About the ride from Manila to El Nido
After some time spent navigating the hustle and bustle of Manila, you’ll be in need of some ‘vitamin sea’, beautiful beaches, and untouched nature. There’s no better place to relax and unwind than El Nido, the seaside destination in the Philippines you shouldn’t miss out on.
When traveling the 407 kilometer (253 mile) distance between Manila and El Nido, you have one option – booking a direct flight. The flight between these two places takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes. The check in at the airport closes 45 minutes before the scheduled departure time, so make sure to arrive at the airport on time. The flight operators don’t offer additional services, such as pick up and drop off. The plane cabins are modern, and well-equipped for a comfortable flight.
When going from Manila to El Nido, you’ll be departing from the Ninoy Aquino Domestic Airport and arriving at the El Nido airport. Depending on where you booked your accommodation, the resort or hotel might provide an airport transfer. However, if that’s not the case, there are many tricycles at the airport that will take you to your accommodation.
Once you arrive in El Nido, you’ll have plenty of things to do. Start off by exploring nearby beaches, hop on a local bus, a van, or a fast ferry, and visit cities like Puerto Princesa or Coron. Some of the popular activities include island hopping tours, El Nido’s “secret” lagoon, diving, and eating tasty local food. El Nido has something for everyone: travelers on a budget, backpackers, families, and those who are looking for a luxurious experience.
What to see when traveling from Manila to El Nido?
If you’re lucky enough to grab a window seat, the weather is nice, there are no clouds, and you leave during the daytime, you’re in for a treat! The plane will be gliding above the sea, and you’ll be able to enjoy endless views over the water and the islands.
However, if you aren’t able to enjoy the scenic views, relax in your comfy seat, finish the book you started on your way to the Philippines, or have a short nap. Soon, you’ll arrive in El Nido, the paradise where time flies.
El Nido is accessible to any kind of budget, and you can find some unique accommodation here, from hostels, glamping or treehouses, to fancy resorts. The coast of El Nido is beautiful, with many limestone cliffs, blue caves, secret lagoons, and beaches you can explore for months. Once you get bored (like that could ever happen!) of the seaside, you can go inland, and explore the waterfalls, hiking trails, and villages where you can get a taste of the local food.
Kayaking is very popular here, and it’s a great way to explore the turquoise waters, and spots such as the Big Lagoon, the Small Lagoon, and Miniloc Island. El Nido is on the map of many backpackers, and thanks to that there’s a well-developed party scene. Here, you can find Full Moon Parties, as well as party boats.
If you’re in good shape and love to hike, you can consider hiring a local guide to take you to the top of the Taraw Cliff. The view over the sea and the entire area from the highest point is magnificent, but keep in mind that this hike isn’t easy. Don’t miss out on the public local market, where you can get a taste of the local fresh fruits, veggies, meat, and fish.
El Nido has many beautiful beaches, and some of the most popular ones are Las Cabanas, Nacpan, Corong Corong, and the white sand Duli Beach.
How to get from Manila to El Nido
Taking a plane
Getting from Manila to El Nido is a breeze when booking a direct flight. The plane ride lasts around 1 hour and 20 minutes. Even though the ride is short, it doesn’t mean you won’t get amazing service and a very comfortable ride. All planes are equipped with modern cabins, toilets, and air conditioning onboard.
The tickets cost around $230 depending on the season, and baggage is included in the ticket price. The checked baggage includes 20 kg per passenger, 1 cabin bag of up to 7 kg, and 1 laptop bag or 1 handbag on board. The flight operators don’t offer services such as pickups and drop-offs, so this is something you’ll have to plan in advance before your flight.
