El Nido is one of Palawan’s top destinations for tourists wanting to hit the beach. Conde Nast and CNNGo has listed it as having one of the most beautiful beaches in the world and it is the inspiration for The Beach, a popular backpacker movie that starred Leonardo DiCaprio. And indeed, the most stunning beaches can be found here. Besides having fine white sand, El Nido boasts of incredible islands and islets towering with cathedral-like limestone karsts similar to those that can be found at Vietnam’s Halong Bay, China’s Guilin, and Thailand’s Krabi. Its underwater marine life is also not to be missed, boasting of healthy coral beds perfect for both snorkeling and diving.

Among the top three tourist spots in Palawan, El Nido edges Coron, albeit barely, in terms of beauty. Getting to El Nido may not be as easy, but the travel time is very much worth it.

This El Nido travel guide will discuss how to get there, where to stay, what to eat, and where you must go, on the cheapest possible budget. El Nido can be affordable, if you travel the right way.

 

 

► HOW TO GET TO EL NIDO

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El Nido is located 420 kilometers from Manila. Set on the upper part of the Palawan peninsula, it is bordered by the town of Linapacan on the north and Taytay on the south.

The cheapest way to reach it is by taking a flight from Manila to the capital of Palawan, Puerto Princesa, then taking a five-hour van or bus ride to El Nido town. From the Puerto Princesa International Airport, there are already vans that offers private and sharing rides to El Nido. For a more inexpensive option, you may head to the San Jose Terminal by taking a tricycle, and from there board the public buses heading for El Nido.

Tip, if you’re actually taking the aircon bus to El Nido, it would be much cheaper if you take the vans at the airport instead since you won’t have to shell out additional pesos for the tricycle ride to the San Jose terminal.

There are direct flights from key cities in the Philippines like Manila, Davao, Iloilo, Cebu, and Boracay to El Nido provided by a lone airline, Airswift, but the fare is about thrice the price of flights going to Puerto Princesa.

El Nido can also be reached from Coron, another popular destination in Palawan, by boats and ferries. Travel time can be tediously long though. Some tour operators offer a slow boat experience, taking two, and sometimes three days, passing through the islands of Linapacan en route to El Nido and vice versa.

○ MANILA TO EL NIDO FLIGHTS ○ 1:00 HOUR TRAVEL TIME ○ FARE FROM PHP 4,900.00 +/-
● AIRSWIFT - Flies 6 times daily

○ MANILA TO PUERTO PRINCESA FLIGHTS ○ ONE HOUR TRAVEL TIME ○ FARE FROM PHP 1,900.00 +/-
● AIRASIA - Flies 5 times daily
● CEBU PACIFIC - Flies 5 times daily
● PHILIPPINE AIRLINES - Flies 3 times daily

○ CLARK TO EL NIDO FLIGHTS ○ 1:20 HOUR TRAVEL TIME ○ FARE FROM PHP 3,800.00 +/-
● AIRSWIFT - Flies once every Sun, Mon, Wed, Fri

○ CLARK TO PUERTO PRINCESA FLIGHTS ○ 1:00 HOUR TRAVEL TIME ○ FARE FROM PHP 2,100.00 +/-
● AIRASIA - Flies once every Tue, Thu, Sat
● PHILIPPINE AIRLINES - Flies once every Mon, Tue, Thu, Sat

○ CEBU TO EL NIDO FLIGHTS ○ 1:40 HOUR TRAVEL TIME ○ FARE FROM PHP 5,100.00 +/-
● AIRSWIFT - Flies twice daily

○ CEBU TO PUERTO PRINCESA FLIGHTS ○ 1:15 HOURS TRAVEL TIME ○ FARE FROM PHP 1,900.00 +/-
● AIRASIA - Flies once daily
● CEBU PACIFIC - Flies once daily
● PHILIPPINE AIRLINES - Flies once daily

○ DAVAO TO EL NIDO FLIGHTS ○ 2:15 HOUR TRAVEL TIME ○ FARE FROM PHP 3,900.00 +/-
● AIRSWIFT - Flies once every Tue, Thu, Sat

○ DAVAO TO PUERTO PRINCESA FLIGHTS ○ 1:40 HOURS TRAVEL TIME ○ FARE FROM PHP 4,100.00 +/-
● AIRASIA - Flies once every Tue, Thu, Sun

○ ILOILO TO PUERTO PRINCESA FLIGHTS ○ 1:05 HOURS TRAVEL TIME ○ FARE FROM PHP 2,200.00 +/-
● CEBU PACIFIC - Flies once every Mon, Wed, Fri

○ CATICLAN TO EL NIDO FLIGHTS ○ 1:05 HOUR TRAVEL TIME ○ FARE FROM PHP 4,300.00 +/-
● AIRSWIFT - Flies once daily

○ PUERTO PRINCESA TO EL NIDO FLIGHTS ○ 2:15 HOUR TRAVEL TIME ○ FARE FROM PHP 4,300.00 +/-
● AIRSWIFT - Flies once every Sun, Mon, Wed, Fri

AIRLINE CONTACT INFORMATION
AIRASIA - Manila +63 (2) 722-2742
AIRSWIFT - Manila +63 (2) 318-5942 | info@air-swift.com
CEBU PACIFIC - Manila +63 (2) 7020-888 | Cebu +63 (32) 230-8888
PHILIPPINE AIRLINES - Manila +63 (2) 777-5932

 

○ CORON TO EL NIDO VIA FERRY OR BOAT ○ FROM 3.5 TO 9 HOURS TRAVEL TIME ○ FARE: FROM PHP 1,000.00+/- ONE WAY
● ATIENZA SHIPPING LINES - Sails once weekly | +63 (2) 986-3118
● BUNSO BIG OUTRIGGER BOAT - Sails once daily | +63 (910) 720-8443
● JESSABEL BIG OUTRIGGER BOAT - Sails thrice weekly | +63 (915) 850-1391
● MONTENEGRO SHIPPING LINES - Sails once daily | +63 (43) 740-3206, +63 (43) 740-3188
● OVERCOMER BIG OUTRIGGER BOAT - Sails four times weekly | (0939) 554-3540

○ PUERTO PRINCESA TO EL NIDO BY BUS ○ 6 TO 7 HOURS TRAVEL TIME ○ FARE FROM PHP 290.00 ONE WAY 
● SWEETY BUS - +63 (919) 711-9221
● RORO BUS - +63 (917) 276-2875
● CHERRY BUS - +63 (929) 622-5974, +63 (921) 643-2542, +63 (921) 642-9281, +63 (48) 434-0752

○ PUERTO PRINCESA TO EL NIDO BY VAN ○ 4 TO 6 HOURS TRAVEL TIME ○ FARE FROM PHP 600.00 ONE WAY 
○ DEPARTS EVERY HOUR STARTING AT 5AM OR 6AM
● DAY TRIPPER VAN - +63 (48) 723-0533 , +63 (917) 848-8755, +63 (920) 496-6975
● EULEN JOY VAN - +63 (929) 622-5974, +63 (915) 829-3735, +63 (999) 709-3766
● FORTWALLY VAN - +63 (917) 276-2875, +63 (916) 569-6025
● LEXXUS SHUTTLE - +63 (917) 686-1118 , +63 (920) 957-1025 , +63 (48) 433-9802
● NORTHERN HOPE TOURS VAN - +63 (939) 902-2216, +63 (927) 735-3221, +63 (942) 375-2441
● SAVIOR VAN - +63 (929) 622-5974

● BOOK ONLINE FOR A SHARED VAN TRANSFER FROM PUERTO PRINCESA TO EL NIDO

 

 

► KNOW BEFORE YOU GO - EL NIDO TRAVEL TIPS

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● The best time to visit El Nido is during the summer months in the Philippines—between March, April, and May. The only drawback is the number of tourists going with you. You may considering visiting during El Nido’s off-peak season—June to November—but the chances of rain during your island hopping tours is pretty high.

● If you’re gonna go island hopping, bring a drybag with you. It helps, especially if you’re going to enter the Secret Lagoon and the Secret Beach.

● Don’t miss out taking pictures of the underwater life in El Nido, if you don’t have an underwater camera with you, you can rent one in town.

● Staying on an island or camping out? Bring a mosquito repellant with you

● Bring enough money with you. Most transactions in El Nido are done in cash. There’s an ATM at El Nido town, but it runs out of cash pretty fast. If you have foreign currencies, there are banks and money changers in town.

 

 

► ORGANIZED TOURS IN EL NIDO

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Tours in El Nido can’t really be done DIY unless you own a boat since most of these involve going out to sea. Most tourists book their tours right on the town itself—you won’t run out of tour groups to join, even if you’re traveling solo. I advice joining groups instead of renting a whole boat since it can save you a lot of money. Plus, it just makes the whole tour much more fun!

I have personally tried a reputable tour operator in El Nido, and I highly recommend it for those wanting to explore the island safely. Should you wish to book your tour online, you may also do so via the Klook website.

Northern Hope Tours - +63 (939) 902-2216, +63 (927) 735-3221 | Website
Klook Online Tours - Book El Nido Tours

 

 

► SPEAK EL NIDO

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The main language spoken in El Nido is Filipino but a percentage of Palawenos still use and understand Cuyonon, the native vernacular in the province. People are also proficient in Hilagaynon, Bicolano and other Visayan language. For English-speaking nationalities, communicating with the locals wouldn’t really be a problem since most Filipinos can speak English. In case you want to endear yourselves to the locals, here are a few Cuyonon words you may use.

Thank You – Salamat
Good Morning – Mayad nga timprano
Good Afternoon - Mayad nga ugtong adlaw
Good Evening – Mayad nga gabi
How Much? – Tagpira dia?
Where is… – Adin ang…

 

 

► HOW TO GET AROUND IN EL NIDO

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The main mode of transportation in El Nido is the tricycle. It is a bit wider than the usual ones and can seat four regular-size individuals inside, and one—sometimes two—at the back of the bike itself. For non-special rides, meaning you’re not renting the whole tricycle, the minimum fare is at PHP10.00 per person. Confirm the fare before boarding. Whole day bicycle rentals in town starts at PHP 400.00, while motorbike rentals is at PHP 500.00 There are no jeeps, taxis, Uber or Grab in El Nido.

 

 

► WHERE TO STAY IN EL NIDO

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Most assume that staying in El Nido is expensive, but truth be told, it has a barrage of accommodations for all types of travelers. It has a lot of budget accommodations that wouldn’t even reach the thousand-peso mark—and these are even set right by the beach! Midrange accommodations are also available around town, but if you have money to burn, you can stay on luxurious island resorts!

The main area for lodging is along El Nido town facing Bacuit Bay. Off its right side, accessed by a small road is the Caalan Beach, the quieter side of town where you can also stay. And on the left side is Corong Corong, where a lot of lodgings are also located. Even the far-away Nacpan Beach now has lodgings for travelers.

INNGO TOURIST INN
► CHECK ROOM RATES & AVAILABILITY
Address: Hama St., Brgy. Masagana, El Nido, Palawan
Contact Number: +63 (998) 863-0137
GPS Coordinates: 11.183428, 119.392837

NORTHERN HOPE INN
► RATES FROM PHP 450.00 PER PERSON
Address: Serena St., Brgy. Biuena Suerte, El Nido, Palawan
Contact Number: +63 (939) 902-2216, +63 (927) 735-3221, +63 (942) 375-2441
GPS Coordinates: 11.180109, 119.387344

ROSANNA’S PENSION
► CHECK ROOM RATES & AVAILABILITY
Address: Hama St., Brgy. Masagana, El Nido, Palawan
Contact Number: +63 (920) 605-4631
GPS Coordinates: 11.1826068, 119.3921569

EL NIDO GARDEN BEACH RESORT
► CHECK ROOM RATES & AVAILABILITY
Address: Brgy. Masagana, El Nido, Palawan
Contact Number: +63 (48) 723-0127
GPS Coordinates: 11.1841041, 119.3930807

EL NIDO BEACH HOTEL
► CHECK ROOM RATES & AVAILABILITY
Address: Hama St., Brgy. Masagana, El Nido, Palawan
Contact Number: +63 (48) 723-0887
GPS Coordinates: 11.1832014, 119.3925073

SPIN DESIGNER HOTEL EL NIDO
► CHECK ROOM RATES & AVAILABILITY
Address: Balinsasayaw Road cor. Calle Real, El Nido, Palawan
Contact Number: +63 (917) 566-7746
GPS Coordinates: 11.180483, 119.392684

ISLANDFRONT COTTAGES & RESTAURANT
► CHECK ROOM RATES & AVAILABILITY
Address: Corong Corong, El Nido, Palawan
Contact Number: +63 (928) 387-2342
GPS Coordinates: 11.1613859, 119.3980436

MINA GRANDE BEACH COTTAGES
► CHECK ROOM RATES & AVAILABILITY
Address: Corong Corong, El Nido, Palawan
Contact Number: +63 (910) 416-0451
GPS Coordinates: 11.1692214, 119.3952043

TELESFORA BEACH COTTAGES
► CHECK ROOM RATES & AVAILABILITY
Address: Corong Corong, El Nido, Palawan
Contact Number: +63 (917) 731-8034
GPS Coordinates: 11.1638069, 119.3974614

EL NIDO OVERLOOKING
► CHECK ROOM RATES & AVAILABILITY
Address: Corong Corong, El Nido, Palawan
Contact Number: +63 (916) 631-7078
GPS Coordinates: 11.165966, 119.398368
SUITES BY ECO HOTEL EL NIDO
► CHECK ROOM RATES & AVAILABILITY
Address: Corong Corong, El Nido, Palawan
Contact Number: +63 (2) 881-5318
GPS Coordinates: 11.1635329, 119.3957381

PUKKA BEACH
► CHECK ROOM RATES & AVAILABILITY
Address: Sitio Lugadia, Corong Corong, El Nido, Palawan
Contact Number: +63 (955) 956-8178
GPS Coordinates: 11.1574976, 119.3956895

BUKO BEACH RESORT
► CHECK ROOM RATES & AVAILABILITY
Address: Sitio Lugadia, Corong Corong, El Nido, Palawan
Contact Number: +63 (995) 101-0357
GPS Coordinates: 11.1566242, 119.3980676
DOUBLE GEM BEACH RESORT
► CHECK ROOM RATES & AVAILABILITY
Address: Sitio Lugadia, Corong Corong, El Nido, Palawan
Contact Number: +63 (943) 706-8414
GPS Coordinates: 11.1596502, 119.3978732

EL NIDO COCO RESORT
► CHECK ROOM RATES & AVAILABILITY
Address: Corong Corong, El Nido, Palawan
Contact Number: +63 (919) 587-7569
GPS Coordinates: 11.165405, 119.397565
EL NIDO MAHOGANY BEACH RESORT
► CHECK ROOM RATES & AVAILABILITY
Address: Corong Corong, El Nido, Palawan
Contact Number: +63 (919) 951-7930
GPS Coordinates: 11.1646078, 119.3972425

HAPPINESS BOUTIQUE
► CHECK ROOM RATES & AVAILABILITY
Address: Sitio Lugadia, Corong Corong, El Nido, Palawan
Contact Number: +63 (905) 216-7363
GPS Coordinates: 11.156827, 119.398893

ANTONIO VILLAGE PENSION HOUSE
► CHECK ROOM RATES & AVAILABILITY
Address: Sitio Caalan, Brgy. Masagana, El Nido, Palawan
Contact Number: +63 (927) 764-0921
GPS Coordinates: 11.18884, 119.396248
GREENFIELD VILLA
► CHECK ROOM RATES & AVAILABILITY
Address: Sitio Caalan, Brgy. Masagana, El Nido, Palawan
Contact Number: +63 (915) 481-2425
GPS Coordinates: 11.188381, 119.39583

KALINGA BEACH RESORT
► CHECK ROOM RATES & AVAILABILITY
Address: Sitio Caalan, Brgy. Masagana, El Nido, Palawan
Contact Number: +63 (921) 570-0021
GPS Coordinates: 11.188303, 119.394921

EL NIDO REEF STRAND RESORT
► CHECK ROOM RATES & AVAILABILITY
Address: Sitio Caalan, Brgy. Masagana, El Nido, Palawan
Contact Number: +63 (949) 711-0828
GPS Coordinates: 11.1897953, 119.3960801
HADEFE BEACH COTTAGES
► FROM PHP 1,000.00 PER ROOM
Address: Sitio Caalan, Brgy. Masagana, El Nido, Palawan
Contact Number: +63 (920) 952-3280
GPS Coordinates: 11.1897058, 119.3961713
MAKULAY LODGE & VILLAS
► CHECK ROOM RATES & AVAILABILITY
Address: Sitio Caalan, Brgy. Masagana, El Nido, Palawan
Contact Number: +63 (917) 596-6307
GPS Coordinates: 11.1862247, 119.3927595

CAUYAN ISLAND RESORT
► CHECK ROOM RATES & AVAILABILITY
Address: Cauyan Island, El Nido, Palawan
Contact Number: +63 (2) 788-3082
GPS Coordinates: 11.2613707, 119.3529453
EL NIDO RESORTS LAGEN ISLAND
► CHECK ROOM RATES & AVAILABILITY
Address: Lagen Island, El Nido, Palawan
Contact Number: +63 (2) 902-5934
GPS Coordinates: 11.087211, 119.397616
MATINLOC RESORT
► CHECK ROOM RATES & AVAILABILITY
Address: Matinloc island, El Nido Palawan
Contact Number: +63 (977) 456-2054
GPS Coordinates: 11.1749232, 119.2891484

PALAWAN SECRET CRUISE FLOATING HOTEL
► CHECK ROOM RATES & AVAILABILITY
Address: El Nido Bay, Palawan
Contact Number: +63 (956) 443-3480
GPS Coordinates: 11.1800854, 119.3889018

►► SEARCH FOR MORE ACCOMMODATIONS IN EL NIDO

 

 

 

► WHERE TO EAT IN EL NIDO

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El Nido is known for bird’s nest soup—that’s actually where the town got its name—but it is quite expensive. A genuine one would set you back hundreds and even thousands of pesos. But fear not, the area is replete with all sorts of restaurants and eateries that can suit everyone’s taste and budget. The more expensive ones can mostly be found along the shore of Bacuit Bay, and the cheaper ones along the side streets around town. Here’s a where to eat list in El Nido.
   

ARTCAFE RESTAURANT
Address: Serena St., El Nido, Palawan
Contact Number: +63 (920) 902-6317
Opening Hours: 7:00AM to 11:00PM Daily
GPS Coordinates: 11.180144, 119.387995

EL NIDO CORNER
Address: R. Magsaysay St., Brgy. Buena Suerte, El Nido, Palawan
Contact Number: +63 (920) 471-6153
Opening Hours: 7:00AM to 10:00PM Daily
GPS Coordinates: 11.1809743, 119.3892639

HABIBI RESTAURANT & SHISHA CAFE
Address: Hama St., Brgy. Buena Suerte, El Nido, Palawan
Contact Number: +63 (905) 484-1764
Opening Hours: 7:00AM to 12:00MN Daily
GPS Coordinates: 11.181192, 119.391026

LA PLAGE SUNSET BAR AND RESTAURANT
Address: La Plage St., Corong-Corong, El Nido, Palawan
Contact Number: +63 (947) 068-5272
Opening Hours: 8:00AM to 10:00PM Daily
GPS Coordinates: 11.1650569, 119.3947052

MEZZANINE EL NIDO
Address: Serena St., Brgy. Buena Suerte, El Nido, Palawan
Contact Number: +63 (926) 706-3263
Opening Hours: 7:00AM to 11:00PM Daily
GPS Coordinates: 11.1802782, 119.3858647

MIDTOWN BAKERY
Address: Rizal St., Barangay Buena Suerte, El Nido, Palawan
Opening Hours: 6:00AM to 7:00PM Daily
GPS Coordinates: 11.1792387, 119.389455

PUKKA BAR
Address: Hama St., Brgy. Buena Suerte, El Nido, Palawan
Contact Number:
Opening Hours: 8:00AM to 10:00PM Daily
GPS Coordinates: 11.1812921, 119.3889387

SILOG REPUBLIC
Address: Rizal St., Brgy. Buena Suerte, El Nido, Palawan
Contact Number: +63 (948) 855-2112
Opening Hours: 24 Hours Daily
GPS Coordinates: 11.1786666, 119.3897362

SQUIDOS RESTAURANT
Address: Hama St., Brgy. Masagana, El Nido, Palawan
Contact Number: +63 (917) 812-9045
Opening Hours: 7:30AM to 11:00PM Daily
GPS Coordinates: 11.1807743, 119.3903448
PHOTO BY MARXTERMIND.COM

SUN BAR & RESTAURANT
Address: Marimegmeg Beach, El Nido, Palawan
Contact Number: +63 (905) 288-8296
Opening Hours: 10:00AM to 7:00PM Daily
GPS Coordinates: 11.1479786, 119.397159

 

 

► WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN EL NIDO

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El Nido is blessed with numerous islands and islets blessed with emerald lagoons and fine white sandy beaches hemmed by towering limestone karsts. The sights are absolutely gorgeous—blessed both above land and below water—it is truly one of the most beautiful destinations in Palawan.

Without going around the islands, El Nido’s mainland already boasts of beautiful beaches, caves, and waterfalls. For the latter, ask the guides first if there’s actually water cascading down as it gets pretty dry during the summer months. For adventure-seekers, the jump-off point for Mount Taraw is just a few minutes away by foot from downtown El Nido.

Tours in El Nido are neatly divided into five groups, the first four—Tour A, B, C, and D—are island hopping tours, while Tour E, is a land tour that goes to the northern twin beach of Nacpan. If you have limited time, you can even combine these tours together. These are very organized and quite easy to book at almost the same rates in town. Note that unlike tours in Coron, you need not pay entrance fees to the islands as these are already covered by the PHP 200.00 environmental fee, good for ten days, that they require for tourists visiting El Nido.

 

CORONG CORONG BEACH
Address: Brgy. Corong Corong, El Nido, Palawan
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 11.1651606, 119.3902811

CAALAN BEACH
Address: Sitio Caalan, El Nido, Palawan
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 11.1904793, 119.3906272

DOLAROG BEACH
Address: Sitio Dolarog, Corong Corong, El Nido, Palawan
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 11.1347607, 119.3961525

EL NIDO TOWN BEACH
Address: Brgy. Buena Suerte, El Nido, Palawan
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 11.1837694, 119.3905064

LAS CABANAS BEACH
Address: Brgy. Pakalsada, El Nido, Palawan
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 11.1448085, 119.3922686 

MARIMEGMEG BEACH
Address: Brgy. Pakalsada, El Nido, Palawan
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 11.1469143, 119.3936023

TARAW CANOPY WALK
Address: Rizal St., Brgy. Maligaya, El Nido, Palawan
Entrance Fee: PHP 500.00 per person
GPS Coordinates: 11.1783427, 119.3871738

TARAW CLIFF
Address: Brgy. Buena Suerte, El Nido, Palawan
Guide Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 11.1776004, 119.3876733

BULALACAO FALLS
Address: Sitio Bulalacao, Pasadena, El Nido, Palawan
Entrance Fee: PHP 50.00
GPS Coordinates: 11.2242449, 119.4459192

ILLE CAVE
Address: New Ibajay, El Nido, Palawan
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 11.1967015, 119.50422

MOUNT MANSILAWIT
Address: Pasadena, El Nido, Palawan
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 11.2673069, 119.4152491

SIBALTAN BEACH
Address: Brgy. Sibaltan, El Nido, Palawan
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 11.2637907, 119.5550892
► BOOK TOUR ONLINE

BIG LAGOON
Address: Miniloc Island, El Nido, Palawan
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 11.1563784, 119.3192115

SMALL LAGOON
Address: Miniloc Island, El Nido, Palawan
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 11.1563784, 119.3192115

SIMIZU ISLAND
Address: Simizu Island, El Nido, Palawan
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 11.1388715, 119.3163729

SECRET LAGOON
Address: Miniloc Island, El Nido, Palawan
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 11.1455664, 119.311738

SEVEN COMMANDOS BEACH
Address: Bacuit Bay, El Nido, Palawan
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 11.1736804, 119.3769144
► BOOK TOUR ONLINE

ENTALULA ISLAND
Address: Entalula Island, El Nido, Palawan
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 11.1286191, 119.3309348

PINAGBUYUTAN ISLAND
Address: Pinagbuyatan Island, El Nido, Palawan
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 11.1220703, 119.3894791

SNAKE ISLAND
Address: Snake Island, El Nido, Palawan
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 11.0935898, 119.3382168

CUDUGNON CAVE
Address: El Nido, Palawan
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 11.085043, 119.3512644

CATHEDRAL CAVE
Address: Cathedral Island, El Nido, Palawan
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 11.0763466, 119.3823713
► BOOK TOUR ONLINE

HIDDEN BEACH
Address: Matinloc Island, El Nido, Palawan
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 11.1904962, 119.2763197

HELICOPTER ISLAND
Address: Dilumacad Island, El Nido, Palawan
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 11.1958303, 119.3352093

SECRET BEACH
Address: Matinloc Island, El Nido, Palawan
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 11.177604, 119.2789155

MATINLOC SHRINE
Address: Matinloc Island, El Nido, Palawan
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 11.2102142, 119.2640905

STAR BEACH
Address: Tapiutan Island, El Nido, Palawan
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 11.2029367, 119.2688449
► BOOK TOUR ONLINE

BUKAL ISLAND
Address: Bukal Island, El Nido, Palawan
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 11.2090973, 119.3768835

IPIL BEACH
Address: Inabuyatan Island, El Nido, Palawan
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 11.1197543, 119.3919844

NATNAT BEACH
Address: Cadlao Island, El Nido, Palawan
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates:
PHOTO BY MARXTERMIND.COM 

CADLAO LAGOON
Address: Cadlao Island, El Nido, Palawan
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates:
PHOTO BY MARXTERMIND.COM 

PARADISE BEACH
Address: Cadlao Island, El Nido, Palawan
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 11.2023327, 119.3652363
PHOTO BY MARXTERMIND.COM

NACPAN TWIN BEACH
Address: Calitang, El Nido, Palawan
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 11.3197775, 119.4044929

NAGKALIT-KALIT FALLS
Address: Pasadena, El Nido, Palawan
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 11.2565043, 119.4350193

MAKINIT HOT SPRINGS
Address: Pasadena, El Nido, Palawan
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 11.2911553, 119.4427123

 

 

► EL NIDO TOURIST SPOTS MAP GUIDE

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► SAMPLE EL NIDO ITINERARY & TRAVEL BUDGET GUIDE

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Traveling to El Nido for a holiday need not be expensive. Yes, there are luxury resorts around the island, which could really put a dent on your bank account, but if you prefer to visit El Nido backpacker-style, you may do so at a fraction of the cost.

The first thing to look for is cheap accommodations. Lodging in El Nido is quite affordable, you may be surprised to find inns right along the beach without breaking the thousand peso mark. For tours, I would suggest you book a joiners tour instead of doing private ones—renting a boat for only two persons would be really expensive. As for the food, there are a lot of eateries in El Nido, although not right on the beach, which are around the hundred-peso mark.

The question then is how many days should you spend in El Nido. If you want to do all the tours, six days and five nights would be the minimum stay in El Nido. Most travelers, however, only do the popular Tour A and Tour C, which cuts the stay to four days and three nights.

All in all, if you do all the tours, including the land tour to Nacpan Beach, the van transfer from Puerto Princesa, the food and lodging, it would cost you about PHP 11,000.00++ for six days. But if you only do Tour A and C, it would cut your budget to around PHP 8,000.00++ for four days.

 

► DAY ONE | PHP 4,040.00 PER PERSON

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• Early arrival to Puerto Princesa Airport
• Breakfast
    PHP 100.00 - AVERAGE MEAL PRICE
• Travel to El Nido
    PHP 600.00 - VAN FROM AIRPORT TO EL NIDO
    PHP 50.00 - TRICYCLE TO LODGING
    PHP 200.00 - EL NIDO ENVIRONMENTAL FEE
• Check in at lodging
    PHP 400.00 x 5 – 5 NIGHTS PER PERSON AT EL NIDO ► CHEAPEST RATE ONLINE
• Lunch
    PHP 120.00 - AVERAGE MEAL COST
• Do Tour E
    PHP 1,500.00 - TOUR FEE VIA TRICYCLE
    PHP 250.00 - NAGKALIT-KALIT FALLS GUIDE FEE
• Dinner
    PHP 120.00 - AVERAGE MEAL COST

 

► DAY TWO | PHP 1,550.00 PER PERSON

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• Breakfast at Lodging
• Do Tour A BOOK TOUR ONLINE
    PHP 1,200.00 - TOUR FEE
    PHP 0.00 - LUNCH
• Sunset at Marimegmeg Beach
    PHP 200.00 - ROUNDTRIP TRICYCLE FARE FOR TWO
• Dinner at Sun Bar
    PHP 150.00 - AVERAGE MEAL COST

► DAY THREE | PHP 1,450.00 PER PERSON

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• Breakfast at Lodging
• Do Tour B BOOK TOUR ONLINE
    PHP 1,300.00 - TOUR FEE
    PHP 0.00 - LUNCH
• Sunset at Calaan Beach
    PHP 0.00 - WALKING DISTANCE
• Dinner
    PHP 120.00 - AVERAGE MEAL COST

► DAY FOUR | PHP 1,720.00 PER PERSON

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• Breakfast at Lodging
• Do Tour C BOOK TOUR ONLINE
    PHP 1,400.00 - TOUR FEE
    PHP 0.00 – LUNCH INCLUSIVE
• Sunset at Las Cabanas Beach
    PHP 200.00  - ROUNDTRIP TRICYCLE FARE FOR TWO
• Dinner
    PHP 120.00 - AVERAGE MEAL COST

► DAY FIVE | PHP 1,320.00 PER PERSON

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• Breakfast at Lodging
• Do Tour D BOOK TOUR ONLINE
    PHP 1,200.00 - TOUR FEE
    PHP 0.00 – LUNCH INCLUSIVE
• Sunset at El Nido Town Beach
• Dinner
    PHP 120.00 - AVERAGE MEAL COST

 

► DAY SIX | PHP 1,350.00 PER PERSON BASED ON A GROUP OF TWO

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• Breakfast at Lodging
• Do the El Nido Canopy Walk
    PHP 500.00 - ENTRANCE FEE & GUIDE
• Visit Corong Corong Beach + Lunch
    PHP 150.00 - AVERAGE MEAL COST AT THE BEACH
• Travel back to Puerto Princesa
    PHP 600.00 - VAN FARE TO PUERTO PRINCESA
• Dinner
    PHP 100.00 - AVERAGE MEAL COST
• Flight back to Manila

 

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►► TOTAL BUDGET | PHP 11,430.00 per person
* BASED ON TWO PERSONS TRAVELING TOGETHER FOR SIX DAYS AND FIVE NIGHTS IN EL NIDO

EL NIDO TRAVEL BLOG, GUIDE, EXPENSES & ITINERARY
UPDATED AS OF MARCH 29, 2018