(Updated February 12, 2015) It’s always nice to have a healthy competition around. With El Nido growing into popularity, people wouldn’t mind traveling the 6-7 hours length just to enjoy El Nido, the northern beaches and islands of Palawan. Now with the entry of another bus company, Cherry Bus, there’s more frequency, convenience and cheaper travel to one of my favorite destinations in Palawan. Here’s how the new bus compares.
Cherry Buses
The new gray Cherry Buses are slightly larger and has decent leg room. We could see they are new since most of the seat covers haven’t been removed yet. Airconditioning system works well and the sound system too. It’s just that they have a weird taste of music for me which is a personal preference. Just put on your personal headphones.
(Updated February 12, 2015) Cherry Buses now have on-board WiFi. Just ask for the password from the conductor. I saw that they were using a pocket WiFi from Globe. From the areas where there were signal, internet connection works.
On the Road
Like RORO Bus, Cherry also picks up and drop passengers along the way so expect travel time to get longer in busy days especially at day time. They also stop at Taytay station and in Roxas but in a different station from RORO. How was their driving? It’s fair to say they did well despite the speed, but we can never really tell how all of them do judging from one of their drivers.
Cherry Bus Schedule
| Puerto Princesa to El Nido | El Nido to Puerto Princesa | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Aircon | Aircon | Non-Aircon | Aircon |
| 7:00 am | 9:00 am | 7:00 am | 9:00 am |
| 11:00 am | 1:00 pm | 11:00 am | 1:00 pm |
| 15:00 pm | 9:00 pm | 5:00 pm | 9:00 pm |
| *Updated February 12, 2015 ** Contact numbers 0907.332.8797 (El Nido Custodian) 0919.346.3200 (El Nido Dispatcher) 0935.866.6569 (PPC Office) Facebook: /cherrybus.palawan email: [email protected] Online booking (at least 3-days before) at www.pinoytravel.com.ph |
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(Updated February 12, 2015) Aircon Bus Fare is Php 380 Php 480 while non-aircon bus fare is Php 270 Php 385.
Going to the San Jose Bus Terminal from the airport
The Cherry Bus is also stationed at the new San Jose Market and Bus terminal. The easiest way from the Puerto Princesa airport is not necessarily the cheapest. Tricycles can take passengers directly to the bus station from Php100-140 depending on your haggling skills. Travel time is 20-30 minutes depending on the traffic.
If you want it cheap and not in a hurry, just walk outside the airport and take the Php 8 blue tricycle to the junction. Ask to be dropped there and you can take a multicab to the San Jose market for Php 13. The multicab’s last stop is at the San Jose Bus Terminal.
Ferdz Decena is an award-winning travel photographer, writer and blogger. His works has found print in publications such as Singapore Airlines’s Silver Kris, Philippine Airlines’ Mabuhay, Cebu Pacific’s Smile and Seair InFlight. He has also lent his expertise to various organizations like the Oceana Philippines, Lopez Group Foundation, Save the Children and World Vision, contributing quality images for their marketing materials.
