Surrounded by ancient limestone cliffs, white sand beaches, lagoons and islands, El Nido is arguably the perfect destination for those seeking an ultimate vacation. From island hopping, strolling on the beach, and snorkeling to scuba diving, this tropical paradise will surely give you a number of thrilling activities and experiences.
El Nido has been named a number of times by local and international travel publication sites as one of the best island beaches in the world because of its stunning geological formations and relaxing beaches with turquoise waters. It's no wonder why tourists keep coming back to this beautiful paradise.
How To Get To El Nido, Palawan
There are several ways to travel to El Nido. Air, boat, or land. You can book a direct flight from Manila to El Nido, Palawan. AirSwift offers daily round-trip flights from Manila to El Nido. This is the fastest and most convenient way, but an expensive option. From the airport, you can hire a tricycle going to the town proper. There are some hotels and local travel agencies that offer a van transfer from the airport going to your resort.
If you have a lot of time, you can book a flight from Manila to Puerto Princesa. It's the cheapest way to get El Nido. Several airlines such as AirAsia, Cebu Pacific (CEB), and Philippine Airlines (PAL) offer multiple flights a day from Manila to Puerto Princesa. I booked my round-trip ticket from Cebu Pacific because it's cheaper compared to other airlines. The flight from Manila to Puerto Princesa takes 1 hour and 30 minutes, which is about the same time as the direct flight from Manila to El Nido.
Upon arrival at Puerto Princesa Airport, head to the exit hall. Van drivers are usually present outside the exits and will guide you to their vans. You can ask your hotel if they offer a van transfer from the airport to the hotel/resort. You can also book van transfers from some local agencies such as Beyond Escape Travel and Tours ahead of time before traveling to El Nido. Travel time from Puerto Princesa to El Nido is around 5-6 hours.
If you are coming from Coron, there's a fast ferry bound for El Nido. Montenegro Shipping Lines offer daily ferry trips from Coron to El Nido. Travel time is around 3-4 hours depending on weather and sea conditions. It's recommended to book ahead of time.
Where to book El Nido Tour Package?
There are several local travel agencies that offer El Nido Tour Package. I got my tour from Beyond Escape Travel and Tours. It will help you to book your ideal trip and to receive the best services once you arrive at your destination. They offer complete package tours that include round trip flights, accommodation and a private island tour. If you are a solo traveler or a small group, you can choose a joiner/ shared tour. You will be joined with other tourists to fill a boat.
There are always offered 4 tours: Tour A, B, C and D. In addition, there is also a Tour E (land tour). The prices are currently between P1200-P1400 per person.
Tour A ( Iconic Blue Lagoons ): Small Lagoon, Big Lagoon, Simizu Beach, Secret Lagoon, 7 Commandos Beach
Tour B ( Beaches, Islands and Caves ): Pangulasian Island, Snake Island, Cudognon Cave, Cathedral Cave, Pinagbuyutan Island
Tour C ( Secret Islands and Beaches): Helicopter Island, Hidden Beach, Matinloc Shrine, Star Beach, Secret Beach
Tour D ( Island and Lagoons): Cadlao Lagoon, Pasandigan Beach, Paradise Beach, Natnat Beach, Bukal Beach
Tour from an agency includes boat fee, local English-speaking guide, buffet lunch, hotel pick up drop off, and entrance fee. Snorkeling gear and aqua shoes are excluded. Tours A and C are recommended almost everywhere.
For a hassle-free traveling experience, you can book your EL Nido Island Hopping Tour at (0947)992-5926 or message them on their Facebook page.
Due to the limited time, I only booked Tours A and C. Here's the list of best places in EL Nido, Palawan, Philippines
Taraw Peak Cliff
Located in EL Nido Town proper, the Taraw Peak Cliff offers an epic view of sunrise and a spectacular viewpoint overlooking El Nido Bay with rows of boats and nearby islands. A local guide is required to arrange your hike. The cost is around P500.
.jpg)
Small Lagoon
Located on Maniloc Island, the Small Lagoon is the first destination to visit on Tour A. It is a beautiful little inlet with some incredible cliffs, caves, and cliff-jumping spots to enjoy. To reach the lagoon, you need to walk on a white sand beach and then swim going to the lagoon. Make sure to wear a life vest for non-swimmers. Even if you know how to swim, it's still recommended to bring a lifevest. Don't also forget to wear aqua shoes or slippers to protect your feet from pointed and sharp stones and broken corals.
Big Lagoon
The same thing with Small Lagoon, the big lagoon is surrounded by towering limestones. This lagoon is best known for its breathtaking entrance, probably the most photographed backdrop of anyone who visited El Nido. You can tour around without leaving the boat. It's recommended to rent a kayak to enjoy more the beauty of the place.
Secret Lagoon and Beach
The Secret Lagoon and Beach is part of the Tour A Package. It features a white sand beach enclosed by towering karst cliffs. It's one of the most popular spots in EL Nido so expects a crowd, especially during weekends and the holiday seasons. Please make sure to wear a pair of aqua shoes or slippers to give you the proper feet protection. For non-swimmers, don't forget to bring your life jacket.
Seven Commandos Beach
The Seven Commandos Beach is also included in Tour A Package. It is a beautiful white sand beach below those dramatic limestone cliffs El Nido is famous for. You can find here a lot of coconut of trees where you can chill and relax. You can also play basketball and volleyball here. Many people snorkeled but I just strolled around the beach area and watched tourists playing volleyball.
Nacpan Beach
If you are looking for the best beach in El Nido, Nacpan beach is the place to be. It is located 17th kilometers north of El Nido town proper, around an hour's drive. It is a four-kilometer strip of white sand and coconut trees with crystal clear turquoise water. Nacpan is one-half of the popular twin beaches —the other one is called Calitang Beach. You can just lie on the beach, settle in hammocks or swim in to crystal clear waters.
Helicopter Island
Also known as Dilumacad Island, Helicopter Island is one of the beach destinations that you need to visit while in Palawan. It's called Helicopter Island since its shape looks like a helicopter from a far distance. This beautiful place is part of the Tour C package. It features a stretch of white sand beach dotted with some tropical trees. You can just chill on the beach, swim in clear waters, or snorkeling.
Shimizu Island
One of the famous snorkeling destinations in El Nido is Shimizu Island. It is one of the numerous ones dotting El Nido’s Bacuit Bay. Shimizu Island is part of the Tour A island-hopping package and an alternative stopover spot for lunch, so expect a bit crowded during weekends and holidays. The island was named after a diver's last name who explored the waters of El Nido decades ago.
.jpg)
Other best places in El Nido to visit include Lio Beach, Cathedral Cave, Entalula Island, Codugnon Cave, Star Beach, Matinloc Garden, Ipil Beach, Paradise Beach, Cadlao Lagoon, and Bukal Beach.
When is the best time to visit El Nido?
The best time to visit El Nido is during summer in the Philippines- from March to June. July to October is the rainy season and typhoons in the Philippines. You won't enjoy much the beauty of El Nido during these months due to occasional rains and strong waves.
Where To Eat in El Nido
There are many dining options in El Nido. Restaurants try to include Altrove, Republica Sunset Bar, Big Bad Thai Bistro and Bar, Maa's Grill, Save Beach Bar, Falfel Restaurant, ArtCafe, Wilnags, and many more!
Where To Stay in EL Nido
Lime Resort is one of the newest beachfront resorts in El Nido. Located near Corong-Corong Beach and Maremigmeg Beach, Lime Resort El Nido features a panoramic view of the mountains in El Nido. The property is very insta-worthy and has a lot of amenities including an infinity swimming pool, restaurant, bar and free high-speed WiFi. It also offers an amazing sunset view.
For a hassle-free traveling experience, book your El Nido trip to Beyond Escape Travel and Tours.
Services Offered:
ᴛɪᴄᴋᴇᴛꜱ | ᴅᴏᴍᴇꜱᴛɪᴄ & ɪɴᴛᴇʀɴᴀᴛɪᴏɴᴀʟ ᴛᴏᴜʀ ᴘᴀᴄᴋᴀɢᴇꜱ | ʟᴀɴᴅ ᴛᴏᴜʀꜱ | ɢʀᴏᴜᴘ ᴛᴏᴜʀꜱ | ᴍɪᴄᴇ ɢʀᴏᴜᴘꜱ | ʜᴏᴛᴇʟꜱ & ᴄʀᴜɪꜱᴇ ʙᴏᴏᴋɪɴɢꜱ | ᴠɪꜱᴀ ꜱᴇʀᴠɪᴄᴇꜱ | ᴛʀᴀᴠᴇʟ ɪɴꜱᴜʀᴀɴᴄᴇ
For bookings & inquiries, contact the:
Contact Number: (0947)992-5926
Email Address: beyondescapetravelandtours@gmail.com
Facebook Page: https://m.facebook.com/beyondescapetravelandtours
0 comments: