Experience Palawan: Traveling From Puerto Princesa to El Nido
Traveling from Puerto Princesa to El Nido is a popular route for tourists visiting Palawan, Philippines. El Nido is a breathtaking destination known for its stunning beaches, clear waters, and limestone cliffs. Meanwhile, Puerto Princesa is the capital city of Palawan and home to the famous Puerto Princesa Underground River.
There are several ways to travel from Puerto Princesa to El Nido, including buses, vans, and private transfers. The most common way is by van, which takes around 5-6 hours and costs about 600-700 PHP (12-14 USD) per person. Buses are also available, with an early morning and evening schedule. The bus ride takes about 7 hours and costs around 380 PHP (7.50 USD) per person. Private transfers are also an option for those who want more comfort and convenience.
It is important to plan ahead and book your transportation in advance, especially during peak season. While the journey from Puerto Princesa to El Nido can be long, the stunning scenery along the way is definitely worth it. In this article, we will explore the different ways to travel from Puerto Princesa to El Nido and provide tips to make your journey as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Understanding Puerto Princesa and El Nido
Puerto Princesa is the capital city of Palawan, a province located in the western part of the Philippines. It is known for its beautiful beaches, underground rivers, and diverse wildlife. The city is also a gateway to other popular tourist destinations in Palawan, including El Nido.
El Nido is a municipality located in the northern part of Palawan. It is known for its stunning limestone cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and white sandy beaches. The area is also home to diverse marine life, making it a popular destination for snorkeling and diving.
We recommend air travel from Manila, but commercial flights to El Nido are expensive. If you come from Manila, you must still fly into Puerto Princesa City in Palawan. From Puerto Princesa Airport, you can take a bus at San Jose Terminal, but be warned it is an 8-hour ride over not-so-bumpy roads. If you don’t mind, though, it’s a definite cost saver.
Several transportation options are available to travel from Puerto Princesa to El Nido. The most common modes of transportation are vans and buses. Vans are a popular option as they are faster and more convenient than buses. The travel time from Puerto Princesa to El Nido is around 5-6 hours by van and 6-9 hours by bus, depending on the traffic and road conditions.
Modes of Transportation: Traveling From Puerto Princesa to El Nido
Several modes of transportation are available for travelers who want to go from Puerto Princesa to El Nido. The trip can be made by land or sea, with each mode of transportation having advantages and disadvantages. Here are the most common modes of transportation available:
Bus
The most common way to travel from Puerto Princesa to El Nido is by bus. Several bus companies offer daily trips between the two destinations, including Cherry Bus and RoRo Bus. The trip usually takes 6 to 9 hours, depending on the number of stops and the weather conditions. Buses depart from San Jose Terminal, which is located 7 km away from the airport. The fare for a one-way trip ranges from PHP 450 to PHP 600.
Van
Another popular mode of transportation is by van. Vans offer a more comfortable and faster ride than buses but are more expensive. Vans usually depart from the airport or San Jose Terminal, taking around 5 to 6 hours to reach El Nido. The fare for a one-way trip ranges from PHP 700 to PHP 1,200.
Private Car
Travelers who prefer a more comfortable and convenient ride can hire a private car. Private cars can be rented from Puerto Princesa or El Nido rental companies. The trip usually takes around 5 to 6 hours, depending on the traffic and weather conditions. The cost of renting a private car ranges from PHP 4,000 to PHP 6,000, depending on the type of car and the rental company.
By Private Transfer
If you prefer a more convenient and private mode of transportation, you can book a private transfer from Puerto Princesa to El Nido. Several companies offer this service, including Fortwally Travel and Tours, Diskubre Transport, and Lexxus Shuttle. The travel time is around 5 to 6 hours, and the fare starts at around PHP 5,000 for a one-way trip.
Booking Your Trip
Booking your trip from Puerto Princesa to El Nido can be done through various means, depending on your preference and budget. Here are some of the ways you can book your trip:
Bus Tickets
One of the most popular ways to travel from Puerto Princesa to El Nido is by bus. Several bus companies operate on this route, such as RoRo Bus and Cherry Bus. You can purchase your bus ticket at the San Jose Terminal, 7 km from the airport. The travel time can take around 6 to 9 hours depending on stops, weather, and time of day. Ticket prices range from PHP 380 to PHP 480.
Van Transfers
Van transfers are also popular for travelers who want a more comfortable and faster ride. Several van transfer companies, such as Fortwally and Lexxus Shuttle, operate on this route. The travel time can take around 4 to 5 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. Ticket prices range from PHP 600 to PHP 700.
Booking Online
If you prefer to book your trip online, you can do so through websites such as Booking.com, Klook, and Tripadvisor. These websites offer different options for your trip, such as bus tickets, van transfers, and even flights. You can also pay for your trip online, making it more convenient.
Popular Routes and Schedules
The most popular routes for travelers are the bus and van transfers. The bus schedule is from 4:00 AM to 10:00 PM, while the van transfers operate from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. It is recommended to book your trip in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure availability and avoid any inconvenience.
Comfort and Fares
The comfort level of your trip depends on the type of transportation you choose. Buses and van transfers have different levels of comfort, with van transfers being more comfortable and faster. Ticket prices also vary depending on the type of transportation you choose, with flights being the most expensive and van transfers being the most affordable.
Accommodations and Sites
When traveling from Puerto Princesa to El Nido, visitors will find a variety of accommodations and sites to explore. El Nido offers a range of options for travelers, including hotels, hostels, and resorts. Some popular accommodations in El Nido include El Nido Resorts, Lagen Island Resort, and Matinloc Resort.
In addition to accommodations, El Nido is known for its beautiful beaches, islands, and lagoons. Visitors can explore the stunning white sand beaches, such as Nacpan Beach and Duli Beach, and take a dip in the crystal-clear waters. Island hopping tours are also popular in El Nido, where visitors can explore the many islands and lagoons, such as Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon.
El Nido is also famous for its marine life, with many snorkeling and diving spots available for visitors to explore. The limestone cliffs surrounding El Nido provide a stunning backdrop for any adventure. Visitors can also hike Taraw Peak for panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Additional Information
For travelers looking to make the trip from Puerto Princesa to El Nido, a few additional pieces of information may be helpful to know.
Travel Guide and Map
Before embarking on the journey, it is recommended to have a travel guide and map handy. This will help ensure that travelers know the different routes and transportation options available. Additionally, a map can be helpful in navigating the area once in El Nido.
Wifi and Connectivity
While traveling, it is important to have access to wifi and cellular connectivity. In Puerto Princesa, travelers can purchase a local SIM card for data and calls. Alternatively, many cafes and restaurants offer free wifi for customers. In El Nido, wifi and cellular connectivity can be more challenging to come by. It is recommended to download offline maps and have important information saved ahead of time.
Insurance
Travel insurance is always recommended when embarking on a trip. This can provide peace of mind in case of any unexpected events or emergencies. It is important to research and purchase insurance ahead of time to ensure proper coverage.
Cheapest Options
For those on a budget, several transportation options can be more affordable. Buses and vans are popular and can be found at the San Jose Terminal in Puerto Princesa. It is recommended to book ahead of time to ensure availability.
Big Groups and Flexibility
For larger groups or those with more flexibility, renting a car or hiring a private driver may be possible. This can provide more comfort and convenience but may also be more expensive. Researching and comparing prices ahead of time is recommended to find the best option.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to get to El Nido?
The best way to get to El Nido from Puerto Princesa is by van or bus. Van transfers are faster and more convenient, taking around 5-6 hours, while buses take around 6-9 hours. Both options are available at San Jose Terminal, located 7 km from the airport.
How much is the van ride from Puerto Princesa to El Nido?
The cost of a van transfer from Puerto Princesa to El Nido is around 600-700 PHP (12-14 USD) per person. It is recommended to book in advance for a hassle-free trip.
Can you go from Puerto Princesa to El Nido?
Yes, it is possible to travel from Puerto Princesa to El Nido. The most common options are by van or bus, both of which depart from San Jose Terminal.
How much is taxi from Puerto Princesa to El Nido?
The cost of a taxi from Puerto Princesa to El Nido varies depending on the taxi company and the time of day. It is not recommended to take a taxi as it is more expensive than taking a van or bus.
Is it safe to travel from Puerto Princesa to El Nido at night?
A Roro Bus travels from Puerto Princesa to El Nido at night is generally safe. However, there are concerns about the safety of taking this trip at night. As with any form of travel, it is important to exercise caution and take necessary safety precautions. It is advisable to check with the local authorities and travel companies for the latest safety information before embarking on any journey.
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