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.

History in Stone: Discover the Bajra Sandhi Monument

 

Just a 15-minute drive from Sanur, the Bajra Sandhi Monument is one of Denpasar’s most iconic landmarks—a massive structure that looks like something out of a fantasy film.

Built to commemorate the struggles of the Balinese people throughout history, the monument is surrounded by peaceful gardens and walking paths, and the inside features a museum with air-conditioned exhibits.

While the architecture might look intimidating (or villainous, as some jokingly say), it’s a great place to reflect on the island’s past and take in sweeping views from the top floor. Bonus: the large courtyard is a popular location for wedding and pre-wedding photo shoots!

Camel Rides in Bali? You Bet—Try It in Nusa Dua

  

Yes, you read that right—camel rides in Bali! While it may sound more like something you'd expect in the Middle East, the beaches of Nusa Dua offer a surprisingly fun twist: you can ride a camel along the sand with the Indian Ocean in the background.

The tours are operated by Bali Camel Safaris and usually start at the Hilton Bali Resort. It’s not a long expedition—just a 30- to 60-minute guided walk—but it’s a unique photo op, especially for kids or first-timers.

To book, you can contact them directly via WhatsApp. Just be sure to wear light clothing and maybe bring a sun hat for the ride!

Things To Do in Coron vs. El Nido: Island Adventures Compared

  

Coron and El Nido both shine when it comes to natural beauty and outdoor adventures, but they offer slightly different experiences that cater to different types of travelers.

El Nido is widely known as a paradise for island hopping. Its jagged limestone cliffs, turquoise lagoons, and soft sandy beaches are picture-perfect. There are four main boat tours (A, B, C, and D), and each one takes you to a different cluster of spectacular locations like Big Lagoon, Secret Beach, and Shimizu Island. On land, you can enjoy the scenic drive to Nacpan Beach, hike to waterfalls, or watch the sunset at Marimegmeg Beach. There’s something for everyone, from beach lovers to casual explorers.

Coron, on the other hand, offers a more laid-back vibe and specializes in underwater experiences. It’s a world-class destination for snorkeling and scuba diving, especially because of its unique WWII shipwrecks, coral reefs, and clear lakes like Kayangan Lake and Barracuda Lake. Island hopping tours take you to stunning spots like Twin Lagoon and Malcapuya Island, with sandbars and coconut-lined beaches that feel blissfully remote. You’ll also find the popular Ultimate Island Tour, which gives a bit of everything in one day.

El Nido has more variety on land and sea, but Coron dominates in the water. If you’re looking to dive, snorkel, or discover hidden underwater worlds, Coron is the better choice. If you’re more into dramatic landscapes, beach hopping, and exploring both land and sea, El Nido takes the lead.

How to Get to Maya Bay in Thailand

  

Reaching Maya Bay might feel like a mini-adventure in itself, but that’s part of the fun. Since there are no airports on Phi Phi Leh island, the journey starts with a flight to either Phuket or Krabi—both are well-connected and offer frequent, affordable flights from Bangkok and other major cities in Asia.

From there, travelers hop on a boat to reach the Phi Phi islands. The most common options are the ferry or speedboat. Ferries are cheaper and slower, taking about 2 hours from Phuket or 90 minutes from Krabi. Speedboats are faster, cutting travel time in half, but they're more expensive and a bit bumpier.

Once you arrive at Phi Phi Don (the main island), you’ll still need to catch a longtail boat or join a tour to reach Maya Bay itself on the smaller, uninhabited Phi Phi Leh. Since direct boat landings at the beach are no longer allowed, the final leg of your journey involves landing at Loh Samah Bay and walking a short jungle path to the beach.

🧭 Plan Your Route Tool:

[Interactive Idea] Select your starting point (Phuket, Krabi, Koh Lanta, etc.) and get a step-by-step travel plan to Maya Bay with boat options and prices.

✈️ Pro Tip:

Traveling light makes transfers smoother—especially when hopping from ferries to longtail boats!

Visiting Maya Bay: What to Expect When You Arrive

 

 

Arriving at Maya Bay feels like stepping into a dream. After landing at Loh Samah Bay on the back side of Phi Phi Leh, visitors follow a short, shaded jungle trail that leads to the beach itself. The path is flat and only takes about 5 minutes, making it accessible for nearly everyone.

When the trail opens up, you're greeted with a view that's even more stunning than the photos. Tall limestone cliffs frame a crescent-shaped beach with silky white sand and crystal-clear turquoise water. It’s no surprise this place was chosen for a Hollywood film—every corner is postcard-perfect.

However, to protect the delicate environment, certain rules are now in place. Boats no longer dock directly on the beach, and swimming is not allowed. You can still dip your feet in and wade at the shore, but snorkeling and diving are not permitted here. This helps preserve the coral and gives baby sharks and marine life a safer habitat.

🧠 Did You Know?

Maya Bay is home to blacktip reef sharks! They’re harmless and can often be seen swimming in the shallows.

📷 Photo Hotspots Map:

Tap on a mini-map of the bay to see the best spots for photos, including the shallow cave at the beach’s edge.

Things to Do on Fulidhoo Beyond the Beach

 

While Fulidhoo’s main claim to fame is its marine life, the island offers more than just sharks and rays. The east side of Fulidhoo is home to its designated bikini beach—a beautiful stretch of powdery white sand and calm, turquoise water perfect for swimming and sunbathing. It’s the ideal spot to relax after a morning snorkel or dive.

Speaking of diving, Fulidhoo is a hidden gem for underwater exploration. Dive centers like Fulidhoo Dive and Divers Lodge offer excursions where you can encounter reef sharks, manta rays, and vibrant coral gardens. Even beginners can enjoy a discovery dive with professional instructors.

If you’re more into dry land, take a stroll to the western edge of the island for a spectacular sunset view, or explore the shaded banyan tree in the village center—an impressive natural canopy that provides a cool spot to relax or join a local volleyball match.

Hotels also offer fun excursions like picnics on nearby sandbanks, dolphin-watching cruises, and even half-day trips to luxury resorts where you can sip cocktails and enjoy spa treatments. Fulidhoo may be small, but you’ll never run out of things to do.