, where its possible to either dive, snorkel or hike.

The easiest way to see the Bacuit Bay is on an island hopping boat. These boats carry 6-12 people and will visit 4 or 5 destinations in a day. These destinations include: secret beaches, blue or green lagoons, various islands, and amazing natural land-formations. The boats usually take set routes named A to D, but can vary depending on tides and weather. Each boat trip takes you to 4 or 5 different places and favorite tours are A and C, though all of them are fantastic. Boats normally cost around per person depending in the route and travel agency. The trip takes one day (cca 9AM-3:30PM), normally includes a good lunch and can be arranged from most guesthouses and travel agencies in El Nido. El Nido municipality also charges as an environmental fee which is valid 10 days. It's a good idea to book a boat with only 6 seats and experienced crew (e.g. at Relucio's).

If you have time, go for overnight island hopping (3 days 2 nights is a good option) where you get to camp on deserted island ala Survivor style. (Though most places you can be dropped at are included in the daily island hopping tours.) It gives you the best option to visit lots more islands that are included in those bundle package tours but at your own leisure time. Find a few more people to get a much better rate. Recommended place a booth at Aplaya Restaurant, look for Nhel who will give you the best deals and arrangements.

Do
Cultural. The Philippine Experience is an immersive adventure that offers an insight into the Philippines & its people. Reviews from guests are extremely impressive. There is a flora and fauna trek, a mini cooking course, making coconut milk and oil, coconut tree climbing, trying the national martial art and local crafts & games. Can be booked only via contact info on their website. It has scheduled dates and requires advance booking and runs from 9AM to 2:30PM and costs (Jan 2024).

Mountain Biking. There are numerous destinations to visit... even Nacpan beach is possible for the adventurous. Bikes range from per day. Taking the budget, healthy way to see El Nido rewards travelers with routes through traditional villages along forest trails, roads and dirt tracks.

Rock climbing & walking. The western side of El Nido township lies in the shadow of an impressive sheer cliff face which is just the visible portion of an even more impressive headland. There are organized walking treks to the top of the headland and it's breathtaking views all the way.

Catch a tricycle taxi to Las Cabanas and plonk yourself down out front of Orange Pearl Bar for a day away from the crowds on a white sandy beach and crystal waters. It's a short walk down a dirt road from where you will be dropped off.

There is also an island with some OK snorkeling which can be reached easily wading through waist deep water.

Island hopping, snorkeling, kayaking, trekking, cliff climbing; Bacuit Bay consists of islands with limestone cliffs which are ideal for climbing, diving and snorkeling; The most popular activity is island hopping costing from a day including BBQ lunch and snorkel gear. There are 4 basic day trips to choose from named Tour A to D and can be booked from all over town. The quality of the boat, guides & tour depends on who you book it through.



ATM
As of June 2019 there are two BPI ATMs: on Real Street, and at the Municipal Hall. Some more options to access money:


 * You can quite easily send yourself money online & pick it up at an authorized place in town. You could also cash up in Puerto Princesa or Manila before you set out. You can also change major currencies for a fair rates. Accommodation, dive operators and some restaurants also accept credit card payments, this can save some of your cash as well. Several businesses also accept Alipay or WeChat Pay, as more Chinese visitors come to the area.
 * For visitors flying in from overseas, money changers in Manila Airport offer better rates than either Puerto Princesa or El Nido. The most competitive changers are on the ground floor of Terminal 1, with rates worsening as you move further through the airport

Eat
Generally speaking the number of and standard of eating houses are very good. Menus have good variety mostly European, American and Filipino dishes, and prices are moderate. Most are accessible from the laneway as well as from the beach and seating has the advantage of views of the bay and environs.
 * Live acoustic music is played while you dine in Balay Tubay Bistru at Galeri (Balay Tubay Bistro and Galeri in English), they offer pizzas, European and Filipino dishes.
 * El Nido fastfood offer nido soup; bird's nest soup perhaps.
 * Marber's Great food and atmosphere right on the beach. Dishes include pasta, pizza, sandwiches, Filipino and German food as well. Nice staff and reasonably priced.
 * Aplaya Restaurant Great food, portions are big for the price range and relatively nice atmosphere. Not too crowded.  Dishes include seafood, chop suey, pancit noodles, beef dishes, pizza and pastas.  There is free Wi-Fi -- just ask the staff for the password
 * Filipino listless eateries a couple of them on the main street, for prices around.
 * BBQ stands for a stick
 * Altrove Trattoria Great freshly-made brick-oven pizza.
 * Ghandi's Revenge, Taytay-El Nido highway. English-style curryhouse, offering Chicken, Beef & Vegan curries. Popular of an evening due to location by Outpost and Big Paul hostels. Prices around.
 * Ka Inato, Taytay-El Nido highway. Local chain with four restaurants on Palawan, the food is well portioned Filipino style dishes. Most notable, however, is the company's decision to hire majority mute or hearing impaired staff a servers. The walls include information of basic communication gestures. 10% service charge added, around per person
 * Aplaya Restaurant Great food, portions are big for the price range and relatively nice atmosphere. Not too crowded.  Dishes include seafood, chop suey, pancit noodles, beef dishes, pizza and pastas.  There is free Wi-Fi -- just ask the staff for the password
 * Filipino listless eateries a couple of them on the main street, for prices around.
 * BBQ stands for a stick
 * Altrove Trattoria Great freshly-made brick-oven pizza.
 * Ghandi's Revenge, Taytay-El Nido highway. English-style curryhouse, offering Chicken, Beef & Vegan curries. Popular of an evening due to location by Outpost and Big Paul hostels. Prices around.
 * Ka Inato, Taytay-El Nido highway. Local chain with four restaurants on Palawan, the food is well portioned Filipino style dishes. Most notable, however, is the company's decision to hire majority mute or hearing impaired staff a servers. The walls include information of basic communication gestures. 10% service charge added, around per person
 * Ka Inato, Taytay-El Nido highway. Local chain with four restaurants on Palawan, the food is well portioned Filipino style dishes. Most notable, however, is the company's decision to hire majority mute or hearing impaired staff a servers. The walls include information of basic communication gestures. 10% service charge added, around per person

Sleep
As most of the accommodation in El Nido town is lined one-next-to-another along the road parallel to the beach it is pretty easy to find a room that suits budget and needs. Booking recommended during Christmas, Easter and Chinese New Year, as all places especially on the beaches can become full. There are now lots of Backpacker hostels in El Nido with dorm beds from.

Budget

 * At The Moment Hostel. San Joaquin Street. Dorm bed with breakfast. Free Wi-Fi..
 * Hakunamatata Hostel. Serana Street Baran. Dorm bed with free Wi-Fi.
 * Our melting Pot Hostel. Real street Baranga. . Dorm bed with breakfast. Free Wi-Fi. From.
 * Tapik Beach Park Guest House. Sibaltan. room from.
 * Where To Next Hotel. Nacpan Beach. . Dorm bed with free Wi-Fi from.
 * Tapik Beach Park Guest House. Sibaltan. room from.
 * Where To Next Hotel. Nacpan Beach. . Dorm bed with free Wi-Fi from.
 * Where To Next Hotel. Nacpan Beach. . Dorm bed with free Wi-Fi from.
 * Where To Next Hotel. Nacpan Beach. . Dorm bed with free Wi-Fi from.

Mid-range

 * Building with 10 rooms right at the sea shore.
 * Building with 10 rooms right at the sea shore.
 * Building with 10 rooms right at the sea shore.
 * Building with 10 rooms right at the sea shore.
 * Building with 10 rooms right at the sea shore.
 * Building with 10 rooms right at the sea shore.
 * Building with 10 rooms right at the sea shore.
 * Building with 10 rooms right at the sea shore.
 * Building with 10 rooms right at the sea shore.
 * Building with 10 rooms right at the sea shore.
 * Building with 10 rooms right at the sea shore.
 * Building with 10 rooms right at the sea shore.
 * Building with 10 rooms right at the sea shore.
 * Building with 10 rooms right at the sea shore.
 * Building with 10 rooms right at the sea shore.
 * Building with 10 rooms right at the sea shore.

Connect
Internet Access There are many Internet cafes in the town. Most restaurants, bars and guesthouses have free wifi. Internet access is subject to electricity availability. If you have a Globe or Smart SIM card You can buy 2GB of date with Globe for. And 2GB of data with Smart for.

Cope
Electricity runs 24 hours a day (Nov 2014). Power cuts are completely random. Some places (not necessary the expensive ones) have their own generators that cover the occasional black out.

Go next

 * Coron - diving hotspot, with abundant sealife and many Japanese WWII wrecks
 * Taytay
 * Port Barton
 * Nacpan Beach - a white sand beach around 45 minutes drive north of El Nido, it's accessible by scooter or tricycle. The final part of the road is unpaved, and can disintegrate into slurry during the wet season. Area is developing, which means there are several good quality guest houses and hostels on the beach, whilst not seeing a flood of tourists