Town in Palawan, Philippines
El Nido
A small town below limestone cliffs with the Philippines' best-known lagoon tours. Great for a week of boat trips and beaches; expect crowded tours, power cuts, weak internet and a long journey in.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$799–1,360Comfortable, one person · ₱50,000–85,000Details
- Value for money85/100Better value than 84% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goDec–MayWarmest: May, 30°CDetails
- Internet114 MbpsFixed broadband, Philippines medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDon't drink tap water; refill stations in town sell cheap filtered water, and hotels give bottled water.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: widely spokenDetails
- Doctor's visit$8–24Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundTricycleWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMostly cashBring pesos from Puerto Princesa.Details
Where to stay in El Nido
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| El Nido Poblacion | Town center: tours, restaurants, bars, most hostels |
| Corong-Corong | Quieter beach with sunset views, short ride from town |
| Caalan Beach | Calm sand beach, resorts, away from the town noise |
| Nacpan–Calitang | Long wild beach 40 min north; day trip or remote stay |
Apps that work in El Nido
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps or Waze
- Messaging: Facebook Messenger
- GCash: QR payments and transfers (needs local SIM)
- eTravel: Arrival and departure QR registration
- Taxis: No ride apps; tricycles are the local taxi. Prices are posted for common routes; agree before you ride.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Philippines.
- Mostly cash Bring pesos from Puerto Princesa. The few ATMs often run dry; cards work at some hotels and dive shops, usually with a fee.
- Currency: Peso (PHP). US$1 ≈ ₱62.61 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Most ATMs charge foreign cards 200–250 PHP; limits often 10,000–20,000 PHP. Island ATMs (El Nido, Siargao) often run dry.
- Tipping: Not obligatory; many restaurants add a 10% service charge. Otherwise round up or leave 5–10%; tip guides and boat crews.
- Paying by phone: GCash and Maya QR dominate but need a local SIM; contactless cards and phone wallets work in malls and chains.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Register on the free eTravel system within 72 hours before arrival (and again before departure) to get a QR code.
- You need an onward or return ticket within your permitted stay; airlines enforce it at check-in.
- Fake eTravel sites charge fees; the official site and app are free.
Emergency numbers
All emergencies 911
Plugs
Type A, B, C · 220 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Smart and Globe airport counters sell tourist SIMs; registration with your passport is mandatory by law. eSIMs available from both. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Philippines
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.