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Recommended Itineraries

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Getting to El Nido

Your adventure to one of the world’s most beautiful destinations has begun! Getting to El Nido is a journey in itself, but with a little planning, it can be smooth and stress-free. Here are the most popular ways to reach our slice of paradise.

Option 1: Fly to Puerto Princesa (PPS) + Travel by Land (Most Popular)

This is the most common and budget-friendly route for most travelers. It combines a flight with a scenic overland journey.

• Best For: Budget-conscious travelers, backpackers, and those who have a bit more time.

Step 1: Fly into Puerto Princesa (PPS)
Book a domestic flight from Manila (MNL) or Cebu (CEB) to Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS). Major airlines like Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, and AirAsia have multiple flights daily.

Step 2: Take a Van or Bus to El Nido
Once you land at PPS, you have a 5 to 6-hour land trip to El Nido. You have two main choices:

• Cherry Bus: This option offers more legroom than shared vans. For best comfort and faster trips, take the Lazyboy bus which has an onboard toilet. You can book directly at the Cherry Bus website.
• Shared Van: This is usually the more popular option. The vans are a little bit faster than the bus but be ready to compromise legroom. Vans often make a few stops along the way, so the journey can take a bit longer than advertised. You can compare fares at 12go.asia or use the search tool below.

Our #1 Insider Tip:
Book your van or bus ticket in advance! After a long flight, the last thing you want to do is haggle with drivers or wait for a van to fill up. Booking online secures your seat at a fixed price and makes your arrival completely hassle-free.

Option 2: Fly Directly to El Nido (Fastest Option)

If you want to maximize your vacation time, this is the best way to go.

• Best For: Travelers who prioritize convenience over cost, those on a shorter trip, or families with children.

The Direct Flight:
AirSWIFT is the only airline that flies directly to El Nido’s Lio Airport (ENI). They have daily flights from Manila, Cebu, Clark, Coron, Boracay, and other destinations. The flight is quick, and the airport is beautiful and efficient. From Lio Airport, it’s only a 20-minute tricycle to El Nido town proper.

Look for the best direct flight options using this tool:

Option 3: Travel by Sea from Coron

For those island hopping through Palawan, the ferry from Coron is a scenic and popular route.

• Best For: Travelers doing the popular Coron-El Nido-Puerto Princesa circuit.

The Fast Ferry: Several companies run a fast ferry between Coron and El Nido. The journey takes approximately 4 to 5 hours, offering beautiful views of the islands along the way.

Important Tip: These ferries are very popular and can sell out, especially during peak season. We highly recommend booking your ticket at least a few days to a week in advance to secure your spot.

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Insider Tips from a Local Guide

Welcome to our paradise! We want you to have the absolute best and safest time here. As locals who live and breathe El Nido, here’s the advice we share with our own friends and family when they visit.

Money Matters: Cash is Still King

• Bring Enough Cash: While more places are starting to accept cards and GCash, many smaller restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops are cash-only.
  
• Don’t Rely on ATMs: There are ATMs in town, but they can be unreliable, run out of cash (especially on weekends and holidays), or have long lines. It’s a smart idea to withdraw sufficient cash for your trip in Puerto Princesa or Manila before you arrive.
  
• GCash is Your Friend: If you can, set up a GCash account. It is the most widely accepted digital payment method here and can be a lifesaver.
  
• Plastic is Fantastic: Most shops and restaurants accept major credit and debit cards but be aware of possible bank fees.

Planning Your Adventures Wisely

• Don’t Over-Schedule: It’s tempting to book a tour for every single day, but this can be exhausting! Plan at least one “free day” to relax on a mainland beach, explore the town, or simply do nothing at all.
  
• The Weather is Local: A weather app might show rain for the whole day, but here that often means a brief, 20-minute tropical shower followed by bright sunshine. Always trust the daily advice of the Philippine Coast Guard and your local tour operator, not the forecast on your phone. They know the local sea conditions best.
  
• Think Beyond Tour A: Tour A is famous for a reason, but don’t miss the unique experiences of the other tours! Tour C is an adventure with its hidden beaches, while Tour B offers unique sights like caves and a sandbar.

On Your Island Tour: Pro Tips

• Rent Aqua Shoes: They are available everywhere in town for a small fee. Your feet will thank you when walking on sharp rocks or shells to get to hidden lagoons and beaches.
  
• A Dry Bag is Non-Negotiable: Not just “water-resistant.” A proper dry bag is essential for protecting your phone, camera, and wallet. Splashes will happen!
  
• Listen to Your Boat Crew: They are seasoned experts. They know the safest places to swim, the best spots to see fish, and the right time to visit each location to avoid the crowds as much as possible.
  
• Bring Your Own Bottle: While bottled water is commonly offered during island tours, it’s often much better to fill up your water bottles on land before you leave. El Nido is an ecologically sensitive destination so less plastic is good.

Eating & Drinking Like a Local

• Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: The tropical sun is strong. Drink more water than you think you need. Consider buying large water jugs to refill a smaller reusable bottle – it’s cheaper and much better for the environment.
  
• Follow the Locals to a Carinderia: For the most authentic and affordable Filipino food, find a small, local eatery (carinderia). Look for where the tricycle drivers and local guides are eating – that’s always a good sign!
  
• Try a “Boodle Fight”: If you’re with a group, ask if your tour operator can arrange a boodle fight for your lunch. It’s a traditional Filipino communal meal served on banana leaves – a truly memorable experience!

Leave El Nido Better Than You Found It

• Protect Our Coral Reefs: Please use reef-safe sunscreen. The chemicals in regular sunscreen damage and kill our beautiful corals. Also, never touch or step on coral – it’s a living animal and extremely fragile.
  
• Respect the Wildlife: Do not feed the fish. It disrupts their natural behavior and harms the ecosystem. Admire them from a respectful distance.
  
• A Smile and “Salamat Po” Go a Long Way: “Salamat Po” means “Thank you” in Filipino. A little kindness and a smile towards the hardworking locals will be returned tenfold and will make your interactions much richer.