TRAVEL GUIDE : El Nido

El Nido was once tagged as one of the most expensive places to visit in Palawan. But opposite to what most think, El Nido is truly a backpacker haven.

Kids of  Nacpan Beach

HOW TO GET TO EL NIDO



By Air:

There are direct chartered flights to Lio Airport in El Nido via Island Transvoyager. Fare is at around Php 6000+ per way.

Alternatively, El Nido can be reached through Puerto Princesa Airport. Zest Air, Cebu Pacific, Air Philippines, and Sea Air have daily flights to Puerto Princesa.



By Sea:

As of this time (January 2013) 2go Shipping hasn't resumed its Manila - Puerto Princesa Route.



From Puerto Princesa Airport to El Nido:

The cheapest way would be upon arrival, walk to the entrance gate and hail a tricycle. Ask the driver to drop you off at the Junction. Fare is Php12 per head. Several jeepneys there head  to San Jose Terminal.

Public van service to El Nido:
> Palawan Lexus Shuttle - 530AM, 8AM,9AM,11AM,230PM
--Fare: Php500[Filipinos],Php600[Foreigners] 
--Travel time: 5 hours


Public bus to El Nido:
> Eulen Joy - 5AM,7AM,9AM
--Fare: Php300(Filipinos), Php350(Foreigners)
--Travel time: 5 hours
--Contact 09197162210(EL Nido), 09186534017(Puerto Princesa)


>RORO bus - 4AM,*6AM,8AM,*10AM,12NN,*2PM,4PM,*6PM,*10PM
(*Aircon Bus)
-- Fare: Php483 AC, P363
--Travel time: roughly 7 hours
--Better to reserve seats ahead of time. 
*Puerto Princesa: (AM) 0999-787-9469 , (PM) 0919-330-2718 or 0908-920-2568
*El Nido : 09212552765
 

- We preferred to take the 10PM trip to El Nido through RORO bus because:

1.)I felt safer riding an airconditioned bus 
2.)fare is cheaper
3.)there's enough legroom 
3.)better view of landscapes
4.)perfect for the bumpy roads leading to El Nido


There are several beach resorts and inns scattered in El Nido town depending on your budget. We chose Tay Miloy's Inn that offered the cheapest room rate in  El Nido.

Situated almost right beside the Lexus Van Shuttle Terminal and approximately 5 minutes away from the bus terminal, most of the etablishments (school, market, church, El Nido main bay strip) are within walking distance.

They charge P250 per head for a fan room shared bath. They also have aircon rooms for big groups for arund Php1000- 1200. They are planning to bulid more rooms to accommodate the influx of tourists. They also offer island hopping services and trips to the Underground River. 

Contact Kuya Rodrigo of Tay Miloy's Inn ahead of time @ 09297955756. They also have a  Facebook account.



Check out my El Nido Adventure series:

>Taking it Slow in El Nido

>El Nido Island Hopping Tour A: Finding Out What the Fuss is All About

>Chasing the Golden Hour in El Nido

>The Twin Beaches of Nacpan and Calintang

>El Nido Budget