Exploring El Nido, Palawan On a Budget

Contrary to popular belief, it’s entirely possible to visit El Nido, Palawan on a budget.

While El Nido is often associated with luxury island resorts frequented by celebrities, there’s much more to this destination. El Nido is actually a small town northeast of Puerto Princesa, and it serves as the starting point for island-hopping tours around Bacuit Bay. The town offers a wide range of affordable accommodations—if you know where to look. Plus, El Nido budget tour agencies are everywhere, and many hotels or hosts can help arrange your island-hopping adventures at reasonable prices.

El Nido budget travel is possible and with the right planning, you can enjoy an unforgettable experience that includes pristine beaches, vibrant island-hopping, and breathtaking lagoons. Opt for an El Nido budget tour to make the most of your visit without overspending, exploring the area’s highlights while saving on costs. Read on to find out our tips and guide to to explore el nido on a budget.

Why visit El Nido, Philippines?

You have to allow nature to take your breath away every once in a while over its beauty. And you will have a lot of those moments in El Nido.

My pictures don’t give it justice because the views are 10 times over prettier than these images. Wherever you look, whether it’s above or under water the view will be spectacular.

Remember that movie with Leonardo DiCaprio called The Beach? It was actually a movie adaptation of a book written by Alex Garland. The entire movie was shot in Thailand but in reality the book was written when the author was staying in El Nido. It was that beautiful it inspired a bestselling author to write an equally beautiful story with the place as its setting.

How to get to El Nido

First you need to get to Puerto Princesa, Palawan. There are regular flights from Metro Manila and Cebu via Cebu Pacific, Air Asia and Philippine Airlines. If you have more time you can try a ferry via 2Go from Metro Manila Port or Batangas Port. Once in Puerto Princesa you have three options to get to El Nido but I am going to talk about two options here.

A. Take the bus from San Jose terminal, Puerto Princesa

There are air-conditioned and non air-conditioned buses to choose from. One-way fare ranges from 250 – 500 pesos and the ride will take six to seven hours with stopovers for meals, picking up and dropping off of passengers. These buses depart regularly to El Nido from early morning until late at night.

B. Hire a private van from Puerto Princesa

If you prefer a private trip or if traveling with a big group then hiring a van is recommended. This also works well if you are willing to spend more on transportation so you can spend more time exploring because this cuts the travel time down to 4 – 5 hours. One-way fare costs around 500 – 700 pesos per head and you can book this from the airport when you arrive in Puerto Princesa or via your hotel if you intend to stay a few days in town.

The third option is via charter flights that can take you directly to El Nido.

What to do on the island?

Go island hopping!

If you’re considering El Nido budget travel, island hopping is a must on your itinerary. Island hopping tours are grouped into 4 they call tours A, B, C, and D and rates normally change every year so might as well budget 1000 – 1500 pesos per head on each tour. An El Nido budget tour comes packed with value as the packages usually include a hearty lunch, snorkeling gear, life vests, and knowledgeable guides who share insights about each destination.

If you are traveling on tight schedule I suggest you go with tours A and C because I only had the chance to do both but these are the most recommended by tour guides. We booked ours with The Alternative because their staff was so kind (the same guy who helped me get a room when I arrived late night) and we love their nest!

For those traveling in larger groups or seeking a customized experience, hiring a private boat can be an excellent option. Although it’s a bit more expensive, splitting the cost among friends or family makes it a smart choice for El Nido budget travel. This flexibility allows you to curate your day, choosing which islands to explore and spending more time at your favorite spots, creating a truly memorable adventure in paradise.

Do not forget to include Nacpan – Calitang in your itinerary

People fondly call Nacpan and Calitang as “twin beaches.”

The waters on both beaches are very clear, calm and warm which makes it very ideal for swimming. On one side is powdery white sands and fine brownish on the other. The shore is dotted with countless coconut trees where the shores of the two beaches meet. Lucky for us there were no crowds when we arrived there; not a single individual was seen on the shore.

Don’t ever miss this when you visit El Nido. I encourage everyone to see it before developers notice this piece of unspoiled beauty and turn it into a commercial chaos like they did on other beaches in the Philippines.

How to get to Nacpan – Calitang

Most tour agencies in El Nido offer another type of tour they call Tour E, which is an inland tour of Nacpan – Calitang twin beach with side trips to Bulalacao or Nagkalit-kalit Falls. Rate is around Php 1000 – Php 1500 per person.

We hired a tricycle to get there and it took over an hour. The roads were not paved but believe me, never mind the hassle you will go through because it will all be worth it. Tricycle rates range from 600 – 1000 pesos, be ready to haggle and negotiate.

A cheaper alternative to get there is via public jeepneys at Php 50 one way but, it will take longer because of frequent stops.

Where to Stay in El Nido

Arriving in El Nido in the middle of the night without a hotel booking arranged beforehand can be such a pain, I should know because I did exactly that. I was lucky I met a local who was kind enough to help but believe me you will not feel so good after knocking on doors waking up people at midnight just to ask if there is an available room. So don’t be like me, plan your schedules and book a hotel ahead of time.

You can choose to stay in El Nido town proper, in Caalan or in Corong-Corong. There are hotels and transient houses in town and rooms cost as low as 300 to as much as 3000 pesos a night.

Beach front/Caalan

Antonio Pension

I would have stayed in Antonio Pension if I was able to research more before I left for El Nido. The place has a very homey feel to it. But if you need to be online while traveling, then this is not the place, they don’t have wireless internet connection. Rate starts at Php 500.

Antonio Village Pension & Cafe
Sitio Caalan, Barangay Masagana
Caalan, El Nido, Philippines

La Banane Hostel

Head to La Banane Hostel if you are looking for a beach front accommodation with a dorm room. Rate is Php300 for a bed per night. This is very suitable for backpackers who want to interact with their fellow travelers. Don’t expect too much though, the room can be too cramped for the taste of some.

Makulay Lodge

Makulay Lodge gives you an unobstructed view of Bacuit Bay because it is located almost at the end of the beach. Bars, restaurants and the town can be reached within 2 – 5 minutes from the lodging. Best to get the hilltop cottage if you are looking for a complete relaxation on your visit. Rates start at Php 1000.

Makulay Lodging House
Caalan Beach, Barangay Masagana
Caalan, El Nido, Philippines

Town Proper

Melting Pot

Another budget friendly dorm type room in town is Melting Pot hostel in Calle Real. They offer two to 10-bed dorm rooms starting at 400 pesos per bed per night.

Nido Skyline Inn

Nido Skyline Inn gives you a good value for your money at 700 pesos per night because of its very good location, they are near the port where all island hopping tours start, near the bus terminal and you can find a lot of shops and restaurants on the same street.

Nido Skyline Inn
Rizal Street Barangay Buena Suerte
El Nido, Philippines

Lolo Oyong’s Pension House

Lolo Oyong’s Pension House is managed by the same owners of Lola Itang’s in Puerto Princesa. If you have stayed in either one then you’ll know why I’m recommending them here. The house in El Nido has 18 rooms to offer all with air-conditioning and private bath. Rates start at Php 1500.

Lolo Oyong’s Pension House
Rizal Street, Barangay Maligaya Zone 1,
El Nido Town Proper, El Nido, Philippines

Corong-Corong

Orange Pearl Resort

After a night in town I transferred to Orange Pearl Resort in Corong-Corong mainly because it is fronting Marimegmeg beach, which according to reviews from people who have been there, offers a spectacular view of the rising and setting sun in El Nido. I was not disappointed.

The room is basic, roomy enough for two with a mosquito net in the bed but I suggest you still bring an insect repellent. Rates start at Php 1500.

Related: Boracay, Philippines: Exciting Things To Do

There are a lot of other options for  you depending on your budget or preference. Aside from blogger reviews I read feedback from travelers who have experienced staying at these hotels and my go-to sites  for this purpose are TripAdvisor and Agoda.

El Nido budget travel is truly feasible. By choosing an El Nido budget tour and following smart spending tips, you can experience the stunning lagoons, vibrant marine life, and scenic landscapes without straining your finances. Embrace the adventure and let El Nido’s beauty leave you with memories that last a lifetime—all while staying within budget.