El Nido is a coastal settlement on the Philippine Island of Palawan. El Nido compromises 45 islands and islets, limestone cliffs are also found here, which form a Karst backdrop similar to those found in Ha Long Bay, Krabi and Guilin. El Nido is a popular destination for locals during the long holidays of Holy week but, until recently has been relatively unknown to foreign tourists. El Nido is more than just a stereotypical tropical paradise. Beaches, clear waters, jungle, steep limestone cliffs, and stunning inlets make for one of the world's most beautiful seascapes. Before El NIdo became a popular tourist destination, fishing and harvesting swift nests (Nido) were the main source of income Nowadays tourism has become the municipality's main source of revenue: however, the authorities are trying to keep it sustainable and hotel chains are refreshingly absent. Huge tour groups are nowhere to be seen. El Nido is also known for water sports such as diving, snorkeling and kayaking.(source: wikitravel)
Getting there:
By Private Van
There are Private vans available at the Puerto Princesa Bus Terminal for rent. Rates are ranging from 12,000.00 to 18,000.00 depends on how many seats you are going to lease. This is recommended for group travelers and if you want your trip to be more comfortable and hassle free.
Three van companies are doing shuttle trips in El Nido, departing from San Jose bus Terminal in PPA. Fare are 600.00 per person and 700.00 for Hotel or airport pick ups (minimum of 2 people) and the travel time is 5-6 hours. The ride with is quite rough as the last part of El Nido-Taytay are on finishing process of paving. The aircon-bus ride tends to be much comfortable but takes longer as its pick ups passenger anywhere and anytime. If you are in a hurry (flight etc) then don't depend on timely departure as there minivans almost never depart on time. The departure time is actually when they start picking up people around the town and actually get on the road 30-60 minutes later. Also they sometimes make you change minivans along the way once or twice and your luggage is tied on the roof despite of the covers can be becomes covered with heavy dust from the gravel on the road 1 hr before El Nido.
By Bus
Air-conditioned and ordinary buses departs San Jose Terminal, Puerto princesa and El Nido market alternate regulary. Cherry Bus departs PPA 5:00, 9:00 A/C, 11:00, 13:00 A/C, 15:00, 21:00 A/C. El Nido to PPA departures are set for 7:00, 9:00 A/C, 11:00, 13:00 A/C, 15:00, 21:00 A/C. Fare is 550 for the aircon trip and 450 for non-aircon. It takes about 7 hours. These are relatively new buses and absorb bumpy roads much better than the smaller vans, and with more leg room. There buses do, however, be filled eventually,and stops can get quite annoying.(source wikitravel)
ACCOMMODATIONS:
There are lots of hotels available in El Nido. From cheapest to expensive one. But if you aren't picky like laying in a queen size bed with cold & hot shower in it, you can actually sleep for an overnight for as low as 300.00, a Nipa Hut type made of Bamboo's and a stand fan with Mosquito net is just so cool for true backpacker/travelers.
ISLAND HOPPING
The most popular activity in El Nido is island hopping which cost roughly from 1,200.00-1,500.00 with 4 basic day trips to choose from Tour A-D.We take the Tour A. Additional fees may charge for kayaking & diving.
MINILOC ISLAND
(seems i belong. Just kidding..lol )
SMALL & BIG LAGOON
7 COMMANDO ISLAND
(Mary & Lian)
Reminder:
Electricity runs from 14:00 to 06:00 but some areas have their own generators to cover the period.
SMART & Globe work well at El Nido. And make sure you cash up already before heading to El Nido because there are no ATM's or banks installed in the area.
Happy reading!
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