How to get to El Nido

El Nido is a picturesque resort area in the north of Palawan island in the Philippines, known worldwide for its limestone cliffs and turquoise lagoons. Before figuring out how to get to El Nido, travellers should explore the available logistics options, which range from quick flights to combined routes involving buses and ferries. If you are planning to travel to El Nido, choosing the right transport will help make the journey to this tropical paradise a comfortable and exciting part of your holiday.

The fastest and most comfortable way to reach the destination is a direct flight. El Nido has its own airport, Lio Airport (IATA: ENI), which handles scheduled flights, most commonly operated by AirSWIFT. Planes fly from Manila, Cebu, and other major transport hubs, allowing tourists to arrive at the coast just an hour and a half after departure.

As a more budget-friendly alternative, travellers often choose to fly into Puerto Princesa International Airport. Tickets for this route are usually cheaper; however, one must consider the need for a long ground transfer: the journey by minivan or bus to the resort zone will take about 5–6 hours. This option is suitable for those who have time to spare and wish to save on travel costs.

It is impossible to get to El Nido by train, as there is absolutely no railway infrastructure in the town itself or anywhere on Palawan island. Railways in the Philippines are poorly developed and concentrated mainly on the island of Luzon, so travellers should exclude this mode of transport from their itinerary in advance.

Even in the nearest large settlements, such as Puerto Princesa or San Vicente, there are no train stations. To move between the island's cities and resorts, tourists are recommended to use the developed network of bus routes or comfortable minivans, which serve as the primary and convenient alternative to trains.

Travelling by bus or minivan is the most popular way to get to El Nido by land, allowing you to enjoy the scenic landscapes of the Palawan jungles along the way. The main flow of tourists arrives from the city of Puerto Princesa: comfortable buses (such as Cherry Bus) and private shuttles cover the 230-kilometre journey in approximately 5–6 hours, making short stops in charming local villages.

Convenient transport links are also established with the developing resort of San Vicente, located on the west coast north of the provincial capital. The journey from there takes significantly less time, about 3 hours, and is often performed on manoeuvrable vans operating between the main tourist spots of the Philippines.

Travelling by car or booking a private transfer allows you to enjoy the beauty of Palawan island at your own pace, avoiding the hustle of public transport. The most popular route runs from Puerto Princesa: an experienced driver covers the distance of 230 kilometres in approximately 5–6 hours. The cost of a private taxi on this route usually varies from 5,000 to 7,000 pesos, making the trip cost-effective and comfortable for small groups or families with luggage.

An alternative route starts from San Vicente, from where the road to the resort takes significantly less time — about 3 hours. The highway here passes through picturesque jungles and rice fields; however, drivers should be prepared for winding serpentine roads and a lack of lighting at night. Renting a car with a driver for this section will cost slightly less, but it is better to agree on the price in advance, as meters are practically not used on the island.

A trip to El Nido will provide you with unforgettable impressions if you prepare for the specifics of local life in advance. We have gathered useful recommendations that will help avoid minor inconveniences and allow you to focus on relaxing in one of the most beautiful corners of the Philippines.

1. Clothing and Gear. In conditions of tropical heat and high humidity, choose light, modest clothing made of natural fabrics. Be sure to bring or buy special swimming shoes (aqua shoes) locally to protect your feet from sharp corals and sea urchins, as well as a waterproof bag (dry bag) to keep your belongings dry during boat tours.
2. Transport. The most common way to move around the town and to the beaches is by tricycles (motorcycles with a sidecar). It is better to agree on the fare with the driver in advance, before boarding. For independent travel, you can rent a scooter, but please be attentive on the roads: the surface is not perfect everywhere, and traffic can be chaotic.
3. Finances. The official currency is the Philippine Peso. Although there are several ATMs in the town, they are often out of order or run out of cash. It is strongly recommended to arrive with a reserve of cash, as bank cards are not accepted in all hotels and restaurants, and the exchange rate on-site may be unfavourable.
4. Health and Safety. It is categorically not recommended to drink tap water; use only bottled water, even for brushing your teeth. Do not forget repellents for protection against mosquitoes and sandflies, as well as sunscreen with a high protection factor, which costs significantly more here than at home.
5. Communication. English is one of the official languages in the Philippines, so there are practically no problems with communication. Locals speak it quite well. Learning a couple of words in Tagalog, for example, "Salamat" (thank you), will certainly evoke sympathy from the islanders.
6. Local Etiquette. Filipinos are a very friendly and smiling people. It is not customary here to raise one's voice, show impatience, or display aggression in public. Be prepared for the concept of "Filipino time" — punctuality is not a strict rule here, so treat transport or service delays philosophically.
7. What to Avoid. Avoid contact with unknown marine life and do not stand on corals — this is dangerous and harms the ecosystem. Also, do not leave valuable items unattended on the beach; although the crime rate here is low, basic caution will not hurt.
8. Eco-Fee. Upon arrival, tourists must pay an Eco-Tourism Development Fee (ETDF). Be sure to keep the receipt you receive: you may be required to present it before boarding a boat for every island-hopping excursion throughout your entire holiday.

Following these simple rules will help make your holiday as comfortable and safe as possible. Enjoy the incredible nature of Palawan, be polite with the locals, and this holiday will become one of the best in your life.