El Nido Guide
The practical
guide.
Everything you need to know before booking — where to stay, how to get here, and what to expect.
El Nido is a small town at the northern tip of Palawan. It's the jump-off point for Bacuit Bay's lagoons and beaches, and it's more accessible than it was five years ago — but you still need a plan. Here's ours.
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Getting here
How to Get to El Nido
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Best Time to Visit El Nido
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El Nido quick facts.
11.2°N
Northern tip of Palawan
1 hr
Direct flight from Manila (Lio Airport)
45
Islands & islets in Bacuit Bay
Nov–May
Dry season (peak: March–May)
Good to know
Common questions.
Is El Nido safe for tourists?
Yes. El Nido is a well-established tourist destination in the Philippines. Petty theft can happen (as in any tourist town), but it's generally very safe. Standard precautions apply.
Do I need cash in El Nido?
Cash is still king in most of El Nido. ATMs exist but lines can be long and machines sometimes run out on weekends. Bring enough pesos for your stay, especially for tours and small restaurants. Amari accepts credit cards.
Is the internet reliable?
It's improved a lot but still variable. Amari has WiFi throughout the property. If you need reliable connectivity for remote work, a local SIM with Globe or Smart data is a solid backup.
How far is the airport from town?
Lio Airport (El Nido) is about a 10-minute drive from town. Puerto Princesa Airport (PPS) is roughly 5 hours by van or 1 hour by light aircraft to El Nido.
What's the Environmental Development Fee?
Every visitor to El Nido pays a one-time Eco-Tourism Development Fee (ETDF) of PHP 200. This is collected at the airport or the town's tourism office and is valid for 10 days.