El Nido is a beautiful tropical paradise located in the province of Palawan in the Philippines that offers a lot of things to see and do. Make sure to plan your trip in advance, respect the environment, and enjoy the local culture.
The weather
The best time to visit El Nido, Philippines is during the dry season, which runs from November to May. During these months, the weather is generally sunny and dry, with minimal rainfall and calm waters, making it ideal for island hopping and beach activities.
The peak season in El Nido is from December to February, where the weather is at its driest and coolest. It is also the busiest time of the year, and prices tend to be higher, so it’s best to book your accommodations and tours in advance.
If you prefer fewer crowds and lower prices, you can visit El Nido during the shoulder seasons of November to early December and March to May. These months still have good weather, and you can enjoy the beautiful beaches and activities without the crowds.
It’s best to avoid visiting El Nido during the rainy season, which starts in June and lasts until October, as there may be typhoons and rough seas, which can affect your travel plans and activities.
No Plastic policy
The “No Plastic” policy in El Nido is a local government initiative to reduce the use of single-use plastic bags and straws in the town, to protect the marine ecosystem and the island’s tourism industry, which heavily relies on the beauty and cleanliness of the surrounding waters and beaches.
The local government also conducts regular clean-up drives and awareness campaigns to educate residents and tourists on the importance of reducing plastic waste. If you have the chance, feel free to participate. Help us to keep El Nido clean and reduce, reuse and recycle plastic.
In El Nido we are proud to have a Mc Donald’s without plastic utensils!
Water
While El Nido is a beautiful destination with plenty to explore, it is important to note that the tap water in the area is not considered safe for drinking. This is because it may contain harmful bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants that can cause illness.
We recommend bottled water that you can buy in any convenience store or even better, purified water that you can refill for free in the hotel.
It is important to stay hydrated while in El Nido, especially if you are spending time outdoors or engaging in physical activities. Make sure to drink plenty of water and other fluids throughout the day to avoid dehydration.
Health care
El Nido town has a rural health unit, Nestor A. Reyes M.D private doctor, Adventist Hospital Palawan Clinic private clinic and a few pharmacies where you can find primary health medicines. In case of emergencies, heading north for 40 minutes by van there is El Nido Community Hospital. Heading south, there is the Northern Palawan Provincial Hospital in Taytay town, which is around 1 hour away by van.
Environment
El Nido is declared a Marine Protected Area, home to a diverse marine ecosystem, so it is important to respect the environment and practice responsible tourism. Avoid stepping on corals, do not litter, and follow the rules and regulations set by the tour operators.
Electricity
El Nido has electricity, but power outages can occur occasionally, especially during typhoons or maintenance works. It’s always a good idea to bring a power bank or extra batteries for your electronic devices. In Serenity hotel we make choices that prioritize sustainability and environmental stewardship over convenience or short-term gains as running the generator only 4 hours per day, in case that electricity company from Palawan, Paleco, fails.
Internet
El Nido has internet access, but the speed and reliability can vary depending on your location and provider. The signal may not be strong in remote areas. It’s best to have a local SIM card with data to ensure internet access, specially if you need to work.
Culture
Please, remember that although El Nido is a touristic place, it has its own culture and it is still in process of development. Be flexible when travelling and don’t expect commodities you have for granted in your country such as electricity, internet, drinking water system or sewage system.
Cultural things such as Karaoke or to bread roosters which roam freely around is a popular activity in the whole Philippines. You can immerse in a fun way to sing along your favorite songs with locals while enjoying drinks and food with them. Learn, respect and enjoy one of the best smiles in the world, the Philippines ones.