Where to Stay in El Nido, Palawan: Our Top Picks

Choosing where to stay in El Nido, Palawan can be overwhelming — and for good reason. This small coastal town on the northern tip of Palawan is home to some of the most beautiful beaches, lagoons, and island resorts in the Philippines. From lively streets lined with cafés and dive shops to secluded coves where luxury villas rest beneath limestone cliffs, every corner of El Nido offers a different kind of paradise.

To help you decide, we’ve curated a focused guide highlighting the best areas and stays — from boutique hotels in town to private island escapes. Each recommendation reflects the unique character of its location, whether you’re looking for easy access to restaurants and nightlife, a quiet spot for sunsets, or the full barefoot-luxury experience.

So before you book your flight or ferry, here’s a clear look at where to stay in El Nido, Palawan, and what each area offers — ensuring your time in this island gem is exactly the kind of getaway you’re dreaming of.

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Where to Stay in El Nido, Palawan if You Prioritize Convenience and Dining

If it’s your first visit to El Nido or you prefer to be at the center of the action, staying in El Nido Town is your best choice. This area sits right on Bacuit Bay and serves as the main hub for restaurants, bars, cafés, and island-hopping departures. While it’s busier and more developed than the outer beaches, its walkable layout and accessibility make it ideal for travelers who want everything within easy reach.

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1. The Funny Lion El Nido

Located near Calaan Beach, just a few minutes from the town center, The Funny Lion El Nido offers a contemporary take on island comfort. The design emphasizes clean lines and natural tones, with rooms that feel modern yet relaxed. A rooftop pool and bar provide sweeping views of Bacuit Bay — a tranquil spot to unwind after a day of island tours. Service is attentive but unobtrusive, reflecting a quiet sense of hospitality that appeals to both leisure and business travelers.

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2. Sea Cocoon Hotel

Set in the heart of El Nido Town, Sea Cocoon Hotel delivers a straightforward, dependable stay ideal for travelers who value comfort and convenience. Rooms are simple but thoughtfully maintained, featuring bright interiors and functional amenities. The small pool area offers a refreshing break from the tropical heat, while restaurants and tour offices are just steps away — making it a practical base for short visits or first-time stays.

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Where to Stay in El Nido, Palawan for the Best Sunsets and Easy Access

Just south of the main town, Corong-Corong Beach offers a slower, more scenic alternative to the bustle of El Nido’s center. The shoreline curves gently along Bacuit Bay, with calm waters and uninterrupted sunset views over the limestone peaks. It’s close enough for quick access to restaurants and tours but far enough to enjoy a sense of calm at day’s end.

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1. Panorama Villas El Nido

Panorama Villas El Nido blends modern tropical architecture with an intimate atmosphere. Each villa is designed with privacy in mind, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, private pools, and panoramic views of the bay. The setting feels elevated yet grounded in nature, balancing open-air living with quiet sophistication. Its small scale and discreet service make it ideal for couples seeking both comfort and seclusion.

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2. Karuna El Nido Villas

Perched on a hillside overlooking Corong-Corong, Karuna El Nido Villas combines traditional Filipino elements with contemporary touches. The villas feature warm wood accents, thatched roofs, and open verandas that look out across the sea. Guests appreciate the spacious layouts and the property’s tranquil rhythm — a retreat that encourages stillness while keeping the beach and local cafés within easy reach.

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Where to Stay in El Nido, Palawan for Modern Comfort and Peaceful Views

North of the main town lies Calaan Beach, a quieter stretch known for its open views of Bacuit Bay and easy proximity to the pier. This area has seen a rise in boutique hotels and contemporary resorts, catering to travelers who prefer a peaceful setting without being far from the restaurants and tour operators of El Nido Town.

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1. The Nest El Nido Beach Resort

Set along the shoreline of Calaan Beach, The Nest El Nido Beach Resort combines coastal charm with a calm, home-like ambiance. Rooms feature natural materials and soft color palettes, opening onto terraces that face the bay. The restaurant serves both Filipino and international dishes, while the small pool area provides a serene vantage point for sunsets. It’s a balanced choice for those who appreciate comfort, quiet, and thoughtful design.

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2. Cuna Hotel

Located near the entrance to Calaan Beach, Cuna Hotel offers clean, functional accommodations in a convenient setting. Its rooftop bar and pool provide wide views of El Nido Town and the surrounding cliffs — a welcome feature for guests looking to unwind in the evenings. The hotel’s simple interiors and efficient layout make it a practical option for travelers who value accessibility and modern essentials.

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Where to Stay in El Nido, Palawan for Eco-Luxury and Sustainability

A short drive north of town, Lio Beach offers a distinctly curated atmosphere — designed as an eco-sustainable estate that balances modern convenience with natural beauty. The area features a well-planned beachfront promenade lined with cafés, shops, and art spaces, making it ideal for travelers who appreciate structure, comfort, and environmental mindfulness in equal measure.

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1. Seda Lio Resort

Seda Lio Resort serves as the flagship property of the Lio Tourism Estate. Its low-rise architecture and open courtyards reflect understated tropical luxury, with direct access to the long, uncrowded beach. Spacious rooms, a lagoon-style pool, and a variety of dining options make it a dependable choice for families and leisure travelers. The resort’s commitment to sustainable practices adds an extra layer of appeal for eco-conscious guests.

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2. Balai Adlao

A smaller, quieter alternative within the same estate, Balai Adlao offers a minimalist yet warm take on island accommodation. The interiors are simple — light woods, woven textures, and crisp linens — evoking the feel of a modern coastal guesthouse. With breakfast served in a breezy communal space and the beach just steps away, it’s ideal for travelers who value calm, connection, and thoughtful design.

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Where to Stay in El Nido, Palawan for a Quiet, Scenic Escape

About 45 minutes north of El Nido Town, Nacpan Beach is where the pace slows and the landscape opens. Its four-kilometer stretch of soft golden sand and clear turquoise water make it one of Palawan’s most beautiful beaches. This area appeals to travelers seeking peace, open space, and a sense of remoteness while still enjoying the comfort of well-managed accommodations.

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1. Angkla Beach Club & Boutique Resort

Set directly on the beachfront, Angkla Beach Club & Boutique Resort pairs contemporary design with a relaxed coastal sensibility. The property features stylish rooms and suites with clean lines and natural finishes, while the beach club and infinity pool create an easy flow between leisure and landscape. It’s a sophisticated yet approachable retreat, well suited to couples and travelers seeking a refined atmosphere away from town.

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2. Nacpan Beach Glamping

For a more nature-immersive experience, Nacpan Beach Glamping offers luxury tents set among palm trees just steps from the sea. Each tent is air-conditioned and furnished with proper beds and en-suite facilities, combining the simplicity of camping with the comfort of a boutique stay. The shared pool and beachfront bar encourage an easy rhythm of rest and connection, making it a favorite for travelers who enjoy the outdoors without sacrificing style.

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Where to Stay in El Nido, Palawan for a Private Island Experience

For travelers seeking true escape, the private island resorts of Bacuit Bay offer the most exclusive stays in El Nido. Accessible only by boat, these properties redefine seclusion — surrounded by limestone cliffs, turquoise lagoons, and untouched beaches. Each resort provides a fully managed experience, combining comfort, privacy, and access to some of the region’s most breathtaking scenery.

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1. Pangulasian Island Resort

Often described as the flagship of El Nido’s eco-luxury resorts, Pangulasian Island Resort offers a blend of understated elegance and natural beauty. Villas are set either by the beach or within the forest canopy, designed to capture both sunrise and sunset views. The resort emphasizes sustainability, with environmentally mindful operations and personalized service. It’s a destination for those who value privacy, balance, and refinement in every detail.

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2. Cauayan Island Resort

Cauayan Island Resort combines tropical opulence with warm hospitality. Overwater villas, infinity pools, and white-sand beaches create an atmosphere that feels both cinematic and deeply personal. Guests can spend their days kayaking through hidden lagoons, diving among coral gardens, or simply enjoying the stillness of the island. Its commitment to service and setting make it one of El Nido’s most distinctive private getaways.

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Final Thoughts

Choosing where to stay in El Nido, Palawan ultimately depends on the kind of experience you want to create. Each area reveals a different perspective of this island destination — from the lively rhythm of El Nido Town to the serene expanse of Nacpan Beach, and the rarefied calm of Bacuit Bay’s private islands.

For convenience and connection, town and Corong-Corong place you close to the essentials. For quiet sophistication, Calaan and Lio Beach offer space to breathe and a touch of design-led comfort. And for those who crave isolation and immersion in nature, the island resorts provide a level of serenity that defines Palawan’s appeal.

Whichever you choose, El Nido’s beauty remains constant — the limestone cliffs, emerald lagoons, and clear waters framing every view. Staying here means engaging with a place defined by balance: where comfort meets wilderness, and every sunrise feels like an invitation to slow down and simply take it in.