top of page


Find your next information, destination on Ouiphilippines

2 items found for ""

  • Your essential transport guide in the Philippines

    From airplanes via ferry to the bus, here’s everything you need to know about transport in the Philippines Anyone who’s ever spent some time traveling in the Philippines knows that getting around is no piece of Christmas cake, and your trip won’t be any different. With a host of questions surrounding travel in the archipelago, one of Ouiphlippines' vows is to give travelers comprehensive information and inspiration on the best way to get to their destination. So much for the wish, now all that remains is to make it a reality. For some ferries, let's be honest, it seems to be a lost cause, the final fate of the timing being in the hands of the weather, the coastguards and the shipowner, more inclined to modify schedules than to offer a stable schedule. How does it work ? It's simple: for air travel, scroll to the ⇲ AirMag section, for boat travel to ⇲ FerryMag and for land travel, scroll to the ⇲ BusMag paragraph at the foot of the page. AirMag What size carry-on baggage is accepted for domestic flights? Mactan Cebu International Airport (also Air Asia, Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines) now states that a carry-on suitcase, including handles and wheels, must correspond to the following dimensions: 56 cm x 36 cm x 25 cm and must not exceed 7kg. Checked and excess baggage It's not always easy to get the right information, especially as baggage weights vary from one airline to another. For example, Cebu Pacific (similar to other airlines) has introduced a concept with tariffs: Basic and travel light with your cabin baggage, Easy and check in a 20 kg baggage item, or Flexi and change your flight plans at any time! If a passenger who has purchased a Basic ticket decides to have a checked bag, he or she will have to pay a fee for the checked bag. If the hold baggage is prepaid more than 2 hours before departure (Manage Booking), Cebu Pacific offers a 64% reduction on baggage fees for each additional piece per passenger. Screenshot of AirSwift's new check-in baggage policy Cebu Pacific domestic flights for 2024 Thanks to this new infographic, all Cebu Pacific domestic flights are now visible at a glance. Philippine Airlines the flag carrier Its main competitor, Philippine Airlines, offers a very similar schedule. Note: Philippine Airlines is the only airline to serve Baguio and Borongan (Samar) from Mactan - Cebu. AirSwift relies on its El Nido hub... and tourists The company is offering a program with its fleet of ATR aircraft (two ATR 42s and two ATR 72s) from El Nido and Manila for this 2024 season. AirSwift ✆ Mobile contact: +63 917 816 8763 Sunlight Air changes airports in Manila and will fly from its 2 new hubs, Clark and Cebu. From April 1, 2024, Sunlight Air will operate flights to the archipelago from Clark International Airport (CRK) and no longer from Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila (104km away). To consult timetables, availability and book your plane tickets SunlightAir. For passengers, free shuttles between Clark and Ninoy Aquino International Airport will be available until May 31, 2024. Mactan-Cebu International Airport, the archipelago's second largest airport, has just published its 2024 destinations. Thanks to its strategic position in the heart of the archipelago, its regional network and its international destinations, Mactan-Cebu International Airport aims to position Cebu as the archipelago's preferred hub. FerryMag Here's a selection of maritime connections to help you check out the favorite destinations of iodine-starved travelers. And to make your life easier, I've put together some nice collages with full timetables. I know, it's not so easy to find your way through this jungle of 12,500 ferries registered in the Philippines, especially as some shipowners couple the regions. Click on the link for direct access to the info ⇲ El Nido - Coron ⇲ OceanJet : Cebu - Bohol - Siquijor - Dumaguete etc... ⇲ Jomalia Shipping : Cebu -Mactan - Camotes - Leyte ⇲ Maayo Shipping : Liloan (Cebu) - Siquijor (Larena) - Bato (Cebu )- Sibulan (Dumaguete) ⇲ Apekoptravel : Oslob - Panglao - Tagbilaran - Siquijor ⇲ Bunso Transport : Coron – San Jose (Mindoro) ⇲ Super Shuttle Ferry : Camiguin - Bohol (Jagna) - Hagnaya - Bantayan ⇲ M/v Soemco Mariner : Ubay (Bohol) - Bato (Leyte) ⇲ 2Go : Manille - Coron - Cebu etc... ⇲ FastCat : Liloan (Leyte) - Surigao (Siargao) - Mindoro - Caticlan (Boracay) etc... There are several ways to buy ferry tickets: directly at the port, or online. If you opt for online booking, I recommend the widget powered by 12Go.Asia below, which lets you book all the companies' ferries on a single site. To book with the best prices, the companies' websites are often a few pesos better, but they're not always available and don't allow you to compare transport solutions with alternative companies. El Nido-Coron service reinforced by a 4th operator Jomalia, Motenegro, Atienza & Island Water the new timetables are as follows: OceanJet: reorganizing its schedules on routes 2024 The Cebu-based Fast Ferry company announces new schedules for its boats to: Cebu City, Tagbilaran (Bohol), Dumaguete (Negros), Siquijor, Palompon (leyte) and Getafe (Bohol). OceanJet also offers the following crossings: Bacolod - Iloilo and Calapan - Batangas. OceanJet updates luggage policy Jomalia Shipping opens a direct line from Mactan to Consuelo (Camotes Islands) Jomalia Shipping, with its many daily connections from Danao to Consuelo, is likely to attract a wide range of tourists. If you need some sunshine when you leave the tramac at Cebu airport, the company is opening a direct service from Mactan to Consuelo. Camotes Island will be served once or twice a day. Maayo Shipping offers connections to Dumaguete and Siquijor from the south of Cebu Island. Maayo Shipping is currently the only roll-on roll-off operator serving the Sibulan (Negros Oriental) - Liloan (Santander, Cebu) and Tampi (San Jose, Negros Oriental) - Bato (Samboan, Cebu) routes, as well as serving Liloan - Larena (Siquijor) - Bato (approx. 300 ₱) in a triangle. The shipping company transports passengers, vehicles and offers convenient connecting opportunities for the popular "backpacking" route, Moalboal - Dumaguete - Siquijor. Maayo : île de Cebu - Siquijor, 6 traversées hebdomadaires & Île de Cebu - Negros Oriental, 28 traversées par jour. ◴ Actualisé au 28 novembre 2023 Maayo offers 6 weekly frequencies between Liloan (Cebu) - Larena (Siquijor) - Bato (Cebu), starting July 19, every day except Monday. Tampi port, Negros. Or. ✆ 09422058997 / 09177107080 Sibulan port, Negros. Or. ✆ 09458058284 Bato port Cebu ✆ 09458058285 For bookings and to find out the latest news about the crossings operating in the triangle Liloan (Cebu) - Larena (Siquijor) - Bato (Cebu) Simply call this number - ✆ +63 917 710 7080 Practical information for the crossing from Sibulan (Dumaguete) to Santander (South of Cebu Island) The Fast Craft christened Cuadro Alas, returned to sea in 2022 between Sibulan and Santander (Puerto del Sur Terminal), with frequencies operating every1h 30 minutes from 5am to 8pm. ✆ +63 922 985 8234 (Cuadro Alas) Apekoptravel: an exclusive route between Oslob (Cebu) and Panglao (Bohol), as well as Tagbilaran - Siquijor A daily service connects the island of Panglao (departing at 6:30 a.m.) with Oslob (departing at 11:30 a.m.) in the south of the island of Cebu in 90 minutes, saving travellers more than 4 hours compared with the best alternative routes. From now on, it will be possible to book the Apekoptravel Banca Rapide: you go to the site below, book a destination, a date, and off you go! Siquijor is not to be outdone: since spring 2023, Apekoptravel has also been offering daily connections between Tagbilaran and Siquijor (Larena). Bunso Transport doubles frequencies Coron (Palawan) - San Jose (Mindoro) Bunso Transport Service confirms a doubling of its trips from Coron (Palawan) to San Jose (Mindoro), initially on Mondays and Fridays, followed by a possible gradual ramp-up. ✆ +63 910 371 0621 Super Shuttle Ferry : Camiguin - Bohol (Jagna) & Cebu (Hagnaya) - Bantayan (Santa Fe) Super Shuttle Ferry, which operates passenger and car ferries, unveils the timetable and new fare structure for the Camiguin - Bohol (Jagna) & Cebu (Hagnaya) - Bantayan crossings. Jagna (Bohol)-Camiguin link goes daily Super Shuttle Ferry announces that its service between Bohol and Camiguin has been increased to daily frequency. M/v Soemco Mariner: A convenient route from Ubay (Bohol) to Bato (Leyte) and the whale sharks of Pintuyan 2Go: operates comfortable passenger and RO/RO ferries The 2GO company is the vital link between the islands of the archipelago. In their holds: food, fuel, materials, cars, medicines, mail. The ships also embark passengers ready to embark on a Slow Travel trip to the Philippines. The ships can accommodate up to 1,000 people, from economy class to luxury cabins with double beds and private bathrooms. 2GO Travel presents its program for the 2024 summer season 2GO has just published its new "Timetable" Guide for the 2024 season. Featuring timetables and frequencies for 12 destinations in the Visayas and Mindanao, departing from Manila and Batangas.. • Bacolod • Batangas • Butuan • Cebu • Cagayan de Oro • Caticlan (Boracay) • Coron • Dumaguete • Dipolog • Iloilo • Manila • Odiongan • Ozamis • Puerto Princesa • Roxas • Tagbilaran (Bohol) • Zamboanga Montenegro Lines offers a similar service to 2GO but on more regional routes. FastCat launches new route Liloan (Leyte) - Surigao (1h30 ferry ride from Siargao) FastCat, which is seeking to revolutionize maritime transport in the Philippines, offering for the first time in the archipelago the concept of "fast ferries for passenger and vehicle transport". Batangas, Boracay, Dumaguete, Surigao and Cebu: exclusive itineraries on FastCat ferries FastCat, which operates passenger, motorcycle and car ferries, has once again updated its price list. For all motor vehicles, the price includes the driver's ticket. Passengers in premium Economy class and above benefit from air-conditioning on all crossings, and aircraft-style seats in Business class. Passengers, motorcycles, cars or SUVs, find out here: FastCat crossing prices BusMag Buses, Vans & Private Vans Puerto Princesa - El Nido - Port Barton Attention: Buses and Vans to and from Puerto Princesa move to the brand-new Irawan terminal Faced with varying operator options, or indecision when choosing a bus terminal, the 12Go booking platform gives travelers a global view of transport prices in Palawan. A sneak preview of the new Cherry bus Puerto Princesa - Buliluyan (Balabac) Coda Line and Ohayami Trans conquer the rice fields of Banaue While local tourism is starting up again with a few constraints, incoming tourism (importing tourists into the Philippines) is experiencing more difficulties in getting things moving again. And yet Coda Line and Ohayami Trans have decided to relaunch their iconic long-distance (370km) overnight (refrigerated) bus services from Manila, for a 10-hour journey to the Banaue rice paddies. Book Coda Line, Ohayami Trans and private Vans on a dedicated website. Via the iconic night bus You have two options: doze off for 9 hours in the iconic night bus of Coda Lines or Ohayami Trans to swallow the 370km and its flurry of curves that separate Manila from Banaue. A 12Go Manila - Banaue tab has been specifically created below. By clicking on it, it's also possible to discover the bus timetables and the offer for transfers in private Vans. Ohayami Trans: easy direct booking in 5 steps No need to download an app. Just follow the five steps below: 1️- Go to ohayami.ph 2️- Choose the origin, destination and date of travel. 3️- Select the trip and choose your seat(s). 4️- Enter your contact details 5️- Make your payment ✔ And that's it! Ceres Liner expands nationwide, targeting Bus + Ferry too It's not only by plane or boat that you can travel around the archipelago, but also by bus. After the road, Ceres Liner has set up Bus + Ferry services from island to island: from Cebu to Negros and Bantayan, from Mindoro to Panay and from Negros to Mindanao. Regrouping timetables and frequencies for destinations in the south of Cebu Island, departing from Cebu South Bus Terminal (CSBT), this infographic is up to date. Note: all buses tagged via Oslob pass through the southern coast of Cebu Island (Argao - Dalaguete) and those mentioned via Barili through the northern axis of southern Cebu Island (Moalboal - Badian). Here are the routes of the most popular companies departing from Greater Manila and Luzon Several companies offer even greater comfort on long-distance buses on certain direct routes, such as Joybus Deluxe Class, Partas' Super Deluxe Bus, Coda Lines Deluxe, Isarog Sleeper Bus. On these routes, bus toilets, more legroom and the Holy Grail, Wi-Fi. Fill up on information and tips for your next trip You can always discover other articles about the Philippines by typing the names of the places on your bucket list in the search bar at the foot of the page. Useful, original: Ouiphilippines has put together two pages to help you make the most of the Philippines. ⇲ When to go to the Philippines? Weather from global to local ✘ Found any errors? Tell me where!

  • Explore El Nido Palawan secret spots & hidden islands

    It’s almost easy to forget. Beneath the glossy touch of travel brochures, now rendered quaint by the advent of the Net – where faux Ursula Andress and James Dr No still frolic – El Nido (nest in Spanish) continues to shine with that wild sparkle that inspired the producers of Survivor. The quaint fishing village may have transformed into a hub for Bancas boats, but its extravagant beauty remains tethered to the stunning Bacuit Archipelago. From the Big Lagoon on Miniloc Island – one of the planet’s most iconic lagoons – to the the limestone cliffs set against an stunning jade-coloured sea, and the beach bars run by expats who’ve fallen for the locale, El Nido has no shortage of charms to captivate travelers of all stripes. Recently, a cool breeze has begun to blow through the town, countering the bling and riding the wave of tasteful ‘Adventure Plus’ with the introduction of Banca expeditions connecting El Nido to Coron, and road trips that stretch beyond the outskirts. A glance at Google Maps confirms the obvious: the peninsula is expansive, bordered by the Linapacan archipelago to the north, Taytay to the south, and the stunning Bacuit Bay to the west. Visitors typically traverse only a short distance inland, up to Nacpan Beach. Yet the north, less traversed by rental scooter streams, conceals gorgeous islands, pristine beaches, and a sprinkling of rice paddies. For this guide, I’ve decided to delve a bit deeper into the iceberg’s submerged part, the northern side of the peninsula. First, to set a course for one of the coolest regions and sprinkle my guides with some of the best hidden gems. Lastly, follow link for handy tips (how to get there, etc.) and have a great trip. ⎚ Instead of enduring a clichéd view of El Nido, hop on a tricycle and explore the hidden streets of this beach resort town. Things that make the El Nido & Corong Corong duo a delight to experience There are two parts to explore in these two large villages (or rather, two small towns) side by side, which hosted the adventurers of Survivor reality. On one side, Corong Corong, at its southern tip, the most bucolic district: charming little beach bars and cozy resorts ready to make a splash and chill by the sea up to the legendary Las Cabanas. On the other, El Nido, itself split into two: the southern part, where you can admire Cadlao, the town’s emblematic island, the trendy scene of the tourist center, stay in hotels that play the urban resort card, and the northern part, with Lio, its airport, and a sexy stretch of beach. Playing the night owl at Sava Beach Bar Sleek and sophisticated, Sava has been THE playground for El Nido’s seasoned night owls for over a decade! Its secret to staying on the cool radar year after year: A prime central location enhanced by breathtaking views of the bay and Cadlao Island. Hiking in El Nido, Taraw Cliff the extreme VS Canopy Walk the soft hiking ⎚ The Stunning View from Taraw Cliff Against the Turquoise Backdrop of El Nido Bay Taraw Cliff, the netless Point Break VS Canopy Walk, the ascent on the path designed by Via Ferrata. That’s the summary of the two ways to approach the most iconic viewpoints of El Nido… Canopy Walk by El Nido Via Ferrata - Hanging Bridge + Viewdeck - 400 ₱, and for those who wish to reach the Dreamcatcher - 400 ₱. Open from 8 am to 5 pm. Taraw Cliff - To snap that iconic sunrise selfie from Taraw Cliff, you’ll need to be quick and early. Guides with pairs of gloves (you’ll understand why after just 5 minutes of climbing) are available from 4:30 am (advance arrangement is a must). Not to be dramatic, but let’s remember we’re not all Pokémon hunters, ready to do anything to catch a Snorlax, and a simple slip on the razor-sharp rocks from 270 meters up Taraw Cliff can have dire consequences. Chill at La Plage Corong Corong If you’re on the hunt for cool, you might just find it at La Plage, the nerve center of El Nido’s French-speaking community. With sunsets almost every night over Corong Corong Bay, La Plage is perfect for any occasion, from a poolside date to a Spritz on the terrace. And while everyone seems to know each other and it’s easy to become a “regular,” it’s also known for its attractive menu. Taas Restaurant, fine and creative cuisine A new spot blending creative cooking with local ingredients has popped up just steps from La Plage towards the lovely Mahogany Resort & Spa. I haven’t tried it yet, but word on the street is they serve up delicious 6-course gourmet menus for 1,900 ₱. Lime for a legendary dip in Corong Corong Expect color, warmth, and a legendary view from the rooftop pool of Lime Resort El Nido, at the end of Corong Corong Beach. The entry fee to this elevated oasis is 300 ₱, which includes a consumption credit for snacking and sipping with your feet in the water. Foodies will drool with delight: they’ll savor the cuisine of Bella Vita restaurant, which brilliantly installed a pizza oven in a stunningly decorated setting. And since one must seek shade in the tropics, a shaded bar allows you to lounge until the magical moment of sunset. Admire the sunset at Las Cabanas & Marimegmeg Beach Here’s the perfect combo that tourists seeking white sand, palm trees, umbrellas, loungers, and brazen exoticism ask for. A laid-back beach, but also a variety of refreshments, snacks hidden among the trees, and sunsets that pack a punch. Just hop in a tricycle to the junction with El Nido’s McDo. We all have a good reason I would have been unforgivable if I hadn’t headed to Gusto Gelato, tucked under the neon lights of The Pangolin, taken in the views from the Piece of Sky table, and indulged in the local flavor at Inasal Eats Co. In short, during or after sunset, we all have a good reason to seek out the trendiest restaurants in El Nido. Why are we drawn to El Nido? The boat tours in Bacuit Bay! ⎚ With spots like Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Helicopter Island, Hidden Beach, and 7 Commando, it’s the elite of Island-Hopping. Sailing with tangled hair in the wind while gazing at a constellation of paradises scattered across the South China Sea, diving into crystal-clear waters before lunch, savoring fresh pineapples amidst a myriad of limestone cliffs, putting on the mask (the snorkeling kind, of course!) and dozing off blissfully to the rhythm of the waves—that’s the delightful mix waiting for you on an Island Hopping adventure in El Nido. How much does it cost? ⎚ Sure, prices have soared, but so has the traveler turnout! It’s no secret, but just so you know, AirSwift flights to El Nido are fully booked for the Christmas season. The flip side? You won’t be the only one wanting to sail through Bacuit Bay. So, to channel your inner Corto Maltese, group tours start at 1,200  ₱/person, and during my visit, private boats were haggling around 9,500 ₱! Yes, the bill for going private can sting (especially in a small group) for just a day at sea, but that’s the price for not cramming 16 people onto a Banca. Here’s a tip that might pique your interest: you can dive into the joys of island-hopping from Corong Corong. The dock is right across from the bus station (just zoom in on the Google Map below). Corong Corong is also the ideal spot to rent a kayak and paddle along the coast to 7 Commandos, splashing in waters where boats dare not go. Online booking for your boat adventure? If these boat tours make you yearn to sail privately or mingle with others, check out the offers on this online booking platform! Getyourguide has got it all covered, even the return trips! El Nido Road Trip: A 104 km Journey to five exceptional beaches Pump up your tires and hold tight, I’ve just kicked off the “El Nido Road Trip Challenge”. It’s a 104 km trip in three stages through the far northwest of El Nido. Five stops at five stretches of sand ranked among the best in the north of Palawan Island. Among the seven spots scouted by Mr. Ouiphilippines, there are no surprises in some well-trodden corners like Nacpan Beach, but also the crème de la crème of offbeat tips, including hidden restaurants and Airbnbs, stunning landscapes, and gem-like isles. ⎚ Bice Camp Darocotan or Darocotan island experience: Why settle for a few nights in a well-air-conditioned but tame hotel in El Nido City when you could use your stay to discover unique places? ⇲ Starting from 2,500 ₱. How is the itinerary broken down? The two-day route loops through the northern part of El Nido. On the first day, you’ll connect El Nido to Teneguiban. First, count 38 kilometers from El Nido to Nacpan, one of the most beautiful beaches in Palawan. Sure, starting with the Nacpan & Duli Beach combo is a slight detour on the new Ibajay road, but the white sand, coconut trees, and ocean waves are likely to please you. From the junction on the Ibajay road to Teneguiban, the route includes 3 kilometers of track. It dives into the valley and crosses vast expanses of greenery. In a word: it’s better to know a few terms from the biker’s glossary to complete this first stage and arrive happy and exhausted before sunset. On the second day, you’ll connect Teneguiban to El Nido via Sibaltan. Count 50 kilometers this time. The highlight of the day? You can visit the Robinson Crusoe-like island of Darocotan in Island-Hopping mode. Enough to give courage to those who fear sore muscles and the monotony of braking. Panorama, nap in the shade, and homemade quiche: What stops does Ouiphilippines recommend? For those who love pee breaks, coconut milk breaks, and beautiful beach breaks, rest assured: Ouiphilippines has tested everything on the stretch and can now delight you with its most beautiful stops Let’s start with the first day and the Nacpan → Teneguiban part. In Nacpan, walk the 4km of beach from north to south up to Twin Beach. Even if the secret passage is well divulged, we continue with pleasure on the sand strip up to Calitang Beach. For a well-deserved refreshment, then head straight to Angkla, a resort on the north part of the beach, to treat yourself, for the time of a drink, to a spoiled moment by emptying a fresh coconut for 120 ₱ by the pool or pecking under the big trees while enjoying the sun rays and the superb view. And for a cheap night on the spot, I add my favorite youth hostel, Mad Monkey, a new generation accommodation where even the stiffest but most relaxed travelers will be more than welcome. Further on, in Teneguiban, the pleasant options are not legion, but you can dine at Amihan café and enjoy a quiche with local spinach, mozzarella, and bon appétit! As for accommodation, Amihan Windsurf Camp has many assets, but its modest size requires booking in advance via El Nido’s Boutique & Artcafe d'El Nido. And on the second day, from Teneguiban to El Nido, what do we do? Sore but happy, you’ll wake up at WindsurfCamp, ready to face your Island-Hopping in Darocotan Bay. Before all that, you’ll first need to stop to find a boat at Barangay Teneguiban, a small building where a swarm of locals and Steven (✆ +63 905 951 7229), a friendly local fisherman, coexist in delightful cacophony. Once your Banca is booked, extricate yourself from the port and the friendly atmosphere of the place to finally participate in the highlight of the show: Darocotan. In just a few propeller turns, you’ll see the island, draped in its white sand setting, a delicious mirage from which coconut scents escape. Now, head back across the bay towards Brother Island, where you’ll weave through the isles. Full throttle, you’re already rolling towards El Nido. After a stop in Sibaltan, the Ursula Beach Club option delights the eyes, its chill restaurant pleases the taste buds, and for those left speechless by so much beauty, they’ll have the opportunity to spend a night or two. In the bay, off the village of Sibaltan, a cleaning station for reef manta rays (Mobula alfredi) known as Saan Ka could be the ideal setting for your underwater escapade… This unique spot wouldn’t exist without Dive Sibaltan, the pioneer of scuba diving in Imorigue Bay. If aiming for the moon for a day or two doesn’t scare your wallet too much? An old pearl farm resurrected into a very secret address, far from the eyes of the common man and the noise typical of El Nido to the west, Flower Island could well consecrate this corner of Palawan (transfer from Sibaltan in 45 minutes in a Banca that can accommodate up to 6 people @ 3,000 ₱). It must be said that the island perfectly extends the idea we have of trips where one can find rare pearls (the visit to the pearl farm is the unusual activity of the area) and have a good time, you’re there! In the meantime, our return to earth will be by scooter, tricycle, or Toyota via New Ibajay and the Taytay → El Nido Hwy. The best ways to get around El Nido? On paper, renting a scooter seems simple and available at every street corner: less than 500 ₱ per day for a scooter and in terms of safety, a helmet is provided, but don’t count too much on insurance to help you out in case of a problem. To rent a car and hit the road with a driver and gas included, hooray! A good number of small agencies offer Vans and cars for rent for about 4,000 ₱ per day. If the area makes you want to rent a car with peace of mind and the possibility of dropping it off in Puerto Princesa, pick from this list ⇲  Locaction d'un véhicule à El Nido (ou/et Puerto Princesa) Very well served by tricycles, a means that will be favored by the non-motorized according to feedback. How to get to El Nido ? So, you wanna know how to get to El Nido? Fly, baby, fly! The quickest way to dive into El Nido’s charm is to land at Lio Airport, the town’s very own airstrip. Despite El Nido’s booming popularity, AirSwift is the lone ranger operating in this petite port of the skies. The airline’s got a growing network of ATRs jetting off from Clark, Cebu, Coron, Boracay, Bohol, and Siargao. You can now take 4 ferrys from Coron to El Nido Ready for a maritime classic? The 140 km sea route from Coron to El Nido is a Philippine tourism staple. With over 4 hours of ocean vibes, four ferry operators—Montenegro, Atienza, Jomalia, and Island Water—are vying for your attention, all at a neck-and-neck price tag (just under 3,000 ₱) for their daily services. Tips for organising a great trip Coron - El Nido & vice versa ? TAO Philippines reigns as the grand artist of northern Palawan cruises, pioneering the Banca crossings. But the quaint towns of Coron and El Nido are brimming with agencies, like the half travel agency, half cruise line El Nido Paradise, and the French-flavored operator Nativ’Exploration. Choosing Your Path: Why stick to a beaten path when you can drift through the islands at random? It’s way more charming. Limited camping site options mean most operators end up following nearly identical overnight stops. But TAO? They craft their own sleeping spots for the triumph of exclusivity or sanitization—take your pick. The Vibe: If the idea of combining transfer with a dip sounds good, and you’re up for adventure, chatting, and sipping aperitifs on a deserted island, then the Coron-El Nido cruise is calling your name. No crowded beaches or overrun waters here. In secluded coves, you’ll relish being in a small group, enjoying the water at your own pace. Mix it up with snorkeling sessions, sea urchin foraging, and diving off the Banca’s bow. Who’s It For? On a Banca, personal space is non-existent. If you need your bubble, this isn’t for you. For a few days, you’ll be packed in like sardines, sharing every sound, snore, and conversation with the tribe. But it’s all in good fun—promise. It’ll probably remind you of those high school ski trips, cramming twelve into a studio to save on cash. Price-wise, you’re looking at around 19,000 ₱ for an all-inclusive 3-day/2-night trip. Good to Know! Watch out for the weather; it’s a fickle beast. Storms can brew up, and cruises can get outright canceled. But from March to June, sea conditions are generally good—no need for waterproof pants. Traveling from Puerto Princesa & Port Barton to El Nido: The Van, shared or private, is the tourist’s go-to for reaching El Nido, so don’t skimp on travel time. After landing in Puerto Princesa, Palawan’s main city, you’re in for over 5 hours and 270 km of road to El Nido. From Port Barton, it’s a 4-hour, 190 km journey. Exiting Puerto Princesa Airport, you’ll be greeted by a swarm of drivers eager to fill their Vans. While convenient, remember the Toyota Commuter only hits its stride once all 12 seats are filled… and these on-demand rides stop running after 5 pm. Booking online for a van or ferry to/from El Nido If you’re going digital, check out the widget below powered by 12go.asia. It lets you book all kinds of transport tickets to/from El Nido about 30 days in advance. It’s a breeze to use: select your starting point, pick your journey, and voilà—options from transport providers, with corresponding prices, as well as buses, Vans, or ferries, will pop up. Just choose, pay with a card, and then pick up your ticket near the departure station. Easy peasy! Where to stay in El Nido ? In El Nido, the hotel game is strong, and yeah, it’s got a price tag to match. The town’s success story isn’t just about the views—it’s about the booming economy too. With nearly 500 hotels of all shapes and sizes, the options are as vast as the ocean. But don’t let the numbers chill your tropical vibe. It’s not just about the cost; it’s about scoring the perfect spot. Below, you’ll find a curated widget of the best budget-friendly hotels in El Nido and Corong Corong that won’t break the bank. El Nido’s cozy central stays on a budget One El Nido Suite: Tucked behind a facade that’s got more supermarket vibes than swank, One El Nido Suite ticks all the right boxes for the explorer over the lounger. We’re talking wallet-friendly rates, a medium buffet breakfast included, spacious and comfy rooms (think fridge, gentle AC, WiFi, and TV), all just a stone’s throw from the market and, crucially, the bus station. Double rooms kick off from 2'700 ₱/nuit Balay Paragua: A wallet-friendly wonder In the sea of budget stays in El Nido, Balay Paragua is a unanimous favorite. It’s smack-dab in the heart of El Nido but nestled on a peaceful street. And if the backpacker buzz is anything to go by, it’s a traveler’s dream. ❤ Recent Raves & Faves “I’m shouting it from the rooftops—this resort is a MUST! A mere 10-minute walk or a zippy 5-minute scooter ride from El Nido’s bustling center. Run by an Italian, so expect killer cocktails and pasta that’ll make you swoon. Sea views mean sunset spectacles and breakfasts with a vista. They’ve nailed the care factor here, making it a top pick if you’re keen to dodge the crowds.”. ⇲ Angel Nido Resort Caalan Beach ✎ Loved this El Nido travel log? Got a tale to tell or a top tip to share? Hit me up! 😉

Back to top

bottom of page