Q111483

Getting there

By plane

1 El Nido Airport (ENI IATA). Air Swift. ☏ +632-3185941, +632-3185943. has flights to and from Manila and Cebu. It is best to book via their website. The airport can accommodate only small aircraft, so the prices tend to be much higher than to Puerto Princesa. Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS IATA) is Palawan's premier gateway. Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and Air Asia connect to Manila, Iloilo and Cebu. You can catch a bus, private or public van from Puerto Princesa to El Nido on arrival.

By van Three van companies are doing regular shuttle trips to El Nido, departing from San Jose bus terminal in Puerto Princesa. Fares are ₱600 per person and ₱700 for hotel or airport pick ups (minimum 2 people) and the travel time is 4-5 hours. Fortwally Shuttle Service You can book directly at Cell: 09172762875 or 09213118755 or email: [email protected] (www.fortwallytravelandtour.com www.fortwallytravelandtour.com). Departure times Puerto Princesa-El Nido 7AM, 9:30AM, 11AM and 1:30PM, and 6:30PM, and from El Nido to Puerto Princesa 5AM, 7AM, 9AM, 1PM, and 6PM (depending on the volume of passengers). As part of lean season, Fortwally offers ₱600, one-way fare including pick up in airport or hotel. They also offer van sharing from Puerto Princesa to Sabang for ₱300/person. Eulen Joy Shuttle Van PPS-El Nido-PPS have daily trips from Puerto to El Nido at 7:30AM, 10AM and from El Nido to Puerto at 7:30AM, 9AM, 1PM. Phone: PPS +63 9494498858, El Nido +63 9494498858. Tickets are available at Artcafe Travel Center and other outlets. Lexus Company Tel. +63 9121002652. From Sabang to El Nido: daily at 7:30AM, 8:30AM, 1PM, 2PM, 4:30PM. From El Nido to Sabang: daily at 5AM, 8AM, 9:30AM and 11AM. Sabang - El Nido fare is P900 but they will only run if they have enough passengers. From El Nido to Puerto Princesa: Daily trip schedule starts at 2AM. AM: 2:00, 5:00, 7:00, 8:00, 9:30, 11:00. PM: 1:00, 2:30, 4:00, 5:30, 8:30. Likewise, from Puerto Pr

See

Breathtaking views of nature are the main reason to visit El Nido. The pristine waters of El Nido offer beautiful coral reefs, while its beaches are uncrowded unlike the popular Boracay, exploring the lagoons by kayaking is a great way of visiting the islets, coves and caves are also abundant. Inland El Nido, springs and waterfalls are also found. Bacuit Bay composes of limestone islands, where it's possible to either dive, snorkel or hike. The easiest way to see the Bacuit Bay is on an island hopping boat. These boats carry 6-12 people and will visit 4 or 5 destinations in a day. These destinations include: secret beaches, blue or green lagoons, various islands, and amazing natural land-formations. The boats usually take set routes named A to D, but can vary depending on tides and weather. Each boat trip takes you to 4 or 5 different places and favorite tours are A and C, though all of them are fantastic. Boats normally cost around ₱850-1200 per person depending on the route and travel agency. The trip takes one day (cca 9AM-3:30PM), normally includes a good lunch and can be arranged from most guesthouses and travel agencies in El Nido. El Nido municipality also charges ₱200 as an environmental fee which is valid 10 days. It's a good idea to book a boat with only 6 seats and experienced crew (e.g. at Relucio's). If you have time, go for overnight island hopping (3 days 2 nights is a good option) where you get to camp on deserted island ala Survivor style. (Though most places you can be dropped at are included in the daily island hopping tours.) It gives you the best option to visit lots more islands that are included in those bundle package tours but at your own leisure time. Find a few more people to get a much better rate. Recommended place a booth at Aplaya Restaurant, look for Nhel who will give you the best deals and arrangements.

Do

Cultural. The Philippine Experience is an immersive adventure that offers an insight into the Philippines & its people. Reviews from guests are extremely impressive. There is a flora and fauna trek, a mini cooking course, making coconut milk and oil, coconut tree climbing, trying the national martial art and local crafts & games. Can be booked only via contact info on their website. It has scheduled dates and requires advance booking and runs from 9AM to 2:30PM and costs ₱1900 (Jan 2024). Mountain Biking. There are numerous destinations to visit... even Nacpan beach is possible for the adventurous. Bikes range from ₱400-500 per day. Taking the budget, healthy way to see El Nido rewards travelers with routes through traditional villages along forest trails, roads and dirt tracks. Rock climbing & walking. The western side of El Nido township lies in the shadow of an impressive sheer cliff face which is just the visible portion of an even more impressive headland. There are organized walking treks to the top of the headland and it's breathtaking views all the way. Catch a tricycle taxi to Las Cabanas (₱150) and plonk yourself down out front of Orange Pearl Bar for a day away from the crowds on a white sandy beach and crystal waters. It's a short walk down a dirt road from where you will be dropped off. There is also an island with some OK snorkeling which can be reached easily wading through waist deep water. Island hopping, snorkeling, kayaking, trekking, cliff climbing; Bacuit Bay consists of islands with limestone cliffs which are ideal for climbing, diving and snorkeling; The most popular activity is island hopping costing from ₱1200 a day including BBQ lunch and snorkel gear. There are 4 basic day trips to choose from named Tour A to D and can be booked from all over town. The quality of the boat, guides & tour depends on who you book it through.

1 El Dive, Hama Street, ☏ +63 999 1712915, [email protected]. This small dive center will offer you relaxing and

Buy

ATM As of June 2019 there are two BPI ATMs: on Real Street, and at the Municipal Hall. Some more options to access money:

You can quite easily send yourself money online & pick it up at an authorized place in town. You could also cash up in Puerto Princesa or Manila before you set out. You can also change major currencies for a fair rates. Accommodation, dive operators and some restaurants also accept credit card payments, this can save some of your cash as well. Several businesses also accept Alipay or WeChat Pay, as more Chinese visitors come to the area. For visitors flying in from overseas, money changers in Manila Airport offer better rates than either Puerto Princesa or El Nido. The most competitive changers are on the ground floor of Terminal 1, with rates worsening as you move further through the airport

Souvenirs El Nido Boutique & Artcafe, Sirena Street (Buena Suerte), ☏ +63 9209026317. 7AM-9PM. El Nido T-shirts printed in their own artshop, souvenirs, handicrafts, postcards, books, photo supplies and cameras, snorkel gear, swimming clothes and beach wear, sarongs, dresses, jewelry, suntan lotion