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.

Get in

By plane
  • 🌍 El Nido Airport (ENI  IATA). Air Swift. ☏ +632-3185941, +632-3185943. has flights to and from Manila and Cebu. It is best to book via their website. The airport can accommodate only small aircraft, so the prices tend to be much higher than to Puerto Princesa. 

Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS IATA) 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 ₱600 per person and ₱700 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 ₱600, one-way fare including pick up in airport or hotel. They also offer van sharing from Puerto Princesa to Sabang for ₱300/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 ₱900. 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: ₱380.

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 ₱350. 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 ₱1760 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 ₱1200 to ₱1400 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. ₱1400 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 ₱850-1200 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 ₱200 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 ₱1900 (Jan 2024).

Mountain Biking. There are numerous destinations to visit... even Nacpan beach is possible for the adventurous. Bikes range from ₱400-500 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 (₱150) 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 ₱1200 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.

  • 🌍 El Dive, Hama Street, ☏ +63 999 1712915, . This small dive center will offer you relaxing and long dives (departure at 8AM, come back at 4:30PM) among the colourful aquatic life of Bacuit Bay. The Japanese Yoshi Ohtsuka is the manager, he is the one who will welcome you there. He has about 20 years of experience in the diving industry, so he knows what he is talking about. The staff can speak at least English, French, Tagalog and Japanese. (updated Jul 2016)
  • Deep Blue Dive Seafari, Calle the Hama (across IBR), ☏ +63 9178030543, . Jose and Diana from Deep Blue Seafari are the founders of the El Nido to Coron dive seafari. This 4-day trip includes 14 dives, camping on the exotic beaches and bonfire nights. Besides the seafaris, Deep Blue also offers fun dives and PADI courses. 
  • El Nido Adventure Scuba, Serena St. (near Artcafe), ☏ +63 9283220958, . SSI and PADI open water and advanced dive courses are offered. 
  • Island Hopping. There are many island hopping tour companies throughout El Nido. They all offer similar tours and prices; therefore it is not necessary to shop around for the best tour company or price. You may want to check a few different companies to see how empty or full their boats are. All tours leave between 8 and 9AM. 
  • Island Hopping & Kayak Tours (El Nido Boutique & Art Cafe), Serena St., ☏ +63 920 902 6317, +63 917 560 4020, . The El Nido Boutique & Artcafe is a kayak tour operator and rents out kayaks, stand up paddle boards, snorkel equipment and bicycles. 
  • Palawan Divers, Hama Street - Brgy Masagana (near Rosanna's Cottage), ☏ +63 917 867 3225, . Daily 7AM-8PM. Palawan Divers was the first certified PADI dive resort in town. Professional and friendly staff serving beginners to experienced divers. 
  • Submariner Diving Center, Hama Street Brgy Masagana (Beachfront), ☏ +63 905 484 1764, . Submariner Diving Center is a diving center operated by the German PADI master scuba diver trainer, Ronny Oliwka. Submariner is a certified PADI Dive Resort and certified Aqualung Partner Center that offers a high standard in diving and education as well as diving gear branded by Aqualung and APEKS. The staff is highly qualified to international standards. Habibi Restaurant & Shisha Cafe is on the first floor of the building. 

Buy

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

Souvenirs
  • El Nido Boutique & Artcafe, Sirena Street (Buena Suerte), ☏ +63 9209026317. 7AM-9PM. El Nido T-shirts printed in their own artshop, souvenirs, handicrafts, postcards, books, photo supplies and cameras, snorkel gear, swimming clothes and beach wear, sarongs, dresses, jewelry, suntan lotions and drugstore items, wine and liquors, bags and backpacks, hammocks. 

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.

  • Botanica Cafe, Amboy St. (tell your tricycle driver to stop in front of Amakan hostel), ☏ +63 905 5523346 (mobile), . 7AM-9PM. A third wave coffee shop popular for its coffee and its breakfasts. It has an in-house bakery making cakes, pastries, cookies, and bread. (updated May 2019)
  • The Beach Shack, Marimegmeg Beach (tell your tricycle driver to drop you in Vanilla Beach, go through the line of stores into the beach area, turn left past Marimegmeg Beach Club), ☏ +63 917 5777513 (mobile), . 7AM-9PM. American and Filipino cuisine, beach snacks, and cocktails. (updated May 2019)
  • La Tienda Delicatessen, Real/Rizal St. (Anchorage Inn Building), ☏ +63 927 806 3661 (mobile), . 8AM-9PM. Make your own deli sandwich or buy groceries for food. (updated May 2019)
  • Art Cafe, Sirena St. (toward the pier), ☏ +63 9209026317, . 6:30AM-11PM. A beautiful, well-established restaurant with very good food such as seafood, salads, steaks, pizzas, spaghetti, homemade bread, cakes and fruit shakes and very good coffee. They have live music several nights a week. Free Wi-Fi all day. (updated May 2019)
  • 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.
  • Habibi Restaurant & Shisha Cafe, Hama Street, Zone 3 (Beachfront). Good food and beverages, and they are the only shisha bar in Palawan. Drinks are made with fresh ingredients, pizzas are also popular. The full bar offers all varieties of premium drinks. The owner frequently visits the local market to find the best/freshest fish available. Free Wi-Fi, widescreen projection television, and games. The vibe is warm and friendly. The restaurant is ideal for groups wishing to enjoy the freshest fish. The fish are presented to you for selection, and prepared to order. 
  • The Alternative. Offers tasty & health-conscious food at good prices. Also has a pair of scenic beach-perched "nests" available for dining. 
  • 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 ₱70.
  • BBQ stands ₱10 for a stick
  • El Nido Corner, North end of the beach in El Nido. Great beachfront restaurant with a Danish owner. Try the fresh catch of the day. 
  • 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 ₱400.
  • 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 ₱200 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 ₱280.

Budget
  • At The Moment Hostel. San Joaquin Street. Dorm bed with breakfast. Free Wi-Fi. ₱400.
  • El Nido Sands Inn (Bay View Inn), Serena St. Dorms and privates available. Common area over the water. dorm ₱250 per person. 
  • Hakunamatata Hostel. Serana Street Baran. Dorm bed with free Wi-Fi ₱375.
  • Our melting Pot Hostel. Real street Baranga. ☏ +63 9064127861. Dorm bed with breakfast. Free Wi-Fi. From ₱500.
  • Relucio Traveller's Pension, Serena St, Brgy. Buena Suerte (left end of the main street), ☏ +63 9262196640. Bay view terrace, free coffee. ₱600-700. 
  • Tay Miloys inn (near the Lexus shuttle station), ☏ +63 9-159-672-720. Fan single/double room with common bathroom. room from ₱300.. 
  • Tapik Beach Park Guest House. Sibaltan. room from ₱480.
  • Sitio Danat (Along the highway south). You can pitch a tent for free in the public shelter at Sitio Danat, a small village along the highway, some 10 km (6.2 mi) south of El Nido. Just ask for permission at the convenience store. There is also a small canteen next to the shelter (mains ₱70.) There is absolutely nothing to do in Sitio Danat except for enjoying tranquil village life. Free. (updated Aug 2017)
  • Where To Next Hotel. Nacpan Beach. ☏ +63 9178040434. Dorm bed with free Wi-Fi from ₱250.
  • 🌍 Gemini Travelers Lodge, Fishermen Street, Barangay Buena Suerte, El Nido. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. All rooms feature air conditioning, hot and cold shower, TV, free Wi-Fi internet; there are laundry servicers, and an outside seating area too. US$14. (updated Aug 2018)

Mid-range
  • Anang Balay Turista, Sirena St. (near pier), ☏ +63 9296033589, . A small friendly place with good air-con rooms. ₱1200. 
  • Cadlao Resort & Restaurant, Caalan – Masagana, ☏ +63 9175897069, . Beautifully located on a trail just outside of El Nido, with view over El Nido bay and Cadlao island. Exceptional restaurant and bar. Has battery backed-up solar cells and private generator. ₱5500 for economy room, ₱6500 for air-conditioned room. 
  • Cliffside Cottage, Brgy. Maligaya (near Globe Tower), ☏ +63 9197856625, . It is slightly away from the center but set in a quiet setting with porches facing the garden. 
  • 🌍 Edleahs Inn, the end of Serena Str (after the Art Cafe near the dock). Small budget guest house with sea view. The host is really nice and helpful. The Internet connection is poor, but that's the case for all places here. Coffee is provided in the morning. 
  • El Nido Beach Hotel, ☏ +63 48-723-0887, . All rooms have hot water, TV, mini fridge and free Wi-Fi. ₱3500-5500. 
  • El Nido All Seasons Beach Resort, Sito Lugadia, Barangay Corong Corong (3 km or a 3- to 4-minute ride from the town center), ☏ +63 9175419804. All rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, TV with cable channels, hot shower, private balcony, private toilet and bath. It also provides island hopping tours, airport transfers, massage service, room service and laundry service. Rates start at ₱2300. (updated Nov 2016)
  • Islandfront Cottages and Restaurant, Sitio Lugadya, Brgy. Corong-cong, ☏ +63 9296501284, . Rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, high-speed Internet access, and daily breakfast. Rates start at ₱1500. 
  • Kalinga Beach Resort, Caalan, ☏ +63 9215700021. It is along Calaan beach, and has 8 cottages and beach villas available. 
  • La Salagane, Serena St. 33, . Two locations, both seafront; offers a variety of accommodations at different prices. 
  • Lagen Resort, Lagen Island. It has 50 rooms and caters a la carte meals and buffet. A clinic, library, boutique, a swimming pool, and a game area are some of the facilities offered here. 
  • Lally & Abet Beach Resort, Barangay Masagana. A Dept. of Tourism accredited hotel, it has 34 rooms with an A/C, telephone and shower, a laundry service and foreign currency exchange is also provided here. For leisure they also have sports facilities for badminton and volleyball games. Major credit cards are accepted here. 
  • Lorenzo, Corong-corong (Ask any tricycle driver for Lorenzo). Nice basic bungalows in front of the beach. Free hot water, mosquito net, free hot water and friendly owner. 
  • Lualhati Cottage, Brgy. Maligaya, ☏ +63 9193196683, . A/C rooms. Comfortable family-run accommodation at the edge of town. from ₱1200. 
  • Marina Garden Beach Resort, Buena Suerte, ☏ +63 9176247722. In center of town on the beach. ₱1000-2500. 
  • Miniloc Resort, Miniloc Island. Has 51 rooms. Aside from being a resort, they also offer snorkeling facilities, and they have kayaks, aqua bikes and other water sports equipment available for rent. 
  • Nido Bay Inn, Sirena St (near Art Cafe), ☏ +63 9275608535. ₱1500-1700.  Building with 10 rooms right at the sea shore.
  • Og's beach pension, brgy masagana, ☏ +63 9204040223, . Three-story building with rundown rooms but a great view right on the beach. Happy Hour from 5PM to 7PM with ₱40 beer. Divers should seek out one of the staff named Mator as he often does private trips. ₱1000-2900. 
  • Rosanna's cottages, Brgy. Masagana (near Bus Terminal), ☏ +63 9206054631. ₱1200-2500. 

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 ₱90. And 2GB of data with Smart for ₱99.

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
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