The Philippine archipelago of El Nido is paradise, with a few caveats. Take note of the following tips to ensure a relaxing vacation in El Nido and Bacuit Bay.
When to go to El Nido
El Nido is best viewed during the months of November to May. In the first half of this period, cold northeast winds complement sunny skies, allowing you to explore the islands in comfort. As the summer months of March and May begin, the heat also increases; Bring enough sunscreen to protect yourself.
During all these months (El Nido’s peak tourist season), the sea is relatively calm and visibility under water is good, about ten to thirty feet.
The southwest monsoon from June to November brings the rainy season and reduces travel traffic. While prices for all resorts and facilities are lower during the rainy season, the climate is less cooperative: seas are rough and unpaved roads become muddier and more difficult to navigate.
What to pack for your trip to El Nido
Bring light cotton clothing and pack as light as you can if you are flying there as Air Swift (which flies to the local airport) has a 12kg luggage limit. Dress modestly while in town: Filipinos are still quite conservative in rural towns like El Nido, despite their constant contact with Westerners.
While in town, prefer rubber flip flops over shoes; the latter will just get in the way as you will be mostly on the beach or jumping in and out of pump boats between islands.
Snorkeling equipment, diving equipment, windsurfing equipment and kayaks can be rented in town.
Arriving at El Nido
Getting to El Nido depends on your budget and your appetite for punishment. Flying is relatively easy, but it can be expensive. Going by land from the capital of Puerto Princesa is the cheapest way, but requires a tolerance for hours of travel on difficult roads. Riding a boat is completely dependent on the vagaries of the weather.
Getting around El Nido
El Nido’s local transportation is limited to the jeepney, but more commonly to the tricycle (a motorcycle with a covered sidecar attached). The fixed fare to travel by tricycle within the city of El Nido is $ 0.20 (PHP 10).
If you want to travel further afield, jeepneys provide city-to-city transportation. Motorized vehicles can be rented from local suppliers; Motorcycles are a preferred mode of transportation as they can easily handle the steeply sloping dirt trails.
Conservation Fee: Your tourist establishment will charge a small conservation fee of $ 4 (PHP 200) per person for each night you stay. The fee goes to the Board of Directors of the El Nido Protected Area. For stays of ten days or more, a maximum rate will be charged.
This money is used to safeguard the environment of El Nido, offsetting any impact it has on the bay’s ecosystem.
Money and currency in El Nido
Bring as many Philippine pesos as you need: banks do not exist in El Nido, there is only one ATM in the city, and not all establishments accept credit cards. (Surprisingly, one or two establishments accept Paypal.)
Have your money and traveler’s checks converted to local currency in Puerto Princesa or Manila, before going to El Nido.
The El Nido Boutique and ArtCafe has a travel center that offers money exchange services and credit card facilities, among other things.
The cost of meals and personal items is relatively low; expect to pay around $ 0.50 for a can of Coke ™, and a decent meal will cost around $ 2- $ 4.
Electricity and Telecommunications in El Nido
El Nido is not yet fully electrified: the current runs from 3pm to 3am every day, and the resorts generally have their own electric generators.
Cell sites for Philippine cell phone providers Smart and Globe are active in El Nido, although Smart may have a certain advantage over Globe in terms of access. If you have a GSM phone, check with your provider if they have a roaming agreement with Smart or Globe.
Internet services can be found throughout the town of El Nido. Numerous internet cafes advertise their products on the main streets of Calle Real and Calle Hama.
Medical Facilities in El Nido
There are no hospitals in El Nido; a government-run rural health unit provides medical care to the city and its visitors. The clinic’s doctor and his staff can handle minor health emergencies, but important situations need to be brought to the provincial capital of Puerto Princesa.
Some local pharmacies can dispense common over-the-counter medications such as cough syrup and acetaminophen. Bring your own personal prescription medications as you are not likely to fill your prescription in El Nido.
Malaria is endemic to Palawan, so choose your insect repellent and apply it periodically. Rooms at El Nido generally come with mosquito nets; ask for one if your room doesn’t come with one.
