El Nido is consistently ranked among the best islands in the world, and Singapore is one of the closest major cities to get there from. The journey takes a bit of planning — there's no single direct flight — but once you arrive and your bangka slides into the Big Lagoon for the first time, every hour of travel feels completely worth it. Here's exactly how to do it in 2026.
Route Option 1: Singapore to Manila to El Nido (SIN-MNL-ENI)
This is the most popular route for Singapore travelers and the one that gives you the most scheduling flexibility.
- SIN to MNL: 3 hours 30 minutes. Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, Scoot and Singapore Airlines fly this daily. Book early — MNL is one of the most competitive routes from Singapore.
- MNL to ENI (El Nido Airport): 1 hour 20 minutes. This leg is operated exclusively by AirSwift, a small regional airline. Flights run daily but capacity is very limited — El Nido's airstrip handles only small turboprops. Book AirSwift as soon as you've confirmed your international dates. It sells out weeks in advance during peak season (November to May).
Total travel time: roughly 6 to 8 hours, depending on your MNL layover. A 2-3 hour layover in Manila is comfortable. Anything under 90 minutes is tight.
Find the cheapest flights to the Philippines
Compare Cebu Pacific, AirAsia, Philippine Airlines and more in one search — prices from ₱3,892.
Route Option 2: Singapore to Puerto Princesa + Van to El Nido (SIN-PPS)
Puerto Princesa (PPS) is Palawan's main airport and receives more flights than El Nido. From PPS, El Nido is about 5 to 6 hours north by van or bus.
- SIN to PPS: Cebu Pacific flies this route directly, around 2 hours 45 minutes. PAL also operates it. Fares can be considerably cheaper than SIN-MNL-ENI when booked ahead.
- PPS to El Nido by shared van: PHP 500-700, departs frequently from the jeepney terminal near the bus station. Journey is 5-6 hours on an improving but still winding road.
- PPS to El Nido by private transfer: PHP 3,000-4,000 for the vehicle (not per person), faster and more comfortable if you're in a group of 3 or more.
This route adds ground travel time but is often SGD 80-150 cheaper on the flights. It's a good option if you have a flexible itinerary and want to stop at Honda Bay or the Underground River on the way up.
AirSwift: What You Need to Know
AirSwift is the only airline flying direct to El Nido Airport (ENI). A few things to understand before you book:
- The baggage allowance is strict — typically 10kg cabin, 20kg checked. Overweight fees are applied.
- Flights can be delayed or cancelled due to weather, particularly in the wet season. AirSwift will usually rebook you on the next available flight but this can mean a day's delay.
- Book directly on the AirSwift website (airswift.com.ph) or via Traveloka. Do not rely on third-party aggregators always having availability.
- One-way fares from MNL to ENI range from PHP 2,500 to PHP 6,000 depending on timing and season.
What to Budget in SGD
El Nido is more expensive than most Philippines destinations — accommodation and tour boats are premium-priced, especially December to February. Here's a realistic breakdown for a 6-day trip:
| Category | Budget (SGD) | Mid-Range (SGD) | Comfortable (SGD) |
|---|
| Flights (return) | 350 | 480 | 620 |
| Hotel (5 nights) | 200 | 420 | 750 |
| Island tours (A+B) | 70 | 90 | 130 |
| Food (5 days) | 90 | 150 | 220 |
| Transfers + misc | 50 | 60 | 80 |
| Total (approx.) | SGD 760 | SGD 1,200 | SGD 1,800 |
Exchange rate reference: SGD 1 = approximately PHP 40-42. El Nido is largely cash-based outside of larger resorts — bring pesos from Manila or Puerto Princesa, as ATMs in El Nido town can run dry over holidays.
Tour A vs Tour B: Which Should You Book?
El Nido's island hopping is organized into four tours (A, B, C, D). For first-timers from Singapore, Tours A and B cover the absolute highlights.
Tour A — The Lagoons
Covers Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon and Shimizu Island. This is the one everyone has seen in photos. Big Lagoon is only accessible by kayak (included), and the towering limestone karsts are genuinely dramatic. Cost: PHP 1,800-2,200 per person including lunch. Book this one first.
Tour B — The Less Crowded Route
Covers Snake Island sandbar, Cudugnon Cave, Cathedral Cave and Pinasil Island. Tour B visits different spots and tends to be less crowded. Many repeat visitors prefer it. Same price range as Tour A.
Tours C and D
Tour C and D cover more remote areas — Helicopter Island, the Matinloc Shrine, and Talisay Beach (Tour C) and Cadlao Lagoon (Tour D). If you have 4+ days in El Nido, add at least one of these. Tour C is the classic choice for the longer day trip experience.
Where to Stay in El Nido
El Nido town has accommodation for every budget, from PHP 800 fan rooms to boutique cliff-view villas at PHP 8,000+ a night. The key areas:
- El Nido town centre: most convenient for restaurants and tour operators. Can be noisy. Good for 1-3 nights.
- Nacpan Beach: 45 minutes from town by habal-habal (motorbike taxi). A long, empty beach with a handful of guesthouses. Perfect if you want to escape the crowds for a night or two.
- Las Cabanas Beach: 10 minutes from town by tricycle. A quieter beach with zip-line access to the viewpoint. Mid-range resorts, good sunset spot.
Best Time to Visit from Singapore
El Nido's best season is November to May, peaking December to February. The sea is calm, the skies are clear and the underwater visibility for snorkelling is exceptional.
From Singapore, the most convenient departure windows are the December school holiday, Chinese New Year, and the mid-year break. Book flights and AirSwift 8-12 weeks in advance for the December and CNY windows — these sell out fast.
The wet season runs June to October. El Nido can still be visited in June (the early wet season is often fine), but July to September can bring rough seas and tour cancellations. October is hit or miss.
FAQ
Is there a direct flight from Singapore to El Nido?
No. All routes require at least one connection — either via Manila (MNL) with AirSwift to ENI, or via Puerto Princesa (PPS) followed by a 5-hour van transfer north to El Nido.
How much does AirSwift cost from Manila to El Nido?
One-way fares typically range from PHP 2,500 to PHP 6,000 (roughly SGD 60-145) depending on how early you book and the season. Peak dates (Christmas, Easter) are at the top of that range.
How many days should I spend in El Nido?
At minimum 4 nights to do Tours A and B comfortably. Five to six nights lets you add Tour C and a day on Nacpan Beach without feeling rushed. A 5-night trip from Singapore (Friday evening departure, Wednesday night return) works well.
Is El Nido safe for Singapore solo travelers?
Yes. El Nido is very well-traveled, with a well-established tourist infrastructure. Standard precautions apply — don't leave valuables on the beach, be cautious when swimming in rough conditions. Solo travel here is straightforward and widely done.
Can I pay in Singapore dollars or cards in El Nido?
Most resorts accept cards, but tour operators, restaurants and smaller guesthouses are cash-only. Bring Philippine Pesos in sufficient quantity before arriving in El Nido. The town has ATMs but they run out of cash during peak season. Get pesos in Manila or Puerto Princesa instead.
