Nestled in the northernmost tip of the stunning Palawan Island in the Philippines lies the breathtakingly beautiful El Nido. El Nido is a paradise that offers unparalleled natural wonders and awe-inspiring scenery that will leave you spellbound. The town is renowned for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, towering limestone cliffs, and lush green forests.

El Nido's natural beauty is simply stunning, and it's an ideal destination for adventurers and nature lovers. Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple, or a family, El Nido has something for everyone. It's an excellent place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in a tranquil and serene environment.

The town boasts of numerous tourist attractions that include island hopping tours, snorkeling, diving, and exploring the magnificent underwater world. El Nido's towering cliffs provide an excellent opportunity for rock climbing and rappelling, while its lush forests offer a chance to go trekking and bird watching.

El Nido's warm and friendly locals make the town a welcoming and inviting place to visit. The town's laid-back vibe, combined with its picturesque scenery, creates an idyllic and peaceful atmosphere that is perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Moreover, El Nido has a wide variety of accommodations ranging from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxurious five-star resorts that cater to every traveler's needs. You can indulge in sumptuous meals featuring fresh seafood and local delicacies while enjoying a cold drink and a stunning sunset.

It is an extraordinary destination that combines natural beauty, adventure, and relaxation. It's a place where you can create unforgettable memories and experience a slice of paradise on earth. Come and explore El Nido and discover why it's one of the most beautiful destinations in the Philippines.

To start, the El Nido town is not an island itself, unlike Boracay and Coron. It is the northern most tip of mainland Palawan, accessible via shuttle vans and buses from Puerto Princesa City- the province’s center and only city. The beaches for which the town is famous for are part of the El Nido municipality, usually minutes of boat rides away from the Town.

HOW TO GET THERE?

Palawan is a province of 1700 islands, and El Nido is one of its twenty three (23) towns or municipalities. It’s one and only city, Puerto Princesa City, is located in the center of mainland Palawan. This is the only hub for commercial flights like Air Asia, Cebu Pacific, and Philippine Airlines. Direct flights (usually a little costly) from Manila and Cebu to El Nido are also available via Air Swift.

To get to El Nido from the City, one will travel via shuttle vans or buses ride of five-six (5-6) hours. It will surely be a little tiring so prepare for this one. The earliest trips available are at 4:00-4:30 in the morning. Usually, there are trips every two hours until 6:00 PM for the vans and 10:00 PM for the buses. These vehicles usually take off from the San Jose Terminal (a tricycle [local transportation] ride away from the airport) and will likely to drop off passengers at the Van/Bus terminal in El Nido, a tricycle ride to the main town. Don’t worry about tricycles because they are always there, both in Puerto Princesa City and in El Nido, although trips at night will likely to cost more.

WHERE TO STAY?

El Nido teems with 80+ accommodation establishments– from budget rooms to expensive resorts. Travel agencies and booking offices that cater to tours are also conveniently scattered on streets. The Town itself is very small. One can actually go see the entire place in a few hours. Its small streets are packed with stores of all kinds. Restaurants are also present, but most of them are found along the beach.

EL NIDO BANKS

However, it is vital to know that ATM machines in El Nido are very limited. Presently, there are three banks that have put up ATMs- First Consolidated Bank, BPI, Metrobank and RCBC. FCB ATMs are exclusive, meaning they do not cater transactions using cards from other banks. RCBC ATMs are usually able to cater to tourists’ needs, although sometimes they run out of cash and take some time to replenish since El Nido is hours away from Puerto Princesa. One friendly tip is to do not rely so much on these ATMs since you’ll be left with no other options when something comes up.

ECO TOURISM DEVELOPMENT FEE

Note that El Nido Tourism collects Eco Tourism Development Fee (ETDF) of 200.00 per person.This is valid for 10 days. You can either pay for this and get an official receipt at the Tourism Office or pay together with your island hopping tour in a travel agency/booking office. Please keep your tickets as you might need these as you do other activities.

It is best to make the most of your stay in El Nido by trying as much activities as you can. The different tours are explained further in their respective page. Be very smart in choosing which excursions would you do and and what companies would do it for you. We suggest that you be particular especially with tour inclusions and food. These are usually the parts where tourists have problems that pop up.

We hope that these are of enough help. We believe that you are now ready to plan more, so feel free to check further the information we have prepared for you.