Best budget hotel in El Nido
by Palaweno about Dolarog Beach Resort
Dolarog Beach Resort: in Dolarog, Corong-Corong, 10 cottages, 1 club house-restaurant offering excellent Italian cuisine;. The resort offers packages that include cottage accommodation, 3 meals (excluding drinks), boat transfer from El Nido airport to Dolarog and vice versa, island hopping, windsurf, snorkeling, paddle-boat for US$ 60 per person per day. The same package including two dives goes for 95 US$ per day. The best view, the best accommodation, great italian food and lovely host make this the best place to stay in El Nido.
luxurious resort onprivate island near el nido
by hanspeter_W. about Dolarog beach resort
very quiet, on a small island, 15 minutes transfer to el nido
best for island hopping
DOLAROG BEACH RESORT is set in a palm grove near a lush forest, with a magnificent view of the Bacuit archipelago sunset from the beachfront cottages.
Main activities at the resort are: Island hopping to discovery beaches, lagoons and hidden cave, climbing, bottom fishing, bird watching, windsurfing, hiking, diving, snorkeling, climbing, walking and relaxing. very friendly staff especially Angela and Clarissa
beautiful luxurisou cottages
extrem tranquility
excellent food
Nicest budget resort in El Nido
by Palaweno about Dolarog Resort
Dolarog Beach Resort: in Dolarog, Corong-Corong, 10 cottages, 1 club house-restaurant offering excellent Italian cuisine;. The resort offers packages that include cottage accommodation, 3 meals (excluding drinks), boat transfer from El Nido airport to Dolarog and vice versa, island hopping, windsurf, snorkeling, paddle-boat for US$ 60 per person per day. The same package including two dives goes for 95 US$ per day.
I recommend this place for the fantastic view, the great food and the laid back ambiance of the place! Best view of any budget resort in Palawan.
A resort to avoid at El Nido
by Ashwell about Dolarog Beach Resort
The main problem with Dolarog is the Italian owner and his Philippino wife who were extremely rude and abusive to us at our recent stay(December 2008). They were also rude about their staff. Our dispute ended up involving the local police and we learnt that ours was by no means the first problem involving the owner of Dolarog - a previous visitor to Dolarog has made an official charge against the owner for threatening behaviour.
Our problem was caused by the failure of one of their staff (who had clearly acted on instructions to enquire about our departure arrangements) to book a shared van for our departure to Puerto Princesa. The owner said it was her fault and refused to help resolve the matter himself. As we were leaving on a national holiday it looked like this was going to be a major and very expensive issue for us to resolve (an extra US$150 cost). Fortunately the local police found us a shared van at the normal price.
Dolarog charge European prices for their accommodation but in our experience they don't deliver a European standard of service.
It's a real shame because their staff were very friendly, and the resort is in a lovely peaceful location. But think very carefully before you take the risk of booking with Dolarog. Quiet and attractive location.
The Beaches of El Nido
by Palaweno
These beaches are all within 5 minutes walk, or just grab a local tricycle.
Town Beach: The first thing most visitors do when arriving in town is to have a nice relaxing walk up the beach. The best way to explore the beach is start of at the town pier, at the southern end of the beach and stroll northwards. A return walk will take about 10-20 minutes. My favourite place to relax on the beach after a walk is the Blue Karrot Bar.
Ca'alan Beach: At the northern end of Main Beach you will come to a small bridge over a stream which leads to a footpath which leads around the point. This is the entrance to Ca'alan Beach, called "Sunset Lovers" Beach by the locals, as its only here that you can see the real sunsets in EL Nido as they are hidden behind the mountain in El Nido. A return walk will take about 30-45 minutes. On rounding the first point "Tandol" you will come across a small cottage beside a stream, passing this you enter Ca'alan Beach proper. There are a few small beach cottages here for rent, just ask around.
Corong-Corong Beach: Corong-Corong is a very long beach which offers a really nice evening walk. Its easily reached by justing walking up the road out of El Nido and over the hill, or just get a local trycycle to drop you off. At the head of the beach under the shelter of the cliffs is the "Sitio" or village of Corong-Corong named after the bay. Its just a collection of ramshackle little nipa huts, but what a great view they have. From the village you can walk all the way along the beach passing through palm groves until you reach Santikan Point, a rocky outcrop. Its safer to walk back up the hill to the road, as its quite rocky and difficult to pass, and you will have the chance to pass Santikan Point; The best place to take a photo of the islands of Bay.
Silaga Beach: This is Marimegmeg Bay, and in my opinion one of the finest beaches in El Nido. The locals call it Silaga Beach, because of the pure white "Silica" sand here. After taking a photo at Santikan Point you walk down a steep hill, passing a small red-roofed tower on your right. 100 meters further the road flattens out and makes a dogleg; there is a small trail leading of to the right, at the corner of a wire fence. As small trail leads over a hill and down to the beach, following the line of the wire fence. This is private property so show regards to good manners, don't just go walking around the beach, say hello to the caretakers there and inquire if its alright to visit the beach first. The trail comes out at the intersection of the properties of a Korean on the left who is gradually building a small resort, and a large fenced area on the right owned by a German.
Dolarog Beach: If you walk along the beach to the left, you will come to a small spit of land facing a small island, Depeldet. As you turn the point the beach heads south. About 15 minutes walk along the beach you'll reach Dolarog Beach Resort, a charming mid-range resort run by the Italian expat Edo and his lovely wife Elena. This is an ideal place to stay if you want peace and quiet, fine Italian food, and the best sunsets in El Nido. Dolarog faces the monolithic black marble island of Pinagbuyatan, famous for being chosen as the cover photo of the 1997 edition of the "Lonely Planet" guide to the Philippines. Dolarog also has their own boat and Edo can take you on island hopping trips around Bacuit Bay.
Photos
tomato omelette
View from Room 1 of El Nido Waterfront
Us in the mouth of Big Lagoon in El nido
Morning view from our patio at Marina Gardens
Forum Posts
4/5 nights on an island resort
by TonyBagnall
hi, we are looking for a decent island resort in the el nido area. We read about Marina Del Nido on Malapacao, which sounds good and is in our price range, but cant find out any information on line. Can anyone give me any information about this place and contact details if possible? Alternatively, can anyone recommend island resorts in a similar price range (i.e. less than lagan island resort!). thanks for any tips
RE: 4/5 nights on an island resort
by Judithdistal
sorry it's me again. Marina del Nido closed it's doors in 1999. Check out Dolarog www.dolarog.com or Lamuro www.lamuro.com which are both on the mainland. Only www.elnidoresorts.com have resorts in El Nido on islands.
RE: 4/5 nights on an island resort
by vincenzooo
Try Dolarog Beach Resort.
Regards!
RE: 4/5 nights on an island resort
by jaded15
http://www.elnidotourism.com/largemap.htm;
http://www.geocities.com/elnidoboutiqueandartcafe/faq.html
Check out those 2 websites it might help. By the way, when are you going to El Nido? We are planning to go there next week!
RE: RE: 4/5 nights on an island resort
by TonyBagnall
we are going in december, wish it was next week though! have fun
Could really use some advice
by steve1973
I'm heading with my girlfriend down to Palawan on Dec 19th and heading straight to Palawan. I was wondering if i will have to book in advance for el nido for the dates between dec.24th to the 29th? I have sent emails to Lally and Abets and they are saying that they only have rooms for $70 US and over.
Is this typically the case? Is it possible to just arrive at this time and get a pretty decent room for a good price? Mid range?
$70US for the philippines just seems a little excessive, don't you think?
I really do appreciate the help
S
RE: RE: Could really use some advice
by Rastarigo
ridiculous!
you can get a decent room there for 2 dollars
RE: RE: Could really use some advice
by Activist
I think that US$2 decent room price is unbelievable if not ridiculous. This is too much of undervaluing of Philippine's resources and services.
RE: RE: Could really use some advice
by Activist
Ei.. Rastarigo, could you please share with me the name and exact location of this resort, if such exists?
RE: Could really use some advice
by Gara
Hello,
Lally and Abets, as well as Dolarog beach resort in El Nido are the only two with a website and which you can book online. There are several places you can stay that are less expensive. Check out the link under establishments for phone numbers. You will have to call once you get to Manila to reserve.
The $70us they quoted you is rather expensive but remember you're going during peak season and this is all-inclusive.
Good Luck!
http://www.elnidotourism.com/
RE: RE: Could really use some advice
by Rastarigo
youll find one if you walk around the small town.
if u want specific names kindly check out my palawan page
RE: RE: Could really use some advice
by steve1973
Thank you for your help with that.
Do you remember any places in particular? I know I will prob just book a place for 1 night, then look around, but its nice to get all this out of the way before you go.
Thanks for your time in responding
Accomodations
by blackace
It will be my first time to visit El Nido and I will be bringing my wife and five year old daughter. We would prefer staying in town so that there would be more places to walk around and see (unlike if you stay on Miniloc or Lagen)and of course, this would be the more affordable alternative. What would you recommend as the best place to stay in which must at least be clean, safe, and not noisy. Also, somewhere which has air conditioning or at least is in the path of a cool wind. We are planning to go during Holy Week.
Thanks!
RE: Accomodations
by cHeLLe28
hi,
You can check this site --> http://www.elnidotourism.com/
It has a comprehensive list of accomodations in elnido as well as their offered amenties. Look under establishments.
However, if AC is one of your major requirement, I think only lally and abet cottages has that. You could also go for a midclass accomodation -- Dolarog beach resort.
We have a VTer Judithdistal. Check her page and also -- > http://www.geocities.com/elnidoboutiqueandartcafe/faq.html
she own the place, they also offer package deals for 3d 2n stay.
Enjoy!
RE: RE: Accomodations
by monina_c
chelle, i've checked her webpage. her place looked interesting.
RE: RE: Accomodations
by cHeLLe28
site ng artcafe? yeah, I like visiting there too. :) hehe, punta tau El Nido.
RE: RE: Accomodations
by monina_c
wish ko lang! siguro next year pa yun!
RE: Accomodations
by blackace
Hi! Thanks to Chelle 28 for the suggestions. I'll be checking out the different websites. By the way, can you swim already along the beach located at the town? If so, what resort has the best site?
Thanks again!
RE: RE: Accomodations
by ayn_g
yes, you can swim in the beaches on the mainland.
RE: Accomodations
by vagabond6
El Nido is a beautiful spot. The town is crowded during the daytime as it is a commercial center for the area. However, it is cleaner than most because of the tourist trade. It offers accommodations from very upscale on nearby islands to very reasonable guest houses where you can walk in and negotiate a good rate If traveling with a family, you'll probably want reservations. Here is a good start for rooms from the official town website, www.elnidotourism.com.
I flew into Puerto Princesa, bused to to Sabang, then took boats to Port Barton and El Nido. El Nido offered the most to do and the best scenery by far. The clubs, restaurants, cyber cafes, shops, water sports and hiking offer alternatives to just relaxing.
RE: RE: Accomodations
by Dylod
Vagabond and others,
Thanks for mentioning about the boat service from Sabang to El Nido ? Is it a regular or chartered service ? Thanks in advance for mentioning that and thank you again for the reply.