Travel Tips
Everything you need to know for a perfect Philippines trip
✈️ Getting to Palawan
Fly into Puerto Princesa (PPS)
Most visitors fly into Puerto Princesa International Airport from Manila (1h 20min) or Cebu. Book flights 2-3 weeks in advance for best prices on Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, or AirAsia.
Puerto Princesa to El Nido
The scenic overland trip takes 5–6 hours by van. Public vans cost ₱250–300/person from San Jose Terminal. Private vans cost ₱3,500–4,500 for the whole van — great for groups of 4+. Book in advance during peak season.
Puerto Princesa to Coron
No direct road. Options: 1hr flight (₱1,500–3,000), or 12-hour ferry (₱700–1,500). The ferry is an adventure — book through 2GO Travel.
📅 Best Time to Visit
Peak Season (Dec–May)
Dry season with calm seas and clear skies. Best for island hopping, snorkeling, and diving. Book tours and accommodation at least 2 weeks ahead. El Nido gets very crowded in January–April.
Shoulder Season (Jun–Aug)
Occasional rain but still great for travel. Fewer tourists, lower prices, tours still operating most days. Some days may have rough seas — always have a backup plan.
Off-Peak (Sep–Nov)
Higher chance of rain and rough seas. Some tours may be cancelled more frequently. Significant discounts available. Not recommended for first-time visitors wanting guaranteed tours.
💰 Budget & Money
Bring enough cash
While our tours are fully online, El Nido town has limited ATMs (often run dry). Bring sufficient cash from Puerto Princesa or Manila. Most restaurants and small shops are cash-only.
Environmental fees
El Nido charges a ₱200 Environmental User Fee (EUF) per person, per stay (not per tour). Keep your receipt — it covers multiple days. Our tour prices include EUF for tour areas.
Tips for guides
Tipping is not mandatory but greatly appreciated. A typical tip is ₱100–200/person for a full-day tour. For exceptional service, ₱300–500 is generous. Guides earn minimum wage — tips make a real difference.
🌊 Water Safety
Life vests are mandatory
Life vests are provided and required on all bangka (outrigger boat) rides, even if you're a strong swimmer. This is a Coast Guard requirement and non-negotiable for safety.
Reef-safe sunscreen
Regular chemical sunscreens (oxybenzone, octinoxate) damage coral reefs. Please use reef-safe mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide based). It's available in El Nido town for ₱300–500.
Jellyfish and sea urchins
Wear water shoes or fins to protect your feet on rocky entries. Jellyfish are occasionally present — your guide will advise if there are any in the water that day.
📱 Practical Tips
SIM cards and connectivity
Globe has the best coverage in El Nido. Buy a prepaid SIM at the airport or in town for about ₱99 with data. WiFi is available in most hotels and restaurants in El Nido town.
Power banks are essential
There's nowhere to charge your phone on tours. Bring a fully charged power bank. A 20,000mAh bank will keep your phone alive for 2–3 full days of heavy use.
Waterproof your valuables
Bring a waterproof phone case or pouch (₱50–200 in El Nido). Bangka boats do get splashed and you'll be snorkeling — wet electronics are not covered by any insurance.
🌿 Responsible Tourism
Take only photos, leave only footprints
Do not take coral, shells, or sand from the islands. Do not touch or stand on coral reefs. Keep a respectful distance from wildlife — sea turtles, sharks, and manta rays should never be chased.
No single-use plastics
Bring a reusable water bottle — you can refill at your hotel for free. El Nido has banned single-use plastics. Bring a reusable bag for shopping.
Support local
Eat at local restaurants (karinderya), buy from local artisans, and use local guides. Your money directly supports Palaweño families when you choose locally-owned businesses.