Palawan Alternative would be happy to arrange private van, car or motorbike rental to get around Palawan. We can also arrange the fast ferry trips to Coron from El Nido and vice versa. The only thing we do not arrange our flights, international or domestic) due to, however, we would be happy to provide airline recommendations to help you with the travel planning.
By Air
The most recommended and fastest way to get to El Nido is by air. Air swift, the charter company for El Nido resorts, has daily flights to or from Manila, Cebu, Caticlan (Boracay) and other destinations in the Philippines. The guests of the resort are usually given priority on flights. Depending on the season, one-way fares ranger from $85 to $100. The flights land at Lio airport, 7km from the main town.
Some travelers take a cheaper flight to Puerto Princesa City, which is Palawan’s premier gateway, then head to El Nido by a 5-hour van ride. There’s a newly opened airport in San Vicente that will potentially cut that long van ride in half. The airport in Taytay, an hour away from El Nido, hopefully, will have commercial flights soon.
By Van
Van is another option to travel to El Nido. Unless you are landing at Puerto Princesa City or other destinations in Palawan. It takes 5-6 hours to get to El Nido from Puerto Princesa by van unless you prefer to visit the tourist sites in Puerto Princesa City first, Palawan Alternative does not really recommend choosing this mode of travel. We recommend our clients take the direct flight to El Nido and take it from there.
By Car or Motorbike
If you are the adventurous type who is up for a 280 km ride, then no one is stopping you to travel at your own pace. Palawan Alternative would be happy to arrange motorbike rental so you can stop at villages anytime and enjoy the rustic view of the countryside. We can also arrange a motorbike tour that lets you stop at some of the underrated yet beautiful places along the way.
A road trip by car is one of the fantastic ways to discover Palawan and its stunning landscapes. We can arrange car rental in Puerto Princesa city and plan stops to pristine beaches, restaurants, Spanish fortress ruins, villages and other notable sites along the way.
By Boat
If your flight is landing to Coron first, then you can take the boat to El Nido. El Nido to Coron connections is the most important service for travelers to Northern Palawan, which is operated daily by traditional outrigger boats and fast crafts. Palawan Alternative recommends the fast craft or fast ferry which is the faster and more comfortable way to get to El Nido from Coron and vice versa, the ferry ride takes about 4-5 hours.
However, if don’t mind getting out of your comfort zone to immerse yourself in the culture for a bit, then you can opt for how the masses travel from El Nido to Coron and back, by large outrigger slow boat. The trip usually takes a grueling 7-10 hour boat ride and the boats are usually weather-dependent.
