Philippines Travel Answers

Yes, the jeepneys and buses that go from PP to El Nido can take up to 8 hours, particularly depending on the weather. If you hire a private van, you can shave off a few hours from the trip. If you visit Sebang for the Underground River and Monkey/Jungle Trails, they you will already be heading in the right direction. If you backtrack to PP, you will have gone a few hours in the wrong direction. You can travel by banca boat from Sebang to Port Barton to El Nido, but this is seasonal and weather depending. Sebang and Port Barton would definitely match your requirement for rustic, laid back and quiet. A lot of lazing about and reading. Otherwise, SEAir offers flights between PP and El Nido. In my opinion, El Nido is better for island hopping and beaches, but Coron is better for diving. Sorry, but can't speak for Cebu since I haven't made it there yet.

Im just adding myself into this thread as it sounds like I want to do the same trip as you..Manila to PP and then on up to El Nido! I would love to hear how it all went as I will be going mid January! Thanks and have fun! P.S. I read on another thread that you may have seen by now that there are regular shuttle vans from PP airport (Fortwally Shuttle) which departs San Jose Terminal at 07:00, and if pre-booked at 11:00 and 13:00 (0920-9815702). This ride takes 6 hours and costs P600. There are also regular buses going to El Nido from PP leaving at 07:00, 09:00 and frequently at 11:00. This takes 8 hours and costs P300. (0919-7162210). Hope this helps!! Im still trying to find if the shuttle company organises the trip from downtown as well in PP.

There may be options from downtown PP, but I have not heard of any. Almost everyone will just take a bus or jeepney from the San Juan market. Its simple enough. I made it there with no prior planning, reservations or bookings. As other forums and tips mention, the first ones leave ~7am. ~7 hours is about right. The leave early in the morning so that they can make the drive before sunset. Its best to get there a little early. That way you can have first opportunity to get a good seat in the jeepney. They do not always have the best ventilation or legroom. 600P sounds correct for what I paid.

Hi DSwede...thanks for that. Is the San Jose market by the airport? Did you take the shuttle company mentioned in previous posts or did you take a regular bus that plows that route? Thanks.

No, the market is not near the airport. You'll have to hire one of the tricycle taxis. The market is a few kilometers out of town. Just explain to the driver that you want the jeepney for Sebang (if you're heading up to the Underground River) or El Nido. They'll take you to back side of the market where all the buses/jeepneys are. I just took a local jeepney. Cheapest way to travel, and in my opinion, the most entertaining and best way to do it like the locals do.