Hi! I love to share stories and tips on beautiful places to visit in the Philippines, Asia and beyond. I want to help you get inspired to start a trip and achieve your travel goals.
To achieve your travel goals started to become a reality, exploring as much of the Philippines as at the top of your list. It's my country’s top tourist spots and amazing off-the-beaten-path destinations.
Here are the top picks for first-time travelers who want to start discovering beautiful destinations in the Philippines.
1. Palawan
Palawan should be at the top of your list. You came to the country to see spectacular beaches and islands. You are going to experience the best in Palawan!
Palawan Travel Tips
Achieve your travel goals in Palawan. Maximize your itinerary, budget & enjoy the most out of your trip to Palawan with SMB Travel &Tours.
El Nido, Palawan
El Nido Itinerary
What to do in El Nido in 4 days? Here’s a 4 days & 3 nights (4D3N) itinerary for your do-it-yourself (DIY) trip.
El Nido is one of the top destinations in the Philippines that I want to visit someday, and to experience amazing beauty of the Island.
This coastal town found on the northernmost tip of mainland Palawan is home to gorgeous islands, white-sand beaches, and lagoons. It should be on your bucketlist of places to go in the country because the sea views here rival the best of Asia.
Traveling to El Nido for the first time? This detailed travel guide will make it easy for you to plan a trip, save money, and maximize your time
Get Started
How to get to El Nido — Most travelers arrive in El Nido by flying to Puerto Princesa Airport and traveling by land to El Nido. Travel time from Manila to Puerto Princesa is around 1h30m. From Puerto Princesa to El Nido travel time is around 5 to 6 hours by shuttle. If you want to skip the long land journey, you can fly directly to El Nido Airport. This is the fastest but more expensive way. For adventurous travelers who want to maximize their Palawan trip, book a flight to Coron-Busuanga Airport (USU) and continue the journey to El Nido by ferry.
Book your hotel early — Grab rock-bottom rates and avoid fully-booked rooms by booking online as soon as you know you’re going.
Select Date and Package Options- Thru SMB-Christian Travel & Tours
Please select your Arrival Date and Departure Date
Plan your itinerary on-the-go as you fall in love with Puerto Princesa's lush, scenic views along the ride.
Booking Information
Confirmation:
You will receive a confirmation email and voucher instantly after booking In the event that you do not receive an email from us, please check your Spam folder or notify us via email
Important Information:
Please expect long driving distances and bumpy roads. If you suffer from motion sickness, please take proper precautions in advance (i.e. medication)For shared transfers, please expect stops along the way as this is a local transfer and local passengers use this transfer as their public transportation. For a more comfortable and personalized experience, book our private Puerto Princesa International Airport Transfers (PPS) for Palawan our El Nido to Puerto Princesa transfers!
Additional Information:
Please note: This transfer service does not accommodate pick ups and drop offs at Astoria Palawan .
Please note: For airport pick ups, please choose a departure time 1 hour after your flight arrival
Please note: This is a one way transfer. Please make an additional booking if you require a round trip serviceChildren aged 0-3 are free of charge. However, this transfer service does not provide child seatsGuests must allow for ample transition time between their land trip to/from Puerto Princesa and their scheduled flights. The transfer operator will not be responsible for missed flights or appointmentsIf you have large or multiple pieces of luggage, please inform us in advance. You may be required to book another seatFor airport pick ups, the date selected at checkout should be your flight arrival date e.g. if your flight arrives at 11:45pm on (expexted date arrival), please select 1 For hotel pick ups, the date selected at checkout should be your flight departure date e.g. if your flight departs at 1:00am , please select(date of departure) (even if you require pick up on (date)
What To Expect
Sit back, relax, and admire the gorgeous views of Palawan aboard a comfortable transfer service! Travel safely straight from the Puerto Princesa International Airport to your hotel in the city and vice versa. You can even enjoy a free sightseeing of the the city along the way! Witness the amazing transitions of its many natural wonders alongside a clean, well-urbanized locality that still resonates with the emerald seawater and white sandy beaches the region is famous for. You will be picked up by your driver from your accommodation exactly at your preferred schedule. This transfer service has got you covered on fuel costs, highway toll fees, and insurance, ensuring you quality service only from one of the leading shuttle transfers in the island. Hire one now and be in control of your travels when you book with SMB!
Tips: Don’t miss island hopping in El Nido — The boat tours around Bacuit Bay islands is the main highlight in El Nido. Don’t ever skip it during your first trip. The best spots are found in “Tour A” & “Tour C.”
Bring all the cash you need — Do not rely on getting money from the limited number of ATMs in El Nido. It will be safer to withdraw your money in Puerto Princesa. Better yet, pre-book your accommodations and tours online before arriving.
Go on a 3-day trip, or longer — El Nido island hopping tours usually start in the morning and run the whole day. Taking into account the long journey from Puerto Princesa, you’ll have to add one day each for your arrival and departure in Palawan. So, 3 days is the minimum, but I recommend that you spend at least 4 days so that you can enjoy 2 full days for island hopping or inland tours. They are worth it!
El Nido does not have to be expensive — Many people think of posh island resorts with a mention of El Nido. Truth is, there are many options here for travelers on a tight budget. If you can afford to stay in a luxury resort, go for it! If you are traveling on a tight budget, stay at many budget-friendly hotels and hostels in mainland El Nido. Then, enjoy the islands on day tours.
El Nido is very solo travel-friendly — This town is one of the few places in the Philippines that can be traveled easily and cheaply by solo travelers. The daily island hopping tours accept joiners & there are a lot of these tours organized daily, even during low tourist seasons.
Sample Budget (Estimated Cost Only)
Budget Trip – Backpacker expenses
PHP 1,000 - Transport — Roundtrip El Nido-Puerto Princesa transfers. Excludes tricycle/shuttle rides within El Nido town proper.
PHP 1,800 - Accommodations — PHP 600 per night at a budget hostel x 3 nights.
PHP 1,800 - Food — PHP 450 per day inexpensive meals budget x 4 days.
PHP 4,600 - Sub-total — Includes accommodation, food, transport expenses above for 4 days. Excluding flights.
PHP 2,350 - Activities — Including, El Nido tourism fee, Island hopping tour A & C.
PHP 6,950 - Total — Includes 4 days expenses + El Nido activities posted above. Excluding flights& activities during your transit in Puerto Princesa.
I’ve included backpacker budget estimates for food & accommodations to give you an idea of how cheaply you can do the trip. If you have money to splurge on hotels, food, and luxuries, simply use the expenses posted to calculate your own budget.
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