What to expect when visiting El Nido
El Nido is Palawan Island’s northernmost tip, popular around the world as the gateway to paradise — the Bacuit Archipelago. This group of picture-perfect limestone islands boasts white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, enchanting lagoons, and beautiful underwater.
El Nido’s town centre leaves much to be desired with its mediocre beach, narrow streets, and mostly backpacker and mid-range hostels. But the island-hopping adventures from here are some of the best you will see in the world. Outside town, you should also include in your El Nido itinerary a visit to Nacpan-Calitang Beach and a hike to Taraw Peak.
2 ways to get from Port Barton to El Nido
There are two ways to travel the distance of 180 km (112 miles) from Port Barton to El Nido: by bus (7 hours) and van (4-5 hours). The journey takes between 4-7 hours and the quickest way is by van. The lowest priced tickets start from 330 PHP ($5.50) for the bus.Where to stay in El Nido?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in El Nido at the bottom of this page.
Port Barton to El Nido by Bus
The bus is a cheaper option to travel from Port Barton to El Nido, but it also takes longer. The first leg is by jeepney and gets you to Roxas. From there, you have to hop on a bus to El Nido.
Overall, the travel time will take at least 5.5 hours, excluding the transfer time.
Step 1: Port Barton to Roxas by Jeepney*
For the first leg of this trip from Port Barton to El Nido, you need to take a jeepney to Roxas.
This jeepney only departs 1 time a day and leaves Port Barton Transport Terminal at 08:00. Make sure to arrive at the terminal at least 30 minutes earlier. The jeepney ride costs 150 PHP ($2.60) with a travel time of 2 hours.
The jeepney’s final stop is at the Roxas Bus Terminal. Once you arrive, ask the dispatchers to guide you to the bus heading to El Nido.
*UPDATE: The last time we checked (June 2022), there are no jeepneys operating between Port Barton and Roxas. For now, the alternative option is to rent a local tricycle or a habal-habal (motorbike taxi) if you do not have a lot of luggage. Either option guarantees another adventure!
Step 2: Roxas to El Nido by Bus
The bus is the cheaper option when travelling from Roxas to El Nido. However, because these buses actually come from Puerto Princesa, don’t be surprised if you have to wait a while.
The ticket for an air-conditioned bus costs 180 PHP ($3.10). The non-airconditioned bus is a bit cheaper but we don’t have the latest price for this bus. The bus ride from Roxas to El Nido takes around 3.5 hours.
If you prefer not to wait till the next bus arrives, you can also take a van at Roxas Bus Terminal. The price for the shared van from Roxas starts at 350 PHP ($6.00) to El Nido, but they sometimes charge more.
The bus or van will drop you off at El Nido Bus Terminal in Corong-Corong. From there, it’s only a 10-minute tricycle ride to the town centre.
Port Barton to El Nido by Van
If you want to travel from Port Barton to El Nido, the best option is to take a van. The van ride takes around 4-5 hours and is the fastest and only direct way to travel this route.
Departure and arrival station
Shared vans depart from Port Barton Bus Terminal, at the entrance of Port Barton town. It’s only a short walking distance to most hotels, but some van companies also offer pick-up service from your hotel in Port Barton.
Both shared and private vans drop passengers off at El Nido Transport Terminal since vans and buses are NOT allowed to enter El Nido town.
Shared van transport
There are only 2 minivan companies operating on this route, each offering one trip daily.
A minivan ride from Port Barton to El Nido is about 4-5 hours. Tickets cost 610 PHP ($10.50) per person.
Minivan schedule from Port Barton to El Nido
Private van transport
Hiring a private van for this route starts from 5,500 PHP ($96.00).
The number of passenger seats depends on the van company and usually ranges from 8 to 12 passengers. If you are with a big group, it can be even cheaper than the shared minivan.
You can use the link below to book a private minivan from Port Barton to El Nido.
Our favourite places to stay in El Nido
El Nido is all about stunning limestone cliffs, crystal-clear waters and natural beauty. And that’s what our favourite stays in El Nido reflect!
There are a lot of awesome accommodations for all budgets to pick between in El Nido. Our favourite stays are places with the best views, incredible nature, stunning decor and amazing staff.
Before you start reading about our favourite stays, it’s good to know a bit about the best areas to stay in El Nido, so that you’re picking the best accommodation in the area that’s right for you.
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- El Nido Town is where you’ll find most of our favourite stays. It’s the main tourist area in El Nido, and where you’ll find the ferry point. Nice and convenient!
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- Corong-Corong is a quieter area located just south of El Nido Town and is known for its beautiful sunsets and picturesque beach.
Cadlao Resort and Restaurant - Treating Yourself
Area: Next to El Nido town — 10-minute walk to town centre
Your only negative comment about this place is that you wish you’d stayed longer. This place really is the tropical island resort that you’ve been dreaming of.
The infinity pool overlooks the sea, there are palm trees everywhere and the service is incredible. Here you’ll get to enjoy your own spacious cottage, with some of them opening up right onto the beach.
- Three swimming pools
- Beach-side bungalows
- Incredible views
- Tasty breakfast included
Double rooms start from $150 per night
Duli Beach Resort - Treating Yourself
Area: Duli Beach — around 1-hour to El Nido town
There’s no better way to start your day than drawing back the curtains and seeing the ocean right there. That’s exactly what you can get at Duli Beach Resort. Their spacious bungalows with private terraces are set right on the beach.
The remote location means that a lot of the time you’ll have the beach to yourself. You also don’t have to worry about finding food or a drink as the hotel’s on-site restaurant and bar will undoubtedly satisfy you. If you want to head to El Nido town, it’s just under an hour’s drive away.
- Right on the beach
- Secluded location
- Amazing staff
- Delicious breakfast included
Double rooms start from $50 per night
Spin Designer Hostel - Mid Range
Area: El Nido town — only a 5-minute walk around the town and beach
You might have guessed by the name, Spin Designer Hostel has been designed to perfection. It’s so nicely and creatively designed that you probably wouldn’t expect it to be a hostel.
The great thing about staying in a hostel, whether you’re in a private room or the dorms, is that there’s often great facilities. Spin Designer Hostel has a shared kitchen with BBQ facilities, a games room and a terrace surrounded by the forest. How about enjoying your complimentary breakfast here?
- Stylish and modern hostel
- Great amenities
- Delicious breakfast included
- Private and dorm rooms
Double rooms cost $30-$50 per night
Hutch Lodging House - Mid Range
Area: Next to El Nido town — approx. 20-minute walk to El Nido beach and town centre
Hutch Lodging House brings the outside inside. With most of the hotel being open-air and plants scattered throughout, there’s a very relaxing ambience here. You also have the option to relax on your own private balcony as every room has one.
It’s beautifully designed! The hotel is only a 10-minute walk from town — far enough that you get peace and quiet, but not too far.
- Great location
- Beautiful design
- Air conditioning
- Every room has a private balcony
Double rooms cost $30-$50 per night
Bale Cabugao Cottages - Budget Friendly
Area: Near El Nido town – approx. 10-minute walk to El Nido beach and town centre
Only steps from the beach, all you have to do is stand on the balcony at Bale Cabugao Cottages to hear the sound of the waves. Imagine eating your breakfast with this view! Great news: it’s included in the price.
The hosts go out of their way to help you organise anything in El Nido. Their energy is also guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.
- Incredible views
- Great location
- Helpful and happy hosts
- Comfortable rooms
Double rooms $15-$30 per night
Frequently Asked Questions about Port Barton to El Nido
What is the distance from Port Barton to El Nido?
The distance from Port Barton to El Nido is 180 km (112 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Port Barton to El Nido?
The fastest way to get from Port Barton to El Nido is by van and takes 4-5 hours.
What is the cheapest way to get from Port Barton to El Nido?
The cheapest way to get from Port Barton to El Nido is by bus with ticket costs starting from 330 PHP ($5.50).
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Port Barton to El Nido. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
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Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she’s not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines… Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she’ll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
Abby is a writer who finds joy in mountains, beaches, and road trips. She considers her solo backpacking trip to the rice terraces of Bontoc one of the most fulfilling moments in her life. She’s loyal to the islands of her home country, the Philippines, but Thailand’s beaches also have a special place in her heart.
