I was also like you; scrubbing Google while looking for the cheapest accommodation in El Nido, and finally found a blog (Josiah of lakas.com.ph) which highly recommends it.

Calaan, El Nido. L to R: Roommate Nelly, my host Kim, me.

Why I chose to stay here

Since I will be traveling solo that time, looking for cheap accommodation was a must for me. I texted the owner, Kuya Rodrigo to inquire if there’s room available during my travel dates. He said yes, there’s an available room. He was very nice and accommodating. He entertained all my questions. And because of his attitude which I really like, I paid the 50% down payment to guarantee room reservation.

Kuya Rodrigo then informed me all are set and asked if it’s okay for me to stay with another girl solo traveler. I said yes and why not! I like making friends.

Upon arriving in El Nido, it was raining hard and found out that my phone didn’t have signal! Hassle! How can I contact Kuya Rodrigo now? I then later found out that Sun Cellular doesn’t have satellites in El Nido and the only available networks are Smart and Globe. I panicked! Read more…

El Nido Travel Guide Series:
17 important things to know when traveling to El Nido
How to Travel Cheap in El Nido: Budget & Expenses
How to get to El Nido from Puerto Princesa: Bus & vans list
How to get to El Nido from Coron: List of fastcraft ferry boats
Where to Stay: Cheapest Accommodations in El Nido
Where to Eat in El Nido: List of restaurants, bars, and places to eat (soon)
Things to Bring when Island Hopping

Personal recommendations and suggestions:
Transportation services: Eulen Joy or RORO bus
Travel & Tour Booking Office: Servant Tours (for island hopping and inland tours)

Suggested DIY El Nido Itineraries:
My El Nido Travel Itinerary and Expenses (6D/5N)
Sample 3D/2N, 4D/3N, and 5D/4N El Nido Itinerary

El Nido Tours Information:
Travel & Tour Booking Office: Servant Tours
Island Hopping: Tour A, Tour B (soon), and Tour C
Inland Tours ( Tour E): Nacpan and Calitang Beach, Makinit Hotspring, Nagkalit-kalit waterfalls and Ille Cave (soon), Taraw Cliff Climbing (soon)

Simple things to try in El Nido:

• Buy fresh coconut juice when in 7 Commando Beach
• Do not limit yourself in cheap eateries or carinderias when dining; try nice restaurants like Art Café, Sea Slugs, Balay Tubay, etc. to name a few
• Catch the nice view of sunset from Corong-Corong Bay or Calaan
• Try fresh fruit shakes (avocado or mango) from JM’s Fruit Stand near Squidos (town proper)

If you found my blog helpful in planning your itineraries, please consider buying me a beer!

Here is the list of ferry boats from Coron to El Nido:

Overcomer
+63939-554-3540
El Nido to Coron: Thursday and Monday
Coron to El Nido: Wednesday and Sunday

Princess Welia
+63946-975-2005
El Nido to Coron: Wednesday and Thursday
Coron to El Nido: Thursday and Sunday

Joe
+63949-496-0337
El Nido to Coron: Wednesday and Thursday
Coron to El Nido: Thursday and Sunday

Montenegro Shipping Liner
+63922-889-7013 / +63915-307-7123 / +63908-920-2568
El Nido to Coron/Manila: Daily at 6:00 AM
Coron/Manila to El Nido: Daily at 12 NN

How to Travel Cheap in El Nido? You might find this post useful when traveling to El Nido.

The Secret Lagoon, part of Tour A

Most people think that traveling to El Nido costs too much. If you’re one of them, let me show you a comprehensive budget guide which includes expenses and price breakdowns when traveling to El Nido which may help you believe that traveling in this beautiful bliss is indeed affordable.

Transportation

Flying to Puerto Princesa is the usual way for travelers to get to El Nido.  It is important to contact the transportation office to reserve for your seat. Reservations can be made a day before your flight or 2 to 3 hours before the ride. Read more…

View from Matinloc Shrine, part of Island Hopping Tour C

Below are the recommended itineraries that you may try when traveling to El Nido. Keep in mind that these are only samples arranged to help you plan your itinerary. For true-to-life itinerary, you can check my travel itinerary. Read more…