Advertisement
El Nido
El Nido
Hotels
Things to DoRestaurantsFlightsHoliday RentalsTravel StoriesCruisesRental CarsMore

Plan Your Trip to El Nido: Best of El Nido Tourism

By Lailani P

El Nido, Philippines

Why settle for a beachfront hotel when you can stay right over the ocean in a cottage on stilts? And why settle for any old dive site when you can snorkel in an orchid-walled lagoon? El Nido is known as the Philippines' last frontier, and if you're looking for magnificent beaches in an unspoiled setting, it's a perfect place for you to holiday.
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.

Essential El Nido

Pick a category to filter your recs
Properties ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, and number of page views.

El Nido Is Great For

Kayaking Tours

Unwind

Dining Experiences

Resorts

Sand & surf

Explore more from our sponsors

El Nido travel advice

Powered by AI
These questions and answers were created by AI, using the most common questions travellers ask in the forums.

Ferry Services and Companies

According to forum posts, travelers can choose between two main ferry companies for the journey between El Nido and Coron. Montenegro and Phimal are the primary operators, although operational consistency can be affected by maintenance or weather conditions.

Ferry Schedule and Booking

Some travelers mentioned that Montenegro Lines offers three trips per week as of the latest updates. It is noted that tickets are not available through their website due to ongoing maintenance but can be purchased at booking kiosks at the piers in El Nido and Coron. Alternatively, Judy Ferry Travel was also mentioned as a booking agency found on online ticketing portals.

Travel Considerations

Forum contributors have highlighted that ferry schedules can be unpredictable due to factors like weather, leading to cancellations. Travelers are advised to book tickets in advance where possible and to be prepared for potential changes in travel plans.

This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.
Was this helpful?

Hotel Recommendations

Some travelers recommend Cadlao Resort, which offers a pool and stunning views across the ocean, though it's noted the beach is rocky and not ideal for swimming. Prices and quality vary, with some rooms being more basic.

Beachfront Options

For those preferring beachfront accommodations, Las Cabanas and Marimegmeg Beaches are suggested. These areas have undergone development, adding upscale resorts and amenities. However, travelers should be aware that prices in these areas can be quite high, especially during peak seasons.

Budget-Friendly Choices

Budget-conscious travelers might consider staying at the Outpost Beach Hostel, known for its friendly atmosphere and organized boat tours. The hostel provides modern amenities and is highly praised among solo and budget travelers.

General Advice

Travelers have expressed concerns about the main townships' beach quality in El Nido, advising against hotels there due to poor water quality and a crowded environment. Instead, exploring accommodations slightly outside the main areas or participating in island hopping to experience better beaches is recommended.

This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.
Was this helpful?

Boat Tour Recommendations

According to forum posts, El Nido offers several boat tours labeled A, B, C, and D, each featuring unique stopovers. Tour A and C are frequently recommended, with Tour C being particularly praised for its snorkeling opportunities. However, the structure and offerings of these tours can vary, and some travelers expressed confusion due to changes in the stopovers over the years.

Private and Custom Tours

For those seeking a more tailored experience, private tours are available, though they can be expensive, as some tourists reported prices ranging from 9,000 to 14,000 pesos. Private tours offer the flexibility of choosing specific destinations, but recent regulations have restricted the ability to combine popular spots like Big and Small Lagoon into one day.

Choosing a Tour Operator

Travelers have called out El Nido Paradise and Art Cafe as reliable tour operators. El Nido Paradise, for instance, allows for customization in private tours, although certain combinations of destinations might be restricted due to local regulations.

This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.
Was this helpful?

Tripadvisor is not responsible for these answers or any opinions in them. Please read full forum posts for more details and information.