El Nido Palawan: A Paradise on Earth
If you are looking for a tropical destination that offers stunning scenery, pristine beaches, and diverse wildlife, then look no further than El Nido Palawan. El Nido is a municipality in the province of Palawan, Philippines, that is known for its breathtaking Bacuit Archipelago, a group of islands and islets with limestone cliffs, lagoons, and coral reefs. El Nido is also home to a rich cultural heritage, with traces of human habitation dating back to 2680 BC1. In this blog post, I will share with you some of the best things to see and do in El Nido Palawan, as well as some tips on how to plan your trip.
How to get to El Nido Palawan
There are two main ways to get to El Nido Palawan: by air or by land.
- By air: The fastest and most convenient way to get to El Nido is by flying directly to its airport, which is located about 6 km from the town proper. There are daily flights from Manila, Cebu, and Clark to El Nido, operated by AirSWIFT, the only airline that serves the destination. The flight time is about an hour and a half from Manila, and less than an hour from Cebu and Clark. You can book your tickets online through the AirSWIFT website or through travel agencies. From the airport, you can take a tricycle or a van to your hotel or resort, which will cost around 300 to 500 pesos per ride.
- By land: The cheaper but longer way to get to El Nido is by taking a bus or a van from Puerto Princesa, the capital of Palawan. Puerto Princesa has an international airport that connects to Manila, Cebu, Davao, and other major cities in the Philippines, as well as to some Asian destinations like Hong Kong, Seoul, and Taipei. From Puerto Princesa, you can take a bus or a van to El Nido, which will take about 5 to 6 hours, depending on the traffic and the weather. The fare is around 500 to 700 pesos per person, and you can book your tickets online through 12Go Asia or at the terminal. The buses and vans usually stop at the El Nido Integrated Bus Terminal, which is about 4 km from the town proper. From there, you can take a tricycle to your hotel or resort, which will cost around 50 to 100 pesos per ride.
Where to stay in El Nido Palawan
El Nido Palawan has a wide range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. You can choose from beachfront resorts, boutique hotels, hostels, guesthouses, and homestays, depending on your needs and wants. Here are some of the best places to stay in El Nido Palawan, based on customer reviews and ratings:
- El Nido Resorts: If you want to splurge on a luxury stay, you can’t go wrong with El Nido Resorts, a group of four eco-friendly and sustainable resorts located in different islands of the Bacuit Archipelago. Each resort has its own unique features and amenities, such as private pools, spas, restaurants, and water sports. You can also enjoy island-hopping tours, snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and hiking, among other activities. The resorts are accessible by boat from El Nido town, and the rates include round-trip transfers, full-board meals, and environmental fees. You can book your stay online through the El Nido Resorts website or through travel agencies.
- Lio Beach: If you prefer a more laid-back and serene atmosphere, you can opt for Lio Beach, a master-planned community that offers a variety of accommodation, dining, and entertainment options. Lio Beach is located about 7 km north of El Nido town, and is easily accessible by tricycle or shuttle. You can choose from hotels, villas, cottages, and campsites, all of which are designed to blend with the natural surroundings. You can also enjoy the white-sand beach, the lagoon, the bike trails, the art shops, and the cultural events, among other attractions. You can book your stay online through the Lio Beach website or through travel agencies.
- El Nido Town: If you want to be close to the action and the convenience, you can stay in El Nido town, where you can find a plethora of accommodation, dining, and shopping options. El Nido town is the main hub of the municipality, and is where most of the tours, transport, and nightlife happen. You can choose from budget hostels, mid-range hotels, and cozy guesthouses, all of which are within walking distance from the beach, the pier, and the market. You can also enjoy the local cuisine, the bars, the cafes, and the souvenir shops, among other amenities. You can book your stay online through booking platforms like Agoda, Booking.com, or Airbnb, or directly with the property owners.
What to do in El Nido Palawan
El Nido Palawan is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers, as it offers a plethora of activities and attractions to explore and enjoy. Here are some of the best things to do in El Nido Palawan, that you should not miss:
- Island-hopping: The most popular and must-do activity in El Nido is island-hopping, which allows you to visit and experience the beauty and diversity of the Bacuit Archipelago. There are four standard island-hopping tours, labeled as A, B, C, and D, each with a different set of destinations and highlights. Tour A covers the lagoons and beaches of Miniloc Island, such as the Big Lagoon, the Small Lagoon, the Secret Lagoon, and the Seven Commandos Beach. Tour B covers the caves and coves of Pinagbuyutan Island, Snake Island, Cudugnon Cave, Cathedral Cave, and Entalula Island. Tour C covers the islands and snorkeling spots of Matinloc Island, Tapiutan Island, Helicopter Island, Secret Beach, and Hidden Beach. Tour D covers the beaches and islands of Cadlao Island, Pasandigan Beach, Natnat Beach, Paradise Beach, and Bukal Island. You can book your island-hopping tours online through Klook or at the tour agencies in El Nido town. The rates range from 1,200 to 1,400 pesos per person, depending on the tour, and include lunch, boat, guide, and environmental fees. You can also rent a private boat or join a combo tour, if you want more flexibility and customization.
- Snorkeling and diving: Another great way to enjoy the underwater wonders of El Nido is by snorkeling and diving, which will allow you to see the colorful coral reefs, the diverse marine life, and the sunken wrecks that dot the Bacuit Archipelago. You can snorkel at any of the island-hopping destinations, or rent a snorkeling gear and explore the beachfront of El Nido town. You can also dive at any of the 30 dive sites in El Nido, which cater to different levels of experience and interest. Some of the best dive sites are Dilumacad Tunnel, South Miniloc, North Rock, and Paglugaban. You can book your snorkeling and diving trips online through Klook or at the dive shops in El Nido town. The rates vary depending on the equipment, the duration, and the destination, but expect to pay around 500 pesos for snorkeling and 1,500 pesos for diving per person.
- Kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding: If you want to have a more active and fun way to explore the waters of El Nido, you can try kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding, which will allow you to paddle your way through the lagoons, the coves, and the mangroves of the Bacuit Archipelago. You can rent a kayak or a stand-up paddle board at any of the island-hopping destinations, or at the beachfront of El Nido town. You can also join a guided kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding tour, which will take you to some of the best spots in El Nido, such as the Big Lagoon, the Small Lagoon, and the Cadlao Lagoon. You can book your kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding tours online through Klook or at the tour agencies in El Nido town. The rates range from 500 to 1,000 pesos per person, depending on the equipment, the duration, and the destination.
- Hiking and biking: If you want to have a more land-based and adventurous way to explore the natural beauty of El Nido, you can try hiking and biking, which will allow you to climb the hills, the mountains, and the cliffs of the Bacuit Archipelago. You can hike to some of the best viewpoints in El Nido, such as the Taraw Cliff, the Nagkalit-kalit Waterfalls, and the Makinit Hot Springs. You can also bike to some of the best beaches in El Nido, such as the Nacpan Beach, the Duli Beach, and the Maremegmeg Beach. You can rent a bike or join a guided hiking or biking tour, which will take you to some of the best trails and routes in El Nido. You can book your hiking and biking tours online through Klook or at the tour agencies in El Nido town. The rates range from 500 to 1,500 pesos per person, depending on the equipment, the duration, and the destination.
Tips and reminders for visiting El Nido Palawan
Tip #1: Choose the best time to visit El Nido Palawan
The best time to visit El Nido Palawan is from November to May, when the weather is dry, sunny, and cool. This is also the peak season, so expect more tourists and higher prices. If you want to avoid the crowds and save some money, you can visit El Nido during the rainy season, from June to October. However, be prepared for occasional typhoons, rough seas, and limited visibility. You might also miss some island-hopping destinations if the weather is bad.
Tip #2: Book your flights and accommodation in advance
El Nido Palawan is not easy to reach, especially if you are coming from outside the Philippines. You have two options: fly directly to El Nido Airport via AirSWIFT, or fly to Puerto Princesa Airport and take a bus or van to El Nido. The first option is faster and more convenient, but also more expensive and limited. The second option is cheaper and more frequent, but also longer and more tiring. Whichever option you choose, make sure to book your flights in advance, as they can get sold out quickly. You can also check for promo fares and discounts online or through travel agencies.
The same goes for your accommodation in El Nido. There are many options to choose from, ranging from luxury resorts to budget hostels. However, they can also get fully booked during the peak season, so it is advisable to reserve your room ahead of time. You can use online platforms like Agoda, Booking.com, or Airbnb to find and compare the best deals. You can also contact the property owners directly to inquire about availability and rates.
Tip #3: Bring enough cash and a power bank
El Nido Palawan is still a developing area, so do not expect to find many ATMs, banks, or credit card facilities. Most of the establishments in El Nido are cash-only, so make sure to bring enough Philippine pesos to cover your expenses. You can exchange your foreign currency at the airport or at some money changers in El Nido town. However, the rates might not be favorable, so it is better to withdraw or exchange your money before you arrive in El Nido.
Another thing to bring is a power bank, as the electricity in El Nido is not stable. There are frequent brownouts, especially during the rainy season. Some hotels and resorts have generators, but they might not run 24/7. To avoid running out of battery on your phone, camera, or other gadgets, bring a power bank that can charge them multiple times. You can also bring a flashlight or a headlamp for emergencies.
Tip #4: Join an island-hopping tour or rent a private boat
The main attraction of El Nido Palawan is the island-hopping tour, which will take you to the amazing islands, lagoons, and beaches of the Bacuit Bay. There are four standard tours, labeled as A, B, C, and D, each with a different set of destinations and highlights. You can book your tour online through Klook or at the tour agencies in El Nido town. The rates range from 1,200 to 1,400 pesos per person, depending on the tour, and include lunch, boat, guide, and environmental fees.
If you want more flexibility and privacy, you can also rent a private boat and customize your itinerary. You can choose which islands to visit, how long to stay, and what activities to do. You can also avoid the crowds and enjoy the scenery at your own pace. However, renting a private boat is more expensive, as you have to pay for the boat rental, the fuel, the guide, the food, and the fees. The rates vary depending on the boat size, the number of passengers, and the destinations, but expect to pay around 5,000 to 10,000 pesos per boat.
Tip #5: Respect the environment and the locals
El Nido Palawan is a protected area, so you have to be mindful of your impact on the environment and the locals. Here are some ways to be a responsible traveler in El Nido:
- Pay the eco-tourism development fee of 200 pesos per person, which is valid for 10 days. This fee is used to fund the conservation and management of El Nido’s natural resources.
- Follow the rules and regulations of the island-hopping tour, such as wearing a life vest, not touching the corals, not feeding the fish, and not littering.
- Bring your own reusable water bottle, straw, and cutlery, and avoid using single-use plastic products. You can refill your water bottle at some hotels and restaurants in El Nido town.
- Dispose of your trash properly, and segregate your biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste. You can also join a beach cleanup activity or donate to an environmental organization in El Nido.
- Dress modestly and behave respectfully when you are in El Nido town, as the locals are still conservative and religious. You can also learn some basic Filipino words and phrases, and greet the locals with a smile.
- Support the local economy by buying local products, eating at local restaurants, and hiring local guides. You can also tip generously and donate to a local charity in El Nido.
El Nido Palawan is a dream destination that you should not miss. By following these tips and reminders, you can have a memorable and hassle-free trip to this paradise. Have fun and enjoy!