Where to Stay in El Nido: Best Neighborhoods and Hotels

El Nido is one of the most popular places to visit in the Philippines – and for good reason. You can explore beautiful islands and beaches, hike to hidden waterfalls, or try out water sports like surfing or scuba diving.

But whether you’re planning a holiday for a few days or several weeks, there’s one question every visitor is confronted with: “Where the heck should I stay in El Nido?”

Having lived in El Nido for over a year myself, I have explored all major neighborhoods and have visited countless accommodations and hotels. So, trust me when I say I know this small town like the back of my hand.

To help you plan your trip, I have put together this comprehensive guide on where to stay in El Nido, including short overviews of the best neighborhoods and the top accommodations in each area. 

Note: Your trust is important to me. Therefore, I’d like to point out that this article contains referral links (also known as affiliate links). This means I get a small commission if you buy a product after clicking on one of the corresponding links marked with a *. There are no extra costs for you, but it helps me keep this blog ad-free. Thank you!

Top 3 Accommodations in El Nido

Where to Stay in El Nido on Palawan?

Let’s clear up one common misconception before we dive in: although many people think El Nido is its own island, it’s actually a town on the mainland of Palawan – one of the biggest and most beautiful islands in the Philippines.

The beach town is blessed with a stunning bay and serves as the perfect starting point for exploring the surrounding islands on day tours. For more details, check out my comprehensive guide about island hopping in El Nido.

But let’s get back to the topic: where should you stay in El Nido?

1. El Nido Town – Best Area to Stay on a Budget

If you’re traveling Southeast Asia on a budget, you’ll quickly find out that El Nido is quite a bit more expensive than other places in the region. Still, finding affordable accommodation is not impossible. The best area to stay in El Nido on a budget is El Nido Town (sometimes also referred to as “El Nido Proper”).

El Nido Town is home to some of the best hostels on the island and you can also find decent budget hotels and cheap guest houses in this area (just make sure to book ahead of time – El Nido gets busy!).

Another big plus of staying in El Nido Town is its central location. You’ll be within walking distance of tons of restaurants, bars, and even the harbor where the island-hopping tours take off.

That said, while the main beach in town looks beautiful, it’s not great for swimming as the water is known to be polluted. A quick 20-minute tricycle ride will take you to Vanilla Beach, which is a much cleaner and more relaxing spot.

Where to Stay in El Nido Town?

• Amakan*: As one of the best budget-hotels in El Nido Town, Amakan provides a variety of rooms in a central location.
• Frendz Hostel*: You’re craving backpacker vibes and are looking for a party hostel? Frendz is the way to go! It’s located right in the center of town, and upstairs, you’ll find a bar and a rooftop pool with an amazing view of El Nido Bay. Pool party, here we come!
• Spin Designer Hostel*: If you’re looking for a social atmosphere but not a fan of party hostels, you’ll love Spin Designer Hostel! The dorm beds here are cheaper than at Frendz and the cozy common areas offer a more laid-back vibe.

2. Corong Corong – Trendiest Area to Stay in El Nido

Located between El Nido Town and Vanilla Beach, the up-and-coming district of Corong Corong is one of the trendiest neighborhoods in El Nido.

The area is just a short tricycle ride from the center of El Nido Town and is home to many comfortable accommodations and nice restaurants. While the beach isn’t ideal for swimming due to strong low tides, it’s pretty close to Vanilla Beach, the best beach near El Nido Town. 

Where to Stay in Corong Corong?

• Happiness Boutique Resort*: Happiness Boutique Resort is one of the best places to stay in Corong Corong. The hotel provides comfortable, modern rooms and a social outdoor area with a pool. While it may not be the cheapest option, it’s definitely a very comfortable one!
• Outpost Beach Hostel*: If you want to stay in Corong Corong but don’t want to spend a lot of money, Outpost Beach Hostel is perfect for you. The hostel is known for its chill vibes and is a great place to meet new people.
• El Nido Viewdeck Cottages*: Located between El Nido Town and Corong Corong, El Nido Viewdeck Cottages offer some of the best value for money in all of El Nido. You can choose between a room or a small cottage with a private swimming pool. Plus, the view you get from up here is amazing!

Note: This is a backpacker’s blog, so I’m focusing on budget-friendly and midrange accommodations. However, if you’ve got some money to spare, you can also find some amaaaazing resorts in Corong Corong like Karuna* or Buko Resort*.

3. Caalan – Quiet Area to Stay in El Nido

One area in El Nido that visitors often overlook is the neighborhood of Caalan. Although the district is quite secluded, it’s only a 10-minute walk from El Nido Town.

The beach here is quieter, but again it’s not that great for swimming, as the water gets very shallow during low tide and the seabed is pretty rocky.

That said, Caalan offers some of the best sunset views in El Nido. In the evening, you can watch the sky turn pink and orange behind the dramatic rock formations of Cadlao Island. Believe me, it’s stunning!

Unfortunately, there are not many accommodations in Caalan, but if you would like to stay in this area, you could take a look at the following places.

Where to Stay in Caalan?

• La Salangane Caalan Beach Villa*: For those who want to stay right on the beach, La Salangane Caalan Beach Villas is the perfect place! The rooms are basic but clean and they even come with a small kitchenette. You want to watch the sunset? No problem! Just step outside and you’ll be right on the beach!
• Forest Camp El Nido*: This native-style accommodation is tucked away on a small hill surrounded by forest, about 300 meters from Caalan Beach. Here, you can stay in simple but charming bamboo bungalows that offer incredible views of Cadlao Island and El Nido Bay!

4. Vanilla Beach – Beachfront Resorts in a Quiet Area

If you want to stay on a nice beach in a semi-central location, Vanilla Beach (also known as Las Cabanas or Maremegmeg Beach) is a great place. The beach is home to a couple of beach bars, from where you can watch the sunset with a happy hour cocktail.

There is just one downside to staying on Vanilla Beach: the price! 

The options to stay in this area are slim, as there are only a handful of expensive beachfront hotels that are catered to people willing to spend a good amount of money.

Best Places to Stay on Vanilla Beach?

• Orange Pearl Beach Resort*: Orange Pearl Beach Resort is one of the more affordable options on Vanilla Beach. Although simple, this accommodation is right on the beach.
• Beach Huts El Nido*: Alternatively, you can stay at the El Nido Beach Huts. Each room has a small terrace where you can relax and enjoy the sea view.
• Mua Tula Hotel El Nido*: Looking for a luxurious place to stay in El Nido? Mua Tula is just the ticket! This top-notch beachfront resort offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant with a stunning ocean view, and an infinity pool. It’s certainly not an option for budget travelers, but it’s hard to talk about accommodation on Vanilla Beach without mentioning this place.

Where to Stay Outside of El Nido?

While most people who visit El Nido like to stay in a central area, you may also want to check out accommodation in more secluded areas. These are the best places to stay outside of El Nido:

1. Nacpan Beach – Palawan’s Most Famous Beach

Nacpan Beach is often referred to as one of the most beautiful beaches in the Philippines. Some people even claim it to be “the most beautiful one”.

With literally thousands of beaches in the country, this may seem like an extreme thing to say, but I can confirm that Nacpan Beach really is freaking beautiful! The 4-kilometer-long stretch of sand is covered in exotic coconut palm trees and the water is as clear as one could imagine.

You can find very flashy and expensive accommodations on Nacpan Beach, like the high-end beach resort Angkla* or the Nacpan Beach Glamping Resort*, but in the following, I will focus on more affordable options.

Where to Stay on Nacpan Beach?

• Mad Monkeys*: Maybe you already know this hostel chain from other places in Southeast Asia. Mad Monkey on Nacpan Beach is more expensive than the hostels in El Nido town, but it’s still popular among backpackers. After all, the location on the beach is superb!
• Dandal Bay View Inn*: Maybe you already know this hostel chain from other places in Southeast Asia. Mad Monkey on Nacpan Beach is more expensive than the hostels in El Nido town, but it’s still popular among backpackers. After all, the location on the beach is superb!

Note: Nacpan Beach is about a 40-minute motorbike ride from El Nido Town. There are not many budget restaurants in the area, so I would recommend just staying here for a couple of nights and then moving to a more central location for the remaining nights.

2. Duli Beach – Best Beach to Stay on in El Nido

In my opinion, Duli Beach is one of the few beaches in Palawan that can compete with Nacpan Beach. Duli is another 15-minute drive from Nacpan, so it’s even more secluded.

It’s particularly known among surfers, as it’s considered to have some of the best waves on the island – contrary to Nacpan Beach, where the water is usually calm.

Yet, the water on both beaches is equally clear, the sand on Duli Beach is just as white, and there are just as many coconut palm trees to be found. Honestly, I like Duli even a teeny-tiny bit better than Nacpan. It’s kind of far from everything, but it’s still an amazing place to spend one or two nights of your holiday.

Accommodation on Duli Beach:

• Duli Beach Resort*: Duli Beach Resort is the one and only place to stay on Duli Beach. The cottages are located near the shore, so you can fall asleep to the sound of the waves. There’s also a restaurant and bar on-site, where you can have a meal or a beer and socialize with other guests. Besides, the Dutch owners are incredibly welcoming!

3. Sibaltan – Most Secluded Area to Stay in El Nido

Now we’re getting pretty far away from El Nido. Sibaltan is the most secluded area to stay in, as it’s about a 50-60 minute ride outside of El Nido Town.

I’ve personally only visited this village on day trips and have never actually stayed the night here, as it’s a little bit too quiet for my taste. Still, I have some friends who praise Sibaltan to the max, which is why I decided to mention it in this guide.

Sibaltan is located on the east coast of Palawan, which is more affected by the tide. During low tide, the water is extremely shallow, but the sunrises in Sibaltan are supposed to be out of this world.

If you want to stay in a secluded area away from the hustle and bustle and you don’t mind the drive to town, Sibaltan might be just what you’re looking for. Plus, the accommodations here are very reasonably priced!

Where to Stay in Sibaltan?

• Erlittop Garden Eco Loge*: Erlittop Garden Eco Lodge is one of the best places to stay in Sibaltan. The accommodation provides bungalows with a nice view of the ocean – a great spot to witness the sunrise!
• Kanipa Beach Glamping*: Stay in a bungalow right on the beach at Kanipa Beach Glamping. Each room comes with a private balcony from where you can enjoy the incredible ocean view!

4. Lio Beach – District between El Nido Town and Nacpan Beach

Lio Beach is located about a 15-minute motorbike ride outside of El Nido Town towards the direction of Nacpan and Duli Beach.

If you’re looking for a posh area with nice resorts and hip cafes, Lio Beach is a good option. However, I honestly have to say that I’m not a big fan of Lio Beach, as the layout of the whole complex looks very artificial and fake.

If you don’t mind being further away from the beach, you can stay outside the beach complex, which is much cheaper and more authentic.

Where to Stay on Lio Beach?

• Isla Amara Resort*: Located only a couple hundred meters from the beach, Isla Amara Resort is one of the best places to stay in the Lio Beach complex. The beach resort is quite expensive (like everything on Lio Beach – otherwise I would have recommended a cheaper option) but it provides cozy rooms, a modern interior, and an outdoor pool.
• Fisheye Villa*: If you’re traveling in a group, Fisheye Villa in Lio is a great option, as you can book the entire house with several bedrooms. This place also has a kitchen so that you can cook your own meals. The home is situated in a secluded area about 2 kilometers from Lio Beach.
• Banana Grove*: Another budget option near Lio is Banana Grove, which is located about 2.5 kilometers from the beach. The accommodation is kept in native bamboo style and features private bungalows, a little common area, and a restaurant (which supposedly serves great breakfast).

Tips for Booking Accommodation in El Nido

When booking accommodation in El Nido, you should keep a few things in mind:

• Book in advance: El Nido is one of the most touristic places in the entire country. Still, it’s a small town, so accommodation books out quickly – particularly during peak season. To make sure that you will have a good place to stay, book your accommodation in advance!
• Choose the area wisely: Before booking a place to stay in El Nido, think about which area you would like to stay in. This article gives you an overview of all major neighborhoods in and around El Nido.
• Check if the hotel has a generator: Although El Nido is a major tourist hotspot, the infrastructure in town is surprisingly bad. Power outages happen regularly and oftentimes the power can be out for several hours at a time. If this is an issue for you, make sure to book a place that provides a generator.
• Be prepared to pay a bit more: As I mentioned before, the prices for hotels in El Nido are undoubtedly higher than in other areas in the Philippines. When I came back to visit in May 2026, I paid $50 for a simple room in Corong Corong. So, be prepared to pay a bit more and save some of your travel budget for your stay in El Nido!

Where to Book Accommodation for El Nido

As I mentioned before, you should make sure to book accommodation in El Nido ahead of time. As a spontaneous traveler, I usually don’t book accommodation until the last minute, but in El Nido, this can really bite you in the *** – especially if you’re traveling during peak season from Christmas to April.

The best apps for accommodation in El Nido:

• Agoda*: In my experience, Agoda offers the best deals for accommodation in Southeast Asia, and you can also find great last-minute deals through the app.
• Booking.com*: Alternatively, you can also book a hotel in El Nido through Booking.com. The deals are not always as good as on Agoda, but you can cancel most bookings until one day before check-in.
• Hostelworld*: If you’re looking for a social place to stay, you can find the best hostels in El Nido on Hostelworld.
• AirBnB: AirBnBs in El Nido are usually a bit more pricey, but there are some great options – especially in the district of Corong Corong!

FAQ

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Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in El Nido

If you’re planning a holiday in El Nido, think about which area you would like to stay in. The center of town will be your best bet if you’re traveling on a budget, whereas a lot of the more trendy hotels are located in the district of Corong Corong.

On top of that, you can also find many beach resorts outside of El Nido, which offer a more secluded and intimate stay. My favorite beaches to stay on are Nacpan Beach and Duli Beach, but you can also find beachfront accommodations in Caalan, Vanilla Beach, Sibaltan, and Lio!

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