Welcome to my Mini-guide to El Nido! This guide will give you an in-depth look into everything you need to know about this magical place including the coolest things to do in El Nido, where to stay in El Nido, the best beaches in El Nido and the famous island hopping tours in El Nido.
If you haven’t already, check out my Manual on backpacking the Philippines which gives extensive information on not only El Nido but the whole of the Philippines.
Now, let’s take a look at the top things to do in El Nido!
Top things to do in El Nido
There is such a huge range of activities and adventures to be had in El Nido. The main attractions of this beautiful beach-side town are the various tours offering island hopping in El Nido and the beautiful beaches of El Nido.
But there are many other things to do besides. So let me tell you more.
1. Island Hopping in El Nido
One of, if not the main thing to do in El Nido is to take one of their world-famous island hopping tours.
These are offered by various operators and travel agents throughout town but all operators generally offer the same service and for roughly the same price.
Island hopping in El Nido involves exploring the many beautiful beaches, bays, lagoons and caves of Bacuit Bay.
For island hopping in El Nido, there are 4 main tours. These comprise El Nido Tour A, B, C and D. Each tour involves different destinations and so when deciding which tour you wish to take, I would suggest you take a look at the destinations for each tour and pick the one that sounds best for you.
From beautiful powder white beaches on otherwise deserted islands to taking a kayak to explore Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon and Secret Lagoon, from seeing the Matinloc Shrine and the stunning views of the bay from the cliffs above to exploring Hidden Beach, accessible through a small hole in the rocks, there is something for everyone when island hopping in El Nido!
Each tour generally follows the same pattern regardless of which destinations you choose. You will be in a Bangka boat with the rest of your party and will set off around 9 am. You will likely stop at 1-2 destinations in the morning and you will have plenty of time at each destination to explore. The guides are pretty laid back with timings!
Then you will have lunch, usually served on a beach or aboard the boat before a couple more stops in the afternoon and back for around 5-6 pm. Each boat will have life vests for safety, drinking water and snorkelling equipment for you to use free of charge.
Lunch is included in the price and the only additional costs will be for hiring kayaks if you pick a tour that heads to one of the lagoons mentioned above (and assuming you wish to take a kayak to explore, which we suggest you do!).
Island hopping in El Nido was definitely one of our highlights when we visited the Philippines and so to help you decide which tour is right for you I have put together a dedicated guide to island hopping.
The highlight guide describes each of the destinations with photographs and then sets out which tours head to which destinations to help you choose.
Once you have chosen a tour that is right for you, head into El Nido and speak with the agents to book on. In our experience no one operator is better than the rest; most offer the same options as all the others.
The most important factors are usually the maximum number of people on a particular tour, to avoid overcrowding, and then an update on how many people are booked on for the day you wish to go.
This was by far one of the highlights of our time in the Philippines generally and so if we have piqued your interest then have a look at our Highlights guide and enjoy planning your own adventure island hopping in El Nido!
2. Visit the best Beaches in El Nido
Whilst most people head to this beach-side town for the wonderful island hopping in El Nido, there are plenty of other things to do besides.
One of them is heading to one of the number of amazing beaches in El Nido which can be accessed without the need for a boat! Perfect for recovering from a previous day’s island hopping in El Nido!
Below I describe some of the coolest beaches for you to explore.
Marimegmeg Beach
A 10-minute tricycle ride, or if you fancy stretching your legs, a 20-minute walk from the town lies Marimegmeg Beach (great name don’t you think?!).
Whilst it doesn’t have the powder white sands that grace many of the other beaches in El Nido, it does have a beautiful stretch of soft golden sand and turquoise waters.
There is a café at the resort there where you can grab a bite to eat before retreating to the sand to work on that tan.
Nacpan and Caitlang Beaches
Nacpan and Caitlang have been voted the best beaches in El Nido by Trip Advisor travellers and I would certainly endorse that!
About 45 – 90 minutes away (depending on how you travel there – with trike taking the longest), you’ll find El Nido’s twin beaches where you’ll be stunned by their natural beauty.
Cream-coloured sands and bright blue water combine to make for some of the best beaches in the area.
Surf the small waves, go for a swim or kick back and enjoy a beer; this is certainly a place you can spend a day (or more!) and enjoy some downtime. The beach is dotted with little shops and restaurants so you can spend the whole day here.
Whilst being voted the best beaches in El Nido, this does not mean that these two beaches are overly popular. People love Nacpan because it doesn’t get too crowded and it’s not uncommon to have the beach to yourself. There’s a reason it’s featured on Trip Advisors’ Best of the Best 2021 list for the top 25 beaches in Asia!
Lio Beach
Another of the best beaches in El Nido, Lio Beach is known as the Airport beach given the proximity to, you guessed it, the Airport. It’s close enough to see the planes coming into land, but far enough that you won’t be bothered by the noise.
The beach itself is connected to a group of hotels making it a bit more built up than other beaches in El Nido but there are no restrictions on accessing the beach for those not staying at the hotels and you can eat at the bars and restaurants belong to those hotels.
Despite being part of the resort, the beach is natural, clean and truly relaxing where you can chill out or hire paddleboards or kayaks if you’re feeling adventurous. A free shuttle runs to and from the Town, making getting there super easy.
Duli Beach
Duli beach is the complete opposite to Lio beach. It is one of the most untouched beaches in El Nido and there has been very little development here – which the bumpy unmade road which leads you there shows!
On of the best beaches in El Nido for surfers. The summer is best for those wanting to learn as the waves are smaller with the rainy season bringing big waves for those more experienced surfers among you!
There are a couple of very basic eateries along the beach, but don’t expect anything fancy – you have to check this beach out if you want a remote piece of paradise.
3. Glamping
Most articles and blogs about El Ndio limit themselves to the tours offering island hopping in El Nido and the beaches of El Nido but away from those two main draws, there are plenty of other things to do in El Nido.
Glamping has become one of the increasingly popular things to do recently and for good reason!
Opening your tent in the morning to the view of the lush Philippine jungle or to the view of the ocean is something truly special. It’s not just a place to rest your head at night, it’s an experience! Perfect for couples searching for a bit of tranquillity away from the buzzing town or those looking for a more ‘back to nature’ experience whilst retaining some glamour!
Many glamping operators offer unique experiences such as meals on the sand and sunset tours. We LOVE Nacpan Beach Glamping and The Birdhouse as both offer a truly unique way of exploring the best beaches in El Nido. Whilst these two destinations are expensive by Philippines standards, for what you get and the memories you’ll make, it’s a steal and a memory that will stay with you forever!
4. The Cultural Tour
As an alternative to the beaches and boat trips, the Cultural Tour provides a good balance to daily beach/island life here.
The town itself does not have much by way of cultural or historical highlights, originally having been a small town which has experienced a boom in recent years meaning a lot of the buildings are new and/or were designed to be temporary.
If you want to learn more about the culture of this part of Palawan then you need to take a trip over to the east coast and I would suggest you do this by booking the Cultural Tour.
This tour can be booked in the town and will take you over to the east coast of the island where you can explore the rich traditions and life of the local people of northern Palawan. This tour can make a nice and refreshing change to day-to-day life if you are spending a longer period of time in the town or if you are tired from all that island hopping in El Nido and is certainly recommended.
5. Explore!
Finally, one of the best things to do in El Nido is simply to walk the streets and explore the many bars and restaurants that it has to offer.
I discuss food and drink in more detail below but it’s a hugely popular backpacker destination and as a result, the bars and restaurants are always full of fellow travellers and it has a really sociable feel. Whether you are solo travelling or in a group, these can be the perfect place to meet new friends and exchange stories and advice about the town, the Philippines or the world generally!
Where to Stay in El Nido
Having decided this is the place for you, the next question is where to stay in El Nido!
Before listing some of my favourite places to stay in El Nido, I want to give the place some context as I think this is important!
El Nido Generally
I will say at the outset that the town is known for its somewhat rundown aesthetic.
It is a town which wasn’t ready for the massive influx of tourists and the infrastructure has not caught up with the growth in popularity which means its sanitation systems are a bit…dodgy and the town itself can appear a bit dirty and run down on first impressions. I don’t want you to let that put you off visiting what is an amazing little town, but it is best to be prepared!
In addition, when looking at where to stay you will notice that it can be quite expensive for what you get; expensive by comparison to other Philippine destinations at least!
Notwithstanding the above, I would definitely recommend heading to El Nido and staying as it is a beautiful and unique place within the Philippines. I would just advise that you may want to prepare yourself and be prepared to lower your usual standards for accommodation.
I mention all of this because I have read so many negative reviews of places to stay which do a disservice to the town and its inhabitants.
A lot of the reviews are based on comparisons to home which aren’t fair. So I want to take a minute to try and give some objectivity to the issues and difficulties people face when considering where to stay in El Nido.
Common Issues Raised when considering Where to Stay in El Nido
So, the two main complaints I hear all the time about El Nido are related to power outages and unreliable WiFi.
Both of these are real issues and in the majority of cases, there is little that the owner of the hostel/bungalow you are staying in can do about these things. They are linked to the infrastructure of the town more generally and as I said above that infrastructure was not designed for a town of this size. Until the general infrastructure catches up, these issues do need to be taken into account when deciding where to stay.
Power outages – these are common in El Nido and particularly in the cheaper forms of accommodation. Large resorts can afford extensive backup generators but the hostels and bungalows don’t always have that backup, You may go without air-con, WiFi, or a fan for a period of time.
In addition, you may find that power to your room is turned off when you’re out to conserve electricity; so any a/c left on whilst you are out may not be cooling your room until you return.
WiFi is another challenge; it is sketchy at the best of times. Whilst many cottages/hostels offer WiFi this will usually be poor and only available in one specific area i.e. it’s unlikely to stretch to your room.
If you’re a digital nomad, take a few days off or stay at a resort to guarantee a WiFi signal.
Avoid the accommodation on Hama Street if you need WiFi as you simply won’t get anything done.
Accommodation Generally – Finally, the standard is basic. Don’t expect any frills as you’re setting yourself up for disappointment.
Again these are symptoms of the rapid growth of the town and the lack of infrastructure but I would definitely recommend you embrace these. If you need to work to a deadline whilst there and need WiFi, perhaps give yourself a bit more time to allow for an electricity blackout or WiFi failure and instead use these periods of calm to relax and unwind!
If you still crave more glamour than the town can offer then fear not, there are some impressive resorts and hotels just outside which offer a higher standard of accommodation and a more peaceful and relaxing trip.
I will round these up as well so you can decide where to stay and enjoy everything this amazing town has to offer. And please bear in mind, when you see the reviews on Trip Advisor (we all do!), just keep an open mind and remember my comments above!
And with that, let’s have a look at where to stay in El Nido.
Where to Stay in El Nido Town
Tandikan Apartments
Tandikan offers both fan and air-conditioned cottages, and the price includes breakfast, which is basic, but does the job before setting off early for a day of island-hopping!
We found the cottages to be basic, but clean and comfortable with a lovely view from the veranda to enjoy breakfast from, as it’s located right on the beach. One of our favourite things to do was take our free coffee and go for a stroll up the beach in the morning as we woke up – so relaxing!
If you are arriving with no pre-booked accommodation, it is easy enough to book a room here and we found it to be one of the only places not to be fully booked in the area. We have since heard the same thing from many others so can be perfect if you like to rock up and find somewhere to stay once you arrive.
We did experience power outages at Tandikan and the WiFi doesn’t really exist beyond the main entrance so if WiFi is a priority when considering where to stay in El Nido then this may not be the place for you. Otherwise, it’s a laid-back and relatively cheap option right on the beach.
Rosanna’s Beach Cottages
Rosanna’s Beach Cottages, or Rosanna’s Pension, is located very close to Tandikan and is on the same stretch of beach. The view of the mountains and the ocean is super pretty but the facilities are again basic.
That said, your stay comes with breakfast and there is something magical about eating your breakfast on the balcony with views over both the beach and mountains.
Apparently, the WiFi is actually pretty fast here, but again when considering where to stay in El Nido take all WiFi advice with a pinch of salt and be prepared for no WiFi at all. A nice place to stay in a great location.
Chislyk Inn (Bungalow)
Located outside of the busiest part of the town, but still on Hama Street (the main road here) with a five-minute walk to the hustle and bustle, it may be the perfect compromise.
The cottages are based right on the beach and is a little quieter than up the road, allowing you to enjoy the town but also get a decent night’s sleep!
One of the biggest considerations when deciding where to stay in El Nido can be between a cottage/bungalow or a hostel. So having considered bungalows, let’s have a look at the hostels on offer.
Spin Designer Hostel
Set in a beautiful forest, but still within walking distance from Hama Street, this hostel offers rooms with either air conditioning or a fan and some include private bathrooms.
Whilst this is a hostel, it’s got a bit more of a hotel feel with free toiletries included in the price and a pool!
Wi-Fi is good here and available across the whole of the Property. The hostel arranges different activities and there is a great social vibe and it’s the perfect place to mingle with other travellers.
Frendz Hostel
Located in the town and offering 6-bed dorms, family and double rooms and a pool!
This is a fantastic option if you want to visit El Nido but avoid the chaos of Hama Street. It has a restaurant and a bar too where you can enjoy some spectacular sunsets.
A bit more expensive than the hostels on Hama Street, but you get big bang for your buck here.
Where to stay in El Nido – Out of Town
Finally, if you want some more tranquillity and glamour when considering where to stay in El Nido, perhaps a beach resort or hotel will take your fancy.
Cadlao Resort and Restaurant
A quiet relaxing spot away from the town but close enough to walk in. The staff are friendly, the food is good and the rooms are clean and comfortable.
It’s the view and the pool that sells this place though – the perfect spot to enjoy the sunshine after a busy few days exploring everything El Nido has to offer.
For that reason, booking in advance is essential here.
The Island Experience
One of the most unique places to stay in El Nido where you stay on the beach in a bamboo hut and wake up to the crystal-clear turquoise waters.
It’s the perfect spot to really experience island living, with turtles, rays and plankton all inhabiting the stretch of water that faces the hotel.
The restaurant is fantastic here too, it’s just the perfect place to relax and soak up those island vibes.
It is not located near the town, it’s actually on Darocotan Island which is to the East of the mainland, so if you want to upgrade your island hopping in El Nido experience then this may be the perfect addition!
Bars and Restaurants
There is a wide variety of bars and restaurants in El Nido but as I mentioned above a lot of it is western cuisine with Filipino restaurants in short supply. Therefore, expect lots of seafood together with burgers, pizzas and bagels offered. The quality is generally good and the prices reflect this.
Restaurants in El Nido
Trattoria Altrove
Offering “The best wood-fired brick oven pizza in town!” by their own admission and we have to say, they aren’t wrong! This is certainly one of the most popular restaurants. If you love Pizza, get yourself to Altrove and it will not disappoint. If Altrove is busy, which it usually is, the Art Café do tasty pizzas too.
Osaka Castle El Nido
A Japanese restaurant in El Nido! For the best Japanese food, look no further than Osaka Castle. Sushi, donburi or ramen, everything is so delicious and fresh here and the service is great and speedy – which if you’ve been to the Philippines, you’ll know is sometimes pretty slow.
The Nesting Table
Part of The Birdhouse, The Nesting Table serves a mix of mouth-watering Western and Filipino food from the hillside jungle which offers some of the best views of Bacuit Bay. Some describe it as the best restaurant in El Nido and it is hard to argue. There is a lot of competition and so that accolade is a real compliment!
Art Café
I’ve already mentioned the Art Café for their delicious pizzas but they also do fantastic breakfasts! Healthy and filling breakfast options are on the menu here so if your accommodation doesn’t include breakfast, get yourself to the Art Café!
Another draw of this place is the very reliable WiFi! It’s also a nicely decorated café/restaurant so if you need to work whilst here, this can be a very good base.
The V&V Bagels
American-style filled bagels with all the fillings you could think of. A great place for a quick bite, either for breakfast, lunch or dinner. One of the most popular restaurants in El Nido and perfect for a taste of home, or a plain bagel if you have been stung by the El Nido sickness bug!
Bars and Nightlife
El Nido Nightlife is vibrant and lively and includes sunset happy hour drinks by the beach, amazing cocktails in rooftop bars or, order in the shots and get yourself on the dancefloor.
Whilst there aren’t any full-on raves like in Thailand, you can certainly let loose and be out to the early hours enjoying the nightlife should you wish!
And if that isn’t your vibe, then there are plenty of more chilled-out options to enjoy. Here are some of my favourites.
Rooftop
A chilled-out rooftop bar with beanbags and fairy lights. It’s a three-storey bar made completely from Bamboo and wood to look like a treehouse! A great place to enjoy some cocktails, play some games and soak in the atmosphere.
Sava Beach Bar
Sava does the BEST cocktails in town, and best yet, they are 2 for 1 between 4-6 pm. It’s located right on the beach and is great to watch the sun go down. It is more modern than other cocktail bars in El Nido so go and grab a cocktail and enjoy the chic surroundings.
Pukka Bar
If you’ve had a few cocktails and you can feel yourself itching to get on the dancefloor, head to Pukka; the pinnacle of the town’s nightlife! A DJ will be busting out some dance classics so it’s the perfect place to finish the night.
Places to Avoid
Jarace Grill
I don’t normally like to put places to avoid but this place nearly killed us so feel I’ve made an exception to the rule!!
We had chicken burgers here and were so ill through the night after eating here and the whole of the following day – I can’t tell you how bad we felt.
I’ve read reviews on Trip Advisor which confirm others have had a similar experience too. Not only that, but we waited for over an hour for the food to come too.
It is in a nice location, and this is one experience vs many who have probably been fine but I would suggest giving this one a miss.
Culture
As I mentioned above, you won’t find many locals in El Nido proper, and those that are in the town are usually working in the tourism industry as such, El Nido isn’t a town that is rich in Asian culture.
In fact, it is very, very western. Most tourists come here to go island hopping in El Nido or to top up their tans on the many beaches and don’t make it far outside of the town itself.
As a result, English is widely spoken as it is throughout the Philippines and many of the bars and restaurants are run by expats. It creates a blended culture of Filipino with a westernised twist making it quite different to the other more ‘authentic’ destinations around the Philippines; but no less enjoyable!
If you do wish to learn more about the history and culture of this part of the Philippines then I would suggest booking the Cultural Tour which I mention above.
Best time for Island Hopping in El Nido
Weather in El Nido
The great thing about El Nido and Palawan, in general, is that unlike the rest of the Philippines, it doesn’t experience typhoons. Its weather is marked by two distinct seasons: the dry (summer) season and the wet (winter) season.
Dry and Summer Season | October to May
The best time to visit for island hopping (and for experiencing all the other things to do in El Nido!) is during the dry season which runs between November to May.
The warmest months are from March to April, which is known as the summer season where temperatures can reach 35°C. Island hopping in El Nido, and other tours such as the underground river tour, are best experienced during these months but can be enjoyed throughout the entire dry season.
Wet and Winter Season | June to September
You can expect a warm tropical climate almost all year round in Palawan (averaging between 24-30°C) but there will be more rain during the wet season and the weather is far more unpredictable. The month with the most rainfall is during September.
Whilst the dry season is when El Nido & Palawan are at their warmest, the sunshine not only attracts crowds of tourists, but the locals too who also prefer to enjoy the beautiful islands and beaches El Nido has to offer during this time too!
This means that the summer months are classed as peak season and it is highly recommended to book your island hopping in El Nido tours and accommodation in advance during the summer season. If you have a big enough group, you could take a private tour to avoid a busy boat so make some friends at your hostels!
As most people visit in order to go island hopping in El Nido, most people visit during the dry season. Island hopping is most susceptible to cancellations due to rough weather and so most tourists (and locals) tend to avoid visiting in the wet season.
That said, whilst the wet season does bring with it the risk of storms, rough currents and generally unpredictable weather it does not rain every day in the wet season, nor does it rain all day when it does rain. So the wet season still leaves plenty of time to get about and explore or enjoy the beaches in El Nido, particularly as the temperature is still around 30 degrees.
The risk during the wet season, as with anywhere, is you increase your chance of having your plans disrupted by the weather. That said, with all the things to do in El Nido there is something for any weather and so if you can be flexible, you can take advantage of a quieter season and much cheaper prices.
Festivals and Holidays
For detail on festivals and holidays in the Philippines, check out my manual on Backpacking the Philippines for everything you need to know about holidays that are celebrated around the whole of the Philippines.
It is wise to be aware of these holidays as if you’re in the Philippines during a celebration, prices can be high, accommodation full and tours fully booked so booking in advance is advised during these times.
When considering things to do in El Nido when you visit, always check to see if there is a festival taking place in town. The main festival is Kulambo festival which usually takes place during mid-March of each year.
You can expect dancing, singing, the offering of all types of Filipino delicacies and the townspeople fashioning their best Kulambo, which translated to English means, mosquito nets! Hosted by El Nido town, it’s a spectacle not to be missed and a chance to experience a bit of Filipino culture, tradition, and hospitality at its best!
Getting here
Despite being a small town, El Nido does have a small airport which is found right on the beach, around 5km from the town itself. It’s owned by AirSwift and provides flights to and from Coron and Boracay too.
It’s also known as Lio Airport after the nearby river, from which the beach and resort covered in this blog also take their names.
El Nido Airport is small, and when we say small, we mean small. Located at the end of a dirt track (like most great things in El Nido) the airport feels more like a resort than an airport!
Not only is the airport clean and spacious but you’re greeted with a smile by the staff (unlike most airports!) and there are free drinks and snacks for you to have whilst you wait. There are no shops to browse or anything really to do when you’re there but there is 0% stress which is a nice change when travelling.
It’s a really lovely airport and we enjoyed flying from there, it was an experience in itself!
Whilst basic in amenities, El Nido should be (and is) viewed as a luxury. The flights are quite expensive but in our view, it is completely worth the cost given the amount of time it saves.
Many people fly from Manila to Puerto Princesa, the main airport in Palawan and one of the main airports in the whole of the Philippines. From there, you can get a bus all the way to El Nido which takes around 4 hours. It’s not the most comfortable journey, as the road into El Nido is pretty bumpy but it should only cost you £10/$15. Whilst most people will stay in Puerto Princesa for a few days to check out the underground river if you plan to head straight to El Nido, they sell bus tickets on the plane so it’s easy to sort out. Otherwise, you can easily book a shuttle bus from wherever you’re staying whether that be Puerto Princesa, Sabang or Port Barton for example.
Getting around El Nido
For shorter overland trips, the tricycle or trike is the Philippine equivalent to the tuk-tuk and is the cheapest way to get around when visiting El Nido.
El Nido is full of trikes, and they are one of the main ways of getting out of the town proper and exploring the rest of El Nido – they are a perfect travel solution for budget travellers.
If you stay in El Nido Town proper, you won’t need to pay for transport at all and can walk around easily and safely.
If you’re heading to the beach, you might want to book a seat on a shuttle bus rather than get a trike purely because the roads to some of the beaches are unmade and rather bumpy which makes getting there by trike an uncomfortable ride!
Rentals
Hiring a moped is popular in El Nido, particularly if you’re staying a few days and want to explore outside of El Nido Town. Renting a scooter is around 700P per day, so £10/$14. If you want to get a motorbike which is comfier and handles better on the dirt roads of El Nido. This will set you back around 900P/£13/$17 per day.
It is possible to hire a car, but this should be done in Puerto Princesa and you’ll usually have to return the car to Puerto Princesa which rules out leaving El Nido by plane unless you are willing to pay the collection fee to leave it in El Nido (approx. £42/$60).
Also, only bikes and trikes are permitted to enter El Nido Town proper which means leaving your car outside of town.
If you wish to explore more of the island of Palawan then make sure to compare deals on car hire before booking.
Leaving El Nido
In terms of leaving El Nido, you then have two options:
- Take the shuttle bus back to Puerto Princesa and catch a flight to your next stop; or
- Catch a flight from El Nido Airport if you’re heading back to Manila, or moving on to either Boracay or Coron
Whilst it is likely to be cheaper to do option A (provided the flight times work and you are able to fly on the same day you catch the bus), it’s a very long day of travelling.
It’ll take you 10-15 minutes to get to El Nido Airport from El Nido Town and the flight time to Manila is 1 hour but it will cost you around £40/$55 for a single journey, which is expensive for transport in the Philippines. However, if you are on a strict timetable, it is 100% worth the money.
Budget for El Nido
El Nido is expensive when compared to other cities in the Philippines and I suppose that some things are expensive for what you get. Whilst elsewhere in the Philippines you can expect to pay £5 for a bed in a hostel dorm, or up to £20 for a nice cottage, in El Nido you might pay double that and the standard is not likely to be that great.
BUT El Nido can’t be missed, and I suspect that the property owners there know this, and therefore despite being a little overpriced, it’s worth it for what you get to see and experience there and of course, it’s nothing compared to some western parts of the world.
For more detail on budget generally in the Philippines, check out my Manual; Backpacking the Philippines which sets out a daily budget for all aspects of backpacker life and which will be a useful guide to what you may expect to spend.
As I said above, expect El Nido to be slightly more expensive than the general figures set out in my Backpacking the Philippines Manual but if you are backpacking the Philippines you will find that other places you stay are cheaper so it will all balance out!
Budget for Island Hopping in El Nido
Being one of the most popular things to do in El Nido, you may think that the tours offering island hopping in El Nido may be super expensive but actually, I think they are really good value.
The cost of island hopping in El Nido will differ depending on which one you do. However, they last the full day and include lunch so they are good value for money. Remember, if you are visiting Big or Small Lagoon (Tour A) you should carry some extra cash to pay for a kayak to explore these.
Prices do also change by season and occasionally by the operator but the latest prices I have heard of are below:
El Nido Tour A – 1,200 P/$24
El Nido Tour B – 1,300 P/$26
El Nido Tour C – 1,400 P/$28
El Nido Tour D – 1,200 P/$24
Budget for Bars and Restaurants in El Nido
Whether you’re staying at a hostel, hotel or cottage, most will include breakfast as part of the cost. The quality is slightly questionable (more so at hostels and cottages and less so at the resorts unsurprisingly!) but it’s a good way to keep costs down and set you up for a busy day of island hopping in El Nido or, if you prefer, lazing on the beaches in El Nido. If it’s not included, I would budget around 250 peso/$5 per day.
Again, if you are booking a tour to go island hopping in El Nido, lunch is usually included as part of the tour (but check this when you book!). If you’re having lunch in the town or at a beach eatery, budget around 250-500 pesos/$5-$10 depending on where you are.
Dinner can be between $5 and $20 depending on where you eat particularly as a lot of the eateries, and the food they serve, are western and so prices can be more expensive than the more traditional Filipino eateries you will find elsewhere around the Philippines.
Budget for Accommodation El Nido
When considering where to stay in El Nido, budget is usually everything. Generally speaking, I would suggest budgeting around $7 per night for a hostel dorm, $20-$30 per night for a bungalow and up to $70 per night for a resort or glamping experience.
I have included links to all of the accommodations above so you can click through and get a real-time price depending on when you want to visit El Nido.
Budget for Transport in El Nido
For visiting some of the beaches in El Nido, there are free shuttle buses offered and you should ask about these in your hostel/accommodation when you arrive as they vary on the season and by destination. They can however be a great cost-saver when trying to tick off all the things to do in El Nido.
After that, taking a trike is your best bet if you’re travelling on a budget in and around El Nido.
However, if you want to hear out of town to the beaches of El Nido, such as Nacpan, and there is no free shuttle then I would suggest a paid shuttle bus. These are not much more expensive than a trike but are much better suited to bumping over unmade roads which can be slightly (read: very) uncomfortable in a trike.
Alternatively, you can hire a moped to get around El Nido for 300-500 pesos ($6-$10) per day so this is a good option if you’re going to do a few days exploring to keep transport costs down.
Planning your Trip
How long you stay in El Nido will depend on how many times you wish to go island hopping in El Nido (as you can do more than one tour!) and how much you like to party! There are so many things to do in El Nido!
If you’re pushed for time, I would suggest a minimum of 3 days and in that time you could do one, or even two, days of island hopping in El Nido together with some time to visit the beaches of El Nido. If you can only visit one, I would suggest Nacpan beach.
If you have longer to stay in El Nido then it is definitely worth it. With extra days in your diary, I would suggest you head out to Darocotan Island for the Island Experience, and to recover from your time in El Nido town!
If you have the budget as well as the time, you could laze around at a resort outside of the town to experience El Nido in a different light.
When planning your trip, as always, make sure to check for any festivals or holidays that may be on during your visit and book accommodation in advance if there is something on.
Enjoy El Nido!
El Nido Town has a reputation for being overrun by tourists, a bit smelly, dirty and generally run-down. Whilst in some ways this may be true, it’s also a place full of character, fun and the beaches in El Nido are some of the best in Palawan with the clearest waters, amazing marine life and incredible islands you’ll see in the whole of the Philippines.
So, embrace El Nido and have a fantastic time!
If you have any questions, feel free to pop them in the comments below and I’ll answer them as best as I can. Alternatively, if you’ve found this guide helpful, or have a story to tell us about your time here, we’d love to hear it!
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