El Nido Travel Guide 2024 – Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting

Planning to visit El Nido, but don’t know where to start?

I feel you. 

I was in that exact position as I sat on the bus from Puerto Princessa to El Nido. 

My advice?

Don’t do last-minute planning like I did! 

In this El Nido travel guide, I’ll go over everything that you need to know before visiting, such as:

• Facts about El Nido you need to know
• How to get to El Nido from anywhere in the Philippines
• El Nido travel requirements
• How to get around El Nido
• An El Nido travel map
• Where to stay in El Nido
• What to do in El Nido
• El Nido tours (and which one you should choose)
• 2 sample itineraries (with budget included)

And then I’ll talk about some FAQs and El Nido vs some other popular spots in Palawan (like Coron and Port Barton!).

Let’s dive in! 

El Nido Travel Facts – 4 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting

Here are some facts you should know before you visit! 

1. El Nido is Said to be the Most Beautiful Part of the Philippines

And it’s hard to disagree!

Especially when you see their towering limestone walls and enchanting blue-green waters. 

That’s why El Nido is a MUST visit. 

If you’re debating whether or not you should go here – or maybe spend your time somewhere else? 

Well… this is your sign to visit El Nido. 

Now, on a more practical note. I will be discussing El Nido vs Coron and Port Barton below, so stay tuned for that. 

But if you can visit all three, I’d say go for it! 

Your eyes will thank you. 

2. El Nido is Slightly More Expensive Than Other PH Destinations

You’ll have to spend around php200 per meal (and that’s going cheap already). 

And the cheapest hotels you can find go for roughly php500/night (and that’s already quite shabby). 

If you want even a little bit more than the bare necessities, you’ll have to spend more. 

I will write a complete budget and itinerary guide below. 

I’ll show you how you can spend only php7,250 for 3 full days (minus flights to get there) so stayed tuned for that (or click here to skip to it!). 

3. Do NOT Drink The Free Water Here

One thing you’ll hear people complain about over and over again about El Nido is the water!

So many people have gotten sick from drinking it. 

There seems to be a problem with El Nido’s water source. 

That’s why when you’re given free water in hotels or restaurants, it’s best to skip it. 

Instead, always bring bottled water with you. 

Some people even go so far as to brush their teeth with bottled water, and to avoid ice. 

I never went that far (and didn’t have problems). 

But if you have a sensitive stomach, you might want to take these extra precautions. 

4. People From ALL Over The World Are Here

British, German, Canadian, American, Morrocan, Lebanese, Turkish…

That’s just a short list of some of the MANY nationalities I met in El Nido. 

It’s a great place for solo backpackers because you meet a LOT of interesting people here. 

Of course, there is also a fair share of local tourists as well. 

Whatever the case, El Nido is a melting pot. 

It’s one of the best places to meet like-minded travelers like yourself! 

Now…

With those four interesting facts out of the way…

Let’s get to the details of how to get there! 

How to Get to El Nido

Getting to El Nido isn’t the most straightforward. 

However, with just a little reading, you’ll find that it’s not too difficult either. 

Here’s how to do it! 

El Nido Entrance Points

There are three entrance points into El Nido:

• El Nido Airport 
• El Nido Seaport
• El Nido Van and Bus Terminal

Let’s take a closer look at each one. 

How to Get to El Nido by Plane (From Manila, Cebu, Bohol, and More!)

Roughly 20 minutes from El Nido town is a small but fully functioning airport! 

A lot of people miss this since the major airlines don’t fly into El Nido airport. 

The only operator is Air Swift (you can book directly from their website), and they have flights to and from:

• Manila
• Cebu
• Bohol
• Boracay
• Coron
• Clark

You can check their website to check their schedules! 

However, direct flights into El Nido are quite expensive. 

Without promos, these can cost roughly php5,000 from Manila. 

That’s why if you want to save, it’s better to fly into Puerto Princessa, then take a van or bus from there (see How to Get to El Nido from Puerto Princessa below!). 

How to Get to El Nido From Coron by Boat 

If you’re in Coron and prefer to reach El Nido by boat, you have two options:

1. Ride a direct ferry, or
2. Join a multi-day excursion

The direct ferries are run by Atienza and Montenegro shipping lines. 

You can check their Facebook pages for schedules. You can also book Atienza tickets online through Bookaway or Klook. 

With Montenegro, you may have to head to their ticketing office or book through a local travel agent. 

For direct ferries, it’s also a good idea to book in advance! Especially during peak holiday seasons (March-April, Christmas-New Year). 

Your other option from the seas is to join a multi-day excursion. 

Several 3-day expeditions stop by plenty of off-the-beaten-path islands from Coron to El Nido. 

The most popular one is called Tao Expedition. 

I haven’t gone on one of these, but I know several people who loved it! 

How to Get to El Nido From Puerto Princessa by Van/Bus

If you find flying directly into El Nido expensive, you can fly into Puerto Princessa instead and hop on a van or a bus.

From Puerto Princessa, it’s VERY easy to book a van. 

You can book online through Bookaway, where you can choose between the airport, your hotel, or the van terminal as your pickup point.

If you don’t want to book online, there’s a kiosk at the airport where they can arrange a van transfer for you.

Also, all hotels and accommodations in Puerto Princessa have contacts, and they can arrange to have a van pick you up at your hotel and bring you to El Nido. 

Travel time is 5-6 hours, and costs php600-700. 

However!

Just a warning about these vans:

They drive CRAZY fast. 

So if you want a more comfortable ride, I recommend getting on a bus. 

If you book online, you can get on the bus from the airport. If not, you can also get on the bus in the terminal.

However, this is a bit difficult since they closed the San Jose bus terminal in Puerto Princessa City.

The new terminal – Irawan Bus Terminal – is about 30 minutes outside the city! 

To get there, you’ll either have to hire a tricycle (for roughly php400) or hop on a Jeepney like a local. 

Jeepneys to the terminal only cost php30, but if you’ve never ridden a Jeepney before, it’s going to be quite an experience for you! 

Two bus lines ply the Puerto Princessa – El Nido route: 

• Cherry Bus
• Roro Bus

Cherry Busses are more expensive but comfortable. 

While the Roro bus is a non-aircon bus that is used mostly by locals. 

You can book through sites like Bookaway, or directly from the Irawan Terminal (few people ride these buses, I had a whole row to myself).

El Nido Travel Requirements 2024

There are no travel requirements to enter El Nido!

Whether you’re vaccinated or unvaccinated, you can visit! 

There may be additional requirements for unvaccinated travelers if you’re entering the country. 

But other than that, El Nido is open to all! 

How to Get Around El Nido

So now that you’re in El Nido, the next question is…

How do you get around El Nido??? 

There are several transport options, so let’s look closely at each one! 

Walking

If you’re staying within El Nido town, you can pretty much walk anywhere. 

It’s quite a small town, with most of the action centered around El Nido Beach. 

Make sure to check on Google Maps how far something is before walking there though! Because there are a few nice spots that are definitely not within walking distance. 

Tricycles

Tricycles are the best option for short trips such as:

• From the airport to your hotel (php300)
• From the van terminal to your hotel (php50)
• From your hotel to a restaurant (Depends on the distance, but roughly php50 if it’s within the town)
• From your hotel to some nearby beaches (Depends on the distance)

Tricycles are not allowed in the main El Nido Beach area, so you’ll have to walk around there. 

But otherwise, they’re a great option for anywhere else in El Nido town and beyond. 

Just some notes: 

• If you book an island-hopping tour, most tour operators will pick you up at your hotel for free. But you’ll probably need to hail a tricycle to get back. 
• You can hire a tricycle to take you to Nagkalit-Kalit Falls and Nacpan Beach, but that’ll cost you around php1,500 since they are far away! 

Renting a Motorbike

If you want to explore El Nido’s surroundings – such as Nagkalit-Kalit Falls or Nacpan Beach, I recommend renting a motorbike. 

Scooter rentals go for php500 – 700 a day, and they’re super convenient! 

You can rent a scooter almost anywhere in El Nido town (no need to book ahead). 

Vans

Vans are mostly unnecessary when in El Nido (unless you’re going to Port Barton or Puerto Princessa). 

However, if you don’t know how to drive a motorbike, but still want to go to Nacpan, you can ride a van there. 

There are some shuttle services from El Nido to Nacpan such as Nacpan Beach Shuttle Service. 

They have 4 trips to Nacpan a day, and a roundtrip will cost you php700. 

El Nido Travel Map

Fun travel map coming soon! For now, here’s a map by Guide to the Philippines! 

Where to Stay in El Nido

There are 4 areas in El Nido you should consider staying: El Nido town, Corong-Corong, Marimegmeg, and Nacpan Beach.

1. El Nido Town – the heart and busiest part of El Nido. You’ll find all kinds of hotels, hostels, restaurants, tour agencies, and other establishments around here. There are flocks of people walking around at any time of day, and it’s honestly a great place to stay for action.

2. Corong-Corong – 1.5km away from El Nido town, Corong Corong is where most of the budget accommodations are. The bus/van terminal is also in this area, and some cheaper tours depart from Corong-Corong Beach. Not too many estbalishments in this area.

3. Marimegmeg (Las Cabanas) – 5km away from El Nido town, Marimegmeg is a VERY beautiful place. It has several establishments nearby (including a McDonalds), but it’s not as busy as the town. Hotels in this area also cost more than in other parts. 

4. Nacpan Beach – Nacpan is a legendary tourist spot about 20km away from town. That’s why it’s secluded (very few establishments in the area) but still a wonderful place to stay!

You’ll find all kinds of accommodations in these four areas – from hostels to luxury resorts. 

I personally loved staying in El Nido town. It’s smack in the middle of all the action, so you can walk EVERYWHERE (except to Nacpan of course). 

But alright… what exactly are your options?

Here are some of the best ones!

What to do in El Nido

Alright… 

Now for the fun part! 

We all know El Nido is beautiful…

But what can you actually do when you’re here? 

Here are 4 must-dos when in El Nido! 

Want to learn more about El Nido’s tourist spots? Check out my 22 best El Nido tourist spots post!

Things to do in El Nido #1: Join an Island Hopping Tour

If you don’t join an island hopping tour… have you even been to El Nido??? 

El Nido’s majestic limestone cliffs and enchanting waters are best seen in these tours. 

But it’s not just the lagoons you see on these tours. 

They also take you to beautiful beaches.

And awesome snorkeling spots as well! 

Now…

There are four tour options available to you named Tour A – D. 

I’ll get into more details below, but here’s a quick summary of each one: 

• Tour A – The most popular tour! If you’re here to see El Nido’s highlights, Tour A will give you the best ones! The only downside to this tour is that it can get pretty crowded, especially on weekends. 

• Tour B – This is one of the less popular tours. However, if you’re someone who likes (or is interested in) caves, this tour visits 2 cave sites. Other than that, you get the same majestic cliffs and beautiful waters, but not as epic as the ones in tour A. 

• Tour C – This is the second most popular tour. While it is similar to Tour A, Tour C focuses more on beaches, whereas A focuses more on lagoons. Most tourists in El Nido do both tour A and C during their visit. 

• Tour D – Last but not least, Tour D! Tour D is what you should go for if you want to skip the crowd. Unlike A and C, Tour D is not super popular – but it does have its fair share of beautiful locations too, so don’t think it’s bad! 

Again, I’ll get into more details below. 

But another thing you can do is…

Things to do in El Nido #2: Explore El Nido’s Surroundings

While island hopping is the main attraction…

There are plenty of other cool spots you can check out around El Nido! 

Cool spots such as: 

• Taraw Cliff Canopy Walk – A cliff smack dab in the middle of El Nido town. They built a walkway that’ll take you halfway up. There you get an awesome overlooking view of El Nido town and the Bay. (Entrance: php350, Spiderwebs: php350, combo discount on Klook: php630)

• Nagkalit-Kalit Falls – A small waterfall found deep in the forests of El Nido. The waterfall isn’t spectacular. But the 20-minute hike (more like “walk”) through nature to get there is quite nice. 

• Nacpan Beach – A must-visit! Nacpan Beach is one of the best beaches in the Philippines (which is saying a LOT!). Here you can chill at the restos and bars, walk along the fine white sand, or even rent an ATV! 

The best way to visit these spots is to rent a motorbike for roughly php500 a day! 

See the How to get around El Nido section above for more info. 

Things to do in El Nido #3: Try Scuba Diving

If you’re curious about scuba diving, I have some good news for you. 

El Nido is one of the best places that you can try it out! 

And if you’re already experienced in this extreme sport, then diving here is a must. 

El Nido’s reefs are bursting with life such as:

• Colorful corals
• Cabbage corals
• Cuttlefish
• Sea slugs
• Turtles
• Pufferfish
• Groupers

And SO much more colorful fish. 

The great thing about El Nido is that not only are the dive sites great but there are a bunch of professional dive shops as well. 

I went with El Dive – their package costs php4,800 for 3 boat dives! 

Things to do in El Nido #4: Visit the “Secret” Beaches

Aside from Nacpan, there are a handful of great beaches scattered all over El Nido. 

El Nido Beach – which is right in the center of town, is quite a great beach in and of itself. 

But you don’t have to look far to find less crowded ones! 

Beaches like Lio Beach, Las Cabanas, and Duli Beaches don’t get nearly as many people as Nacpan. 

So if you want to find a secluded spot and just chill the day away, you should check these out! 

El Nido Tours (Which One Should You Go On?)

Alright…

So since going on an island hopping tour is a must, let’s talk about your options a bit more! 

Note: you’ll need to pay a php200 environmental fee on top of the prices of these tours. 

Make sure you ask for your environmental fee receipt! 

It’s valid for 10 days, meaning you won’t have to pay it again if you go for another tour the next day. 

Tour A – Best Lagoons

Price: php1,400 (regular), php950 (if you book here)

Spots: 

• Big Lagoon
• Shimizu Island
• Secret Lagoon
• Seven Commandos Beach

Tour A is by far the most popular. 

And that’s mostly because of Big Lagoon – one of the most grand and beautiful places not just in El Nido, but in the world! 

You can rent a kayak in Big Lagoon for php300, which is a must when you’re there. 

Other than that, Tour A also includes a nice beach spot, and also the Secret Lagoon as well. 

If you can only do one tour, I recommend tour A. 

It’s a bit crowded, but the spots more than make up for it! 

Tour B – Caves

Price: php1,300 (regular), php1,100 (if you book here)

Spots: 

• Snake Island
• Pinagbuyutan Island
• Entalula Beach
• Cudugnon Cave
• Cathedral Cave

The unique feature of Tour B is the caves that you visit. 

Yes, you also get to see the amazing limestone cliffs and nice beaches that El Nido has to offer here. 

But they’re not as grand as the ones in Tour A. 

Another reason people pick Tour B is to get away from the crowd. 

Because Tour A is so popular, it can sometimes get jam-packed (especially during peak season). 

Tour C – 2nd Most Popular

Price: php1,400 (regular), php1,200 (if you book here)

Spots: 

• Helicopter Island
• Matinloc Shrine
• Secret Beach
• Talisay Beach
• Hidden Beach

Mantinloc Island is one of the most beautiful islands in El Nido, and Tour C spends a lot of time on it! 

The beaches here don’t only have powdery white sand, but they’re also right beside some towering cliffs as well. 

Tour C is the second most popular tour after Tour A. 

A lot of people opt to do Tour A and Tour C on the same trip since it’s a nice mix of lagoons, snorkeling spots, and amazing beaches. 

Tour D – Less Crowd

Price: php1,400 

Spots: 

• Small Lagoon
• Cadlao Lagoon
• Natnat Beach
• Pasandigan Cove

If you look out to the horizon in El Nido Beach, you’ll see an island not too far away. 

That’s Cadlao Island. 

And that’s where you’ll spend most of your time if you go on Tour D! 

Yes, Tour D also has the right mix of cliffs, beaches, and underwater spots. 

But funnily enough, this tour is “famous” for being not famous – aka, it’s the least crowded tour you can go for. 

The spots aren’t as epic as the ones in the other tours, but you might get to enjoy them much more without so many tourists around. 

Sample El Nido Budget and Itinerary

Still not sure what to do or when to do it?

Or maybe you’re wondering how much you should budget for your trip? 

Welp! 

I’ve got you covered. 

Here are 3 different budgets and itineraries you can follow! 

But first…

How Many Days Should You Spend in El Nido?

You’ll want to spend at least 3 FULL days in El Nido. That’s enough to see most of the spots worth visiting. 

2 days is a bit too short. 

But if you have more time, you can spend a LOT of it in El Nido. 

El Nido town is so lively, you can stay for weeks without getting too bored. 

So with that out of the way, let’s get to some sample itineraries! 

Note: these sample itineraries don’t include airfare or transport fees getting to El Nido! 

Sample 3-Day El Nido Itinerary #1 – Full Budget Mode (php7,250)

• Cheapest meals = php200 
• Cheapest hotel = php500/night

Day 1: Tour A

8:00 am – Join Tour A! (php1,400 + php200 environmental fee + php300 Big Lagoon kayak rental = php1,900) (You can also save by booking via this Klook discount link)

5:00 pm – Check in hotel (2 nights = php1,000)

7:00 pm – Dinner (php200)

Day 2: Land Tour

7:00 am – Breakfast (php200)

8:00 am – Rent a motorbike for the day (php500 + gas php250 = php750)

10:00 am – Taraw Cliff Canopy Walk (php700) (php630 if you book online here)

12:00 pm – Lunch (php200)

2:00 pm Nagkalit-Kalit Falls (php500)

4:00 pm Nacpan Beach (free!)

6:00 pm Dinner (php200)

Day 3: Tour C

7:00 am – Breakfast (php200)

8:00 am – Join Tour C! (php1,400 regular, php1,200 if you book with my Klook discount link!)

5:00 pm – Leave El Nido

Sample 3-Day El Nido Itinerary #2 – Budget Mode With Scuba Diving (php10,650)

• This is what I did! 
• Cheapest meals = php200 
• Cheapest hotel = php500/night

Day 1: Tour A

8:00 am – Join Tour A! (php1,400 + php200 environmental fee + php300 Big Lagoon kayak rental = php1,900) (Tour A base fee is just php950 if you book here)

5:00 pm – Check in hotel (2 nights = php1,000)

7:00 pm – Dinner (php200)

Day 2: Land Tour

7:00 am – Breakfast (php200)

8:00 am – Rent a motorbike for the day (php500 + gas php250 = php750)

10:00 am – Taraw Cliff Canopy Walk (php700)

12:00 pm – Lunch (php200)

2:00 pm Nagkalit-Kalit Falls (php500)

4:00 pm Nacpan Beach (free!)

6:00 pm Dinner (php200)

Day 3: Scuba Diving

7:00 am – Breakfast (php200)

8:00 am – Join a scuba diving tour! (php4,800)

6:00 pm – Leave El Nido

Frequently Asked Questions About El Nido

Before I close off…

I just wanna answer some of the questions that get asked a LOT about El Nido. 

Let’s get into it. 

Is El Nido Better Than Coron?

El Nido is better than Coron if you’re looking for a relaxing vacation. Coron is better if you’re more adventurous, and want to venture into the wild. 

While their lagoons are about equal, El Nido has better beaches. 

Also, El Nido’s town is much more lively, with a lot more food and hotel options than in Coron – which is interesting but quite quiet. 

That’s why if you prefer a more relaxing stay, I recommend El Nido over Coron. 

Planning to visit Coron? Check out my travel guide and tourist spot posts!

Is El Nido Better Than Port Barton? 

Yes. El Nido is more beautiful and has more things to do than Port Barton. However, many people prefer Port Barton since El Nido can get quite crowded at times. 

The spots in Port Barton are underwhelming compared to El Nido. 

However, Port Barton has a very lovely “slow” vibe, making it the ultimate relaxation destination in Palawan. 

Some people find El Nido a bit too commercialized nowadays. 

If you have the chance to though, I highly recommend visiting both! 

Is El Nido Better Than Boracay?

Yes. While both are tourist hotspots, El Nido is better because it has more than just a nice beach. However, Boracay has considerably more luxury options. 

In El Nido, you’ll find majestic lagoons, breathtaking dive sites, powdery white sand beaches, and even a waterfall. 

Boracay’s main weakness is that it’s a bit of a one-trick pony. 

White Beach is amazing, for sure, but it doesn’t have much else to offer. 

However, if you’re a luxury vacationer, you’ll find that Boracay has considerably more luxury hotels and restaurants available than El Nido. 

Planning to visit Boracay? Check out my travel guide and tourist spot posts!

What’s the Best Time to Visit El Nido?

The best time to visit El Nido is during the dry months (November – May), with March-April being the hottest months. However, this is also the busiest time, so expect big crowds! 

Philippine weather is quite unpredictable. 

So even if the only time you can visit is during the rainy season (July – September), this doesn’t mean you won’t enjoy your time in El Nido! 

As long as there is no storm, the tours usually go on. 

You’ll also find a bunch of promos during this time. 

Why is El Nido so Expensive?

El Nido is more expensive than other Philippine destinations because of how isolated it is! The cost of shipping food and other supplies is higher, therefore the price you pay for these commodities is also higher. 

That said, there are several ways that you can cut costs while in El Nido. 

If you really want to go cheap, there are several carenderias along El Nido town. You can grab a full meal for only php100! 

Using a booking site like Klook can also get you on tours cheaper. This is because they have deals with local tour providers, and can give you discounts when you book using them.

Are there ATMs in El Nido? 

Yes! There are several ATMs in El Nido town. However, it’s wise to arrive with cash in hand. 

What’s so Special About El Nido?

The towering limestone cliffs, the enchanting blue-green waters, the pristine beaches, and the lively town – all of these combine to make El Nido an extremely special place. 

And no matter what your travel preferences are, you’re sure to find something for you in El Nido! 

What’s the Best Tour for Island Hopping in El Nido?

Tour A is considered by most people to be the best island-hopping tour in El Nido. It allows you to see the majestic limestone cliffs up close, and also has nice stops in reefs and beaches.

Tour C is the second most popular. While Tour B and D are preferred by people who want to escape the crowd.

Conclusion: Ready to Visit El Nido?

I hope you found this El Nido travel guide helpful! 

Whether you’re just thinking about visiting…

Or if you’ve already got tickets and are planning your exact itinerary…

One thing is for sure:

You are going to LOVE El Nido! 

I’m so excited for you!

Want to learn more about El Nido’s tourist spots? Check out my blog post about that here!

Or read my travel guides for other Palawan spots like Balabac and Port Barton!