EL NIDO PALAWAN TRAVEL GUIDE | Itinerary + Budget + Map [UPDATED 2023]

Thursday, February 02, 2023

El Nido Travel Blog Guide Itinerary Budget

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 found in 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.


EL NIDO PALAWAN TRAVEL BLOG GUIDE
WHAT’S INSIDE?

How To Get To El Nido
El Nido Travel Tips
Organized Tours In El Nido
Speak El Nido
Get Around El Nido
Where To Stay In El Nido
Where To Eat In El Nido
What To See & Do In El Nido
El Nido Tourist Spots Map Guide
El Nido Itinerary & Travel Budget


HOW TO GET TO EL NIDO


El Nido is located 420 kilometers from Manila. Located 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 offer 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 bound 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.

BOOK DISCOUNTED PUERTO PRINCESA TO EL NIDO VAN TRANSFER

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.

FIND THE CHEAPEST FLIGHT TO EL NIDO

Manila To El Nido By Plane
MANILA TO EL NIDO BY PLANE ○ 1 HOUR TRAVEL TIME ○ FARE FROM ₱4,900.00 +/-
● AIRSWIFT - Flies 6 times daily

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


Clark To El Nido By Plane
CLARK TO EL NIDO BY PLANE ○ 1:20 HOUR TRAVEL TIME ○ FARE FROM ₱3,800.00 +/-
● AIRSWIFT - Flies once every Sun, Mon, Wed, Fri

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


Cebu To El Nido By Plane
CEBU TO EL NIDO BY PLANE ○ 1:40 HOUR TRAVEL TIME ○ FARE FROM ₱5,100.00 +/-
● AIRSWIFT - Flies twice daily

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


Davao To El Nido By Plane
DAVAO TO EL NIDO BY PLANE ○ 2:15 HOUR TRAVEL TIME ○ FARE FROM ₱3,900.00 +/-
● AIRSWIFT - Flies once every Tue, Thu, Sat

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


Iloilo To El Nido By Plane
ILOILO TO PUERTO PRINCESA BY PLANE ○ 1:05 HOURS TRAVEL TIME ○ FARE FROM ₱2,200.00 +/-
● CEBU PACIFIC - Flies once every Mon, Wed, Fri


Caticlan To El Nido By Plane

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


Puerto Princesa To El Nido By Plane
PUERTO PRINCESA TO EL NIDO BY PLANE ○ 2:15 HOUR TRAVEL TIME ○ FARE FROM ₱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 By Ferry
CORON TO EL NIDO BY FERRY OR BOAT ○ FROM 3.5 TO 9 HOURS TRAVEL TIME ○ FARE: FROM ₱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
PUERTO PRINCESA TO EL NIDO BY BUS ○ 6 TO 7 HOURS TRAVEL TIME ○ FARE FROM ₱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
PUERTO PRINCESA TO EL NIDO BY VAN ○ 4 TO 6 HOURS TRAVEL TIME ○ FARE FROM ₱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 EL NIDO BUS, FERRY, PRIVATE TRANSFER, FLIGHT ONLINE


KNOW BEFORE YOU GO - EL NIDO TRAVEL TIPS


El Nido Travel Tips

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


El Nido Tours

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 Tours: Book Online
Get Your Guide Tours: Book Online




SPEAK EL NIDO


El Nido Language

The main language spoken in El Nido is Filipino but a percentage of Palaweños 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


El Nido Transportation

The main mode of transportation in El Nido is the tricycle. It is a bit wider than usual 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 ₱10.00 per person. Confirm the fare before boarding.

Whole day bicycle rentals in town starts at ₱400.00, while motorbike rentals is at ₱500.00 There are no jeeps, taxis, Uber or Grab in El Nido.




WHERE TO STAY IN EL NIDO


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 located 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.

~ PHOTOS FROM AGODA WEBSITE EXCEPT NORTHERN HOPE INN

El Nido Town Budget Accommodation
Inngo Tourist Inn El NidoINNGO TOURIST INN

Address: Hama St., Brgy. Masagana
Contact Number: +63 (998) 863-0137
GPS Coordinates: 11.183428, 119.392837
Northern Hope Inn El NidoNORTHERN HOPE INN
► RATES FROM ₱450.00 PER PERSON
Address: Serena St., Brgy. Biuena Suerte
Contact Number: +63 (939) 902-2216, +63 (927) 735-3221, +63 (942) 375-2441
GPS Coordinates: 11.180109, 119.387344
El Nido Town Midrange Accommodation
El Nido Garden ResortEL NIDO GARDEN RESORT

Address: Brgy. Masagana
Contact Number: +63 (48) 723-0127
GPS Coordinates: 11.1841041, 119.3930807
Spin Designer Hotel El NidoSPIN DESIGNER HOTEL EL NIDO

Address: Balinsasayaw cor. Calle Real, Brgy. Buena Suerte
Contact Number: +63 (917) 566-7746
GPS Coordinates: 11.180483, 119.392684
El Nido Corong Corong Budget Accommodation
Mina Grande Beach Cottages El NidoMINA GRANDE BEACH COTTAGES

Address: Brgy. Corong Corong
Contact Number: +63 (910) 416-0451
GPS Coordinates: 11.1692214, 119.3952043
Telesfora Beach Cottages El NidoTELESFORA BEACH COTTAGES

Address: Brgy. Corong Corong
Contact Number: +63 (917) 731-8034
GPS Coordinates: 11.1638069, 119.3974614
El Nido Corong Corong Midrange Accommodation
El Nido OverlookingEL NIDO OVERLOOKING

Address: Brgy. Corong Corong
Contact Number: +63 (916) 631-7078
GPS Coordinates: 11.165966, 119.398368
Suites By Eco Hotel El NidoSUITES BY ECO HOTEL EL NIDO

Address: Brgy. Corong Corong
Contact Number: +63 (2) 881-5318
GPS Coordinates: 11.1635329, 119.3957381
El Nido Corong Corong Luxury Accommodation
Buko Beach Resort El NidoBUKO BEACH RESORT

Address: Sitio Lugadia, Brgy. Corong Corong
Contact Number: +63 (995) 101-0357
GPS Coordinates: 11.1566242, 119.3980676
El Nido Coco ResortEL NIDO COCO RESORT

Address: Brgy. Corong Corong
Contact Number: +63 (919) 587-7569
GPS Coordinates: 11.165405, 119.397565
Happiness Boutique El NidoHAPPINESS BOUTIQUE

Address: Sitio Lugadia, Brgy. Corong Corong
Contact Number: +63 (905) 216-7363
GPS Coordinates: 11.156827, 119.398893
El Nido Calaan Budget Accommodation
Greenfield Villa El NidoGREENFIELD VILLA

Address: Sitio Caalan, Brgy. Masagana
Contact Number: +63 (915) 481-2425
GPS Coordinates: 11.188381, 119.39583
Kalinga Beach Resort El NidoKALINGA BEACH RESORT

Address: Sitio Caalan, Brgy. Masagana
Contact Number: +63 (921) 570-0021
GPS Coordinates: 11.188303, 119.394921
El Nido Calaan Midrange Accommodation
El Nido Reef Strand ResortEL NIDO REEF STRAND RESORT

Address: Sitio Caalan, Brgy. Masagana
Contact Number: +63 (949) 711-0828
GPS Coordinates: 11.1897953, 119.3960801
Hadefe Resort El NidoHADEFE RESORT

Address: Sitio Caalan, Brgy. Masagana
Contact Number: +63 (920) 952-3280
GPS Coordinates: 11.1897058, 119.3961713
El Nido Luxury Island Resorts
Cauayan Island Resort El NidoCAUAYAN ISLAND RESORT

Address: Cauyan Island
Contact Number: +63 (2) 788-3082
GPS Coordinates: 11.2613707, 119.3529453
El Nido Resorts Lagen IslandEL NIDO RESORTS LAGEN ISLAND

Address: Lagen Island
Contact Number: +63 (2) 902-5934
GPS Coordinates: 11.087211, 119.397616
Matinloc Resort El NidoMATINLOC RESORT

Address: Matinloc island
Contact Number: +63 (977) 456-2054
GPS Coordinates: 11.1749232, 119.2891484
Palawan Secret Cruise Floating Hotel El NidoPALAWAN SECRET CRUISE FLOATING HOTEL

Address: El Nido Bay
Contact Number: +63 (956) 443-3480
GPS Coordinates: 11.1800854, 119.3889018



COMPLETE LIST EL NIDO DISCOUNTED HOTELS


WHERE TO EAT IN EL NIDO


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 El NidoARTCAFE RESTAURANT
Address: Serena St., Brgy. Buena Suerte
Contact Number: +63 (920) 902-6317
Opening Hours: 7:00AM to 11:00PM Daily
GPS Coordinates: 11.180144, 119.387995
La Plage Sunset Bar El NidoLA PLAGE SUNSET BAR AND RESTAURANT
Address: Calaan Beach, Sitio Calaan, Brgy. Masagana
Contact Number: +63 (947) 068-5272
Opening Hours: 12:00PM to 11:00PM Daily
GPS Coordinates: 11.186357, 119.392634
~ PHOTO FROM FB PAGE
Midtown Bakery El NidoMIDTOWN BAKERY
Address: Rizal St., Brgy. Buena Suerte
Opening Hours: 6:00AM to 7:00PM Daily
GPS Coordinates: 11.1792387, 119.389455
~ PHOTO FROM TRIPADVISOR
Silog Republic El NidoSILOG REPUBLIC
Address: Rizal St., Brgy. Buena Suerte
Contact Number: +63 (948) 855-2112
Opening Hours: 24 Hours Daily
GPS Coordinates: 11.1786666, 119.3897362
~ PHOTO FROM FB PAGE
Squidos Restaurant El NidoSQUIDOS RESTAURANT
Address: C. Hama St., Brgy. Buena Suerte
Contact Number: +63 (956) 564-0443
Opening Hours: 8:00AM to 10:00PM Daily
GPS Coordinates: 11.1807743, 119.3903448
PHOTO BY MARXTERMIND




WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN EL NIDO


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 ₱200.00 environmental fee, good for ten days, that they require for tourists visiting El Nido.

BOOK DISCOUNTED TOURS IN EL NIDO

El Nido Town Tourist Spots
Corong Corong Beach El NidoCORONG CORONG BEACH
Address: Brgy. Corong Corong
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 11.1651606, 119.3902811
Caalan Beach El NidoCAALAN BEACH
Address: Sitio Caalan, Brgy. Masagana
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 11.1904793, 119.3906272
DOLAROG BEACH
Address: Sitio Dolarog, Brgy. Corong Corong
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 11.1347607, 119.3961525
PHOTO BY ALDAS KIRVAITIS
El Nido Town Beach El NidoEL NIDO TOWN BEACH
Address: Brgy. Buena Suerte
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 11.1837694, 119.3905064
Las Cabanas Beach El NidoLAS CABANAS BEACH
Address: Brgy. Pakalsada
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 11.1448085, 119.3922686
PHOTO BY TUDERNA
Marimegmeg Beach El NidoMARIMEGMEG BEACH
Address: Brgy. Pakalsada
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 11.1469143, 119.3936023
Taraw Canopy Walk El NidoTARAW CANOPY WALK
Address: Rizal St., Brgy. Maligaya
Entrance Fee: ₱500.00 per person
GPS Coordinates: 11.1783427, 119.3871738
Taraw Cliff El NidoTARAW CLIFF
Address: Brgy. Buena Suerte
Guide Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 11.1776004, 119.3876733
El Nido Tourist Spots
Bulalacao Falls El NidoBULALACAO FALLS
Address: Sitio Bulalacao, Brgy. Pasadena
Entrance Fee: ₱50.00
GPS Coordinates: 11.2242449, 119.4459192
PHOTO BY DAN LUNDBERG
Ille Cave El NidoILLE CAVE
Address: Brgy. New Ibajay
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 11.1967015, 119.50422
PHOTO BY RALF B
Mt. Mansilawit El NidoMOUNT MANSILAWIT
Address: Brgy. Pasadena
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 11.2673069, 119.4152491
PHOTO BY ALEXIS A
Sibaltan Beach El NidoSIBALTAN BEACH
Address: Brgy. Sibaltan
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 11.2637907, 119.5550892
El Nido Tour A►BOOK ONLINE
Big Lagoon El NidoBIG LAGOON
Address: Miniloc Island
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 11.1563784, 119.3192115
Small Lagoon El NidoSMALL LAGOON
Address: Miniloc Island
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 11.1563784, 119.3192115
Simizu Island El NidoSIMIZU ISLAND
Address: Simizu Island
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 11.1388715, 119.3163729
Secret Lagoon El NidoSECRET LAGOON
Address: Miniloc Island
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 11.1455664, 119.311738
Seven Commandos Beach El NidoSEVEN COMMANDOS BEACH
Address: Bacuit Bay
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 11.1736804, 119.3769144
El Nido Tour B►BOOK ONLINE
Entalula Island El NidoENTALULA ISLAND
Address: Entalula Island
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 11.1286191, 119.3309348
Pinagbuyutan Island El NidoPINAGBUYUTAN ISLAND
Address: Pinagbuyatan Island
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 11.1220703, 119.3894791
Snake Island El NidoSNAKE ISLAND
Address: Snake Island
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 11.0935898, 119.3382168
Cudugnon Cave El NidoCUDUGNON CAVE
Address: El Nido, Palawan
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 11.085043, 119.3512644
Cathedral Cave El NidoCATHEDRAL CAVE
Address: Cathedral Island
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 11.0763466, 119.3823713
El Nido Tour C►BOOK ONLINE
Hidden Beach El NidoHIDDEN BEACH
Address: Matinloc Island
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 11.1904962, 119.2763197
Helicopter Island El NidoHELICOPTER ISLAND
Address: Dilumacad Island
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 11.1958303, 119.3352093
Secret Beach El NidoSECRET BEACH
Address: Matinloc Island
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 11.177604, 119.2789155
Matinloc Shrine El NidoMATINLOC SHRINE
Address: Matinloc Island
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 11.2102142, 119.2640905
STAR BEACH
Address: Tapiutan Island
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 11.2029367, 119.2688449
PHOTO BY ELISA C
El Nido Tour D►BOOK ONLINE
Bukal Island El NidoBUKAL ISLAND
Address: Bukal Island
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 11.2090973, 119.3768835
PHOTO BY TUDERNA

Ipil Beach El NidoIPIL BEACH
Address: Inabuyatan Island
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 11.1197543, 119.3919844
PHOTO BY TUDERNA
Natnat Beach El NidoNATNAT BEACH
Address: Cadlao Island
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates:
PHOTO BY MARXTERMIND.COM
Cadlao Lagoon El NidoCADLAO LAGOON
Address: Cadlao Island
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates:
PHOTO BY MARXTERMIND.COM
Paradise Beach El NidoPARADISE BEACH
Address: Cadlao Island
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 11.2023327, 119.3652363
PHOTO BY MARXTERMIND.COM
El Nido Tour E
Nacpan Twin Beach El NidoNACPAN TWIN BEACH
Address: Sitio Calitang, Brgy. Bucana
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 11.3197775, 119.4044929
Nagkalit-Kalit Falls El NidoNAGKALIT-KALIT FALLS
Address: Brgy. Pasadena
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 11.2565043, 119.4350193
PHOTO BY JRAK907
Makinit Hot Springs El NidoMAKINIT HOT SPRINGS
Address: Brgy. Pasadena
Entrance Fee: None
GPS Coordinates: 11.2911553, 119.4427123
PHOTO BY 박용진




EL NIDO TOURIST SPOTS MAP GUIDE


El Nido Tourist Spots Map



SAMPLE EL NIDO ITINERARY & TRAVEL BUDGET GUIDE


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 joiner 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 ₱11,000.00++ for six days. But if you only do Tour A and C, it would cut your budget to around ₱8,000.00++ for four days.


El Nido Itinerary Day One

► DAY ONE: ARRIVAL & LAND TOUR | ₱4,040.00
BUDGET PER PERSON BASED ON A GROUP OF TWO


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


El Nido Itinerary Day Two

► DAY TWO: ISLAND HOPPING TOUR A | ₱1,550.00
BUDGET PER PERSON BASED ON A GROUP OF TWO


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


El Nido Itinerary Day Three

► DAY THREE: ISLAND HOPPING TOUR B | ₱1,450.00
BUDGET PER PERSON BASED ON A GROUP OF TWO


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


El Nido Itinerary Day Four

► DAY FOUR: ISLAND HOPPING TOUR C | ₱1,720.00
BUDGET PER PERSON BASED ON A GROUP OF TWO


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


El Nido Itinerary Day Five - Cadlao Lagoon El Nido ~ Photo By David Stanley

► DAY FIVE: ISLAND HOPPING TOUR D | ₱1,320.00
BUDGET PER PERSON BASED ON A GROUP OF TWO


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


El Nido Itinerary Day Six

► DAY SIX: TARAW + CORONG CORONG | ₱1,350.00
BUDGET PER PERSON BASED ON A GROUP OF TWO


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



►► TOTAL BUDGET | ₱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, MAP, & ITINERARY
UPDATED AS OF FEBRUARY 2023

You Might Also Like

7 comments

  1. Hello! How much did you shell out for the Linapacan Tour?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, please contact Northern Hope Tours directly for an updated fee for a Linapacan Tour.

      Delete
  2. Perfect!! Planning our trip to El Nido and I'm not sure about our accommodation, food and many confusions. But now, I'm relaxed and I have planned our trip within our budget my reading your blog. Thank you for sharing such blog which is very helpful. Eagerly waiting to travel to El Nido after clearing this corona situation.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Mary, glad to have helped! Cheers to a post-corona virus El Nido soon!

      Delete
  3. Hello!! Thank you for this blog! It is very informative and helpful. <3

    ReplyDelete
  4. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete