How to go to El Nido, Palawan, a tropical paradise known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and breathtaking limestone cliffs? If you’re planning a trip to this enchanting destination, here’s a comprehensive guide on how to get there based on my own experience.
A popular route how to get to El Nido is by flying from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA 3) in Manila to Puerto Princesa via Cebu Pacific or other local carriers like Philippine Airlines and Air Asia. Cebu Pacific offers multiple daily flights, making this a flexible and convenient option.
From Puerto Princesa, you can take a scenic five to six-hour van or bus ride to El Nido.
Your travel agency can arrange a van ride from Puerto Princesa to El Nido. This ensures a hassle-free transfer and a comfortable journey through the beautiful landscapes of Palawan.
Alternatively, Air Swift offers another option for reaching El Nido directly from Manila. This seamless travel experience ensures you maximize your time in one of the Philippines’ most beautiful destinations.
Departing from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 4, Air Swift offers multiple daily flights that take approximately 1.5 hours to reach El Nido’s Lio Airport. This direct route is the quickest and most hassle-free option, allowing travelers to enjoy stunning aerial views of the Philippine archipelago. Upon arrival at Lio Airport, a short transfer will bring you to the heart of El Nido, where you can immediately start exploring its breathtaking beaches and crystal-clear waters.
Day 1: Visit the Puerto Princesa Underground River
Before going straight to El Nido, consider visiting the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, commonly known as the Underground River.
As my husband and I arrived at Puerto Princesa airport, excitement filled the air as we embarked on our first adventure.
Navigating through the cave’s majestic chambers, we were in awe of the stalactites and stalagmites that adorned the walls.
This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature and offers a unique experience exploring its stunning limestone karst landscape, rich biodiversity, and impressive cave formations.
How to Get There: From Puerto Princesa, the Underground River is approximately a two-hour van ride to Sabang, where the river entrance is located. You can arrange a van ride through your travel agency or book a guided tour that includes transportation.
What to Expect: The Underground River tour involves a boat ride through the cave’s navigable sections, showcasing spectacular stalactites, stalagmites, and large chambers. The tour typically lasts around 45 minutes to an hour.
Permits and Fees: Visitors need a permit to enter the Underground River, which can be obtained at the booking office in Puerto Princesa or arranged by your tour operator. The tour fee usually includes the permit, boat ride, and a guide.
Zipline Adventure in Puerto Princesa
After exploring the underground marvels, we were ready for our next thrill—the zipline. Perched high above the lush forest canopy, the zipline offered a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape.
As we were strapped into our harnesses, the anticipation built up. The moment we launched off the platform, the rush of wind and the feeling of soaring above the treetops was exhilarating.
The ride was both thrilling and scenic, providing a unique perspective of Puerto Princesa’s natural beauty. It was an unforgettable experience that left us both exhilarated and ready for more adventures.
Our appetites were satisfied with a delightful buffet lunch at Sarang Restaurant, where we indulged in a fusion of Korean and Filipino cuisine. The flavors were a delightful surprise, setting the stage for culinary delights throughout our trip. The lunch is included in our tour package arranged by the tour agency.
After lunch, we continued our journey to El Nido. The drive was long but scenic, and we enjoyed the picturesque views along the way. Our van made a stop for dinner at Femzzan, where we had a hearty meal that re-energized us for the remainder of the trip. Finally, we headed straight to our hotel, eager for the adventures that awaited us the next day.
Day 2: Tour C and Beach Bliss
Day two was dedicated to exploring the beauty of Tour C. We soaked up the sun and relaxed at Talisay Beach, enjoying the included lunch as part of our tour package. Armed with essentials like water, beach shoes, and sunscreen, we made the most of our beach day.
From the tranquil beauty of Hidden Beach and the mysterious allure of Secret Beach to the panoramic views from Matinloc Shrine and the serene shores of Talisay Beach, each stop offered a captivating experience.
Our day ended with a visit to Helicopter Beach, where we enjoyed the refreshing ocean breeze and stunning sunset views.
In the evening, we savored dinner at Vibes Resto Bar, savoring the flavors of El Nido. Dinner is not included in our tour package so we find this restaurant by walking the streets near our hotel.
Day 3: Tour A – Nature’s Bounty Discovery
The third day took us on a journey through nature’s bounty as we explored Tour A. Seven Commandos Beach welcomed us with its golden sands and clear waters, perfect for a relaxing beach day.
Exploring the Big Lagoon
Before lunch, we headed to the Big Lagoon, one of the most iconic spots in El Nido. We rented a kayak and spent two hours paddling through the serene waters. The lagoon’s towering limestone cliffs and emerald-green waters created a stunning backdrop as we explored both the Big and Small Lagoon. Gliding through narrow passages and open waters, we marveled at the tranquility and beauty of this natural wonder. It was a peaceful and awe-inspiring experience, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in El Nido’s pristine environment.
Our lunch stop at Shimizu offered panoramic views of the sea, accompanied by a delicious spread of seafood and grilled specialties. It was a moment of tranquility and indulgence, surrounded by nature’s beauty.
In the evening, we received a special invitation to El Nido Bay View Resort for dinner. The warm hospitality and delectable dishes made for an unforgettable dining experience, with the sunset casting a magical glow over the horizon.
Day 4: Nacpan Beach Escape
Our fourth day was dedicated to relaxation at Nacpan Beach. Arriving by tricycle arranged by our tour agency, we were greeted by the sight of pristine sands and azure waters stretching as far as the eye could see. A leisurely lunch by the beach, featuring traditional Filipino dishes, added to the charm of the day.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, we enjoyed a final dinner at Mazabor El Nido, savoring the flavors of local cuisine and reflecting on the incredible experiences of our trip.
Day 5: Departure from El Nido to Puerto Princesa
On our last day, we were picked up by a van for our journey back to Puerto Princesa airport. Before bidding farewell to El Nido, we made a final stop at El Fredo for lunch. The cozy ambiance and delicious food provided a fitting end to our unforgettable El Nido adventure, leaving us with cherished memories and a longing to return to this tropical paradise.
From thrilling adventures to serene beach days and culinary delights, our trip to El Nido during Holy Week was a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
How Much to Spend to El Nido
For our 5-day, 4-night vacation to El Nido, I booked online and availed of Package C from QKB537 Travel & Tours, costing Php 8,300 per person. This comprehensive package included a 5D4N stay in a private air-conditioned room with a toilet and bath, daily breakfast, and roundtrip van transfers between Puerto Princesa and El Nido. The package also covered Tour A and Tour C with lunch, snorkeling gear, private transportation for an inland tour to Nacpan and Las Cabanas, a tour guide, pick-up services, travel insurance (accidental insurance only), environmental and lagoon fees, and all necessary permits and taxes.
The itinerary was well-organized:
- Day 1: Arrival in Puerto Princesa, followed by travel to the Underground River.
- Day 2: Island hopping Tour C, exploring Matinloc Shrine, Helicopter Island, Hidden Beach, Secret Beach, and Talisay Beach.
- Day 3: Island hopping Tour A, visiting Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Seven Commando Beach, and Payong-Payong Island.
- Day 4: Inland tour with visits to Nacpan and Las Cabanas beaches.
- Day 5: Return to Puerto Princesa and departure.
While the package covered most expenses, some optional costs were excluded, such as kayak rentals (Php 350 for a 2-seater, Php 400 for a 3-seater) and the entrance fee to Matinloc Shrine (Php 200 per person). Additionally, meals not mentioned in the package were not included.
During the tours, food options included a variety of seafood, chicken, pork, vegetables, fruits, rice, and drinks. We also had the option to rent a GoPro and kayaks and participate in activities like the Canopy Walk, Dream Catcher experience, and scuba diving.
To book the tour with the agency, a 30% downpayment is needed, which can be fully paid upon arrival at the hotel. The booking is non-cancellable but rebookable at least fifteen days before arrival.
For those interested in extending their stay in Puerto Princesa, additional tours such as the Underground River, Honda Bay, and City Tour were available. This package provided a hassle-free and enjoyable experience, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the natural beauty and adventure that El Nido offers.
Final Thoughts
Our experience with El Nido Tour Packages was nothing short of exceptional. The seamless coordination of transfers, well-planned itinerary, and inclusion of must-visit attractions made our 5-day, 4-night vacation truly memorable. The professionalism and expertise of the tour guides ensured that we gained insightful knowledge about El Nido’s rich culture and natural wonders, enhancing our overall travel experience.
Moreover, the package’s affordability, coupled with its comprehensive inclusions such as private accommodations, daily breakfast, island hopping tours, and travel insurance, made it a fantastic value for money. I highly recommend El Nido Tour Packages to anyone looking for a hassle-free and immersive journey to El Nido, Palawan, where every moment is filled with adventure, relaxation, and awe-inspiring beauty.
