Travel Budget Guide: 3D3N in El Nido and Puerto Princesa, Palawan in 6,000 Pesos or Less (Including Airfare)

One of the most common questions that our friends, work colleagues, and of course our relatives ask us every time we travel is “How much do you spend?”

Well, the quick and easy answer we naturally give is “That depends on where we are going.” Period. Full stop.

It would be hypocritical for us to say that money is not important when we travel. For God’s sake! It is important. But it is not everything. The best thing that money can provide us when we travel is financial freedom. That’s all. Period. Full stop.

Decency aside, we were not born with a silver spoon on our mouths. Each one of us has its own story to tell about our struggles with our families, our work, our relationships with those we love, and of course with finances. So it is safe to assume that like you, we also have our fair share of problems to wrestle with, in daily basis. (Enough for the drama! You might say.) Okay then.

Nonetheless, one sure thing we can guarantee you (with all our heart) is this: You don’t need to be a rich man to travel and see the world. All you need are these: a little bit of research, a sense of adventure, smart decision-making skills, a good sense of humor, and the ability to embrace diversity with an open mind and heart.

For those who have been to El Nido in Palawan, most, if not all, will tell you that the beauty of the place is beyond words to describe. Well, if you are not convinced, you might want to check our experience in this post.

If you are now getting antsy to know how much we spent when we explored the The World’s Best Island of 2016 by Travel+Leisure Magazine, here you go.

(Important note: This rundown of expenses is for three (3) persons. Solo traveling is fantastic (no doubt about it), but if you want to save more money, traveling in a group of 3-5 is best.)

Roundtrip Airfare: Iloilo to Puerto Princesa City

2,700.00 Php: Via Cebu Pacific (Just keep an eye for this airline’s never-ending promos).

3,000.00 Php: Roundtrip fare Puerto Princesa to El Nido van transportation

Day 1- Puerto Princesa-El Nido

150.00 Php: Lunch in one of the stopovers (travel time from Puerto Princesa to El Nido is 6 hours).

50.00 Php: Tricycle fare from van terminal in El Nido to Anang Balay Turista Inn

300.00 Php: Dinner in one of the local pubs in El Nido

1,200.00 Php: Inn accommodation (with breakfast the next day)

Day 2: Tour C in El Nido

 4,200.00 Php: Standard rate of Tour C (Note: All tours in El Nido are offered on standard rates by the local government).

300.00 Php: Rent fee for acqua shoes (optional)

300.00 Php: Matinloc Shrine entrance fee

315.00 Php: Dinner in one of the local pub (composed of half-kilo lechon manok (roasted chicken), pork BBQ, a bottle of soft drinks, and a platter of rice).

1,200.00 Php: Inn accommodation (with breakfast the next day)

Day 3: Tour A in El Nido and back to Puerto Princesa City

3,600.00 Php: Standard rate of Tour A

400.00 Php (discounted): Whole day kayak rental fee (optional)

300.00 Php: Aqua shoes rental fee (optional)

345.00 Php: Dinner (composed of fried chicken, a platter of rice, and a bottle of soft drinks)

1,290.00 Php: Hotel accommodation at La Belle Pension House in Puerto Princesa City (with breakfast the next day)

Total expenses for 3 persons:  19, 650.00 Php

19,650 Php divided in 3 is 6, 550.00 Php.

You might think it’s not 6,000 pesos, as the title says. I know. But if you subtract the amount of rental fee for aqua shoes and kayak (since these are only optional) and eat free meals (if you bring your own food, it’s actually possible) or lessen their cost, you’ll spend less than 6,000 pesos all in all (excluding pasalubong, that is if you are fond of taking home pasalubongs).

More tips to save money in El Nido and Puerto Princesa, Palawan:

1. Bring your own food when traveling from Puerto Princesa to El Nido and vice versa so you don’t have to eat at restaurants during the stopovers.
2. You can also bring your own food for your dinner at your inns (most of hotels and B&Bs offer free breakfast.
3. Renting aqua shoes and kayak are absolutely optional.
4. If you’re staying at a hotel in Puerto Princesa and your hotel doesn’t provide free shuttle to the airport, take a tricycle instead of a cab.
5. If you can find cheaper hotels and accommodations other than where we stayed, much better.

Palawan is waiting for you, my friend, so why not start to save up and have a taste of the World’s Best Island in the near future! Who knows, we’ll meet there.