This blog post is all about my review of S Resort El Nido in the Philippines.
If you’re dreaming of the most incredible turquoise waters, limestone cliffs, and the kind of island beauty that graces postcards, then El Nido, Palawan is probably already on your bucket list.
During our group trip tour of the Philippines with I’m Here Travels, we spent two nights at S Resort El Nido, and it quickly became one of our favourite places we stayed.
In this review of S Resort El Nido, I’ll take you through our experience at the resort and share everything you need to know about planning your own El Nido trip.
And yes, Palawan is just as incredible as the pictures look!
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5 Reasons to Visit El Nido, Palawan
El Nido is one of the most famous destinations in the Philippines, and for good reason. This little corner of Palawan is the ultimate tropical paradise:
1. Island-Hopping Paradise
El Nido is the jumping-off point for exploring Bacuit Bay, home to dozens of islands and lagoons.
Each island-hopping tour (A, B, C, and D) offers something unique. From hidden beaches, towering karst cliffs, snorkelling spots, to magical lagoons.
2. World-Class Scenery
The dramatic limestone cliffs jutting out of emerald waters make El Nido a dream for photographers and nature lovers alike.
3. Adventure Opportunities
Beyond the water, you can hike Taraw Cliff for panoramic views, kayak around Cadlao Lagoon, or try diving in some of the Philippines’ most stunning underwater landscapes.
4. Relaxed Town Vibe
While tourism has grown, El Nido still has a laid-back beach town feel, with cozy cafes, beach bars, and street food stalls lining the streets.
5. Gateway to Palawan
El Nido is perfectly placed to explore more of Palawan, like Port Barton and Coron, making it a great stop on any island-hopping itinerary.
If you’re looking for that mix of adventure and relaxation in a picture-perfect setting, El Nido is the place.
The Best Time of Year to Visit El Nido
The Philippines has two main seasons: dry (November to May) and wet (June to October).
- Peak Season (December – April): This is when the weather is at its best, with clear skies and calm seas, perfect for island-hopping. January to March is particularly popular with international tourists.
- Shoulder Season (November & May): Still a great time to visit, with fewer crowds and lower prices. The weather can be slightly less predictable, but tours usually still run.
- Low Season (June – October): The monsoon season brings rain and rough seas, which can sometimes cancel island tours. However, if you don’t mind occasional showers, you’ll find cheaper accommodation and a quieter town.
We visited during the shoulder season (in November), which meant the weather was a little mixed with some rain, but 90% of the trip was sunshine, blue skies and no cancelled tours.
The Location of S Resort El Nido
S Resort El Nido is perfectly located in the heart of El Nido town, just a short walk from the beach and the boat docks where island-hopping tours depart.
This made it incredibly convenient. We could wake up, enjoy a slow breakfast, and still make it to the boats without any stress.
The resort sits close to restaurants, cafes, and bars, but it still feels tucked away enough to give you a sense of peace after a busy day exploring.
Our room had all the essentials, and the staff were always happy to arrange activities or transport for us.
If you’re looking for a base that balances comfort with convenience, S Resort El Nido nails it.
5 Things to Do in El Nido
Staying at S Resort El Nido put us within easy reach of all the best things to do in El Nido:
1. El Nido Island-Hopping Tours
These are the highlight of any El Nido trip.
- El Nido Island Hopping Tour A: Famous for the Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, and Shimizu Island.
- El Nido Island Hopping Tour B: Caves, coves, and unique rock formations.
- El Nido Island Hopping Tour C: Secret beaches and snorkelling spots.
- El Nido Island Hopping Tour D: Quieter islands, lagoons, and fewer tourists.
We joined one of these tours and it was truly the highlight of our time in the Philippines.
2. Nacpan Beach
Just a 45-minute drive from town, this long golden beach is less crowded than the central town beaches.
3. Las Cabañas Beach & Sunset
A fantastic place to relax in the afternoon and watch the sun dip into the sea.
4. Taraw Cliff
For adventurous travellers, this short but steep hike rewards you with stunning views over El Nido.
5. Kayaking & Diving
Rent a kayak to explore nearby lagoons or book a diving session to experience Palawan’s marine biodiversity.
RELATED blog post to read: The Best 7 Things to Do in El Nido Philippines
The Amenities at S Resort El Nido
We stayed at S Resort El Nido for two nights and found it to be the perfect place to unwind between days of adventure.
Some highlights of the amenities included:
- Comfortable Rooms – Clean, spacious, and air-conditioned, with all the basics you need after a hot day in the sun.
- Central Location – Just minutes from the beachfront, restaurants, and tour offices.
- Friendly Staff – The team were incredibly helpful, whether it was arranging transport, giving local tips, or helping with bookings.
- Wi-Fi Access – Reliable enough for uploading photos or checking travel plans (though don’t expect blazing-fast speeds—this is island life!).
While it’s not a five-star luxury resort, S Resort El Nido really impressed us with its value for money, location, and service.
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Where to Eat in El Nido
While we stayed at S Resort El Nido, we found that the town itself has plenty of fantastic dining options, all within easy walking distance or a short tricycle ride from the resort.
Here are a few standout spots we recommend checking out:
1. Cafe Athena
If you’re craving something Mediterranean, this is the place. With dishes like moussaka, gyros, and fresh Greek salads, Cafe Athena is a refreshing break from the usual island fare.
It’s located right on the beachfront, so you can enjoy your meal while looking out over Bacuit Bay.
2. Cusina Charitos
A local Filipino restaurant with hearty home-style cooking. Here you can try classic Filipino comfort food like adobo, sinigang, and sizzling pork sisig.
The portions are generous, the prices reasonable, and it has a family-run, welcoming atmosphere.
3. Big Bad Thai
A long-time favourite in El Nido, this restaurant serves authentic Thai food with bold flavours.
Their curries and pad thai are particularly popular, and it’s a good option if you’re craving something spicy after a day of island-hopping.
4. Biryani Kitchen
If you love Indian food, Biryani Kitchen delivers big on flavour.
Known for its aromatic rice dishes, curries, and vegetarian options, this restaurant is a hidden gem in El Nido town and offers something a little different from the usual tourist spots.
5. Ver De
A stylish café and restaurant that puts a modern spin on healthy, plant-forward meals. Expect smoothie bowls, veggie burgers, wraps, and fresh juices.
It’s a great choice for brunch or a lighter meal, and it has a trendy, laid-back vibe.
Being centrally located, S Resort El Nido meant we could easily walk to all of these places in just a few minutes.
RELATED blog post to read: The 11 Best El Nido Restaurants in the Philippines
Other Areas and Islands to Explore in the Philippines
If you’re visiting El Nido, chances are you’ll want to explore more of Palawan and the Philippines.
Here are a few destinations worth adding to your route:
1. Port Barton
A smaller, quieter version of El Nido with stunning beaches, snorkelling, and island-hopping tours, but far fewer crowds. Great if you’re looking for something more off-the-beaten-path.
2. Darocotan Island
Known for its shipwreck just offshore, this island offers rustic stays and some of the most unique island vibes in Palawan.
3. Manila
Most visitors will fly into Manila before connecting to Palawan. While it’s busy and chaotic, Manila has a vibrant food scene, historic districts like Intramuros, and shopping malls that are experiences in themselves.
4. Boracay
Often part of a wider Philippines itinerary, Boracay is famous for its White Beach, nightlife, and water sports. It’s a great contrast to El Nido’s laid-back vibe.
RELATED blog posts to read:
- Darocotan Island: You Need to Visit This Remote Philippines Paradise
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- Mandarin White Sand Boracay: The Best Beachfront Hotel In Boracay
How to Get to El Nido
El Nido is a little tricky to reach, but that’s part of its charm. Here are the most common ways:
How to Get to El Nido from Manila
You can fly directly to El Nido with AirSWIFT (about 1.5 hours). This is the quickest but most expensive option.
Alternatively, fly to Puerto Princesa and take a 5–6 hour van or bus to El Nido.
How to Get to El Nido from Coron
Daily ferries connect Coron and El Nido, taking about 4–5 hours. This is a popular route for those exploring multiple Palawan highlights.
How to Get to El Nido from Puerto Princesa
As mentioned, vans and buses run frequently to El Nido. Vans are faster but less comfortable; buses are slower but allow more legroom.
How to Get to El Nido from Cebu
Some airlines offer direct flights to Puerto Princesa, from where you can connect onwards to El Nido.
We reached El Nido by van from Port Barton as part of our organized group trip with I’m Here Travels, which made the whole process seamless.
Travelling the Philippines with I’m Here Travels
Our stay at S Resort El Nido was part of our wider adventure with I’m Here Travels, a travel company that specializes in group tours across Southeast Asia and South America.
Joining their Philippines trip meant we didn’t have to stress about logistics.
We got to enjoy the islands, meet new friends, and experience the best of Palawan without the hassle of planning every detail.
For first-time travellers to the Philippines, this is a fantastic way to see the country, especially if you’re short on time but want to hit all the highlights.
I’m Here Travels runs two group tours in the Philippines (Sunset and Sunrise) which you can find out more information on here. We did the Sunset tour and loved it!
Final Review of Staying at S Resort El Nido
Overall, we loved our stay at S Resort El Nido.
The location couldn’t have been better, the staff were welcoming and helpful, and the rooms were comfortable after a full day of exploring.
While it’s not the kind of place where you’ll find luxury extras like spas or infinity pools, it offers exactly what you need in El Nido: convenience, comfort, and good value.
For travellers looking for a central base that makes it easy to explore Palawan’s most famous destination, S Resort El Nido is a fantastic choice.
RELATED Philippines blog posts to read:
- The 11 Best El Nido Restaurants in the Philippines
- The Best 7 Things to Do in El Nido Philippines
- Darocotan Island: You Need to Visit This Remote Philippines Paradise
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By Orlagh Shanks
Orlagh Shanks is the Editor of Orlagh Claire, an award-winning travel and lifestyle blog.
After working in the PR & Influencer Marketing industry, Orlagh quit her job to travel Asia for 12 months and moved to Sydney, Australia where she is now a full-time travel blogger and content creator sharing travel tips and recommendations for all 30 of the countries she’s visited so far.
