INFO ON THIS SITE IS NOT UP-TO-DATE. Please visit us at www.MGelnido.com.

All guests must understand and agree to the following terms and conditions.

A day of island-hopping in El Nido can be the most unforgettable day of your life. Your guide will show you a place to snorkel among tropical fish, look out for exotic birds, sunbathe in the privacy of an uninhabited white-sand island, explore limestone caves, and swim through a hole in a cliff to find the Secret Lagoon (or Hidden Beach). Tours can be arranged to include snorkeling masks and fins. Also, if arranged for, tour guides can pack a picnic lunch to be cooked by bonfire on the beach. And don’t be surprised if they catch a fish or two along the way! Thrill seekers can also rent a boat for the day and make their own, unique adventure. Passing on island-hopping is like having never gone to El Nido.

Rates and tours are standardized by the El Nido Pumpboat Owners and Operators Association. For more details, see the Activities section of the El Nido Tourism Office website (click here).

NOTE: Marina Garden does not offer its own island-hopping tours, but we are happy to arrange tours for guests through independent boat guides that are recommended by but not affiliated with Marina Garden.

The islands surrounding Palawan are recognized as one of the Philippines’ best dive spots. El Nido’s special distinction as a protected area (60% of which is marine vs. 40% terrestrial) naturally attracts divers from all over the world. What more valuable experience is there than to witness the country’s most beautiful and endangered marine habitats, marine mammals, sea turtles, hard corals, and fish? Try El Nido's 17 dive sites and 3 PADI dive shops. (To learn more about El Nido’s ecological background,  click here.)

PADI Accrediated Dive Shops:

• El Nido Marine Club
• Palawan Divers
  
• Seadog Divers

Tread the Waters: Kayak, Paddleboat, Windsurf

Kayaking in El Nido is a unique experience. Rent a kayak or embark on a kayak adventure tour and find yourself paddling through the Small and Big Lagoons and El Nido's many remote islands. Paddleboats are a more laid-back option for those seeking a more relaxed water activity. And if the winds allow, windsurfing is yet another way to explore El Nido.

To learn more about overnight kayak/camping trips to El Nido's islands and daily kayak rentals, click here for Kayak Island Trip services..

For the physically fit and more adventurous, guided tours (without ropes) can be arranged at the El Nido Boutique and Art Cafe. A trained guide from the El Nido Tour Guides  Association will show you the way to the top of the cliffs where the mind-blowing beauty of El Nido can be appreciated in its entirety.

Rent a mountain bike or a motorbike for the day and create your own adventure! Head up north and explore Palawan’s vast countryside.

Waterfall and Hot Springs

Hire a guide to take you on a 45-minute tricycle ride out of town, then trek through virgin forests to find these hidden natural attractions.

Bars and Restaurants

Resto-bars in El Nido are accustomed to serving tourists from different parts of the world and therefore carry a range of foods to suit every person. Visitors, however, must sample El Nido’s fresh seafood—available in numerous styles of cooking. Enjoy a meal or a nightcap in the ambience of tiki torches and live acoustic music, right on the sand.

Private massage therapists of different skill levels and backgrounds can be hired for home/hotel service. Massage options are also available at The Alternative Center, which offers various detox services and vegetarian cuisine.

Music and Art

If you’re hoping to appreciate the work of local artists or purchase some pieces to take home with you, Balay Tubay is a definite favorite among travelers. This rustic acoustic bar serves as an unpretentious gathering place for El Nido’s artists and musicians. Balay Tubay’s indigenous design is exudes a warmth that can only come from a place born from genuine love and inspiration. Drawings, paintings, sculptures, and every other form of art are displayed throughout the bar for guests to appreciate or possibly take home as a souvenir.

Souvenir shops are scattered throughout town.

The El Nido Boutique and Art Café began as small shop selling T-shirts designed by the Art Café’s owner. To this day, their T-shirts are designed and printed in their art shop. Guests can also appreciate live music at the Art Café, making it another popular hangout for travelers.

INFO ON THIS SITE IS NOT UP-TO-DATE. Please visit us at www.MGelnido.com.
 
Marina Garden Beach Resort offers two very different experiences for guests.

NATIVE COTTAGES


Family Cottage

• Two (2) separate rooms available
• Two (2) single beds in each room
• Beachfront
• Fan-cooled
• Shared bathroom
• Shared veranda
• Screened windows
• Mosquito nets (optional)

Jessica Cottage / Wayside Cottage

• Two (2) single beds
• Private bathroom
• Private veranda
• Beachfront
• Fan-cooled
• Screened windows
• Mosquito nets (optional)

 

FOR ROOM RATES, CLICK HERE.


COUNTRY VILLA

INFO ON THIS SITE IS NOT UP-TO-DATE. Please visit us at www.MGelnido.com.

• Marina Garden Beach Resort rates are subject to change according to season.
• Please be advised that we do not accept credit cards at this time.
• Rates are per room, per night. Good for 2pax.
  

NATIVE COTTAGES

   Jessica Cottage                      PHP990/night for double occupancy
Triple sharing P1,140   /   Quad sharing P1,290
Maximum capacity: 4 adults

   Wayside Cottage                   PHP990/night for double occupancy
Triple sharing P1,140   /   Quad sharing P1,290
Maximum capacity: adults

   Family Cottage - Room 1        PHP730/night for double occupancy
Triple sharing P880
Maximum capacity: 3 adults. Recommended capacity: 2 adults.

   Family Cottage - Room 2        PHP730/night for double occupancy
Triple sharing P880
Maximum capacity: 3 adults.  Recommended capacity: 2 adults.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OUR NATIVE COTTAGES, PLEASE CLICK HERE.


COUNTRY VILLA

  Townside Room                        PHP1,580/night for double occupancy
Triple sharing P1,900   /   Quad sharing P2,270
Maximum capacity: 4 adults. Recommended capacity: 2 to 3 adults.
Includes breakfast

  Standard Room                        PHP2,110/night for double occupancy
Triple sharing P2,480   /   Quad sharing P2,850

Maximum capacity: 4 adults. Recommended capacity: 2 to 3 adults.
Includes breakfast
Rooms #3, 4, 5, 6, 7

  Deluxe Room                            PHP2,490/night for double occupancy
Triple sharing P2,860   /   Quad sharing P3,230
Maximum capacity: 4 adults. Recommended capacity: 2 to 3 adults.
Includes breakfast
Rooms #1, 2, 8, 9, 10

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT COUNTRY VILLA ROOMS, PLEASE CLICK HERE.


NOTES:

• Rates are inclusive of sales taxes.
• The municipality of El Nido now charges an "Eco-Tourism Development Fee" of PHP200/person for each visit of up to ten (10) days, not included in our room rates.
• Check-in is at 2:00pm daily. Check-out is at 12:00nn daily.
• Extra mattress(es) provided if more than two occupants in a room.
• Breakfast is not included in Native Cottages' room rates.

INFO ON THIS SITE IS NOT UP-TO-DATE. Please visit us at www.MGelnido.com.

Updated October 23, 2008

El Nido is a town in the island province of Palawan in the Philippines.

El Nido is different from Puerto Princesa, which is the capital city of Palawan and is home to the province's biggest airport. El Nido is located in the northern tip of the island while Puerto Princesa is located in central Palawan.

El Nido is also different from Coron which is a town off the tip of northern Palawan.

Most major airlines travel to Puerto Princesa and Coron only.

The following are several options for traveling to El Nido from Manila.

Option 1: Direct flight to El Nido

Direct flight to El Nido Airport via charter plane on Island Transvoyager, Inc. (ITI) or Southeast Asian Airlines (SEAIR) from Manila.

Upon arriving in El Nido’s airport, tricycles will be waiting to take you straight to Marina Garden Beach Resort, roughly 5 minutes away. (Estimated budget for tricycle ride: P200 per trip.)

Place of departure: Manila; airport depends on airline

Place of arrival: El Nido Airport, El Nido, Palawan (via Busuanga if taking SEAIR)

Flight schedule: Daily (ITI), 2 to 3 times per week (SEAIR)

Length of flight: Approx. 1 hour (ITI), Approx. 2 hours (SEAIR) 

Estimated budget: P7,500.00 one-way via ITI; P6,800.00 one-way via SEAIR

Option 2: Direct flight to Puerto Princesa, then to El Nido by plane, land, or sea

There are several flights daily from

Manila to Puerto Princesa, Palawan via Philippine Airlines (PAL), Cebu Pacific Air, or Air Philippines.

Place of departure: Manila; airport depends on airline

Place of arrival: Puerto Princesa Airport, Puerto Princesa, Palawan

Length of flight: Approx. 45 mins to 1 hour

Type of plane: Airbus (PAL, Cebu Pacific Air, Air Philippines)

Estimated budget: P2,000 to P5,000 one way depending on promo fares

Contact info:    www.philippineairlines.com    www.cebupacificair.com

From Puerto Princesa

Option 2A: Local bus ride

Be prepared for a bumpy, sticky journey through the countryside on the local, windows-down bus lines. Filled to maximum capacity with local residents seated, standing, and riding literally on the roof, there is little breathing room or leg space. Travelers should keep an eye on belongings.

From Puerto Princesa Airport, hail a tricycle (around P150) and have the driver proceed to San Jose Terminal. There two different bus lines (Eulen Joy Bus Line and Sweety Bus Line), with three buses departing from each daily. Seats are first-come, first-served. No reservations necessary. Upon arriving at El Nido, hail a tricycle to reach Marina Garden Beach Resort.

Place of departure: San Jose Bus Terminal, Puerto Princesa

Place of arrival: Bus terminal depends on bus line

Bus schedules: 5:00am, 7:00am, and 9:00am daily

Length of ride: 8 to 10 hours, depending on condition of bus

                      (flat tires are common occurrences)

Estimated budget: Approx. P350 per person

Option 2B: Public Shuttle Van

If you're hoping to save bucks where you can but aren't too excited about the local bus, you can travel in comfort and still keep your budget by riding a public shuttle van. Since most flights into Puerto Princesa arrive after the shuttles' normal departure times, you may want to call Fort Wally in advance since they are known to hold shuttles for passengers with reservations.

Seats are now by reservation only and for hotel/airport pickup. You can take your chances by going to San Jose Bus Terminal without a reservation, but vans are not guaranteed. If there are any, they will most likely be the oldest vans of the fleet since the newer ones will have already been dispatched for passengers with reservations.

Upon arriving at El Nido's bus terminal, Marina Garden is a 10-minute walk (ask any local for directions) or a quick tricycle ride (PHP30/trip) away.

Place of departure: Passenger's preferred pickup point

        Place of arrival: Depends on shuttle driver and number of walk-in passengers

        Schedule: 7:00am & 11:00am daily

        Length of ride: 6 to 8 hours, depending on condition of van

        Estimated budget: P700.00 per person one-way for hotel/airport pickup

          Contact info: +63 917 276 2875 or +63 920 981 5702

Option 2C: Private Van-for-Hire

The more comfortable means of travel from Puerto Princesa to El Nido, it is also the most expensive. This option is best for a large group that can pitch in and split the rental fee. Travelers can enjoy the comfort of privacy and air-conditioning, as well as the freedom to choose where and when to stop along the way. Enjoy the scenery or a long nap while your hired driver traverses Palawan’s countryside.

It is advisable to leave Puerto Princesa before lunch in order to avoid being on the road at night. Be advised: You will not find public toilets along the way. You may want to stop over at the midway town of Roxas to grab a bite at Hoa Kieu Vietnamese Restaurant, one of few remaining authentic Vietnamese eateries established by refugees in the 1970’s.

            Place of pickup: Depends on arrangement with driver

            Place of arrival: Marina Garden Beach Resort

            Length of ride: 5 hours not including stopovers

            No. of seats: Approx. 8 pax, depending on van

            Estimated budget: P10,000 one way for entire van

Option 2D: Public Boats and Private Boats-for-Hire

For more information on inter-Palawan travel by boat, see El Nido Boutique and Art Cafe's website: http://www.elnidoboutiqueandartcafe.com.

 

INFO ON THIS SITE IS NOT UP-TO-DATE. Please visit us at www.MGelnido.com.

Updated February 2010

MARINA GARDEN

Do you accept reservations?
Yes, we do accept reservations via e-mail (marinagarden.elnido@gmail.com) or mobile phone (+63 917 624 7722 and +63 908 884 3711). We can be reached more immediately via mobile phone.

Do you accept credit cards?
At the moment, Marina Garden accepts cash (Philippine Pesos) only.

Are you a luxury resort?
We are a small, family-owned establishment that provides simple, clean, and secure accommodations in a convenient location at affordable prices. As of this time, we are not a full-service resort. Services, amenities, and facilities are basic but comfortable.

Do you have water cottages (cottages built on stilts over the water)?
No, Marina Garden is located on El Nido town's beachfront, but is not built on the water.

Is Marina Garden on the beach or in the town?
Marina Garden is the centermost resort along the beach. It is just a few doors down from the town's most popular restaurants and stores. The town hall or town plaza can be reached within half a minute by foot.

What is your beachfront like?
Marina Garden has the longest stretch of beachfront, as well as the widest, along El Nido's town beach. This makes it a popular venue for tourists to sunbathe or kick around a soccer ball. The town beach, however, is not El Nido's attraction.

The true beauty of El Nidos beaches can be appreciated by taking a boat tour to the surrounding islands, where the beaches are powdery white and the water is crystal clear. Along the town's beachfront, the sand is a light shade of tan. Water clarity and fineness of sand depends on the season.

Do your published rates include breakfast? Tours?
Deluxe, Standard, and Townside Room rates include breakfast (choice of Continental, American, or Filipino breakfast). Native Cottage rates do not include breakfast.  Island-hopping tours can be arranged separately.

If you would like to arrange an all-inclusive tour package, please feel free to contact any accrediated travel and tours company. Our  Puerto Princesa-based booking office, Harbour Bay Travel & Tours (www.harbourbaytravel.com), can customize a tour for you as well.

How can I arrange for island-hopping tours?
While we do not have our own island-hopping service, we are happy to assist guests in booking a tour with a boat guide from the El Nido Pumpboat Owners and Operators Association. You can also arrange tours yourself by contacting the association at +63 927 546 0691 or elnidoboat@yahoo.com.ph. (Such services are provided by independent operators that are recommended by, but not affiliated with, Marina Garden.)

Is there a restaurant in Marina Garden?
The restaurant is one of many planned future improvements in the development of the Resort. For the meantime, guests can grab coffee, drinks, and light dishes at our beachfront cafe.  The resort is also within walking distance of the town's most popular restaurants.

Do your rooms have hot showers?
All our Deluxe Rooms (Rooms 1, 2, 8, 9 and 10) are equipped with hot water showers that are attached to the wall, but can also be held by hand.

Is there a problem with water pressure in your bathrooms?
All resorts in El Nido use overhead water tanks. As a whole, the town of El Nido does not have high water pressure.

Are there any chickens/roosters or other pets in your place?
Marina Garden does not keep any animals on resort premises. If you find a trespassing stray, kindly inform resort staff immediately.

Which of your rooms is the largest?
Our different types of rooms do not differ much in size, except for the rooms in Family Cottage which are smaller than the rest.

How often does housekeeping clean rooms?
Rooms are cleaned only when requested in order to ensure the guest's security and privacy.

TRAVEL

When is the best time to visit El Nido?
El Nido's climate consists of two seasons: generally dry (tag-araw), from December to May, and wet (tag-ulan), from June to November.

Is the information provided by travel books up-to-date?
Improvements in Marina Garden have been effected beginning June 2007 only. Hence, travel tips regarding our accommodations would, in fact, be outdated. While the sights and tours have remained about the same, travelers should be advised of changes in transport info and lodging rates.

Are the waves in El Nido right for surfing?
There are undeveloped beaches fit for surfing less than two hours' drive from town, but waves are generally hard to come by. Surfing has yet to gain popularity in Palawan. Locals have taken up skimboarding and windsrufing as an alternative. Stand-up paddle boards are also available at the El Nido Boutique and Art Cafe.

What languages do the locals speak?
Local residents speak Tagalog and the local dialect of Cuyunon. Most locals understand English and can speak it, at the very least, in bits and pieces.

What are the roads like from Puerto Princesa to El Nido?
Most of the way has been paved, but the last part is still dirt road and makes for a bumpy ride. The last portion of the road (between Taytay and El Nido) is not yet paved and can get muddy during long, heavy rains, which results in increased travel time.

What kind of food should I expect to find in restaurants?
Restaurants typically serve seafood as their specialty, although a wide range of food is available in the different restaurants in town. Meat dishes are available, although more rare.

Are there any fast food restaurants in El Nido?
No, the nearest fast food is 5-6 hours away, in Puerto Princesa. Most dishes are cooked from scratch and therefore require longer preparation time than normal.

I'm vegetarian/vegan. Where can I eat in El Nido?
You will find that The Alternative Center boasts an extensive menu of all-natural, delicious vegan cuisine including soups, cereals, freshly-baked bread, salads, entrees, exotic teas, and fruit shakes. Also, most restaurants will customize your meals based on personal preferences.

FACILITIES

Is there 24-hour electricity in El Nido?
Currently, electricity runs for 16 hours a day (2pm to 6am), although the electric company has a reputation for being inconsistent.

What banks or ATMs are available in El Nido?
There is no bank in El Nido as of yet. The nearest bank or ATM is in 5-6 hours away, in Puerto Princesa City. Monetary transactions/transfers are available at local pawnshops. The El Nido Art Boutique and Cafe also offers credit card cash advances and cashes travelers checks.

How can I make a call to loved ones?
The primary mode of communication in El Nido is by mobile phone (no traditional landline telephones). Cellular networks available are Globe Telecom and Smart Telecom. Credits for local prepaid subscriptions can be purchased at most convenience stores. Long-distance calls can be made from The El Nido Boutique and Art Cafe.

I'm a bit uncomfortable travelling with a large amount of cash.
We understand that this is a big concern for El Nido vacationers. Guests are welcome to pay for their accommodations upon arrival in order to lessen the amount of cash kept on hand. Or, guests may also opt to pay in advance via local bank deposit.

How can I change my foreign currency to Philippine Pesos?
Several stores in the town proper, such as the El Nido Boutique and Art Cafe, exchange foreign currencies and cash travellers checks. Most places exchange US Dollars, Euros, British Pounds, HK Dollars, Australian Dollars, Japanese Yen, and Singapore Dollars.

Do stores, restaurants, and other services accept credit cards?
While most operate on a cash only basis, there are a handful of places that accept credit cards, such as The Alternative Center, Seaslug's Restaurant, and El Nido Boutique and Art Cafe.

Can I access the Internet in El Nido?
Yes, Marina Garden is equipped with free WiFi Internet access. There are also a number of internet cafes in town with broadband connection. Customers can surf the net, send a fax, or burn CDs (ideal for photographers freeing up memory cards). There are also individual computers for rent in some places like Balay Tubay, The Alternative Center, and Skyline Grill.

CONCERNS

Is El Nido prone to tsunamis?
Aside from heavy rains, the Philippines was unaffected by the 2004 tsunami.

Is malaria a danger in El Nido?
Malaria is more common in isolated, rural areas, but mosquitoes abound anywhere in the Philippines. Hence, it would be wise to apply mosquito repellent diligently. Marina Garden's Native Cottages have screened windows. Mosquito nets can be provided for guests who request them.

Is there a hospital in El Nido?
No, but there is a health center and a private doctor in town. Many individuals in town are also trained in basic first aid procedures. The nearest hospital is one hour away in the town of Taytay. The town dentist is also available for basic dental needs. El Nido has at least two pharmacies offering most non-prescription drugs.

Is there police presence for tourists?
Marina Garden is located directly across the street from the Municipal Police Station of El Nido and also has its own private security guards in the premises. A Philippine Navy base is also within an hour's reach.

Is there a nearby church?
Yes, there are several churches of different Christian denominations in the town proper. Some churches found in El Nido are: Roman Catholic, Baptist Church, 7th Day Adventist, Jehovah's Witnesses, and El Shaddai.

INFO ON THIS SITE IS NOT UP-TO-DATE. Please visit us at www.MGelnido.com.

The quickest way to contact us is via mobile phone.  Our front desk is available from 6:00am to 10:00pm daily. You can also send us your questions via e-mail.

Mobile 1:    +63 917 624 7722 (Main)
Mobile 2:    +63 908 884 3711
E-mail:        marinagarden.elnido@gmail.com

We encourage all guests to read our FAQ's, Guest Terms & Conditions, and Getting Here pages before booking.

If interested in all-inclusive tour packages or packaged deals, please contact our Puerto Princesa-based booking office since we do not offer these:

HARBOUR BAY TRAVEL & TOURS
Address:   #18 Fernandez St., Puerto Princesa City
Tel./Fax:    +63 48 434 1620 
Mobile:      +63 908 893 5477
Email:        harbourbaytravel@gmail.com
Website:    www.harbourbaytravel.com