The best way to get from Puerto Princesa to El Nido City Center is with one of Daytrip's private transfers, which offer comfortable and convenient door-to-door transportation in a private car or private van with a team of friendly, professional local drivers.Â
How do I get from Puerto Princesa Airport to El Nido?Â
Private transfers are often the most convenient way for travelers from Puerto Princesa International Airport to El Nido. With Daytrip's private transfers, you can schedule your ride in advance and even choose to add sightseeing stops to your journey.Â
How long is the flight from Puerto Princesa to El Nido?Â
While the actual flight time from Puerto Princesa to El Nido is about one hour in the air, the whole journey can take closer to 5 hours, including an early arrival before your departure time as well as travel time spent getting between each airport and the city center.Â
What is the fastest way to get from Puerto Princesa Airport to El Nido?Â
It is fastest to drive from Puerto Princesa Airport to El Nido, with an average travel time of just under 5 hours. Though the flight may seem quicker, the actual time in the air is only a fraction of the travel time you'll spend getting between the two cities.
What is the cheapest way to get from Puerto Princesa to El Nido?Â
Taking a bus from Puerto Princesa to the El Nido bus terminal is generally the cheapest way to visit El Nido. The Cherry Bus is a popular company on this route, and their tickets start at about $12 per person. Cherry Bus tickets are cheaper when booked in advance online.Â
How long is the private transfer from Puerto Princesa to El Nido?Â
With Daytrip, a private car or private van journey takes about four hours and 40 minutes. Private car transfers are more efficient than shared van transfers, as you won't have to make any additional stops for other passengers.Â
Overview: car trip from Puerto Princesa to El Nido
The Puerto Princesa to El Nido transfer offers travelers an unforgettable journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Palawan Island in the Philippines. This scenic drive covers a distance of approximately 165 miles (268 km) and typically takes around 4 hours and 40 minutes, depending on road conditions and stops along the way. A Daytrip private transfer transforms this journey into an extraordinary sightseeing adventure with customized stops tailored to your interests.
As you travel from Puerto Princesa to El Nido, you'll have the opportunity to witness the island's diverse beauty. Experience lush rainforests, rolling hills, and glimpses of pristine coastlines. Consider adding a stop at the picturesque Las Cabanas Beach, or visit the fascinating Fort Santa Isabel. Your private driver will wait while you explore these attractions, making your day trip from Puerto Princesa to El Nido both efficient and enriching.
About El Nido
El Nido, nestled at the northern tip of Palawan, is a paradise destination that captivates visitors with its dramatic limestone cliffs, turquoise lagoons, and vibrant marine life. The name "El Nido" translates to "The Nest" in Spanish, referring to the edible nests of swiftlets found in the town's limestone cliffs, which are harvested for the famous bird's nest soup delicacy.
Historically, El Nido was a relatively unknown fishing village until the 1980s, when it began to gain recognition for its exceptional natural beauty. The establishment of the El Nido-Taytay Managed Resource Protected Area in 1998, which covers over 36,000 hectares of land and 54,000 hectares of marine waters, helped preserve the area's ecological significance. This UNESCO-protected status has enabled El Nido to preserve its pristine environment despite increasing numbers of visitors.
Today, El Nido serves as the gateway to the spectacular Bacuit Archipelago, a collection of 45 limestone islands and islets with hidden beaches, lagoons, and coral reefs. The town has evolved from a quiet fishing community into a world-renowned travel destination, frequently appearing on lists of the most beautiful beach destinations globally.
What makes El Nido truly special is the perfect balance it strikes between development and natural preservation. While you'll find comfortable accommodations and restaurants in the main town, much of the surrounding area remains untouched, offering visitors an authentic experience of the Philippinesâ natural beauty.
The crystal-clear waters provide excellent visibility for snorkeling and diving, allowing visitors to explore vibrant coral gardens and encounter diverse marine species. El Nido offers something for every type of traveler.
From Puerto Princesa to El Nido: travel tips
Planning your Puerto Princesa to El Nido transfer requires some preparation to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable journey. Here are some essential tips to help you make the most of your travel experience:
Pack wisely for the journey
El Nido is a natural paradise with plenty of outdoor activities. Think about the activities youâd like to do when you arrive and make sure you pack accordingly. Things like sun protection and insect repellent go a long way to ensuring you are comfortable. Weather conditions can change drastically during the rainy season, so check the weather forecast before your trip to prepare accordingly.
Bring cash and small bills
Many establishments along the route from Puerto Princesa to El Nido don't accept credit cards, and ATMs can be scarce outside of the main towns. Make sure to withdraw sufficient cash in Puerto Princesa before departing, as El Nido has limited ATM access and sometimes machines run out of cash during peak tourist seasons. Having smaller denominations will be helpful for purchasing snacks or souvenirs during your vacation.
How to get from Puerto Princesa to El Nido
There are several transportation options for your Puerto Princesa to El Nido transfer, each with its own advantages and considerations. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of the available choices, from most to least convenient:
Private transfer from Puerto Princesa to El Nido
The most comfortable and flexible way to travel from Puerto Princesa to El Nido is with a Daytrip private car service. This door-to-door transfer option provides a seamless experience, picking you up directly from your accommodation in Puerto Princesa or from the airport and delivering you to your hotel in El Nido in approximately 5 hours.
With a private transfer, you'll enjoy the journey in a clean, air-conditioned vehicle with a professional, English-speaking driver who knows the route well. The greatest advantage is the flexibility to customize your journey with sightseeing stops along the way. This is impossible with other transportation methods. Private transfers are ideal for families, groups, or travelers with lots of luggage who value comfort and convenience.
Van shuttle from Puerto Princesa to El Nido
Shared van shuttles are a popular option for budget-conscious travelers. These services operate multiple direct trips daily between Puerto Princesa Airport and El Nido, with journey times of 5-6 hours depending on road conditions and stops. Tickets can cost as low as $10-15 per person, making this an economical choice.
Vans typically depart when full, with pickup available from the airport or your hotel in Puerto Princesa. While more affordable than private transfers, shared vans can be crowded, with limited legroom and space for luggage. The vans make 1-2 bathroom breaks but don't stop for sightseeing. It's advisable to book your van tickets in advance, especially during high season, through your hotel or online travel agencies.
Bus from Puerto Princesa to El Nido
The most budget-friendly but longest option is taking a bus from Puerto Princesa to El Nido. Several companies operate services from San Jose Terminal in Puerto Princesa, with tickets starting from $8-10. However, the journey takes 6-7 hours, as buses make frequent stops to pick up and drop off passengers along the route.
Buses generally depart according to a fixed timetable rather than when full. While they offer more legroom than vans, the trade-off is a longer travel time. Additionally, getting to the bus terminal from Puerto Princesa Airport requires an additional taxi ride, adding to the total journey time and cost.
Flights from Puerto Princesa to El Nido
For travelers with limited time, local airlines occasionally operate direct flights between Puerto Princesa and El Nido, though the schedule is limited and subject to change. Flight time is just 30 minutes, but tickets are significantly more expensive (around $100-150 one way) than ground transportation options. Additionally, El Nido's small airport is located about 30 minutes from the town center, requiring an additional transfer.
While flights are by far the fastest option when available, they're also the most subject to cancellations due to weather conditions. If your schedule is tight, it's worth checking current flight availability, but be prepared with a backup plan.
Things to do when you get to El Nido
After completing your Puerto Princesa to El Nido transfer, a world of tropical adventures awaits. Here are some must-do activities to add to your El Nido itinerary:
Embark on island-hopping tours
El Nido's iconic island hopping tours are the highlight of any visit. Each tour covers different islands and attractions in the Bacuit Archipelago. These tours typically include lunch and snorkeling equipment, allowing you to explore hidden beaches, dramatic limestone formations, and vibrant coral reefs.
For the best experience, book your tour through reputable operators who follow sustainable tourism practices. Consider booking a private tour if you prefer a more customized schedule or want to avoid crowds at popular spots.
Discover hidden beaches
Las Cabanas Beach (also known as Marimegmeg Beach) is close to town and ideal for watching the sunset over Bacuit Bay. Here, you can relax at beachfront bars or try the zipline that runs from the hillside down to the beach for a thrilling aerial view of the coast. Daytrip makes it easy to add this beach as a sightseeing stop on your journey.
Explore the underwater world
El Nido's crystal-clear waters make it an excellent destination for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. Several certified dive shops offer courses and guided dives for all experience levels. Popular dive sites include South Miniloc, Dilumacad Island, and Helicopter Island, where you can encounter sea turtles, reef sharks, and an abundance of tropical fish.
If you prefer to stay closer to the surface, snorkeling at spots like Entalula Island and Seven Commando Beach reveals colorful coral gardens teeming with marine life. Many day trips include snorkeling opportunities, or you can rent equipment in town and explore accessible reef areas from the shore.
Hike to panoramic viewpoints
For those who enjoy trekking, El Nido offers several rewarding hikes with breathtaking views. The Taraw Cliff hike, starting near the town center, provides panoramic vistas of Bacuit Bay and the surrounding limestone formations. While challenging and requiring proper footwear, the views from the top are well worth the effort.
A more accessible option is the Nagkalit-kalit Waterfall hike, located about 30 minutes from town. This moderate trek through jungle terrain leads to refreshing natural pools where you can cool off after your hike. Local guides are recommended for both of these experiences to ensure safety and enhance your understanding of the local ecosystem.
When is the best time to visit El Nido
The ideal time for your Puerto Princesa to El Nido trip depends on your weather preferences and tolerance for crowds. The dry season from November to May offers the most reliable weather for outdoor activities, with December to February providing the coolest temperatures (around 75-85°F or 24-29°C) and clearest waters for snorkeling and diving. This is considered the high season, so expect more tourists and higher prices during this period.
March to May brings hotter temperatures but fewer visitors than the peak holiday season. If you're looking to avoid crowds while still enjoying good weather, consider visiting during these months or in November, which marks the transition from wet to dry season.
The rainy season from June to October sees fewer tourists and lower rates for accommodations, but some tours may be canceled due to weather conditions, particularly during July and August when typhoons are most likely. However, many travelers report that September and October can offer excellent value with intermittent rain rather than constant downpours, allowing for most activities to proceed as planned.
For the best balance of good weather, reasonable prices, and manageable crowds for your journey from Puerto Princesa to El Nido, aim for the shoulder months of November, May, or early June.
Visitez ces sites en chemin
Kuyba Almoneca Meditation Garden
With pools and caves and plenty of quiet corners, this serene garden provides a peaceful escape. A Piece of HeavenÂ
Palawan Butterfly Ecological Garden and Tribal Village
At this two-for-one attraction, youâll learn about Palawanâs indigenous wildlife and tribal traditions. Flitting Between Nature and CultureÂ
Mitra's Ranch
With some of the finest views in Palawan, this hilltop farm is the perfect place to relax. Palawan PasturesÂ
Fort Santa Isabel
Keeps the pirates away from Taytay. A Fort a DayÂ
Kuyawyaw Falls
A short walk through the forest leads to a set of increasingly-beautiful cascades. A Three-Tiered TreatÂ
Las Cabanas Beach
This stretch of sand is famed for its sunset views and sea-spanning zipline. Zip into the SunsetÂ
