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Discover El Nido

About El Nido, Philippines

El Nido is a municipality located on the northern tip of Palawan Island in the Philippines, renowned for its stunning natural landscapes and rich biodiversity. With a population of approximately 50,000, it is part of the Mimaropa region and serves as a gateway to the Bacuit Archipelago, known for its limestone cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life. As a travel destination, El Nido offers a variety of attractions that appeal to eco-tourists and adventure seekers, making it essential to understand its key attractions, climate, travel costs, and transportation options.

Main Points of Interest in el nido
  • Bacuit Bay: Famous for its karst limestone formations and island-hopping tours.
  • Big Lagoon: A scenic site known for its turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs.
  • Small Lagoon: Offers opportunities for kayaking and snorkeling in calm waters.
  • Nacpan Beach: A 4-kilometer stretch of white sand beach ideal for relaxation.
  • Taraw Cliff: Popular for hiking, offering panoramic views of the town and bay.
  • Cudugnon Cave: A historical site believed to have been a Neolithic burial site.
Climate and Best Times to Visit el nido

El Nido has a tropical rainforest climate with a dry season from November to May and a wet season from June to October. The best time to visit is during the dry season when temperatures range from 24°C to 31°C (75°F to 88°F), providing ideal conditions for outdoor activities and island hopping.

Budget and Travel Costs in el nido

El Nido is moderately budget-friendly, with options ranging from budget accommodations to more luxurious stays. Prices are approximate and may vary (approx. 1 USD = 56 PHP).

  • Accommodation:
    • Budget Hostel: $10 - $20 USD (560 - 1,120 PHP) per night.
    • Mid-range Hotel: $40 - $100 USD (2,240 - 5,600 PHP) per night.
  • Food & Drink:
    • Local Eatery Meal: $2 - $5 USD (110 - 280 PHP).
    • Restaurant Meal: $8 - $20 USD (450 - 1,120 PHP).
  • Activities:
    • Island Hopping Tour: $20 - $40 USD (1,120 - 2,240 PHP).
    • Kayak Rental: $10 - $15 USD (560 - 840 PHP) per day.
Transportation To and From el nido

El Nido is accessible by air and land, serving as a focal point for travelers in the region.

  • Air Travel: El Nido Airport (Lio Airport) offers direct flights from Manila and Cebu operated by AirSWIFT.
  • Road Connections: Buses and vans connect El Nido with Puerto Princesa, a major city in Palawan, which has a larger airport.
  • Local Transport: Tricycles are the common mode of transport within the town and to nearby beaches.

Top El Nido Routes by Transport Type

Flight from El Nido

DestinationOperatorsOffersFirst DepartureLast DepartureDurationMin PriceRating
5
69
07:00
22:10
1h55m
$104.14
  5.0
5
23
06:50
20:15
8h21m
$48.90
7
25
06:50
20:15
6h41m
$110.76
5
24
06:50
20:15
7h22m
$132.83
5
21
06:50
20:15
6h46m
$104.78
6
30
06:50
20:55
3h52m
$88.17
1
3
15:50
18:05
9h20m
$322.51
3
5
07:40
18:05
11h2m
$217.42
1
2
12:15
16:05
7h25m
$146.39
1
2
07:40
08:30
9h5m
$154.77
1
3
07:40
20:15
16h25m
$166.97
1
1
07:00
07:00
8h25m
$187.37
1
1
20:15
20:15
27h40m
$417.43
1
3
07:40
20:15
19h21m
$158.39
1
1
07:00
07:00
6h5m
$156.11
1
1
07:00
07:00
8h25m
$267.61
1
2
07:40
08:30
7h5m
$338.22
1
3
07:40
20:15
9h23m
$156.68
1
2
15:50
20:15
18h7m
$149.25
1
4
07:40
18:05
9h5m
$187.56

Bus from El Nido

DestinationOperatorsOffersFirst DepartureLast DepartureDurationMin PriceRating
1
10
07:00
23:00
6h18m
$6.99
  4.1

Ferry from El Nido

DestinationOperatorsOffersFirst DepartureLast DepartureDurationMin PriceRating
2
16
08:00
15:00
3h30m
$22.11
  3.9
1
21
00:00
20:00
38h14m
$23.49
  5.0

Van from El Nido

DestinationOperatorsOffersFirst DepartureLast DepartureDurationMin PriceRating
1
83
05:00
18:30
5h0m
$7.80
  5.0
2
13
08:00
17:00
4h0m
$8.13
  5.0

Flight to El Nido

DestinationOperatorsOffersFirst DepartureLast DepartureDurationMin PriceRating
12
113
00:15
23:05
4h42m
$106.40
  5.0
7
35
07:45
17:05
14h2m
$65.44
  4.0
9
65
00:35
23:55
7h31m
$97.36
  5.0
8
27
07:10
22:30
6h50m
$95.22
10
40
08:40
20:05
7h57m
$55.05
7
49
04:55
20:30
7h31m
$81.12
2
6
07:15
22:20
9h10m
$136.59
1
2
10:05
11:00
17h10m
$165.83
2
2
06:55
17:55
18h5m
$281.34
2
4
00:25
22:05
11h13m
$281.23
1
1
10:30
10:30
24h30m
$195.56
1
3
14:55
15:55
19h28m
$169.83
1
1
22:30
22:30
7h15m
$261.32
2
3
01:00
08:35
20h56m
$567.82
1
2
02:30
08:25
24h22m
$235.02
2
2
00:55
00:55
15h5m
$194.21
2
3
01:20
01:35
16h8m
$139.65
1
1
11:55
11:55
7h35m
$307.64
1
1
08:25
08:25
22h20m
$287.05
3
40
04:40
23:59
10h53m
$158.81

Bus to El Nido

DestinationOperatorsOffersFirst DepartureLast DepartureDurationMin PriceRating
1
10
07:00
21:30
6h18m
$6.99
  4.2

Ferry to El Nido

DestinationOperatorsOffersFirst DepartureLast DepartureDurationMin PriceRating
4
14
06:00
21:00
4h25m
$23.73
  4.1
1
42
00:00
23:30
29h11m
$23.49
  2.0
1
2
18:00
18:00
37h0m
$33.16

Van to El Nido

DestinationOperatorsOffersFirst DepartureLast DepartureDurationMin PriceRating
1
96
03:00
19:00
5h0m
$7.80
  2.0
2
13
08:00
17:00
4h0m
$8.13
  3.5

Popular Questions

How long should I stay in El Nido as a tourist?

A typical visit to El Nido can range from 3 to 5 days, depending on your interests. This duration allows you to enjoy several island-hopping tours, which are the main attraction. These tours typically include visits to lagoons, beaches, and snorkeling spots. Each tour takes about a day, so planning for at least two or three different tours is recommended.

In addition to island-hopping, you might want to allocate time for exploring the town, trying out local dining options, and possibly taking a day trip to Nacpan Beach or exploring nearby areas like the Taraw Cliff for a hike.

Accommodation options vary from budget hostels to upscale resorts, so plan according to your preferences and budget. Keep in mind that El Nido is a remote area, and travel can be time-consuming, so factor in travel days to and from the area when planning your stay.

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Can traveling to El Nido be very affordable?

Traveling to El Nido can be quite affordable with careful planning. Accommodation ranges from budget hostels at around 500 PHP ($9) per night to mid-range hotels at 2,500 PHP ($45). Dining at local eateries, known as carinderias, can cost about 100-200 PHP ($2-4) per meal, while dining at restaurants may range from 300-600 PHP ($5-11).

Transportation: Flights to Puerto Princesa, the nearest airport, can be found for as low as 2,000 PHP ($36) if booked in advance. From there, a van to El Nido costs about 600 PHP ($11). Local transport within El Nido often involves tricycles, with rides typically costing 50-100 PHP ($1-2).

Activities: Island-hopping tours, a must-do in El Nido, start around 1,200 PHP ($22) per person, including lunch. It's advisable to book these tours directly with providers to avoid middleman fees.

Water Safety: Tap water is not safe for drinking; bottled water is recommended. Beaches and waters around El Nido are generally clean and suitable for swimming.

What's the best transportation in El Nido?

The most efficient way to get around El Nido is by tricycle, a common local mode of transport. Tricycles are affordable, with rides within the town typically costing around 50-100 PHP ($0.90-$1.80). For trips to nearby beaches or attractions, prices can range from 150-300 PHP ($2.70-$5.40).

For exploring further afield, renting a scooter is a popular option. Rental costs are about 500-700 PHP ($9-$12.50) per day, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Ensure you have an international driving permit and wear a helmet for safety.

If you're planning island hopping, which is a highlight in El Nido, book tours through local operators. Prices for these tours vary, generally starting from 1200 PHP ($21) per person, including lunch and snorkeling gear.

Walking is also feasible within the town center, which is compact and pedestrian-friendly. For those traveling from Puerto Princesa, buses and vans are available, costing around 600 PHP ($11) for the 5-6 hour journey.

What taxi app is used in El Nido?

In El Nido, traditional taxi apps are not widely used due to the small size of the town. However, local transportation is available through tricycles, which can be hailed on the street. For more organized transport, renting a scooter or motorbike is a popular option among tourists. If you require a car or van, you can arrange rentals or private transfers through local travel agencies or your accommodation. Always agree on a price before starting the journey, as meters are not typically used. For a more app-based experience, consider using ride-sharing services available in larger cities like Puerto Princesa, which is about 5-6 hours away by road.