Renting a car if strictly staying in El Nido and the nearby area is not necessary with the few means of transportation available. If you plan to explore the island of Palawan then renting a car will be necessary. There are car rental companies at the major airports and in major cities across the island. Renting a car with a driver is a very good option. 

Taxis are rare in El Nido, you might find one or two traveling from the airport or dropping off visitors. There are some local taxi companies that offer car services and airport transfers. It is best to call and order these through your hotel. 

The small town center of El Nido town and the beach area are walkable with many of your typical attractions like accommodation, dining, and entertainment all reachable on foot. A walk around the small, charming beachside town is a great way to explore and get acquainted with the area and discover hidden gems. 

You can ride a bike in El Nido, however, some roads might not be ideal or accessible by bicycle. 

There are over 1,700 islands comprising Palawan, so the island naturally features many boating options. Theres a complex network of ferries and boats connecting the destinations inside and outside the island. The main ferry pier is at Puerto Princesa on Palawan Island, which connects with destinations such as Cebu and Manila. El Nido and Coron at linked to each other via a daily ferry. There are many options for boating excursions, sailing adventures, island hopping, and more from the mainland of Palawan. 

El Nido is considered a very safe destination to visit. However, due to its increased population and visitors over the recent years, crimes against tourists are becoming more common, with petty theft and muggings. Take the necessary precautions when sightseeing, use common sense, and keep your valuables out of sight from pickpockets, especially in crowded areas like markets and tourist attractions. At night, stay in well-lit and populated areas, and use reputable transportation companies instead of taking rides from strangers. Be careful when walking at night, and don’t walk outside the main center of town. 

Shopping in El Nido is limited to a few tourist souvenir shops, charming boutiques, vibrant markets, and unique handicraft stores. There are convenience stores in town where basic necessities like sunblock, beachwear, snacks, and drinks can be purchased. El Nido offers a few nice art shops, a lot of these are located inside resorts and other accommodations. The markets in El Nido are a great opportunity to pick up some unique souvenirs as well as sample local snacks and pick up fresh produce. The main focus when shopping in El Nido is on locally made items reflecting the island’s culture, a great place to pick up locally made treasures, or one-of-a-kind souvenirs and gifts to take home. Shopping in El Nido is a great opportunity to help support the local artisans and contribute to the community’s economy. Exploring the narrow streets of downtown El Nido will lead you to a delightful array of shops owned and operated by local families offering authentic and unique products. 

The official language spoken in El Nido is Filipino, however, English is widely spoken by people working in the service and tourism industries. We recommend you get a good English-Filipino guidebook and familiarize yourself with a few common phrases, such as hello, goodbye, please and thank you, excuse me, and numbers 1-10.

El Nido features a warm, humid, tropical climate most of the year. There are said to be two distinct seasons: the wet season and the dry season. El Nido is prone to experiencing tropical depressions with torrential downpours during the months of July and August. The average maximum temperature is 88°F. April is the hottest month with average temperatures around 83°F, and September is the coolest with temperatures around 80°F, and the wettest month. March and April are the warmest months, and the coolest months are November through February, where temperatures are in the low to mid-70s. The dry summer season is one of the best times to visit Palawan. This time of year is also the peak season, so it can be busy in certain areas of the island. The beaches are especially popular during the summer months, with island hopping and water activities being in high demand. Travel prices and accommodations might also be more expensive during this time of year. 

The currency in El Nido is the Philippine peso, PHP, P in front of the amount. US dollars are not accepted. Please be sure to have the correct currency on hand and be prepared to exchange your dollars for Philippine pesos upon arrival. Currency exchange desks can be found at the airport and bank locations throughout the city, and ATMs are widespread.

For more detailed information, consult our tipping guide in the Philippines

Diners will find a great variety of restaurants to choose from in El Nido, and many of the dining options can be found within hotels and resorts in this area. Restaurants located onsite at these accommodations usually offer a good selection of international fare, but visitors can also find Italian, American, Mexican, Japanese, and other global cuisines. The beachside town of El Nido boasts a lively and diverse dining scene with a good selection of restaurants that specialize in Filipino cuisine, many of which also offer some sensational views. The town has everything from upscale boutique restaurants to cozy, authentic, local, family-run restaurants where you can savor delicious, flavorful local food. Many of the town’s restaurants are located in the Town Proper area, which is just a short walk from the beach, and you can discover some great hidden gems. A dish you must try while in El Nido is the famous bird’s nest soup, a local delicacy made from the nests of the Balinsasayaw bird, which is created from the bird’s saliva. These nests are harvested from the crevices of El Nido’s limestone cliffs, and it can be quite difficult to harvest the nests. El Nido means “The Nest”, and the soup is a must-try when in the area; it can, however, be quite expensive due to its limited availability. 

El Nido is a small beachtown with a remote location that has a few evening offerings like beachfront bars and restaurants. There are some local bars with live music, and other laid-back activities to soak up the island vibes. There are some nice places to socialize and have a drink, and some great locations for watching the sunset. The charming beachfront restaurants and bars are the perfect place to be when the sun is setting with a tropical cocktail in hand and soaking up the laid-back island vibes and small-town atmosphere. 

In the event of an emergency dial 911 or 117

Hospital:

El Nido Community Hospital tel. 63-994-903-5504