Cheap Accommodation in El Nido Town

Two weeks ago, if someone told me that traveling to El Nido can be done on a budget, I wouldn’t believe it. Now that I’ve been there, I can say that it *is* possible. Not counting the travel expenses to and from El Nido, staying in El Nido town can be quite cheap, given the range of budget accommodations available, as well as affordable canteens and restaurants scattered throughout the small town. It’s not surprising that a lot of backpackers from all over the world flock every year to this gorgeous place, as well as a growing number of Filipino budget travelers.

Just Wandering’s overly simplified and obviously not-to-scale map of El Nido Town
(click to view or download larger version)

During our off time (one day spent resting in between island hopping adventures), I decided to walk around town and check out some of the affordable places to stay in El Nido. This is a short list compared to several available online, but these are places that I have looked at and doesn’t look too dodgy. I wasn’t able to check the rooms on offer on most of them, but I have chatted with the owners or caretakers about their rooms and facilities. I they were kind enough to answer the questions of this pesky traveler who wasn’t even planning on staying at their place, they’re automatically included in the list.

Marina Garden Beach Resort
M. Quezon Street (formerly Calle Hama)
Mobile: +639176247722 / +639088843711
Website: www.mgelnido.com
E-mail: marinagarden.elnido@gmail.com
Rooms from Php 690 (good for 2, shared bathroom, has free Wi-fi)
Read my Marina Garden Beach Resort review

The Light room of The Alternative

The Alternative
Serena Street, Bgy. Buena Suerte
Mobile: +639178963408
E-mail: beckygordon8@yahoo.com
Rooms from Php 500 (good for 2, shared bathroom, has free Wi-fi)
They let me check out the Light Room, which is their most expensive room at Php 1,800 per night. The room has two double beds, and has space for an extra mattress. It has ensuite toilet and bath (no hot shower) and a veranda overlooking the beach. There is no direct beach access from the veranda. Fan rooms only.

Shore Pass Lodge
Serena Street, Bgy. Buena Suerte
Mobile: +639072269213
Rooms from Php 1,300 (good for 2, ensuite toilet and bath)
All rooms are priced at Php 1,300 each. I vaguely remember the caretaker telling me that there is only 1 queen sized bed in the room (or was it 2 single beds?), but I do remember her telling me about a group who stayed the week before who were able to fit about 8 people inside. They just paid for the extra mattresses (Php 100 per mattress). The lodge is fronting the beach, but there is no beach access from the veranda.

Pura Vida
Serena Street, Bgy. Buena Suerte
Mobile: +639204800012
Website: www.puravida.ph
Most expensive room at Php 1,900 per night (good for 2, beach front, ensuite toilet and bath with hot shower, with terrace)
There is also a restaurant on the ground floor fronting the beach. There’s also a monkey in the premises. He is not caged, but on a leash. He’s right near the entrance, so watch out as he does lunge at people passing by.

Casa El Nido as seen from the beach

Casa El Nido
Mobile: +639298335630, +639198233711
Website: www.casaelnido.com
E-mail: casaelnido@yahoo.com
Rent at Php 3,500 per night
This is great budget option for big groups. The house is right at the beach, has 2 aircon rooms, one large living room, has a large balcony overlooking the beach and a service staff.

Og’s Pension
M. Quezon Street (formerly Calle Hama)
Mobile: +639167070393 / +639204040223
Website: www.ogspension.co.cc
E-mail: ogspensionne@yahoo.com.ph
Rooms from Php 500 (good for 2, fan room, shared bathroom, includes breakfast)
Og’s Pension is beachfront, but access to the building is through a small alley off M. Quezon. They have a restaurant right on the beach, which is probably why their guests wander over to Marina’s beach front to sunbathe.

Entrance to Rovic’s Pension House

Rovic’s Pension House
M. Quezon Street (formerly Calle Hama)
Phone: (02) 9398789 (Manila), (02) 4176079 (Manila)
Mobile: +639285202655 (El Nido), +639205420695 (Manila), +639209232305 (Manila)
Website: rovicspensionelnido.multiply.com
E-mail: rovicspension@yahoo.com
Rooms from Php 1,500 (good for 2, with A/C)
Rovic’s is easy to spot along the El Nido town’s main road. Its color facade is eye-catching. However, though there’s an entrance along the main road, the reception is on the beach side. When I went there, nobody was manning the entrance to the building from the street, and I passed through all the rooms to get to the “lobby.”

Cashew Mango
M. Quezon Street (formerly Calle Hama)
Mobile: +639186632771
Rooms from Php 1,500 (good for 2, with A/C)
Cashew Mango is undergoing major expansion, adding 9 rooms to the current 5. All rooms are air conditioned. They have 2 beach front rooms at Php 2,500 per night.

Rico’s Beach Cottages
M. Quezon Street (formerly Calle Hama)
Mobile: +639294671632 / +639272588456
E-mail: ricomfernandez@yahoo.com
Rooms from Php 1,000 (good for two, ensuite toilet and bath)
Most expensive cottage is at Php 1,800. Rooms can accommodate up to 3 person. Additional bed cost Php 150.

One of Dara’s Cottages

Dara Cottages
M. Quezon Street (formerly Calle Hama)
Mobile: +639198993803
Rooms from Php 1,000 (good for two, ensuite toilet and bath)
Beach front property with quaint nipa cottages. Most expensive cottage at Php 1,300, Php 300 for extra bed.

El Nido Cliffside Cottage
Rizal Street
Mobile: +639197856625
Rooms from Php 500 (good for two)
Not beach front, but the beach is just about 7 minutes away on foot. Most expensive room at Php 700, good for up to 3 person.

El Nido Cliffside Cottage as seen from the street

Lualhati Cottage
Rizal Street, Brg. Maligaya
Mobile: +639193196683
E-mail: athan_lualhati@yahoo.com
Rooms from Php 600 (good for 2, 1 double bed)
Set outside the town proper, but still a comfortable 10-minute walk from the beach.