Where To Stay: Comparing Accommodation in El Nido and Coron

 

When it comes to accommodations, El Nido and Coron offer something for every type of traveler, but there are a few key differences in price, value, and variety.

El Nido has a wider range of accommodation choices, from hostels to luxury resorts. However, it’s often more expensive than other parts of Southeast Asia for what you get. Many travelers feel the cost is high compared to places like Bali or Thailand. Tourist demand has outpaced infrastructure development, so rooms get booked quickly, and prices remain high. On the plus side, El Nido is constantly evolving, and new hotels and resorts are opening every year.

Whether you’re looking for a beachfront villa or a stylish hostel like Frendz Hostel, El Nido gives you more options — especially if you want to be close to restaurants and nightlife.

Coron, in contrast, tends to be more budget-friendly. It offers good value for money with simple yet comfortable stays like Aquilah Homestay or Coron Visitors Hotel. While there are fewer high-end options, mid-range and budget hotels are plentiful and often come with great views, air conditioning, and friendly local hosts.

Coron doesn’t have the same variety or polish as El Nido, but it’s a fantastic place for travelers looking for affordable comfort. And as tourism grows, more upscale hotels and resorts are popping up.

So if you want to splurge and be in the center of the action, El Nido may be your best bet. But for great value and a quieter stay, Coron wins.

Urban Jungle: Explore the Haunted Taman Festival Ruins

 

Hidden on the outskirts of Sanur, the abandoned Taman Festival theme park is one of Bali’s most unusual and mysterious attractions.

Originally built in the 1990s with plans for a volcano, 3D cinema, and crocodile pit, the park was abandoned before completion due to financial collapse. What’s left now is a sprawling complex of graffiti-covered ruins, overgrown with jungle vines and haunted by nature—and rumors of ghosts.

This is definitely an offbeat spot, best suited to curious adventurers and photographers. Wear good shoes, bring mosquito spray, and take your time wandering the eerie, crumbling buildings. Entry is just 20k IDR.

Coron vs. El Nido: Which One Should You Choose?

 

So — Coron or El Nido? Both are incredible destinations, and ideally, you should visit both. But if time or budget limits you to just one, choosing the right one depends on what kind of traveler you are.

El Nido is more developed, has better dining and nightlife, and offers more variety in terms of land and sea activities. You’ll find dozens of amazing island hopping spots, along with easy-to-reach mainland beaches and waterfalls. El Nido’s dramatic karst cliffs and turquoise lagoons are among the most photographed in the Philippines — and for good reason.

Coron, on the other hand, is quieter and offers a more rugged, off-the-beaten-path feel. It’s a paradise for snorkelers and scuba divers, with exceptional underwater scenery including coral gardens, shipwrecks, and crystal-clear lakes. The beaches are stunning, though they usually require a boat tour to access.

El Nido is better for travelers who want variety, comfort, and vibrant social energy. Coron is better if you love diving, peaceful nature, and a more relaxed pace.

Still can’t decide? Then don’t! The fast ferry or multi-day sailing trips between Coron and El Nido make it easier than ever to experience both. If you have 7–10 days in Palawan, splitting your time between the two will give you the best of both worlds — dramatic landscapes, vibrant coral reefs, and unforgettable sunsets.

No matter which you choose, you're in for a tropical adventure you won’t forget.

The Shark & Stingray Beach Experience

Fulidhoo’s biggest draw is the magical Shark and Stingray Beach, located on the island’s southwest side. Marked as the ‘stingray observation point’ on Google Maps, this spot offers a rare, natural encounter with marine wildlife in shallow, crystal-clear waters. Unlike paid tours, this beach allows you to enjoy daily visits from dozens of friendly stingrays and occasional nurse sharks—for free!

Every evening, stingrays glide gracefully into the shallows, lured by scraps from local fishermen. It’s a peaceful sight, and you can often see more than ten at a time. The water is so shallow that you can easily wade in and snap some stunning photos. Many visitors get once-in-a-lifetime pictures with a nurse shark gently swimming by their feet or a stingray brushing against their legs.

The key is to respect these creatures. Don’t chase or touch them. Let them come to you, and keep your movements slow. Fulidhoo’s marine animals are calm and used to humans, but maintaining their trust means keeping interactions gentle.

This experience feels raw and unscripted, unlike tours where animals are lured with food. There’s no ticket or time limit here—just you, the sea, and some of the most graceful creatures in the ocean.

Getting There: How To Reach Coron and El Nido, Palawan

 

When planning a trip to Palawan, one of the most important considerations is how to get there. Both Coron and El Nido are relatively remote destinations, separated by roughly 100 kilometers of sea, but thanks to improving infrastructure and services, they’re more accessible than ever.

El Nido is best reached by flying into Manila or Cebu, then taking a direct domestic flight to El Nido airport (ENI), serviced by AirSWIFT. These flights are the fastest and most convenient option, although they can be a bit pricier due to limited airline choices. Alternatively, budget travelers can fly into Puerto Princesa and take a van or bus ride to El Nido, which takes about 5–6 hours.

Coron is accessed via flights into Busuanga airport (USU), which is about 30 minutes from Coron town. Multiple airlines including Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines fly here, making it easier to find deals. Because of the increased airline competition, flights to Coron are often cheaper than to El Nido.

If you want to visit both destinations, the Coron–El Nido ferry is a fantastic option. Several companies offer this route, with fast ferries taking approximately 4 hours. For a more adventurous route, sailing expeditions such as those by Big Dream Boat Man take you on a multi-day journey through some of Palawan’s most secluded islands between El Nido and Coron.

Overall, getting to either destination is easier than ever before. Whether you choose the speed and comfort of a direct flight or the scenic views from a boat, both Coron and El Nido are well worth the journey.

10 Things to Do on Dhigurah Island: Snorkeling, Sandbanks & More

 

Dhigurah isn’t just a pretty beach — it’s a playground for adventurers. Here are 10 must-do activities:

1. Dive with whale sharks 🐋

2. Snorkel coral gardens

3. Visit a secret sandbank

4. Cruise with dolphins at sunset

5. Chill at Bikini Beach

6. Try local food

7. Walk the entire island

8. Sip coffee at seaside cafés

9. Book a day trip to a luxury resort

10. Watch the stars from the beach 🌌

Dhigurah Island: Ultimate Travel Guide (2025)

 

If you're dreaming of pristine white sand, turquoise waters, and thrilling marine life experiences, look no further than Dhigurah Island — a hidden gem in the Maldives. Unlike the typical luxury resort islands, Dhigurah is a local island, offering more authentic and budget-friendly experiences without compromising on natural beauty. This comprehensive 2025 guide will cover everything you need to know before visiting Dhigurah.

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🌊 About Dhigurah Island

Dhigurah is part of the South Ari Atoll in the Maldives and is one of the few local islands where tourism thrives alongside the resident community. The name "Dhigurah" literally means "long island" in Dhivehi — and with good reason. The island stretches over 3 kilometers but remains just 300 meters wide.

What makes Dhigurah special is its access to some of the best diving and snorkeling spots in the Maldives, especially for encounters with whale sharks and manta rays.

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✈️ How to Get to Dhigurah

Dhigurah is about 100 kilometers southwest of Malé (Velana International Airport). There are three main ways to reach the island:

• Public Ferry: Budget-friendly but time-consuming (~6-7 hours). Departs a few times per week.

• Speedboat Transfer: The most popular option. Takes about 2 hours and runs daily (approx. $60-80 USD one way).

• Domestic Flight + Speedboat: Fastest but priciest. Fly to Maamigili and then a short speedboat ride.

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☀️ Best Time to Visit Dhigurah

The best months to visit Dhigurah are December to April, during the Maldives' dry season. Expect clear skies, calm seas, and ideal underwater visibility.

However, May to November still offers great experiences, especially for whale shark sightings, since they are present year-round in South Ari Atoll.

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🌺 Things to Do in Dhigurah

1. Snorkeling & Diving

• Dive with whale sharks, manta rays, sea turtles, and colorful reef fish

• Over 20 dive sites nearby, including Kudarah Thila and Dhigurah Thila

2. Sandbank & Dolphin Tours

• Take a boat to a private sandbank for swimming, sunbathing, and epic drone shots

• Spot playful dolphins on a sunset cruise

3. Bikini Beach

• A designated area for tourists to swim and sunbathe in swimwear

• Soft white sand and crystal-clear water

4. Island Walks & Local Cafes

• Walk the entire length of the island — it takes about 30-40 minutes!

• Enjoy fresh seafood and Maldivian snacks at local restaurants like Cafe Palato

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🏨 Where to Stay in Dhigurah

Dhigurah has a range of guesthouses and boutique hotels, perfect for mid-range and budget travelers:

• Bliss Dhigurah – Stylish rooms, rooftop restaurant, and diving center

• TME Retreats – Cozy atmosphere and great excursions

• Athiri Beach – Beachfront with a focus on eco-tourism

Expect prices from $70 to $150 USD per night, depending on the season and room type.

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☕️ Food & Local Culture

• Try Maldivian dishes like mas huni, garudhiya, and fried reef fish

• Alcohol is not allowed on local islands, including Dhigurah (resort day trips are an option if you want a drink)

• Dress modestly when outside of the bikini beach area

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📌 Quick Travel Tips

• Bring reef-safe sunscreen and a rash guard for snorkeling

• Cash is king: USD and Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR) are accepted, but ATMs are rare

• Book diving and snorkeling tours in advance during peak season

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🌍 Why Visit Dhigurah in 2025?

Dhigurah remains one of the best local islands in the Maldives for marine adventures, community experiences, and natural beauty — all without breaking the bank. Whether you're here to spot a whale shark, relax on a postcard-perfect beach, or explore vibrant reefs, Dhigurah delivers an unforgettable experience.