The Philippines is an archipelago of more than 7000 islands located in Southeast Asia. It was once a Spanish colony, that’s why you will see a lot of Spanish influences in their culture and cuisine. Spanish also introduced Christianity in the Philippines, which are the only Christian nation in Asia and one of the largest Christian country in the world. A mixture of foreign influences makes the Philippines a truly unique country with some of the friendliest people we have ever met. The main language is Filipino, however, most people are very proficient in English.
Where to stay in Manila if you have a layover?
We arrived in Manila on an afternoon flight so we had to spend the night in a hotel as we wouldn’t make it to the last flight to El Nido. We stayed in Makati, in a City Garden Grand Hotel. We picked this hotel mostly because of a beautiful rooftop pool.
Where to eat in Manila?
We had dinner at Barrio Fiesta, which was only a few minutes from our hotel. The restaurant specialises in traditional Filipino cuisine and is mostly visited by locals.
El Nido
El Nido, a small coastal town on Palawan, is a gateway to the stunning Bacuit Archipelago, comprising 45 islands and islets. It serves as a perfect base for exploring the spectacular islands nearby, but within the town, there’s little more than the essentials needed for a comfortable stay. The town’s charm comes from its simplicity making it an ideal starting point for those looking to dive into the natural wonders of the Philippines.
El Nido is renowned for its breathtaking island hopping tours, offering visitors a glimpse into the region’s crystal-clear waters, hidden lagoons, and pristine beaches. The adventure here is unparalleled, with tours A, B, C, and D taking you through some of the most dreamy spots in the world, each location offering a unique slice of paradise.
While El Nido itself might not have the most idyllic beaches, the surrounding areas more than make up for it. Nearby beaches like Nacpan and Maremegmeg are perfect for those looking to relax on soft white sands or enjoy water activities. Getting around is part of the experience, with tricycles (tuk-tuks) being the main mode of transportation, adding to the area’s uniquely remote and adventurous vibe. Whether you’re enjoying the local cuisine or sipping on a cocktail at a beachfront bar, El Nido has a way of making you feel like you’ve stepped into a different world. It’s charm lies in its laid-back, welcoming atmosphere—a place where every moment feels like a perfect escape from the ordinary.
How to get to El Nido from Manila?
You can take a plane from Manila to Puerto Princesa and then take a bus or a shuttle van to El Nido. The shuttle van will cost you PHP 700/pax including airport/hotel pick up, and it takes 5-6 hours. If you take the shuttle van request the seats behind the driver, there is more legroom, and you are less likely to develop motion sickness, the road is very winding!
You can also fly directly to El Nido with Air Swift, the flight time is approximately 1 hour using a 50-seater ATR aircraft. It is the fastest and the most comfortable way, however, it is also the most expensive one. The airport can only accommodate a small plane, so the prices are much higher than the flight to Puerto Princesa.
We took a direct flight from Manila to El Nido. On the way back we took a shuttle van to Puerto Princesa and a Cebu Pacific flight from Puerto Princessa to Manila as there were no more direct flights available. Remember to book your flights in advance if you plan to fly to El Nido, as a lot of them sell out early!
Where to stay in El Nido?
We stayed outside the town in Hotel Covo which is located in the Lio Estate, only 5 minutes from the airport and about 15 minutes drive from El Nido town centre. The Hotel provides a complimentary shuttle service every 1 hour. The Lio beach is located just a few steps from the hotel. It is a very nice, quiet beach, away from the crowds, great to relax and unwind after a busy day of exploring.
Address: Lio Tourism Estate, Palawan, El Nido 5313, Philippines
