Three routes in
Times are typical and change with weather, traffic and season. Check schedules before you book onward travel.
Fly direct to El Nido
About 1.5 hours from ManilaSmall aircraft land at El Nido airport in Lio, 15 minutes from town.
- Fastest by a wide margin
- The most expensive route
- Limited seats and a tight luggage allowance
- Flights also link to a few other Philippine islands
Fly to Puerto Princesa, then van
5 to 6 hours by roadThe route most visitors take. Flights to Puerto Princesa are frequent and cheap.
- Shared vans run through the day
- A private van costs more and stops when you want
- The road is winding; take precautions if you get car sick
- Avoid landing late, or stay a night in Puerto Princesa
Ferry from Coron
About 4 to 5 hours by fast ferryThe link if you are visiting both.
- Usually one sailing a day each way
- Can be rough in open water
- Cancelled in bad weather, so keep a buffer day
- Book ahead in peak season
Getting around once you arrive
Tricycles
The local taxi. Agree the fare before you get in. Fine for town, Corong-Corong, Marimegmeg and Lio.
Scooters
Easy to rent and the best way to reach Nacpan and the northern beaches. Wear a helmet and check your travel insurance covers it.
Vans and shuttles
Hotels can arrange transfers, and shared shuttles run to Nacpan in season.
On foot
Town itself is small enough to walk end to end in fifteen minutes.
Practical things first-timers miss
Cash
There are cash machines in town, but they can run dry or go offline. Arrive with enough pesos for a few days.
Power and wifi
Power cuts still happen and wifi is patchy outside the better hotels. A local SIM helps.
How long to stay
Three nights is the minimum for two tours. Five gives you a beach day and a spare day for weather.
Water
Do not drink from the tap. Most hotels offer refills, so bring a bottle.