Major city · Philippines
El Nido
Give El Nido 3–4 nights: 2 island-hopping days, 1 beach day at Nacpan or Las Cabañas, 1 buffer for weather. Fewer than 3 nights and you rush the boat days.
El Nido is a small Palawan town on Bacuit Bay, ringed by limestone islands. Almost everything you came for happens on the water: the A–D island-hopping routes, kayaking the lagoons, diving and snorkelling. The town itself is one beach road with guesthouses, dive shops and restaurants, and it fills up in the Christmas–April dry season. Plan around boat days, not around town.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- PHP
- Best months
- Jan–Apr (dry, calm seas)
- avoid Jul–Sep (rain and rough seas, tours cancelled), Holy Week and Christmas–New Year (town full)
- Airports
- ENI · PPS
- Nights
- 4
Rules in force · 5Drug trafficking can carry the death penalty in Singapore…
- Southeast Asia ↗Drug trafficking can carry the death penalty in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Brunei and Myanmar; never carry a bag or parcel for anyone.
- Southeast Asia ↗Carry a passport valid for at least six months from entry with two blank pages; airlines refuse boarding on less.
- Philippines ↗Complete the free eTravel registration on the official government site within 72 hours before arrival; ignore lookalike sites that charge.
- Philippines ↗Typhoon season runs roughly June to November: flights and boats are cancelled at short notice; buy flexible tickets and keep a spare day.
- Philippines ↗Carry pesos in small notes; many stalls, jeepneys and taxis are cash-only.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for El Nido911 ▾
- National emergency911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about El Nido, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Philippine pesos (₱) in small notes for jeepneys, market stalls, tips and taxis; malls and hotels take cards.Philippines-wide
- SIM or eSIMGlobe and Smart sell SIMs at airports; SIM registration with passport is required by law.Philippines-wide
- Tap waterNot drinkable from the tap; refill stations cheap.Philippines-wide
- TippingRestaurants: 10% if no service charge.Philippines-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B/C. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 220 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Philippines-wide
- SafetyEl Nido is a small-town, low-crime destination; the real risks are at sea and on the road.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsCalled 'CR' (comfort room); bring tissue; many lack toilet seats.Philippines-wide
- Emergency numbers911 National emergency
- Sundays & holidaysHoly Week shuts much; malls open daily; banks closed weekends.Philippines-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportENI El Nido Airport (Lio) (Small aircraft only; AirSWIFT links Manila and Cebu.
- Getting aroundcheckTricycles cover town and Corong-Corong; agree the fare first (check typical fares locally).
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee at a café₱80–180 (≈ US$2–4)
- Beerbottle at a beach bar / can at a shop₱80–150 (≈ US$2–3)₱50–80 (≈ US$1–2)
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per person₱400 (≈ US$8)
- Mid-range bedGuesthouse or hotel double room, a night, per room₱3,000 (≈ US$55)
- High-end bedGuesthouse or hotel double room, a night, per room₱8,000 (≈ US$150)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget ₱1,800 (≈ US$35) · Mid ₱3,500 (≈ US$65) · High ₱7,000 (≈ US$130)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- ENI El Nido Airport (Lio) (Small aircraft only; AirSWIFT links Manila and Cebu. Fares run well above Puerto Princesa routes.) · PPS Puerto Princesa International Airport (Palawan's main gateway; then 4–6 h by van or bus to El Nido.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Feb
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Mar
Best
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Apr
Best
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
May
not flagged
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Jun
not flagged
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Jul
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Aug
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Sep
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Oct
not flagged
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Nov
not flagged
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Dec
not flagged
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Best: Jan–Apr. Avoid: Jul–Sep. Month by month →
Warmest Apr (33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)), coolest Jan (24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C) low), wettest Jul (19 rain days), driest Feb (4). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
El Nido: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
5 rd
Feb
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
4 rd
Mar
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
4 rd
Apr
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
5 rd
May
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
11 rd
Jun
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
16 rd
Jul
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
19 rd
Aug
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
19 rd
Sep
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
18 rd
Oct
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
17 rd
Nov
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
12 rd
Dec
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
9 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Tricycles cover town and Corong-Corong; agree the fare first (check typical fares locally). Motorbike rental is a common way to reach Nacpan and Las Cabañas; the Nacpan road is rough and dusty (check road conditions and rental terms). Island-hopping boats leave from the town beach between 8 and 9 AM and return mid-afternoon. Guesthouses arrange vans and transfers; check locally for ride-hailing availability.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Nacpan Beach
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Motorbike or tricycle from town, about 45 min on a rough road
Long beach north of town; go early, bring cash, few ATMs or card readers.
Las Cabañas / Marimegmeg Beach
goDoor to door: About 20 min
Tricycle from town, about 15 min
Closest quiet beach to town; zipline crosses to Depeldet Island.
Taytay
cautionDoor to door: About 1.5 h
Van or bus on the Puerto Princesa road, about 1 h
Old Spanish fort and market; a stop on the way in or out rather than a return day.
Coron
overnightDoor to door: 4–9 h
Montenegro fast ferry, about 3.5 h, or an outrigger boat, about 8 h
Ferry leaves El Nido early morning; book ahead in high season and sleep in Coron.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
El Nido town (beach road, Sirena and Hama streets)
Walk to the pier, tour offices and most restaurants. Noisy at night, rooms are small; best for a short stay with no scooter.
Corong-Corong
About 10 min by tricycle south of town; sunset side, quieter, mid-range guesthouses and beach bars.
Las Cabañas / Marimegmeg
About 15 min south; white-sand beach, resorts and the zipline. You need a tricycle for town.
Nacpan Beach
About 45 min north on a rough road; long beach, few places to eat, best with your own transport or a transfer.
Lio
Near the airport; resort strip with its own beach and restaurants.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- ₱1,500–2,500 (≈ US$30–45) excl. bed
- Mid
- ₱2,500–5,000 (≈ US$45–90) excl. bed
- High
- ₱5,000 (≈ US$90)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Guesthouse or hotel double room1 × 4 nights × ₱3,000 | ₱12,000 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 4 days × ₱3,500 | ₱28,000 |
| Island-hopping tour A or C, with lunch and snorkel gear2 × ₱1,200 | ₱2,400 |
| Environmental fee, valid 10 days2 × ₱200 | ₱400 |
| Van Puerto Princesa → El Nido, one way2 × ₱600 | ₱1,200 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × ₱500 | ₱1,000 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | ₱4,500 |
| Trip total≈ ₱6,190 per person per day, bed included | ₱49,500≈ US$900 |
2026 estimate in pesos; flights and the Puerto Princesa transfer excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee at a café | ₱80–180 (≈ US$2–4) |
| Filipino rice meal at a local eatery | ₱70–200 (≈ US$2–4) |
| Beer: bottle at a beach bar / can at a shop | ₱80–150 (≈ US$2–3) / ₱50–80 (≈ US$1–2) |
| Island-hopping tour A or C, with lunch | ₱850–1,200 (≈ US$15–25) |
| Tricycle ride in town | ₱50–150 (≈ US$1–3) |
| Motorbike rental, one day | ₱400–500 (≈ US$8–9) |
| Environmental fee, valid 10 days | ₱200 (≈ US$4) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Boat tours are cancelled in rough seas; keep one spare day in the dry season and expect cancellations in the wet.
- Environmental fee (about ₱200 (≈ US$4), valid 10 days) is charged separately from tour prices — keep the receipt.
- ATMs are few and run out of cash; bring pesos from Puerto Princesa or Manila.
- Card payment is accepted at some hotels, dive shops and restaurants, but not everywhere — carry cash.
- Vans to Puerto Princesa leave when full and drivers overtake hard on winding roads; take motion-sickness tablets if you need them.
- Tricycle and van touts at Puerto Princesa bus terminals push chartered vans for commission — insist on the public terminal.
Emergency numbers
- National emergency
- 911
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
El NidoEl Nido
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Sa address na ito, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- National emergency911
Embassy
No embassies in El Nido; the US, UK, Australia and Canada have embassies in Manila and consulates in Cebu. Register your trip and keep a photo of your passport.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Van Puerto Princesa → El Nido: about ₱600–700 (≈ US$11–13), 4–5 h
- Bus Puerto Princesa → El Nido: about ₱380 (≈ US$7) air-conditioned, 5–6 h
- Fast ferry El Nido → Coron: about ₱1,760 (≈ US$35), 3.5 h
- Tricycle town → Las Cabañas: about ₱150 (≈ US$3)
Say or show
- Magandang umaga — Good morning (ma-gan-DANG u-MA-ga)
- Salamat — Thank you (sa-LA-mat)
- Magkano? — How much is it? (mag-KA-no)
- Nasaan ang bangka? — Where is the boat? (na-SA-an ang BANG-ka)
- Ayaw ko — I don't want that (a-YAW ko)
- Tulong! — Help! (TU-long)
Cash is king: withdraw in Puerto Princesa or Manila before you arrive.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for El Nido. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jan–Apr (dry, calm seas) · avoid Jul–Sep (rain and rough seas, tours cancelled), Holy Week and Christmas–New Year (town full) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 5 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 6 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for ENI and PPS: last van departures, ferry cutoffs, taxi fallback.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: town beach road, Corong-Corong, Las Cabañas, Lio.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Nacpan, Taytay fort) and eat pages with last orders.
- Wet-season and cancelled-boat fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
Ask about El Nido
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