El Nido Palawan, Philippines Travel Guide
El Nido is small, so large public transportation networks are not needed. Transportation focuses on individual and small-group methods. The most common vehicle, and likely one you will use, is the tricycle. These operate on a point-to-point basis; there are no fixed routes like a bus system.
Tricycles operate throughout the day and into the late evening. They are especially rich in the town center, meaning you will rarely wait long. They are a frequent sight while drivings.
Within El Nido town: ₱10-₱50 (shared) or ₱50-₱100 (private). To Las Cabanas/Corong-Corong: ₱100-₱150.
A round trip to Nacpan Beach costs ₱500-₱800, usually contains driver waiting time.
Choose tricycles with proper registration. Avoid overloading (safest with 1-2 passengers). Ensure driver appears sober.
Not common for local movement in El Nido due to narrow streets. More feasible from Puerto Princesa for island-wide travel.
Widely available from rental shops in The Nido town. Costs approximately ₱500-₱700 per day.
No formal sharing programs. Some places to stay offer rentals for short distances or quiet areas.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is needed for car or motorcycle rental, in addition to your home country's license.
Motorcycles offer freedom but come with safety considerations. Roads outside El Nido town can be unpaved, dusty, or muddy. They can be challenging, especially after rain.
No specific tour buses or hop-on-hop-off amenities in The Nido. Vans or jeeps are part of package tours or private hire.
Island hopping tours use traditional Bangka boats. Private boat charters are available for flexibility or specific islands.
El Nido is not highly accessible for travelers with mobility needs. Uneven terrain and boat transfers could be problematic.
For most international travelers, your journey to The Nido or Coron will involve a domestic flight departing from Manila (MNL) or Cebu (CEB). These major Philippine hubs serve as connection points. After reaching MNL or CEB, you will then transfer to a domestic flight or other transport.
Use Skyscanner to compare prices from various airlines for both international and domestic legs.
Skyscanner.com
Subscribe to services like Dollar Flight Club for notifications on discounted fares to the Philippines.
DollarFlightClub.com
When renting a car in Puerto Princesa, use DiscoverCars.com to compare options and prices from several providers.
DiscoverCars.com
During high season, flights, particularly to The Nido Lio Airport (ENI), become significantly more expensive and book up quickly.
Consider booking well in advance to secure better prices and availability.
