The charming little town of El Nido, on the northernmost tip of Palawan in the Philippines, is undoubtedly one of most sought-after destinations by travelers looking for the best tropical getaways. It’s multitude of imposing islands jutting out of the emerald sea blessed with palm tree-fringed white sand beaches evoke a sense of wonder and amazement, no matter how well-traveled their visitors are.
Arriving in El Nido from Puerto Princesa via a scenic land trip onboard Cherry Bus Palawan, guests will have no difficulty choosing the right place to stay in during their visit to El Nido. Depending on their preferences, visitors can choose from simple hostels and bed-and-breakfast joints to mid-range inns and small hotels, to upscale and plush resorts.
Choosing the right accommodation in El Nido can be also be made easier by learning more about the districts these establishments are located in. Each of the major locations these accommodations can be found in have their own distinct characters and offerings, and choosing the right location can definitely improve the El Nido experience.
Small Inns and Hotels in El Nido Town Proper
It’s worth noting that although the entire town of El Nido covers an area larger than Metro Manila, the country’s capital, it’s urban center – the town proper – is surprisingly quite small and very walkable. Surrounded by towering limestone cliffs on three sides and the sea to the west, the town proper is like any other typical Philippine town – small streets and roads lined with hundreds of shops offering food, tours and trinkets.
Small inns and hotels owned and run by Filipino locals or expats-turned-locals dot the town proper, with most offering between 5-20 cozy rooms. Look for these inns and hotels along Hama and Rizal Streets.
Don’t forget to also check the smaller bed-and-breakfast and homestays along alleyways of the town proper’s main streets. Prices vary depending on the time of year but expect to pay between PHP1,200 (USD20) and PHP4,000 (USD68) per night depending on the amenities and whether or not breakfast is included.
BOOK YOUR SEATMedium-sized Hostels and Hotels in El Nido Town Proper
The demand for hotel rooms has given birth to larger accommodation establishments in El Nido’s town proper. These medium-sized hostels and hotels are usually located along the larger thoroughfares of the town proper such as Real, Rizal, and Balinsasayaw streets.
Most of these medium-sized accommodations offer full amenities such as airconditioned rooms, hot showers, and in-house cafes or restaurants. These establishments are no more than a 5-minute walk from the lively restaurants, bars, and shops lining the town proper’s beachfront. Room rates hover around the PHP4,000 (USD68) to PHP6,000 (USD102) range.
BOOK YOUR SEATPremium Hotels and Resorts in El Nido Town Proper
For the more discriminating guests, there are also premium accommodation options in El Nido’s town proper. These hotels often have direct access to the beach, or feature amenities and facilities that rival any 5-star resort, with rooms to match. Visitors to El Nido can find these on the outskirts of the town proper in more secluded surroundings.
These premium hotels and resorts in the town proper strike a balance between a relaxing atmosphere and close proximity to restaurants, shops and experiences. Guests can either go for a short walk to explore the town or take the local transportation to travel further away from the busy town center.
As expected, rooms at these premium hotels and resorts are pricier than standard rooms, starting at around PHP8,000 (USD136) during low season, to around PHP13,000 (USD220) during peak months. Breakfast is usually included in published rates.
BOOK YOUR SEATHotels and Resorts in Corong-Corong
Travelers to El Nido looking for better hotel deals can also consider booking rooms at another of El Nido’s districts – Corong-corong.
This stretch of highway leading to the town proper is lined with dozens of small and medium sized beachside resorts, hostels, and inns. Cherry Bus Palawan’s terminal and station can also be found here.
This district was the first to experience the tourism boom in El Nido and was once the center of visitor activities.
Although accommodations here are not as new as those in the town proper, they provide easier access to the beach. Local restaurants, bars, and cafes also dot Corong-corong, although not to the extent as the ones in the town proper.
Visitors staying at any of the hotels and resorts in Corong-corong who want to explore the concentration of restaurants, bars and shops in the town center can either go on a leisurely 20-minute walk or take local transportation.
Peak season room rates in beachside resorts and hotels in Corong-corong cost around PHP8,000 (USD136) per night. During the lean season (July to September), room rates can get as low as PHP5,000 (USD85) on weekdays.
BOOK YOUR SEATHotels and Resorts in Maremegmeg Beach
Further away from the hustle and bustle of El Nido’s town proper seats Maremegmeg Beach, a charming destination famous for its picturesque sunsets.
This up-and-coming destination was recently recognized by Lonely Planet as one of the “100 of the World’s Most Incredible Beaches” and draws a growing number of visitors.
The beachfront of Maremegmeg is lined with various accommodations ranging from simple bed-and-breakfast establishments to more prestigious 5-star resorts featuring full amenities and some of the amazing views of the sunset in El Nido and Palawan.
Beach huts right with standard amenities right on the beach can cost upwards of PHP7,000 (USD120) even during lean months and up to PHP9,000 (USD153) during the peak season. More posh and luxurious resorts, on the other hand, can cost PHP17,000 (USD290) during the low season, and around PHP20,000 (USD340) for peak months.
BOOK YOUR SEATHotels and Resorts in Lio Beach
Past El Nido’s town proper, travelers can visit the master-planned Lio Tourism Estate, boasting a well-maintained beach, restaurants, shops, and magnificent view of the sunset.
Lio is also home to a handful of secluded and topnotch hotels and resorts.
Guests can choose between complementary boutique resorts like Balai Adlao, Isla Amara, Huni Lio, Piece Lio, and the most upscale property in Lio – Seda Lio. Pandan Villas is another vacation rental property within Lio for larger groups. Each of these properties offer unique experiences to guests looking for a relaxing yet accessible place to call their own while in El Nido.
Located right on the beach are a wide range of restaurants, cafes, spas, and bars catering to guests’ desires. The beach itself is open to the public and offers free use of beach beds and parasols.
Room rates of the hotels and resorts in Lio Beach vary but range between PHP6,500 (USD110) to Php13,500 (USD220) during the lean season, and up to PHP19,000 (USD320) during peak months for the more upscale properties.
BOOK YOUR SEATGetting to El Nido
The best way to make the most of a trip to Palawan and El Nido is to plan ahead. Having the best information available makes it easier for travelers to plan their budgets and schedules.
Booking an inexpensive early morning flight to Puerto Princesa from Manila or Cebu brings travelers a step closer to El Nido.
Reserving a seat online for Cherry Bus Palawan’s many premium buses removes a lot of uncertainty when trying to get around Palawan.
Instead of risking safety and convenience on cramped shuttle vans and mini-buses, visitors can instead pay the same fare and travel in comfort onboard full-sized buses with 2×1 seating configurations and built-in restrooms.
Arriving well-rested in El Nido gives travelers the energy and time to explore the town and its charm, making for a truly enjoyable experience in the best island in the world.
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