How Much Does El Nido & Palawan Cost? 2026 Budget Guide | Prices & Tips
El Nido and the surrounding Palawan archipelago offer a spectrum of costs that cater to both backpackers and ultra-luxury travelers, with daily budgets ranging from $42 / ₱2,461 to $1,446 / ₱83,907. While it remains more affordable than European beach destinations, prices here are higher than in mainland Southeast Asian hubs due to the logistical challenges of island life. Visitors should expect to pay premium rates for boat-based activities and secluded island stays, which are the primary draws of the region. Mandatory environmental fees and tour-specific costs mean that even budget travelers must plan for daily expenditures beyond just food and lodging. The unique landscape of limestone karsts and hidden lagoons makes it a moderate to expensive destination by regional standards, especially when factoring in the necessity of guided tours to see the main sights.
Is El Nido & Palawan expensive to visit?
El Nido is a moderately priced island destination where visitors should expect to spend between $42 / ₱2,461 and $1,446 / ₱83,907 per day depending on whether they choose social hostels or private island resorts.
On This Page
Daily Budget
How much to budget per person per day in El Nido & Palawan
$42
per person /day
$213
per person /day
$1,446
per person /day
Trip Costs by Duration
Total estimated costs per person, excluding flights
| Trip Costs by Duration | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Trip | $127 | $638 | $4,340 |
| 5-Day Trip | $212 | $1,064 | $7,231 |
| 7-Day Trip | $297 | $1,489 | $10,125 |
per person — Excludes international flights
Budget Buffer
Recommended contingency for unexpected expenses
It is wise to maintain a 15% buffer to cover unexpected costs such as the ~$0.35 / ₱20 port fees, the ~$2.59 / ₱150 daily snorkel rentals, and the cash deposits of ~$17 / ₱987 often required by local guesthouses. Additionally, sudden weather changes can lead to boat cancellations, requiring extra funds for last-minute inland transport or alternative land-based tours.
How Does It Compare?
See how El Nido & Palawan stacks up against other popular destinations
What Things Cost
Real prices for common tourist expenses in El Nido & Palawan
Food & Drink (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Inexpensive Restaurant Meal Typical for a local silog or stir-fry dish in town. | $5.11 ₱296 |
| San Miguel Beer (Restaurant/Bar) Expect to pay ~$2 / ₱116. Beach clubs may charge up to ~$2.59 / ₱150. | $2.04 ₱118 |
| Cappuccino (Regular) Common in tourist cafes like Gusto or Happiness. Costs ~$3.77 / ₱218. | $3.74 ₱217 |
Transport (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Standard Van: Puerto Princesa to El Nido Standard 5–6 hour journey. Prices are fixed for tourists. | $14 ₱790 |
| Private Tricycle: Lio Airport to Town Fits up to 3 people. Town tricycles for short trips cost ~$0.35–$0.82 / ₱20–₱48. | $12 ₱681 |
| Daily Scooter Rental Expect to pay ~$8.47 / ₱492 per day. Helmets are mandatory and included. | $8.51 ₱494 |
Accommodation (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Dorm Bed at Frendz Hostel El Nido Central, highly-rated social hostel. | $17 ₱981 |
| Mid-Range Hotel (Lime Resort El Nido) Offers an infinity pool and sunset views in Corong-Corong. | $114 ₱6,622 |
| Luxury Resort (Pangulasian Island) Ultra-luxury eco-resort on a private island. | $1,042 ₱60,427 |
Activities (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Island Hopping Tour A (Standard) Covers Big Lagoon and Secret Lagoon. Mandatory fees are extra. | $31 ₱1,777 |
| Big Lagoon User Fee Mandatory fee for environmental protection of the lagoon. Costs ~$3.41 / ₱198. | $3.4 ₱197 |
| Kayak Rental (Small/Big Lagoon) Typically for 2 people. Mandatory to enter the lagoons as boats park outside. | $5.11 ₱296 |
| Scuba Diving (3 Fun Dives Trip) Price for certified divers. Discovery scuba for beginners costs ~$102 / ₱5,940. | $92 ₱5,331 |
Connectivity (1)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Smart Tourist eSIM (Mid Tier) Reliable data option for 15–30 days. Costs ~$17 / ₱983. | $17 ₱986 |
Other (1)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Eco-Tourism Development Fee (ETDF) Mandatory for all visitors. Valid for 10 days. Keep the receipt! Costs ~$6.83 / ₱396. | $6.8 ₱395 |
Food & Dining
What to eat and what it costs
Dining in El Nido ranges from affordable local silog meals at $5.11 / ₱296 to trendy beach club fare, with a standard San Miguel beer costing around $2.04 / ₱118 in most restaurants. Coffee enthusiasts will find specialty cafes like Gusto or Happiness charging approximately $3.74 / ₱217 for a cappuccino, reflecting the town's growing international tourism. While local eateries provide excellent value, many travelers find their budget impacted by the higher prices at Western-style restaurants in the Poblacion and Corong-Corong areas.
Cheap Eats
Where locals eat — real places, real prices
Trattoria Altrove Express
$7.66–$11 / ₱445–₱642Poblacion · Bakery
Arrive before 18:00 to avoid the 1-hour queue. The pizza is worth the wait.
Gusto El Nido
$2.55–$6.8 / ₱148–₱395Poblacion · Bakery
Their fruit-based sorbets are incredibly refreshing after a day on the water (~$2.94 / ₱171).
Big Bad Thai
$5.96–$10 / ₱345–₱592Poblacion · Local chain
Great second-floor views of the bay; perfect for a sunset Pad Thai.
Happiness Beach Bar
$5.11–$12 / ₱296–₱691Poblacion · Local chain
Sit on the swings at the bar. Their hummus and pita are excellent for sharing.
Getting Around
Transport costs and the smartest ways to move
Navigating Palawan typically begins with a standard van journey from Puerto Princesa to El Nido for $14 / ₱790, while local movement relies heavily on tricycles and scooters. Daily scooter rentals for $8.51 / ₱494 offer the most freedom for exploring inland beaches like Nacpan, whereas short tricycle hops within town limits generally cost between $0.35–$0.82 / ₱20–₱48.
Accommodation Overview
Lodging options vary wildly, from social hubs like Frendz Hostel at $17 / ₱981 per night to mid-range stays like Lime Resort El Nido for $114 / ₱6,622, which features an infinity pool. Those seeking total seclusion can opt for ultra-luxury eco-resorts like Pangulasian Island, where rates reach approximately $1,042 / ₱60,427 per night for a private island experience.
Accommodation Budget in El Nido & Palawan
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Money-Saving Tips
Insider tricks to stretch your budget further
- 1 Book the standard shared van from Puerto Princesa for $14 / ₱790 instead of a private car, which can cost five times as much.
- 2 Always keep the physical receipt for the $6.8 / ₱395 Eco-Tourism Development Fee (ETDF), as it remains valid for 10 days and prevents double-paying on subsequent tours.
- 3 Refill water bottles at hostels like Frendz El Nido or designated stations rather than buying plastic bottles, saving roughly $1.18 / ₱68 per liter and reducing waste.
- 4 Eat at Trattoria Altrove Express in the Poblacion for high-quality pizza at a lower price point than the sit-down restaurant counterparts.
- 5 Rent a scooter for $8.51 / ₱494 to visit Nacpan Beach or Lio Beach instead of hiring a private tricycle, which often costs over $29 / ₱1,707 for a round trip.
- 6 Bring personal snorkel gear to avoid the daily rental fee of ~$2.59 / ₱150 charged on most island-hopping boats.
- 7 Visit the El Nido Public Market to buy fresh tropical fruits and local snacks for a fraction of the price found in tourist-oriented convenience stores.
- 8 Walk between the Poblacion (town center) and Corong-Corong beach to save on the $0.82 / ₱48 tricycle fares; the walk takes about 15–20 minutes.
- 9 Pre-book the ferry to Coron online to secure standard rates and avoid last-minute price hikes or 'commission fees' from street agents.
- 10 Stick to local San Miguel beer at $2.04 / ₱118 rather than imported spirits or cocktails, which are significantly taxed and can double your bar bill.
Seasonal Pricing
When prices rise and fall throughout the year
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May
+30–50%
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
-25–40%
Nov, May
The dry season (Nov–May) offers the best sea conditions for tours, but prices spike significantly during European winter. Typhoon season (July–Oct) is much cheaper but boat tours are frequently cancelled.
Events to Watch
- ● Holy Week (April): +100% hotels
- ● Christmas/New Year: +60% resorts
Free Things to Do
The best experiences that cost absolutely nothing
- 1 Watch the sunset at Las Cabanas Beach, which is free to access and offers some of the best views in the region.
- 2 Relax on the white sands of Lio Beach, a well-maintained public access beach within the Lio Tourism Estate.
- 3 Stroll through the El Nido Public Market to experience local life and see the morning's fresh catch.
- 4 Visit the Parish of St. Francis of Assisi, a historic church located right in the heart of El Nido town.
- 5 Hike up to the Mt. Tapyas view deck if visiting Coron, which is completely free and provides a panoramic view of the islands.
- 6 Walk the coastline of Corong-Corong Beach during low tide to explore the rock pools and quiet coves.
- 7 Enjoy the public beach area of Marimegmeg, located just a short walk from the main road.
- 8 Observe the traditional 'Bangka' boats returning to the El Nido Main Beach at 16:00–17:00 daily.
- 9 Explore the mangroves and coastal paths around the Lio Eco-Trail, which are free for pedestrians.
- 10 Visit the local basketball courts in the evening to watch high-energy community games, a staple of Filipino culture.
Worth the Splurge
Premium experiences that justify the price tag
3-Day Expedition to Coron (Sea Quest)
Avoid the day-tour crowds by sleeping on remote islands and visiting secret lagoons. Costs ~$306 / ₱17,753.
Private Island Hopping Boat
Customize your route and arrive at lagoons before the mass group tours (~$205 / ₱11,881 per boat).
PADI Open Water Certification
El Nido's calm waters and high-quality dive centers make it a premier place to learn (~$374 / ₱21,713).
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in El Nido & Palawan
Day Trip Costs
Popular day trips from El Nido & Palawan and what they cost
Coron (via Fast Ferry)
$89 / ₱5,141 by fast boat
$3.4 / ₱197
$170 / ₱9,871
Puerto Princesa Underground River
$27 / ₱1,579 by shared van
$43 / ₱2,468
$94 / ₱5,429
Payment & Money
How to pay and what to know about money
Philippine Peso (PHP)
1 $ ≈ 58 ₱
Yes
Cash only except for luxury resorts and high-end restaurants in El Nido town. Even then, expect a 3–5% surcharge.
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. $1.77–$3.53 / ₱102–₱205 (PHP 100–200) per person for boat crews is standard. In restaurants, a service charge is often already included.
ATMs in El Nido are notoriously unreliable and often run out of cash. BPI and RCBC are the most reliable. Withdraw your maximum in Manila or Puerto Princesa before arriving.
Expected for tricycle hires and souvenir markets. Never bargain for fixed tour prices or restaurant meals. Aim for ~$2.35–$3.53 / ₱137–₱205 (PHP 150–200) reduction on longer tricycle trips.
Connectivity
eSIM: $16–$29 for 40GB/30 days (opens in new tab)
Local SIM: $9.42–$18 / ₱546–₱1,024 (PHP 550–1,000) for a tourist SIM at the airport.
WiFi: Limited and slow. Most hostels have 'Starlink' but speeds vary wildly during peak hours.
Purchase a Smart or Globe Tourist eSIM online before arrival. Smart generally has slightly better coverage in El Nido town.
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for El Nido & Palawan.
Updated: February 16, 2026
Ready to Visit El Nido & Palawan?
Book your flights, accommodation, and activities
Frequently Asked Questions
Is El Nido & Palawan expensive to visit?
How much does El Nido & Palawan cost per day?
How much does a trip to El Nido & Palawan cost?
What is the cheapest month to visit El Nido & Palawan?
What are the hidden costs in El Nido & Palawan?
How can I save money in El Nido & Palawan?
More El Nido & Palawan Guides
Weather
Historical climate averages to help you pick the best time to visit
Best Time to Visit
Coming soon
Things to Do
Coming soon
Where to Stay
Best neighborhoods and hotel recommendations
Itineraries
Coming soon
Complete Cost Guide
Full budget and cost breakdown