Trip Overview
This 7-day Philippines itinerary covers El Nido in March on a Mid-range budget from SIN. Total estimated cost: ₱60,750 per person (approximately ₱8,679/day).
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 — El Nido (Arrival Day)
- Morning: Fly SIN → Manila, connect to El Nido (~5 hrs total) — ₱13,500
- Afternoon: Arrive El Nido, check in to Guesthouse, Corong-Corong, explore the area — ₱2,200
- Evening: Dinner at local restaurant near El Nido Town. Plan tomorrow's activities. — ₱400
- Stay: Guesthouse, Corong-Corong — ₱2,200/night
Tips:
- Tricycles from ENI airport: ₱150–200 to town
- Book island tours at the waterfront as soon as you arrive for next day
- Electricity sometimes cuts in the evening — bring a power bank
- Most establishments are card-free — bring PHP cash
Day 2 — El Nido (Island Hopping Tour A (Big & Small Lagoon))
- Morning: Island Hopping Tour A (Big & Small Lagoon) — ₱1,400
- Afternoon: Island Hopping Tour C (Helicopter Island + Matinloc) — ₱1,400
- Evening: Dinner at Republica Sunset Bar — grilled seafood and bay views on the waterfront — ₱360
- Stay: Guesthouse, Corong-Corong — ₱2,200/night
Tips:
- Depart by 8am to beat the crowds at lagoons
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen and a rash guard
- Wear water shoes — boat boarding can be rocky
- Bring your own dry bag for electronics
Day 3 — El Nido (Nacpan Beach visit)
- Morning: Nacpan Beach visit — ₱375
- Afternoon: Las Cabanas Beach sunset + zipline — ₱350
- Evening: Artcafe El Nido for pasta and fresh fruit smoothies — popular with divers — ₱360
- Stay: Guesthouse, Corong-Corong — ₱2,200/night
Tips:
- Best in the morning before heat and crowds
- Bring water and snacks
- Cash payment preferred at most local sites
Day 4 — El Nido (Kayaking in Bacuit Bay)
- Morning: Kayaking in Bacuit Bay — ₱750
- Afternoon: Beach time, relax, swim — ₱100
- Evening: Rooftop drinks at Miniloc Bar overlooking Bacuit Bay (sunset over the karsts) — ₱360
- Stay: Guesthouse, Corong-Corong — ₱2,200/night
Tips:
- Best in the morning before heat and crowds
- Bring water and snacks
- Cash payment preferred at most local sites
Day 5 — El Nido (Island Hopping Tour C (Helicopter Island + Matinloc))
- Morning: Island Hopping Tour C (Helicopter Island + Matinloc) — ₱1,400
- Afternoon: Nacpan Beach visit — ₱375
- Evening: Night squid fishing tour (ask your guesthouse — small group, lantern, fresh catch) — ₱360
- Stay: Guesthouse, Corong-Corong — ₱2,200/night
Tips:
- Depart by 8am to beat the crowds at lagoons
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen and a rash guard
- Wear water shoes — boat boarding can be rocky
- Bring your own dry bag for electronics
Day 6 — El Nido (Las Cabanas Beach sunset + zipline)
- Morning: Las Cabanas Beach sunset + zipline — ₱350
- Afternoon: Kayaking in Bacuit Bay — ₱750
- Evening: Las Cabanas Beach sunset walk (10-min tricycle from town, ₱80) — the most beautiful in El Nido — ₱360
- Stay: Guesthouse, Corong-Corong — ₱2,200/night
Tips:
- Best in the morning before heat and crowds
- Bring water and snacks
- Cash payment preferred at most local sites
Day 7 — El Nido (Departure Day)
- Morning: Pack up, hotel checkout (usually 12pm), any last-minute shopping or food — ₱200
- Afternoon / Evening: Transfer to airport. Allow 2–3 hours before flight for island destinations. — ₱233
- Safe travels!: Depart Philippines
Tips:
- Island airports: arrive 1.5 hrs before (small, fast security)
- Manila NAIA: arrive 3 hours before international flights
- Check your airline app the morning before — island flights sometimes change
- Don't forget to pay terminal fees at the airport (₱200–400 depending on airport)
Cost Breakdown (Per Person)
| Flights | ₱13,500 |
| Inter-island transport | ₱0 |
| Accommodation | ₱13,200 |
| Activities | ₱7,250 |
| Food & dining | ₱8,400 |
| Total | ₱60,750 |
Book Your Trip
- Flights SIN → El Nido — via Aviasales
- Hotels in El Nido — via Hotellook
- El Nido Tours & Activities — via Klook
- All Philippines Tours & Activities — via Klook
- Inter-island Ferry & Bus Tickets — via 12Go Asia
Travel Tips
- Book flights 3–6 weeks ahead for the best prices on Cebu Pacific and AirAsia
- Always carry PHP cash — ATMs on smaller islands run out
- Reef-safe sunscreen is required at all dive and snorkel sites
- Download maps offline before leaving WiFi areas
- Grab is available in Manila, Cebu and Davao — elsewhere use tricycles or habal-habal
- Book island hopping tours through your guesthouse the evening before
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does this 7-day Philippines trip cost?
On a Mid-range budget, expect to spend approximately ₱60,750 per person for 7 days in El Nido, including flights, accommodation, food, transport and activities.
What is the best time to visit El Nido?
March is an excellent time to visit. The dry season runs November to May across most of the Philippines.
How do I get from SIN to the Philippines?
Fly to Manila (MNL) or Cebu (CEB) — both have extensive international connections. From there, domestic flights reach El Nido in 1–3 hours.
Do I need a visa for the Philippines?
Most nationalities get 30 days visa-free on arrival. This includes US, UK, Australian, EU, Singapore, Korean and Japanese passport holders.
Is 7 days enough for this itinerary?
This is a well-paced itinerary covering the highlights without rushing.