“El Nido”, a spanish term for nest explains the islands famous marble and limestone cliffs housing a great number of the nestling ground for balinsasayaw or swiflets. The swiflets nests are actually very much used in cooking specially in Chinese cuisine. In El Nido you have a good chance of seeing hawksbill turtles, which abound in the El Nido
archipelago. It is also  home to dugong, whale sharks, manta rays, dolphins and a rich
diversity of fish. Sting Rays can also be seen from time to time.

El Nido is located in the islands of Palawan, bordered by Linapacan Strait , Sulu Sea and South China Sea. It is composed of 45 islands and islets each worth visiting for its formation and rich marine life.

Things to do In El Nido

Aside from appreciating the beauty of the scenery here two of the most important activity in El Nido are diving, island hopping and snorkelling. But of course not to forget swimming and sunbathing. The town of El Nido is not that big you can also explore this small fishing town by walking and probably buy your souvenirs in the market. You can also enjoy eating out in El Nido for there are quite some great restaurants to try. You can also hire a van or tricycle to bring you to some places nearby El Nido; cave tours or mangrove tours.

Island Hopping, Snorkelling and Diving Tours in El Nido

The two major activities tourist do in El Nido are snorkelling and diving. Although, there more beautiful diving spots in Port Barton or Coron Palawan, the spectacular beauty of El Nido Palawan is beyond compare. There are normally tour operators specialising in organizing tours to El Nido but some hotels do it for you. You can also negotiate with some boatmen for a much cheaper organized trip to El Nido’s islands. You can book them in advance before coming or make your reservation upon arrival.  The organized tours normally includes a picnic lunch in the island, the use of boat and a guide.  Prices vary.  Some are cheaper than the other.  Be sure to ask well and confirm the inclusion of your tour before buying.  The tours proposed to tourists are normally organized into three major tours: Tour A, Tour B and Tour C.

Tour A

Includes Big and Small Lagoon, Shimizu Island and Commando Beach.  This is the closest tour packages.  You can even do this trip for a half day tour. This is normally the cheapest tour among the three.

Tour B

The tour includes the famous Snake Island, Lagen Island, Inabuyatan Island and Cathedral Cave.  This is ideally done on the second day.  This could roughly cost about 800 pesos per person.

Tour C

The last tour is considered the farthest and the best among the three.  It includes Matinloc Island, Tapiutan Island and the famous Secret Beach.  Sea turtle abound the area, ask your boatmen when is the best time to see them.

When to Go

There are two seasons in El Nido: wet and dry.  It is generally dry, from December to May, and wet, from June to November. April and May are typically the driest months, while the heaviest rainfall occurs around August.  It is recommended to visit El Nido during the dry months of April and May.  December is considered a peak season in El Nido.

Getting there

There are possible ways of going to El Nido.  The first one is by taking the direct flight Manila to El Nido of ITI Airways (formerly Soriano Aviation) a private nineteen seater plane.  This is a private plane used to bring in and out of El Nido the clients of Lagen Island Resort, an exclusive luxury resort in El Nido.  The cost is quite high compared to normal domestic airlines servicing in Philippines.  Be sure to book in advance because the guests of the hotel are their priority. From flights departing from El Nido you can pick up your tickets directly at El Nido Artcafe, their authorized ticketing office in El Nido. Another way  lesser expensive thand the first one is by taking a plane from Manila to Puerto Princesa.  There are various domestic airlines servicing this route: Philippines Airlines, Cebu Pacific, Air Philippines.  The flight takes about 45 to 60 minutes.  From Puerto Princesa you can either hire a van specially if you are travelling in a small group or

Whale shark watching Season

Butanding season starts around November and goes on through month of May. The best month to see them is February through April. It is advisable to go in the morning, as the waters are clearer and it easier to spot the Whale Sharks. According to the locals, the Whale Sharks are also more abundant before noon. On peak season, it is very common for each visitor to see more than a dozen different Butanding.

Getting there

If you are coming from Manila there are two options in getting there. First is by airplane, about 45-50 minutes a short ride from Manila to Legaspi (your entry point in Bicol region). There are various airlines servicing this route with varied prices too. You can check on Philippines Airlines, Cebu Pacific or Zest Air. Upon arrival at Legaspi airport, there are Van drivers waiting for passengers there. The hotel you will be staying can book the transportation for you in advance. Or if not you can just find one there for sure. The trip is about an hour from Legaspi to Donsol, prices also varies. From Legaspi, you can make a short stop-over to marvel at the majestic Mayon Volcano either on your arrival or on you way back to Manila. Often in the Legaspi airport But if you are not press with time, would love to see the beautiful scenery of Luzon vegetation and is willing to take that long bus ride (about 15-18 hours depends on bus company), there are buses plying from Manila (EDSA, Pasay, Cubao) directly to Donsol,Sorsogon.

Registration at Donsol Tourism Office

Upon arrival at Donsol you must register that day (if you wish to do whale shark watching the next day) at the Donsol Tourism Office. You can take a tricycle going there or walk by the beach or along the road depending where your hotel is located. At the Tourism Office, you will be required to register and attend a brief orientation session prior to heading out to see the Whale Sharks. You will also be required to pay the fee for: Boat Rental and Crew, Registration, and snorkeling equipment rental (if needed). The maximum number of registrants per boat is 7 people. If you are travelling alone it is recommended that you find other visitors that can come with you on the boat to help you lessen the bill. There are always backpackers travelling alone so it won’t be such a hard task to do.

Butanding Interaction

Whale shark watching trips are often organized in the morning. They will advise you that the best time to leave is between 6-7 am. You can arrange to have a small breakfast by the beach in the hotel you are staying as you wait for your boat to arrive. It is normally your BIO (Butanding Information Officer) that will welcome you on board the 12m (40 ft) boat. He will further explain you the rules and regulations and how the interaction normally occurs. There will be a spotter, the guy who is usually on the highest point of the boat to spot where the whale sharks are, and the rest of the crew. For a guaranteed safe and enjoyable trip it is advise to listen carefully your BIO. When a spotter sees one, he tells the BIO where it is, the BIO gives the signal position, and tells you to jump. The BIO will swim and guide you to this once in a life time experience of whale shark watching. Generally, you do not need to be out in deep waters in order to interact with the Whale Sharks. Your BIO will point them out and educate you on how to spot them, as well as provide additional information you need to know during the experience. The BIO’s are quite knowledgeable and friendly, and are willing to answer your questions. When the BIO feels that the situation is ideal, he will instruct the crew on the boat’s approach to the whale shark, and take the lead in getting you ready for the experience. Seeing the Butanding for the first time is an extremely exciting experience. It is very important to keep the safety procedures in mind, and always follow the lead and instructions of your BIO.

Places to stay

There are a lot of interesting places to stay in Donsol. There is Amor Farm Beach Resort, a great place with a beautiful garden and a great restaurant. There is also Vitton Beach, Woodland Resort and Casa Bianca. You can also do some homestaying in Donsol.

Contact Numbers

Woodland Resort
Contact Marichu (09219699544) / Mel (09182315420)
Rates: Big Cottages AC (10 pax) P2,700.00
AC Rooms (2 pax) P1,500.00
Non AC Cottages P 800.00

Amor Farm Beach Resort
Contact Agnes (0917-6941687)/ 0917-9682733/ 0910-4586140/ 0910-4762176/ rasyl_r_amor@yahoo.com
Rates: Fan Room w/Bathroom (2 single size bed, 2 fan) P1,000
Fan Room w/Bathroom (1 double size bed) P 700
Fan Room (2 double size bed, common bathroom) P 600

Vitton Beach Resort
Contact Nora (0927-9126313)
Rates: AC Rooms (2-4 pax) P1,500.00 Extra Person: P200 per head
AC Rooms w/ Hot & Cold (2-4 pax) P1,700.00

Casa Bianca
Contact Hazel (0921-3687066)/Jun Balmonte (0906-3099372)/ Jun (fireflies) (0906-9320457)
Rates: Fan Room P800
AC Room P1,500

Q & A

How many whale sharks we can see in a trip?

If you are lucky you can see as much as 12 Butanding in a day. But there is really no guarantee on how many you can see.

How long the trip last?

The trip normally lasts three hours.

Do I need to be a good swimmer to do this activity?

No. If you are a good swimmer it’s great but if you are not so comfortable in the water you can take some life jacket and your BIO will even assist you.

What other activities we can do in Donsol?

Aside from Butanding interaction you can also organize a “Firefly watching” with the tourism office. It is a night activity.

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