If you’re traveling to El Nido, we know that COVID-19 has greatly impacted the tourism industry. Since the Philippines is opening up to leisure tourists, travel limitations prevent the virus from spreading further.
In this guide, we've compiled updated information which you'll need to plan your holiday. Although, El Nido is currently safe, protected by LGU’s, and not crowded. It is essential to take note of all the critical travel advisories and recommendations before entering Palawan's paradise to keep both tourists and residents safe. Read on to learn what the travel requirements are and what other national and local government restrictions are as of November 2021.
It isn't easy to visit the Philippines without a visa. The following are the requirements for foreign visitors visiting the Philippines:
(Frequently Asked Question)
Regarding health, the national government and local government entities have put safety standards to prevent COVID-19 from spreading. Face masks are used, social distance is maintained, and a negative COVID-19 test result and a vaccination card or certificate are required while crossing local borders.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.
Located in the Sulu Sea of the Philippines, Palawan is a must-see for visitors wanting to experience the best of the tropical regions. Palawan is a province with a unique ecological frontier. This tropical paradise has plenty of diving, fishing opportunities, and natural features, such as the Tubbataha Reef Marine Park.
Best Destination In Palawan
Puerto Princesa
1. Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
Puerto Princesa Subterranean Park is a protected area of the Philippines located north of the heart of the beautiful city of Puerto Princesa, Palawan. This dazzling river is one of the best tourist spots in the Philippines, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature.
Enjoy underground river adventures such as jaw-dropping caves, limestone cliffs, calm turquoise waters, hundred-year-old trees, and distinctive wildlife. Exploring the secret underground river is the best time when the season is dry and warm (November to May).
As much as possible, avoid typhoons or wet seasons if you want your Underground River dreams to come true.
To go to Puerto Princesa's Underground River from Sabang (a small village located on the western coast of Palawan), you will have to travel to Puerto Princesa through the land. Once you reach the port, you will board a small boat to get you to Sabang Beach (the entry point to the underground cave). Here are some ways to travel by land:
- By Public Bus or Jeepneys
At the San Jose Terminal, you will see non-air-conditioned buses and jeepneys heading toward the Sabang Port. Please check departure times with the terminal.
Note: Jeepneys will not leave until all seats are filled. Travel time is about three hours, including stopovers.
- Hiring Private Companies
Private air-conditioned vans are also available. Transportation time from Puerto Princessa to Sabang is less than two hours.
Nearby Attractions
- Sabang
After your glorious tour into the unknown, you should discover the beauty of Palawan even further. With tons of fun activities, make your Palawan vacation even more exciting. Explore Puerto Princesa Beaches, Monkey Trails, Sabang X-Zipline, and take a local food tour. Immerse yourself with the Filipino culture and dive deep into the Filipino fun. These activities are perfect for families and couple bonding!
2. Honda Bay Tour
Honda Bay is a bay on the eastern shore of the island of Palawan. It is best to take a city tour into Honda Bay and see the many small islands are scattered in the bay. These islands have various diving and snorkeling sites where you can take an underwater adventure and see the beauty of the marine ecosystem yourself. Pick which islands you want to visit. Here are a few islands offered to tour:
- Starfish Island- known for its rock starfish and a cool sandbar.
- Cowrie Island- known for cowrie shells, its luxurious cabanas, and spa huts.
- Luli Island- known for its beautiful sandbar that almost forms a perfect circle during the low tide.
- Pandan- take a tour on this private island with white sand and good snorkeling.
There are also many places to dine and buy local souvenirs ethnically made by the local Filipino people. With skilled services such as relaxing massages by the beach, this is a perfect trip for some couples and family fun. And it is safe to say that you are in paradise!
3. Nagtabon Beach
Nagtabon Beach is one of the unspoiled beaches in Palawan, with fine white sand, turquoise water, and tall palm trees that shade the area- a relaxing beach day is what you need! Nagtabon Beach is 30 kilometers away from Puerto Princesa City.
The best way to get here is to ride a motorbike or tricycle (45 minutes-1 hour). Once you arrive, take a stroll through the beach and bask in the glory of the sun. It is peaceful and is perfect for some alone time, some family time, work relaxations, and couple bonding!
North Palawan
1. El Nido
Get your sun-kissed adventure in the islands of El Nido. This paradise is blessed with white sand, bright blue waters, vibrant coral reefs, and unique limestone formations. Yes, the glorious El Nido is the gateway of the Bacuit Archipelago and houses about 45 islets.
The best month to visit El Nido- is when it is dry and full of fun (January - April). There are lots of fun things to do in El Nido. Go island-hopping, trek up cliffs, scuba dive, zip line, go shopping, and join in the lively party scene every night. Either way, it is never boring.
Because it is always fun in the Philippines! There are so many beaches in the town of El Nido. Here are some beaches that top the list:
- Nacpan Beach
Nacpan Beach is a 4-km coast of cream-colored sand, coconut trees, a tiny fishing village, and clear aqua blue water with cute but surf-able waves. It is a 17 km ride north from El Nido town and is one of the most beautiful beaches in El Nido.
On Nacpan Beach, you will find resto-bars, souvenir shops, or go boat sailing and see Calitang Beach (Nacpan Beach’s twin beach)
- Lio Beach
Lio Beach is a strip of neat coastline, bright blue waters, a whole load of palm trees, and delicious coconuts. Lively with music playing in the background from all the restaurants and bars and a glorious blanket of clear blue skies, Lio beach is worth visiting.
Lio Beach is accessible and is 15 minutes away from El Nido town (by tricycle). There are many luxurious hotels too so do not worry about convenience!
- Sibaltan & San Fernando
Sibaltan & San Fernando are located on the eastern side of Palawan. It is also a peaceful and sleepy small town with cute roads, some grocery store, a local church, a basketball court, and a fantastic museum in this remote area.
These two places are mostly just for a few hour visitations from El Nido center and to enjoy kitesurfing, scuba diving, island hopping, kayaking and are not a crowded area.
- Port Barton
Port Barton is a quieter and less crowded version of El Nido. But still offer beautiful beaches and islands that will fulfill your tropical holiday dream. Port Barton’s main beach is Itay Itay and is filled with rustic accommodation such as beach cottages, restaurants, and bars. Although the waters around Port Barton’s Itay Itay are not ideal for swimming.
There are other nicer beaches to explore nearby such as Pamuayan Beach, White Beach, Paradise Island, Exotic Island, and German Island.
- San Vicente Beach
The beauty of San Vicente is stunning and is home to the longest beach in the Philippines. This beach is surrounded by lush forests, many islets, majestic waterfalls, enchanting mangroves, and a diverse landscape of flora and fauna. You can do many activities here such as trekking to nearby Waterfalls (like Bigaho or Pamuayan falls), go turtle watching, scuba diving, surfing, and sky diving.
- Taytay
Taytay is located on the north-eastern coast of Palawan and is a perfect, secluded, and private escape. Known as “Estrella Del Norte” (Star of the North), Taytay is one of Palawan’s oldest municipalities and was also the first capital city of the province.
Taytay is a place of rich history and culture. Blessed with white sand beaches, hidden lagoons, secret caves, and cliffs- it is a beautiful place to rediscover.
During your stay, you should discover what the area has to offer. Go on an exploration across the city. And do not forget to visit Fort Santa Isabel (a 17th-century Spanish fortress) and Manguao Lake (the only freshwater lake in Palawan & perfect for birdwatching) on your way!
South Palawan
1. Balabac
Balabac is a 2nd class municipality in Palawan, Philippines. And has many untouched Virgin Islands, blessed with beautiful beaches and mesmerizing sea views. You should take time to visit the Camiaran “Pink” Island for some unique coral pink sand, take a swim at Onuk island, snorkel under the sapphire waters of Sicsican Island and Nasubata Reef or climb to the top of Cape Melville Lighthouse and see the world before your eyes!
2. Narra
Narra is a 1st class municipality in Palawan, Philippines. It is most loved for its untouched nature, incredible biodiversity, glorious natural landscapes, stunning mountains, and exotic species of flora and fauna.
Narra is blessed with incredible venues so don’t forget to stop by Mount Victoria (one of the most scenic mountains in Palawan), swim in the rejuvenating waters of Estrella Falls, birdwatch in Rasa Island (find the endangered Philippine Red–Vented Cockatoo) and dive deep in Arena Island to discover the nesting site of green and Hawksbill turtles.
3. Quezon, Palawan
Quezon is a 1st class municipality of Palawan and is regarded as the cradle of Philippine civilization. Quezon, Palawan is home to the famous Tabon Caves, where the remains of the fossilized Tabon Man (caveman), jewelry, and earthenware dating back almost 50,000 years were discovered!
Hire an expert tour guide and immerse yourself in the rich culture and archaeological history of the Philippines.
When you enter one of the many cave chambers, travel back in time and rediscover the earliest humans to set foot in Palawan. With ancient artifacts, burial jars, old wooden tools, and limestone inscriptions on cave walls. The Tabon Caves is an experience like no other.
Also, catch a glimpse of wild bats, birds, and other animals that shelter in the caves and take a dip out the pristine waters outside the cave!
Note: If you want to travel from Puerto Princesa City to see Tabon Caves, it will take 4 hours by land, followed by a boat ride of 45 minutes to reach.
Now that you have a complete guide for your Palawan trip. Make sure to take some cool photos because it is downright gorgeous!
When you look for kitesurfing or kiteboarding spots in the Philippines, you might find Boracay as the best spot for this sport. But due to its popularity, it is always crowded and filled with tourists and or kite surfers.
Whether you are a beginner or an expert level kite surfer, you will find it hard to surf peacefully in that area. But what to do if you want to learn or advance your skills peacefully? Do not worry.
Although El Nido is not considered the best spot for kitesurfing when the North-East monsoon wind blows (called “Amihan” in the local language), yet there is an ideal shoreline in the East of the El Nido town which is a perfectly peaceful and unpopulated spot for kitesurfers, the shoreline of San Fernando and Sibaltan.
Best Kitesurfing Spots Philippines
Amihan blows from October to May with an air pressure of 12 to 15 knots (ideal for beginner and mediate level kitesurfers) in the shoreline of San Fernando and Sibaltan and reaches upto 20-30 knots (ideal for expert-level kite surfers) in December and January. The flat sand and shallow turquoise waters make it the perfect spot for kitesurfing during Amihan.
The ideal cross-shore and cross onshorewind in this shoreline is perfect for kitesurfing enthusiasts, unlike the Duli area on the West coast of El Nido where offshore wind blows with the risk of being blown away in the South China Sea in the case of losing control over the kite.
Most of the East coast is, however, hazardlessalong with no crowds and flat waters.
Another advantage of this shoreline is that it is only an hour away from the town on El Nido. When you are in El Nido, there are multiple ways of getting to this shoreline including car, van, motorbike or ferryboat, depending upon the number of people and preference.
But it is ideal for a group to take a private van and drive North-East from El Nido past the turn for Bucana then continue around to the South-East. Then turn for San Fernando towards Sibaltan to Qi Palawan resort which is located directly between San Fernando and Sibaltan shoreline.
Most of the roads are paved and in good condition. Non-hotel guests are welcome at the resort with minimum expenditure of 700 Philippine Pesos (almost $14 US) which is not an entrance fee but consumable. You will find exotic drinks and food at the resort to spend it. If you are renting equipment for kitesurfing, you will already meet the minimum expenditure.
You can stay at the resort or join the nightlife of El Nido only an hour away.
Another great news for international travelers is that at least 5 ATMs have recently been installed in the El Nido town and also in Lio and Nacpan. So there will be no issue of carrying extra cash or having limited money on you. Also, most of the hotels or resorts there have a good internet connection so that you can even pay online if you want.
In short, if you like to learn or advance your kitesurfing skill in a peaceful environment, the shoreline of San Fernando and Sibaltan in the East of El Nido is an ideal spot for you.
The Palawan, known as the largest province and last frontier in Philippine, boasts fantastic natural habitats that make it one of the most visited places in the world by tourists. It is known as the largest province as it spans over 1.5 million hectares of land. Palawan is widely known to house thousands of islands that offer a form of escapism to adventurers. The azure waters, sparkling white sand and more make these islands all the more enticing to visit.
In this article, we will offer a guide and reasons why you should consider Palawan a tourist destination.
One of the amazing wonders of the Philippines is the Underground River. This section of the Palawan Island is a hotspot for biodiversity conservation. One intriguing feature about this Palawan island spot is that the river flows slowly and empties directly into the South China Sea. 8.2 km in size, this river is the longest underground river in the world. It flows through the St. Paul Underground River directly into the sea.
The Honda Bay is an awesome relaxation spot in Palawan you should visit to partake in a wide range of fun activities. Situated close to Puerto Princesa, it is a popular spot for recreation. Here, boats can be rented for commercial and subsistence fishing. Get the chance to see underwater gardens, play in white sands and more by visiting the Honda Bay. It packs lots of promises waiting for you.
Palawan Island has great spots for kitesurfing. Kitesurfing is one of the activities that mostly takes place in this tourist attraction center. The developed island makes it safe for this sporting activity. The wind is lighter here and the shore breeze is calm. For advanced riders, the water is flat with small waves on the outer reef that makes kitesurfing more lovable and enjoyable.
Port Barton, Palawan is another beautiful place to visit. A tiny village is a home to the indigenous people of Batak, Port Barton has pristine beaches and eco-friendly ambiance that makes it a nice place to visit in Palawan. The Resort & Turtle Sanctuary, Pamuayan Falls, Filipino Cuisine and more are some of the attractive places in Port Barton that make it worth visiting.
If you are looking forward to an island hopping in Palawan, then the Balabac is ideal for you. Balabac is a municipality in Palawan. It is a group of 31 islands, most of which are uninhabited. The friendly locals, wonderful marine activities, vibrant ecosystem makes this off-the-beaten-path island more enjoyable to stay.
A coastal city on Palawan Island, the Puerto Princesa is a 1st class urbanized city that offers spots and activities to visit and enjoy respectively. Ranging from city touring and water sports, there are tons of activities to partake in, in the Puerto Princesa. The Kamia Bay Resort is a great attraction center to visit in the city center. Tourists can also enjoy some of the best Palawan cuisines in this area.
The Puerto Princesa houses the only airport in Palawan. It serves as the main gateway to the province.
If it is sunny, pristine and serene beaches that you are looking for, Palawan Island does not disappoint. The beautiful and sparkling water surrounding the Palawan Island is one of its top attractions. The beaches are not far from the coast as the water bodies are a long narrow stretch. The beaches at Palawan are the dream beaches that anybody will want to be in.
The Tubataha Reefs offers a biodiversity spotlight in Palawan Island. This natural park is a protected area in the Philippines. Located in the middle of the Sulu Sea, it is regarded as one of the most remarkable coral reefs in the world. Here you will encounter a diverse range of marine lives including manta rays, turtles and more.
Have you ever imagined how beautiful and breathtaking the underwater sights are? The beaches in Palawan Island offer stunning and unique underwater sights. Divers and snorkelers will enjoy diving into the water bodies found on Palawan Island. It offers them a chance to immerse themselves fully into the water activities they are involved in.
For seafood lovers, the Palawan Island is a wonderful place for them to visit. Here, visitors can feast on well-prepared crabs, prawns, rock lobster, and more. There are local markets around where you can visit to search for fresh catches. The seafood here is tasty and worthy of eating.
Palawan Island is one of the most fascinating places that you can visit in the world. To do this you may require the assistance of a transport service. We offer a customized transport service north & south of Palawan province. Our major route is Puerto Princesa to El Nido, San Vicente, Port Barton & Sabang (Underground River).
Palawan Island is a hub of diverse wildlife. From the sea to the forests, it is not hard to come across varying species of organisms. While swimming, it is not difficult to escape coming across creatures such as lionfish, box jellyfish, stonefish, striped sea snake, stingray, and many more. These offer divers and swimmers so much to experience while they are undergoing their various water activities. One should always take precautions of venturing into these habitats of this eclectic island under the guidance of a tour guide.
From the lofty Karst cliffs to the amazing sunny beaches, El Nido is a great place to visit in Palawan. It is a paradise such that tens of thousands of tourists visit this place on a monthly basis. It's a stunning place that it motivated Alex Garland to write The Beach novel.
Close to the Puerto Princesa Underground River, there is so much to explore in Sabang. There are beaches and zip lines to make your touring topnotch. The place with its breathtaking views is a perfect place for relaxation and spending quality time with loved ones.
Starting from the very beginning, being a foreign tourist, you will enter the Philippines by air and land in the Puerto Princesa (the capital of Palawan) international airport. Normally, most of the European and Western countries do not require any visa grant if the stay is less than 30 days which means that you can travel any time you want and will not have to wait for the visa to be approved.
Since El Nido is a remote area in the north-east of Puerto Princesa at a distance of about 260 kilometers, the most common, practical and economical way of getting there is through a private van. The concrete roads between El Nido and the capital are interconnected through a major highway which is the fastest route of traveling there. There are other ways to get there as well including public bus and private motorboat through the water.
But a public bus or van only sounds cheaper than it actually is while the private motorboat are full of uncomfortable and unwanted experiences. Also, these ways are much longer than it takes by using a private van to get there.
It is common among tourists to choose a van as a preference to travel to El Nido from the capital because it is comfortable as well as cost-effective. It takes almost 5 to 6 hours of road travel to El Nido through a private van. But the Google map shows about 4 ½ hours, right?
Yes, it does! But it does not consider the type of roads, the hills, and the stops that need to be made throughout the traveling. Starting from the Puerto Princesa North Road, the trip to El Nido will continue through Roxas town, San Vicente area, and Taytay town. A short stop is made about halfway to the destination for you to have some typical Filipino food or fulfill your other needs.
After the completion of the journey, you will arrive at the Corong-Corong bus terminal which is very close to the El Nido town proper. It is advisable to take a tricycle ride from the bus terminal to the town and avoid walking because there are no pathways for walking and it might expose you to accidents.
It is also advisable to keep some extra cash with you since there are no ATMs in El Nido and you might need to buy some essentials for visiting beaches and other places. Different tour routes are available depending upon the places you want to visit, for which you will find reasonable rides that will take you there and guide you throughout the journey.
Palawan is a popular tourist destination for both local and international travelers. Because of its beautiful beaches, ancient shipwrecks, and crystal-clear lagoons, Palawan is the perfect tropical paradise. Indulge in the world's most popular activities! Scuba dive, discover ancient caves, swim under a waterfall, or go kayaking. Exploring the hub of Palawan is necessary during your trip to Palawan.
The quickest and most usual way to get to Palawan is by plane, with Puerto Princesa serving as the main departure point. Flights to El Nido, Coron, and San Vicente are also available.
If you are looking for the cheapest flights to Puerto Princesa, it would be advisable to search and book KAYAK or other flight search engine to find the best deal.
Different types of land transport can get you around the major attractions in Palawan destinations. Hiring private transportation is the best option. There are daily domestic and international flights to Puerto Princesa. If you're coming from Manila, it'll take you just over an hour to get there. There are also flights to Puerto Princesa from Clark (Pampanga), Iloilo, Cebu, and Davao.
El Nido is a small island off the coast of the Philippines. If you merely want to explore or travel to El Nido first, flying directly to Lio Airport from Manila is the quickest alternative. AirSWIFT is currently the only airline that offers up to four flights per day on this route. The journey is approximately an hour and 20 minutes.
El Nido's town is easily accessible from Lio Airport by a 30-minute land journey. It's a better choice than flying from Puerto Princesa and then driving for 5-6 hours to El Nido with a private transfer. You can travel directly to San Vicente airport from Manila (1 hour) or Clark (Pampanga) for about 1.5 hours. You can also go by land from San Vicente to Puerto Princesa and El Nido.
In Trip2sea Palawan, we offer private airport transfer to get to your destination. We have affordable and reliable transfers. With sober and experienced drivers who are familiar around the mainland Palawan, from north to south. Book now! And make your Palawan trip- safe, joyful, and convenient.
