El Nido, creating its position as one of the amazing tourist destinations in the Philippines. The question of how to get to El Nido in Palawan 2020 has an excellent solution in this article.
Most people thought flight is the only way, and there are no other mediums to reach there. This concept doesn’t seem right. Based on our people’s visiting experience, we classified five possible ways to visit El N at the best time.
1. By Flight- the fastest one
2. By Van- the usual one
3. By Bus- the cheapest one
4. By Car- the personal one
5. By Boat- the slowest one
All of those 5 have the different attributes. So, it’s your preference on which way you want to travel. We are just here to help you by reflecting on those fives character in depth.
1. By Flight- the fastest one
To reach El N, flights are the easiest and fastest way. The flight would be most effective for a person having fatty money.
There are so many flights running to El Nido from Manila, Coron, and other Philippines city. The company named Air Swift offers those luxury flights.
Manila to El N. by air is the fastest way. Four direct flights are available daily. It takes around one and a half hours to reach Lio airport which is 4km away from the town. Get midtown from the airport; It takes approximately 20 minutes. In the cost term, Manila to Lio airport costs $70 and the airport to the city $5. So around $75/76 budget, you need to spend.
Another airway is first from Manila to Puerto Princessa by flight then from there to el n. by van. Manila to Puerto Princessa is around 1.5 hours required, and that costs $25. To reach your destination, you still have 220km to finish. And it can be done by van from Puerto Princessa. Van charges start from $11. So approximately, the second way needs $36 (1745 PHP).
From other places like Cebu and Coron, it is also possible to reach by flight.
2. By Van- the usual one
If you wanted to start your journey from Puerto Princessa to E. Nido, then a van is the easiest and most popular way. So how to get to El Nido from Puerto Princessa?
As we mentioned previously, there is a 220 km distance between those two places. At the terminal, you would notice different types of van companies waiting off at your destination. Lexxus Shuttle and DaytripperPalawan are two well-known companies to provide a safe and luxurious journey. It takes nearly 5-6 hours to reach E.N. Usually, those vans take $11-$12 (around 580 PHP) for your destination.
Online booking is available to most travelers not to prefer it.
3. By Bus- the cheapest one
The bus is another choosy option to travel from Puerto Princesa. It’s comfortable and also the cheapest to compare with the previous two.
Busway has some advantages like the cheapest journey with a comfortable bus, more spaces for more luggage, possibility to close with the locals.
To start your trip, first, go to the San Jose Bus Terminal, which is about 4km far from the airport. Take a tricycle to reach there, which costs around $3.
From there, take a bus off to your leading destination. There are low numbers of buses available, so you need to go there in time.
We recommend two bus companies, Cherry Bus and RoRo Bus, which are well known for their service. As the bus stopped several stoppages to in and out of passengers, more time might be needed. Averagely 6.5 to 7.5 hours are required. Then from there, you can go to your desired hotel where you can stay. And around $7 to $11 are cut off by each bus trip. So it can be the cheapest way.
4. By Car- the personal one
A car or motorbike is another option to travel in your own way.
It will be a good option when you want to explore the roadside view of your desired way and also good at driving. It would be your concern that you need to move 230km+ long way.
There are different types of rental cars available from Puerto Princessa. The cost and require time are dependent on you. It is not acceptable to travel at night. So rent a car and enjoy your journey via beautiful villages and countryside.
5. By Boat- the slowest one
If your destination starts from Manila to El Nido by ferry, then it will be going to the slowest one.
First, you need to go to Coron by ferry, which takes almost 11 hours to reach Coron. There is only one trip 2Go in a week. It costs around $38 to get there. From there, take another ferry to your final destination. Manila to E. Nido by ferry isn’t such a good option but still one possible way.
If you are searching for how to get to El Nido from Coron, then this way may be useful for you. From Coron, it’s a straightforward and effective way. 2 Ferries (Montenegro and Phimal) daily depart at midnight. It takes only 3.5-4 hours. From E. Nido, the departure time is at 6 am. The fare of each trip is in the range of $36 to $38 (around 1840 PHP).
So, above those are the possible ways how to get to El N. Some other tough ways can be found, but those aren’t appropriate.
Getting Around El N.
So after reaching out to explore the town, it is essential to know about getting around to ensure your pace and safe journey. Being a small town, it offers many small vehicles to travel around. Alright, now take a look at the available options.
Motorbike:
A motorbike is the most used vehicle for getting around. It’s suitable for land tours. You can enjoy your destination by a motorbike driven by locals. But rental is also possible if you are good at driving. It’s good to not rent a scooter. Depending on some factors, the cost for a one-day motorbike rental is between $8-$15.
Car:
Renting a car is also in your hand. Take a car and explore the beautiful destination in a self-way.
Tricycle:
Tricycle in the Philippines is regarded as the cheapest and easiest way to get around for short distances. It’s a good option for small groups. Tricycle rental for a day is also available.
Jeepney:
It is another medium to get around in El N. They are also cheap. The colorful decoration and painting quickly impressed one to feel its travel experience.
Van:
If you are traveling with a big group and want a luxury trip, then a van is highly recommended for you. It’s relatively high but able to worth your trip. For this, you just need to rent a private van.
Others:
Others mean ferry, bus, or flights. Those options are only applicable for a long way or one to another city.
Now it can tell E. Nido gives travelers so many traveling options to meet her beauty and wondering things to do.
I hope you got the solution to the question of how to get to El Nido. So stay safe and explore this Philippine’s beauty.
Let us know if you enjoy our travel guide through this article. For any queries feel free to share with us.
Question & Answers
Where do you fly into for El Nido?
El Nido is a popular tourist destination located in the province of Palawan, in the Philippines. The closest airport to El Nido is El Nido Airport (ENI) which is also known as Lio Airport. It is a small airport that is located in the town of El Nido, and offers flights to and from Manila, and other major cities in the Philippines. However, flights to ENI airport are usually limited, and the airport infrastructure is not suitable for big planes, so sometimes the closest airport would be Francisco B. Reyes Airport (also known as Coron Airport) in Busuanga Island, which is about 2-3 hours away from El Nido by boat or bus.
Alternatively, you can also fly into Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS) which is the main airport in the region, and is located in the city of Puerto Princesa. It is the closest big airport to El Nido, and offers flights to and from Manila, and other major cities in the Philippines. From Puerto Princesa, you can take a bus or a van to El Nido which takes around 5-6 hours depending on the traffic and road conditions.
It’s recommended to check the flights availability to both airports, sometimes flights to one of the airports might be more frequent or cheaper, also consider the additional transportation costs and the time it takes to get from the airport to El Nido before making your decision.
Does El Nido have an airport?
Yes, El Nido has an airport. El Nido Airport (ENI) is a small airport located in the town of El Nido in the province of Palawan, Philippines. It is also known as Lio Airport, it offers flights from/to Manila and other major cities in the Philippines. However, it is important to note that the airport infrastructure is not suitable for big planes, so the flight schedule and routes may be limited, depending on the airline and weather conditions. You may want to check with the airline for flight schedules or options before booking a flight to El Nido.
Additionally, Francisco B. Reyes Airport (also known as Coron Airport) in Busuanga Island is another option for people looking to fly to El Nido area, it is slightly farther from El Nido, around 2-3 hours by boat or bus.
It’s recommended to check the flights availability and routes to both airports, as it may vary based on the airline and schedule, also consider the additional transportation costs and the time it takes to get from the airport to El Nido before making your decision.
How long is the ride from Puerto Princesa to El Nido?
The distance between Puerto Princesa and El Nido is approximately 180 kilometers (112 miles) and the travel time varies depending on the mode of transportation you choose, as well as the traffic and road conditions. The journey can take around 5 to 6 hours by bus or van, and 4 to 5 hours by private car.
When travelling by bus, you can take a local bus, which usually depart from San Jose Terminal in Puerto Princesa City, or luxury bus services that run more frequently and with more amenities. If travelling by car you can also hire a private car or van for more comfort, however it’s important to note that the road can be winding, and rough in some sections, so the journey may take longer than expected.
It’s important to consider the travel time when planning your trip and make sure to leave enough time to get to your destination and to make any necessary connections, also take into account the traffic and road conditions, as they can be unpredictable and may add additional time to your journey.
What is the best month to go to El Nido?
The best time to visit El Nido depends on what you’re looking for. The peak tourist season in El Nido is from November to June, when the weather is the driest and the most pleasant. During these months, the skies are usually clear, and the temperature is around 25-30°C (77-86°F). This is considered the best time to go for activities such as island hopping, swimming, and sunbathing.
The rainy season in El Nido usually starts in July and lasts until October. During this time, the weather is more unpredictable, with heavy rain, strong winds, and rough seas. This season is not considered the best time to visit El Nido if you are planning to do activities such as island hopping or diving, however, the rainforest and the rivers are at its best and it can be an interesting experience to see the area in a different light.
The shoulder seasons which are May to June and September to October are also good time to visit, as you avoid the peak crowds and still have good chances of nice weather.
It’s worth noting that even during the peak season, El Nido can be quite crowded, so if you’re looking to avoid the crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons. Also, it’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast and plan your activities accordingly before you go.
What is better Puerto Princesa or El Nido?
Both Puerto Princesa and El Nido offer unique experiences and have their own advantages.
Puerto Princesa is the capital city of Palawan province and a gateway to El Nido. It’s known for its beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and for the famous Underground River, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. The city itself is also a great place to explore, with a charming downtown area, good food, and a lively nightlife.
El Nido, on the other hand, is a small beach town located in the northern part of Palawan. It’s renowned for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and limestone cliffs, making it a perfect spot for island-hopping, snorkeling and diving. The town itself is a charming and laid-back place, with a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops. The Bacuit Bay, where El Nido is located, is a protected area, with a beautiful array of islands and lagoons, the beaches and the coral reefs are the main attractions.
In summary, if you’re looking for a well-rounded holiday with a mix of culture, history, and nature, Puerto Princesa is a good choice. If you’re looking for an island-hopping, beach-hopping and diving holiday, El Nido is a better option. Both locations offer different experiences and it’s worth visiting both if you have the time.
