The Philippines is rich and known for their pristine white beaches and white islands. In fact, Palawan Island ranked first in Travel + Leisure’s World Best Island list for 2017. On the northwestern part of Palawan is where you will find El Nido. The place boasts their fine white beaches and coral reefs. A manifestation of this beautiful place is having the Hollywood film “The Bourne Legacy” shoot one of their scenes for the movie in the said place.
Getting there
Foreigners who want to travel to El Nido find the accessibility to be difficult. However, with the right information and guidance, a trip to El Nido is feasible and relatively affordable.
Manila, the capital city of the country of the Philippines, can be the starting point to foreigners traveling from abroad. Manila has Ninoy Aquino International Aiport (NAIA) catering international and domestic flights to and within the Philippines. From NAIA, two airlines are servicing Manila to Puerto Princesa flights, Cebu Pacific and Philippines Airlines. Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines both currently have four flight schedules to Puerto Princesa.
The alternative route going to Puerto Princesa would be from Cebu, Philippines. The airport in Cebu also has international and domestic flights. Philippine Airlines operates on a Sunday-Monday-Wednesday-Friday schedule with a single flight each day.
On the other hand, Cebu Pacific operates daily from Cebu to Puerto Princesa with one flight each day.
From Puerto Princesa Airport, El Nido is relatively 143 miles away. Van transfers are available outside the airport with approximately 5 to 6 hours travel time going to El Nido.
Accommodation
There are wide choices of places to stay in El Nido, from fancy beachfront resorts to dorm type accommodations.
The El Nido Tourism website, which is operated by the local government of the town, practically has the list of every type of accommodation. Beachfront resorts boast the beautiful view of the sunset and the magnificent clear waters of El Nido, and on the other hand, budget inns are near to town proper.
Activities
Island hopping is definitely a must-do.
The El Nido Tourism website provides general information for island hopping activity. Package Tour A includes the famous Lagoons (Big, small & Secret Lagoon), Shimizu Island and 7 Commando Beach. Package Tour B has a different kind of adventure as Cudugnon cave is included together with Snake Island, Pinagbuyutan Island, Entalula Beach and Snorkeling Site. Tour C still is another experience of different islands and beaches which consists of Helicopter Island, Matinloc Shrine, Secret beach, Star Beach and Hidden Beach. Lastly, Tour D has six beaches to go to—Ipil Beach, Cadlao Lagoon, Paradise Beach, Pansandigan Beach, Natnat Beach and Bukal Beach.
Ideally, each tour packages must be done on separate days.
However, some tourists don’t have the luxury of time to experience it all. But there’s nothing to worry about that, many tour agencies offer a combination of tour packages so that tourists can maximize their island hopping itinerary. Another note to remember, lunch is usually included in the tour package.
Inland tour packages are also available in El Nido. It usually includes the best beach of Nacpan. As they say, it is the best beach in El Nido. If you want to relax and enjoy swimming in clear waters, it is the place to go. Its long stretch of the seashore is approximately 2.5 long. It's an ideal place to get some tanning.
Canopy Walk is a short adventure in El Nido. The trail going to the top is made of canopies.
Thus, the name Canopy Walk. The experience of canopy walk is quite a thrill as you are passing by stairs and the hanging bridge. It will lead to the beautiful view overlooking the El Nido Town. From the top, the blue waters of the sea can be seen surrounded by mountains. There is no need to worry about the safety of the canopies since each one will be wearing helmets and being harnessed for precautionary measures.
For dining and entertainment especially at night, El Nido town proper has an array of bars and restaurants that offer wide choices of food and drinks. Tourists always hang out to this place which has live music and band. You can enjoy your food and drink in hand with the view of the beach in front of the most restaurants and the breeze of fresh air.
So book your tickets now have a quick break from hustles and bustles and experience the majestic island of El Nido, Palawan!
