MileHacker Logo
Accommodation Guide

Accommodation Guide

Palawan, Philippines

Accommodation Types

Diverse Lodging Options

  • Hostels

    Budget-friendly options with dorms and private rooms, popular with backpackers. Hostelworld lists many.

  • Guesthouses/Homestays

    Locally owned places with basic to mid-range rooms, often affordable.

  • Boutique Hotels

    Mid-range to upscale options, unique designs, and better amenities. Check Booking.com or Agoda.

  • Beachfront Resorts

    Direct beach access, varying amenities from simple bungalows to luxurious settings. Explore on IHG Hotels.

Unique Stays

  • Island Resorts (Luxury)

    High-end, exclusive resorts on private islands, often all-inclusive.

  • Glamping

    Camping with added comfort, found on Nacpan Beach or secluded spots.

  • Overwater Bungalows

    Direct sea access from your room at some high-end resorts.

  • Vacation Rentals

    Houses or apartments suitable for longer stays or groups, available on Vrbo.

Neighborhood Guide

Each area of El Nido presents a distinct character and set of amenities.

El Nido Town Proper

Benefits
  • Central for tours, dining, nightlife.
  • Wide range of budget to mid-range options.
  • Everything walkable.
  • Bustling and lively atmosphere.
Things to know
  • Can be noisy and congested.
  • Town beach unsuitable for swimming due to boat traffic.
  • General precautions recommended.
  • Higher noise levels.

Corong-Corong / Las Cabanas

Benefits
  • More relaxed atmosphere.
  • Beautiful sunset views.
  • Swimmable beaches.
  • Good dining options.
Things to know
  • Still some boat traffic (Corong-Corong).
  • Can get crowded at sunset (Las Cabanas).
  • A bit further from town (15-20 min tricycle).
  • Quieter ambiance generally.

Nacpan Beach / Islands

Benefits
  • Stunning natural beauty, pristine.
  • Less crowded, ideal for relaxation.
  • Ultimate luxury and seclusion (Islands).
  • Very quiet and peaceful ambiance.
Things to know
  • Remote, long transport (Nacpan).
  • Limited amenities (Nacpan).
  • Very expensive (Islands).
  • Isolated from mainland El Nido (Islands).

Safety Considerations

General Safety

All areas in El Nido are generally safe for tourists. Petty theft is possible in crowded areas like El Nido town.

Precautions

Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings, as you would in any tourist destination.

Booking Strategies

Advance planning for your stay in El Nido makes for a smoother trip.

Advance Booking Recommendations

  • High Season (Dec-Apr) & Holidays: Book 3-6 months ahead for desirable properties. Flights also benefit from early booking.
  • Shoulder Season (May, Nov): Book 1-2 months ahead for good selection and favorable rates.
  • Low Season (Jun-Oct): Booking a few weeks to a month ahead usually suffices. Walk-in deals are sometimes found.
  • Seasonal Price Fluctuations: Prices increase during the dry season (Dec-Apr), particularly around holidays. They drop in the wet season (Jun-Oct).

Booking Platforms & Policies

  • Trusted Platforms: Booking.com, Agoda, and Expedia are widely used. Vrbo (vacation rentals).
  • Direct Booking: For high-end resorts, booking directly via their official websites can offer better rates or special packages.
  • Negotiation: For basic guesthouses, especially in low season, a slightly lower walk-in rate might be possible for longer stays. Less common for established hotels.
  • Deposit & Cancellation: Policies differ. Check specific terms before booking. Many places ask for a deposit or full payment in advance.

Booking Tips

Always Confirm
  • Double-check your booking details.
  • Confirm airport transfer arrangements.
  • Verify tour package inclusions.
  • Keep booking confirmations accessible.
Flexibility
  • Consider refundable options if plans may change.
  • Low season offers more flexibility.
  • Early booking at peak times secures choices.
  • Review all terms and conditions.

Important Consideration

Read Reviews

Before finalizing any booking, read recent guest reviews to understand current conditions and experiences.

Location Check

Confirm the exact location of your accommodation relative to areas of interest (town, beaches, port) for ease of movement.

Amenities Match

Verify that the listed amenities (e.g., AC, hot water, Wi-Fi) match your expectations for comfort during your stay.

Accommodation Recommendations

Here are some specific recommendations for different traveler types and budgets in El Nido.

Budget-Friendly Stays

Our Melting Pot Hostel

A popular hostel in El Nido town, known for its social atmosphere and convenient location.

  • Social vibe
  • Central location
  • Dorm and private rooms
  • Good for meeting others
Spin Designer Hostel

A modern, clean hostel with good facilities and a sociable environment, often hosting events.

  • Modern and clean
  • Good facilities
  • Sociable atmosphere
  • Regular events

Mid-Range Comfort

El Nido Beach Hotel

Located on El Nido town beach, offering comfortable rooms and handy access to tours.

  • Beachfront location
  • Comfortable rooms
  • Close to tours
  • Town center access
Angel Nido Resort

Found in Corong-Corong, it presents charming cottages with sea views, known for its serene ambiance.

  • Corong-Corong location
  • Charming cottages
  • Sea views
  • Serene ambiance

Family-Friendly Options

  • Resorts in Corong-Corong/Las Cabanas

    Many mid-range resorts here are good for families, seeking quieter surroundings with more space and better beach access than El Nido town.

  • El Nido Resorts Properties

    These resorts are very family-friendly, with dedicated activities and child-focused amenities. A premium experience for families.

  • Vacation Rentals (Airbnb/Vrbo)

    For families, vacation rentals can offer more space and self-catering possibilities for longer trips. Find options on Vrbo.

  • Connecting Rooms

    Many mid-range to luxury properties have family rooms or connecting rooms, worth checking during booking.

Solo & Long-Stay Travelers

  • Hostels for Solo Travelers

    Hostels like Our Melting Pot or Spin Designer Hostel are excellent for solo travelers looking to meet others. They foster social interaction.

  • Guesthouses for Personal Touch

    Guesthouses present good value and a personal touch for those seeking a quieter, more local experience.

  • Long-Stay Accommodations

    For longer trips, consider renting vacation apartments. Inquire with guesthouses for monthly rates, especially during low season; many have discounts.

  • House Sitting

    Consider platforms like TrustedHousesitters for unique extended stays involving pet or house care.

Luxury & Exclusive Escapes

Pangulasian Island Resort

An ultra-luxury eco-resort on a private island. It features stunning villas, personalized service, and exclusive access to pristine beaches and lagoons.

  • Private island luxury
  • Stunning villas
  • Personalized service
  • Exclusive beach access
Lagen Island Resort

Another premier eco-resort on a private island. Known for its lush forest setting and overwater bungalows. It presents a secluded, high-end experience.

  • Forest setting
  • Overwater bungalows
  • Secluded experience
  • Premier eco-resort

Cultural Significance & Authenticity

Local Guesthouses

Many locally owned guesthouses mirror traditional Filipino design and hospitality, offering an authentic cultural experience through their local ownership.

Sustainable Blends

Luxury resorts often blend sustainability with local aesthetics, even if El Nido focuses more on natural beauty than historical architecture.

Community Connection

While formal community-based tourism is less structured, choosing local establishments supports the community and its hospitality.