Sherry's Take
Base in El Nido Town for tour access and restaurants, or Corong-Corong for sunset views and quieter beds. Book island-hopping Tour A (lagoons) on your FIRST full day — weather cancellations are common and you want retry days.
Best For
BeachIsland hoppingAdventureCouplesDiving
Go in
DecemberJanuaryFebruaryMarchApril
Avoid if possible
JulyAugustSeptember
Where to Stay
El Nido Town
Tour departures, restaurants, walkable — busy and not a swimming beach
Corong-Corong
Sunset bay 10 min from town, quieter resorts
Nacpan Beach
4 km of empty golden sand, 45 min north of town
Puerto Princesa
Province capital, airport hub, Underground River base
Money-Saving Tips
- 1Island-hopping group tours are ₱1,200–1,400 — private boats cost 5x and see the same lagoons.
- 2ATMs in El Nido are few and often empty — bring cash from Puerto Princesa or Manila.
- 3Eat at carinderia-style local spots (₱150–250) over beachfront tourist menus (₱600+).
Getting Around
- 1Fly into El Nido (LIO) directly if you can; otherwise Puerto Princesa (PPS) + 5–6h shared van (₱700) up the coast.
- 2Tricycles run El Nido Town ↔ Corong-Corong for ₱150 — agree the price before getting in.
- 3Rent a scooter (₱500/day) for Nacpan and Las Cabanas beaches — roads are now paved.
Most Common Mistake
Flying in and out the same day you tour — boats get cancelled for swells. Leave a buffer day before your flight out.
Ideal Stay
4–6 nights
Combine with
- • Coron (4h ferry)
- • Port Barton (3h van)
- • Manila (1.5h flight)
