El Nido travel guide
El Nido Travel Budget: Daily Costs & Calculator
El Nido costs roughly $41 a day for backpackers (hostel, market food, one shared tour), about $125 a day mid-range with a beach hotel and daily island-hopping, and $405+ a day for resorts and private boats. Island-hopping tours (₱1,200–1,800) and the flight in are the main costs — bring cash, as ATMs are unreliable.
How expensive is El Nido?
El Nido is one of the Philippines’ pricier destinations because of its remoteness. The island-hopping tours are the main cost — accommodation and local food can still be cheap.
El Nido trip budget calculator
Pick your travel style and trip length — the calculator estimates your total budget in USD using real 2026 El Nido prices.
Excludes international flights. Lodging is per room (shared by travellers); other costs are per person. Prices in USD, converted from Philippine Peso (PHP).
El Nido daily costs by travel style
| Cost per day | Backpacker | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lodging | $12 | $60 | $250 |
| Food | $12 | $25 | $70 |
| Transport | $5 | $10 | $25 |
| Activities | $12 | $30 | $60 |
| Total per day | $41 | $125 | $405 |
Money-saving tips for El Nido
- Book tours directly with town operators, not your hotel — prices are fixed but inclusions vary
- The ₱200 eco-tourism fee is paid once and covers all your tour days
- Bring cash — ATMs in town are unreliable and often empty in high season
- A group of four can charter a private boat for not much more than four tour seats
Also in philippines
El Nido travel budget — FAQs
How much does El Nido cost per day?
El Nido costs roughly $41 a day for backpackers (hostel, market food, one shared tour), about $125 a day mid-range with a beach hotel and daily island-hopping, and $405+ a day for resorts and private boats. Island-hopping tours (₱1,200–1,800) and the flight in are the main costs — bring cash, as ATMs are unreliable.
Last reviewed and updated: by the AmazingAsia editorial team. See our editorial policy.