01. How do I get to El Nido?
You can fly to El Nido direct from Manila or Boracay with Airswift. Sunlight Air flies to San Vicente. Or fly to Puerto Princesa and take a Shuttle Van, Private Van or Bus to El Nido. There is also ferries from Coron to El Nido, v.v. All these flights you can book with our Travel Agency.
02. Can I Book a flight directly with you?
Yes, we can book your flights for you. Shoot us an email or visit our travel center. Find more information on the requirements on our Travel Center page
03. How long should I stay in El Nido?
It’s a ideal to spend 5 to 7 days in El Nido.
04. What can I do in El Nido?
Island hopping is definitely the highlight of things to do. Scuba Diving, kayaking, kite surfing, surfing, biking, motocross, a road trip to the northern beaches, climb the cliff, hike to Waterfalls or visit of historical site.
05. How is Medical care in El Nido?
El Nido has a rural health center for local people that can run tests and do basic first aid. There is a small private Clinic Adventist Hospital in Corong Corong. The El Nido Community hospital with 50 beds is in Barangay Pasadena that just recently opened. If you need an RT-PCR test for Covid-19 you can get one at Adventist Hospital in El Nido.
06. Food for island hopping Tours
Tourists are able to bring food themselves to the tours. Make sure it’s purchased from a restaurant and prepared just in time for your departure. Tour operators are no longer allowed to provide food, as they have no license to do so. El Nido is taking food safety and the welfare of tourists seriously. Some tour operators may organize this in your behalf. If you stay in a Hotel with Restaurant, ask your Hotel for a pack lunch. You may also option to eat in one of the restaurants after your tour and just bring a light snack
07. What Sim card I get?
In El Nido, Smart and Globe are the best providers. If you are in Corong Corong Smart is recommend. If you are Lio estate Globe is better. The town is equally good. Dito started operating at Nacpan Beach.
08. How is safety and security?
El Nido is a very safe community, however you should always keep your valuables locked and protected in a hotel safe. Don’t carry a lot of cash with you and keep your cellphones and cameras secured.
09. Can I ship home souvenirs and extra luggage?
Yes it’s possible at the Post Office near the Tourism office, but you need to accept several month for them to arrive.
10. Are credit cards accepted in Restaurants?
Artcafe accepts all major credit cards, gcash, bpi transfers, but most restaurants be prepared to pay in cash.
11. Does El Nido have ATM's, Banks and Money changers?
There is two commercial banks in El Nido and there are a few ATM’s around El Nido. Sometimes they run out of money, especially on weekends and during holidays. Bring enough cash. Credit cards, Gcash, Paypal are accepted in some establishments. You can change money next to the Tourism Office, the Palawan Pawnshops changes USD. Here at El Nido Boutique Artcafe we change all major currencies.
12. Does El Nido ban Plastics and Styrofoam?
Since 2018, El Nido has taken steps to ban single use and styrofoams, under ordinance 004-2013. You can help keep El Nido clean by refusing any kind of plastics! Avoid drinking bottled water and ask for free service water. Refill your bottles at your hotel, or at El Nido Boutique Artcafe for a small fee. Avoid takeaway food and drinks (lots of plastic) and dine at restaurants instead. Help us save our beaches and landfills from plastic! Plastic bottles are also banned on all boat tours. Tourists are always encouraged to bring a tumbler when going on tours. Most tour operators will provide free drinking water.
13. How many islands does El Nido have and how do I help to keep them clean?
El Nido and its 45 island with hundreds of white sand beaches, many lagoons, limestone cliffs, caves and forests. The reefs are very fragile and it requires no touch, no step on and no throwing of anchors. Underwater photography need to be extra careful, not to damage. Some areas are difficult to get in and the conditions can be challenging. Sometimes rough seas can make it more difficult. Make sure you are able to cope with this challenges. Do not step on corals and do not touch anything or pick up star fish for photos. Leave no trash behind. Don’t leave lunch leftovers on the beach. Also bring everything back to your hotel. Also pick up some trash that got washed up from the sea, please.
14. What are the things I should be careful about?
There is no drinkable tap water coming out of faucets anywhere in El Nido. Water is not safe to drink. Stick to purified water available in restaurants and resorts. Avoid getting sick by eating in proper, clean establishments and drinking safe water. Do not buy ice from small stores, unless they can proof it is certified. Stay hydrated all day long and avoid excessive sun, especially those who rent motor bikes. Heat strokes and dehydration are common. Drink lots of water.
15. How long does it take from El Nido to Puerto Princesa?
The distance to Puerto Princesa is 280km. A shuttle van takes about 5-6 hours and a bus about 7-8 hours.
16. How much is a tricyle ride?
If you traveling within the town it’s P20 per person and if you are alone, pay at least P50 for a short ride. Outside of town rental fares P100-200 and to the airport it’s P300 for the tricycle.
17. How is the Internet Speed in El Nido?
Internet ranges between 20-40mbps on LTE and there are several hotels on fiber internet that run up to 300mbps. Artcafe has a highspeed internet through free Wifi for customers.
18. What about El Nido nightlife?
There are many bars around town with Live Music, Dj’s and Special events are frequently organized. Highlights are in Sirena Street, Calle Hama, at the Beach front, in Corong Corong, at Maremegmeg beach and Lio Estate. There are few Karaoke bars as well. There regular live-music session here at Artcafe every night a week from 7pm to 10pm and a Dj on Sunday.
19. Are there Gyms in El Nido?
The is two public gyms in town and there is a Crossfit at Vanilla Beach. Some hotels have inhouse private gyms and pool for their guests.
20. Are there Swimming pools around for the public?
There are several hotels around El Nido that will allow non-guests to use the pool for a consumable fee.