Helicopter Island, El Nido, Palawan

This island is called as Helicopter Island due to its helicopter-like shape when viewed from afar. The island is also called as Dilumacad Island. This island doesn’t have a resort or an electricity. It also doesn’t have a community. The island has lush vegetation and a beige to golden sand colored beach. It is also a favorite stop for island hopping and snorkelling in El Nido.

How to get there:

From Manila, ride a plane to El Nido Airport. From El Nido Airport, you can rent a van or a tricycle to El Nido town proper and then from there you’ll need to rent a boat to reach Helicopter Island. You can also rent a boat from El Nido Airport to Helicopter Island.

From Manila, you can also ride a plane bound for Puerto Princesa City. From Puerto Princesa Airport, ride a tricycle to San Jose Terminal. From San Jose Terminal, you can ride a van, a mini bus or an airconditioned bus bound for El Nido town proper. From the town proper, rent a boat to Helicopter Island.

Travel time:

Manila to El Nido Airport – 1 hour

El Nido Airport to El Nido town proper – 20 to 30 minutes

El Nido town proper to Helicopter Island – 30 to 45 minutes

Manila to Puerto Princesa – 1 hour

Puerto Princesa Airport to San Jose Terminal – 15 to 20 minutes

San Jose Terminal to El Nido town proper – 5 to 6 hours