Local cuisine in El Nido prominently features seafood, given its coastal location. Traditional dishes include kinilaw, a Filipino ceviche made with raw fish marinated in vinegar and citrus juices, often mixed with onions and peppers. Adobo, a dish made with chicken or pork simmered in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and spices, is also popular. Rice is a staple accompaniment. For a sweet treat, try halo-halo, a dessert made with shaved ice, evaporated milk, and a mix of fruits and sweet beans.
Dining options range from local eateries (carinderias) offering meals for around 100 PHP ($2) to mid-range restaurants where meals cost 300-500 PHP ($5-$9). Remember that tap water is not safe to drink in El Nido, so it is advisable to use bottled water.
El Nido offers a laid-back lifestyle, appealing to tourists and locals alike. Public transportation includes tricycles and boats, with tricycles costing around PHP 10-50 ($0.20-$1) depending on distance. Popular activities include island hopping tours, snorkeling, and diving, showcasing the area's marine biodiversity. Dining options range from local eateries serving Filipino dishes to international restaurants, with meals typically costing PHP 150-400 ($3-$7).
The local markets provide fresh produce and seafood, reflecting the region's reliance on fishing and agriculture. Visitors are advised to drink bottled water, as tap water may not be safe for consumption. Local customs emphasize respect and friendliness, with English widely spoken, making communication easier for travelers. Accommodations vary from budget hostels to luxury resorts, catering to different preferences and budgets.
While Puerto Princesa and El Nido both attract tourists, they cater to different interests. Puerto Princesa serves as the gateway to Palawan and is known for the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. It typically receives more tourists due to its accessibility via the international airport and its role as a transportation hub.
El Nido, famous for its limestone cliffs and island-hopping tours, draws more visitors seeking beach and nature experiences. However, it is less accessible, requiring a longer journey from Puerto Princesa by van or bus (approximately 5-6 hours). Therefore, while Puerto Princesa might see more overall tourists due to transit, El Nido is often the primary destination for those specifically interested in coastal and marine activities.
| Cheapest Transport | $12 |
| Fastest Transport | 4h |
| Earliest Departure | 7:00 AM |
| Latest Departure | 11:45 PM |
| Departures per day | 2 |
| Distance | 200 kilometers |
| Transport Companies | AirSWIFT, Cebu Pacific, Cherry Bus, Lakkbay Travel Services, Lexxus Shuttle, Palajuanders Travel and Tours |
When you want to get from Puerto Princesa to El Nido, you have a few options to consider. Traveling between these destinations is possible by different means of transport:
If you’re looking for a quick trip, it’s recommended that you use Taxi. However, if you’d rather take your time with a slower, more affordable travel option, you can book a Flight ticket.
The cost of travel will depend on the means of transport you choose for your trip. A Van ticket is the most expensive option - it will cost you about USD 12.00. If you want to save on transportation, it’s better to take a van as a van ticket costs as low as USD 12.00.
If you’re traveling by land, it’s important to know the distance from Puerto Princesa to El Nido. Your trip will be a total of 125 miles (200 km). The flying distance is 125 miles (200 km).
The travel time from Puerto Princesa to El Nido can vary depending on the mode of transportation you choose. All things considered, the whole journey should take from 4 to 17 hours.
The cost of the trip from Puerto Princesa to El Nido varies according to what means of transport you choose for your journey. The most affordable operator is Lexxus Shuttle: travelling by van expect to pay as low as USD 12.00 for your ticket.
However, if you’re after more upscale travel . The most expensive variant is to opt for a Van - a one-way Van ticket can cost as much as USD 12.00.
Here is a chart of the average ticket prices and transportation options available from Puerto Princesa to El Nido:
You can order a taxi, too - an estimated cost of the ride is from USD 125.39 to USD 134.34.
Depending on your choice of transportation, the number of daily trips varies.
Things to remember before opting for a bus ride:
Depending on the route, it might cost as much as USD 125.39.
Things to remember: It's a good idea to follow the route on Google Maps or any other GPS navigator.
Sometimes, when trains or buses aren’t available, a van is your only way to get from Puerto Princesa to El Nido.
Things to remember: while traveling by van, you might not have as much space for luggage as you would on a train or a plane. It’s a good idea to pack only the most useful things for a van trip and put them in a backpack that will be easy to carry around..
How to choose the most convenient way of travel from Puerto Princesa to El Nido? In order to make your choice of transportation easier, we asked 1000 users to range their preferences for this route. Here are the results of the poll: