2019 • 02 • 21

More detailed El Nido travel guide here: El Nido Budget Travel Guide

Cadlao Lagoon is one of the many beautiful attractions in El Nido and is part of Tour D. Its emerald waters and towering limestone surrounding the lagoon all make for a picture-perfect destination. Swim till your heart’s content, jump off one of the rocks and into the deep sections of the pool, snorkel or just wade in its warm waters. Leave your worries at the door and just take all that nature has to offer during your time in Cadlao.

How to Get There

Nearest Airport: El Nido Airport, also known as Lio Airport (Palawan); Puerto Princesa International Airport (Palawan); Francisco B. Reyes Airport, also known as Busuanga Airport (Palawan)

By Air

1. There are many flights to and from Puerto Princesa. From Manila, major airlines such as Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and AirAsia have daily and regular flights. Buy your plane tickets months in advance to get the best and lowest possible price.
    
   There are also direct flights to El Nido from Manila via Air SWIFT, but this will cost you more.
2. Once in Puerto Princesa, you have the option to board the RoRo and Cherry Bus or one of the many vans that travel to El Nido. The bus option costs around P290-P480/way and the van’s fare costs around P550 to P600 per way.

 
Via van, head to Robinson’s Mall where the van terminal is located.
Via bus and RoRo bus, go to Junction 1 (P8), and then ride a multi-cab going to San Jose Terminal. You can also hire a tricycle for P80-100.
 

3. Once you arrive in El Nido, take a tricycle going downtown or directly to your hotel.
4. From either the town proper or along Bacuit Bay, book El Nido’s Tour D.

 

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Entrance Fee and Other Charges

Cadlao Lagoon is sometimes included as an alternative to other destinations for Tour D when some places are too crowded; it is also possible to reach this lagoon by kayaking.

• El Nido Island Hopping Tour D: P1200/person
  Note: The local government standardizes the tour rates. Island hopping tour operation starts at 9am and ends at 4pm.
• Eco-Tourism Development Fee: P200 (good for 10 days)
• Tour D Private Boat Rental: P1500 (small boat); P3000 – P4000 (large boat)
• Others: P700 (kayak rental, whole day, within operation hours); P150 (snorkel gear rental)

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Don’t Miss

• It is possible to reach Cadlao Lagoon by kayaking; however, it may take you longer than going by motorized boat.
• Go early enough to avoid the crowds; you or your group may end up being the only ones there.
• The area has a rawness and charm with its towering limestone formations and clear waters. Go snorkeling, swimming, or just wading in the emerald waters of the lagoon.

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Don’t Forget

• Bring enough cash for your trip, even if there are ATMs in town. Don’t rely on the machines because they are often out of cash and have long queues.
• Book or at least reserve accommodation online as you might have fewer and fewer options as the day of your trip approaches.
• Bring your own gear if you plan to snorkel but don’t want to rent.
• If you decide to rent a boat for a private tour, you can buy your own food and drinks for lunch or picnic during one of your stops.
• Bring a power bank to keep your phone and camera charged for the trip.
• Keep the place clean. Practice proper garbage disposal. Leave nothing but footprints. Follow the rules and regulations.

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If You Have More Time and Budget

• El Nido has other joining tours (A, B and C) and places you can visit by tricycle or on a motorbike.
• Watch the sunset at Marimegmeg Beach or spend a day or night in Nacpan Beach.

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Where to Stay

Whether budget or high-end, you have plenty of choices in El Nido. Here are some of the top-rated accommodations according to Agoda users, in no particular order.

• Matinloc Resort. ✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY
• El Nido Resorts Miniloc Island. ✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY
• Vellago Resort. ✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY
• El Nido Resorts Lagen Island. ✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY

For more options, search here: Palawan Hotels