El Nido, Palawan 2016 (Part 1)

Are you ready to explore the rich biodiversity of Palawan, Philippines? 

Whether you’re a first-timer or a frequent visitor, a leisure traveler or a budget explorer, now is the time to visit the “last ecological frontier,” named by National Geographic Traveler.

The Palawan Biosphere Reserve is a cluster of islands composed of one long main island and smaller groups of islands around it.

There are 24 Municipalities in Palawan, the top 3 destinations are:

• Puerto Princesa
• Coron 
• El Nido (Bacuit)

They say it's expensive to go to El Nido. I say, it is if you did not prepare and allocated budget prior flying. I have been reading blogs and getting tips from people who shares their travel itinerary. And I'm hoping this will be helpful for you too.

Here's our whole El Nido, Palawan itinerary and breakdown of expenses for those who wish to experience paradise.

• Airfare via AirAsia total cost for (2) two pax: 2,475.68 PHP (Round trip + Inclusive of Tax + Credit Card Booking Fee)

• Cherry bus going to PPS for (2) two pax: 960 PHP (Aircon) You can book in advance - click HERE

Because our travel is both business and pleasure, we had a meeting at Puerto Princesa first before heading to El Nido. We took the 9:00 PM bus schedule and slept our way to paradise.

• We booked through Agoda last minute and left our bags at Blessie's Bed & Breakfast, PPS: 1,278 PHP (Inclusive of Tax and got 122 AirAsia BIG points)

• Tricycle fare from Airport to Blessie's: 100 PHP

Blessie's Bed & Breakfast is few steps away from San Jose Terminal. Booking a room is optional. You can just ride a bus or van going to El Nido right away or take a city tour at PPS. Once you step out of the airport, there are already vans waiting, btw.

I suggest that you prepare cash before heading to El Nido. They only have (1) one ATM in the island. What would happen if it run out of cash or system error, right?

As for money exchange, they have a lot. I don't know the exchange rate, but it's safe to prepare cash before traveling. Keep it in different purse, always. Better be safe than sorry.

• Tricycle fare from Blessie's to Robinson's: 20 PHP

If possible, buy bottled water, crackers, chips, bread or cup noodles. The gap of prices from PPS and El Nido is quite surprising.