EL NIDO: Where to work for digital nomads
Palawan continues to captivate us with its endless discoveries. El Nido, in particular, has evolved beyond just a tropical paradise; it's becoming a hub for remote workers seeking a balance between productivity and natural beauty.
We last visited El Nido in November 2023, and our recent trip in June 2024 revealed some interesting changes. Let's explore the four main areas in El Nido and share our honest thoughts on the internet situation for each, blending our previous experiences with new insights.
1️⃣ El Nido Town Proper: The digital nomad hotspot
El Nido Town Proper remains the go-to spot for reliable connectivity. While Starlink isn't widespread, fiber internet is the backbone here.
Hama Coffee
Hama Coffee continues to be our go-to spot for a productive day out. They don't have the fastest speed, but they have the most reliable WiFi (25-100 Mbps). With an unbeatable view, it's hard to beat this place for a work session. They have ample outlets, a rarity for Cafes in El Nido, but it can get hard to get a seat during peak hours in the high season.
Happiness Hostel
Happiness Hostel has seriously upped its game since our last visit. They've installed Starlink to complement their already robust fiber connection, offering speeds up to 250 Mbps. The best connection is in their common area. It can get busy around 9 AM when guests prep for island tours, but it's peaceful for the rest of the day.
Spin Designer Hostel
Spin Designer Hostel offers the flexibility to work from your room or common areas with consistent WiFi throughout the premises. You might experience occasional brief drops on 5G WiFi, but their non-5G serves as a reliable backup.
For a quick online work with your coffee or dinner, your options can include:
- Taste El Nido
- El Nido Boutique Artcafe
- Rituals cafe
- Tales of the Islands restaurant
They have good, stable WiFi, though they're not necessarily ideal for long work sessions.
2️⃣ Lio Beach: Work with a view
Lio Beach has upped its game for digital nomads. While Globe Telecom's mobile data is still king here, cafés are stepping up.
Our new favorite spot is PLNT+HRVST. This new restaurant offers reliable WiFi and plenty of outlets in a great ambiance for focused work. It can get crowded during peak hours, so plan accordingly.
Yoga Tayo remains a serene spot where you can catch up on emails with a view of the sea. The atmosphere is relaxed, but be aware of the 2-hour WiFi limit, and it's not ideal for video calls.
3️⃣ Nacpan Beach: Beauty with a side of WiFi
Nacpan's pristine shores are still more about relaxation than work, but options are slowly improving.
Mad Monkey Hostel remains the most reliable spot for getting work done in Nacpan. The internet is decent for most tasks, and it's surprisingly calm during the day. However, it can get noisy in the evenings, and alternatives are limited.
4️⃣ Vanilla Beach (Corong Corong): A work in progress
Vanilla Beach is still catching up in terms of digital nomad infrastructure. Your best bets here are accommodations rather than cafes or restaurants. Happiness Boutique Resort and Las Cabanas Beach Resort offer workable WiFi connections, a rarity in this area. However, options are limited, and mobile data is unreliable as a backup.
Why make El Nido your next remote office?
El Nido continues to weave its magic, offering a blend of work and wanderlust. From the Town Proper to the shores of Nacpan, each location adds its flavor to your workday. It's all about finding that balance between productivity and paradise.
We're always seeking places that inspire while allowing us to stay connected. El Nido, with its limestone cliffs, crystal waters, and growing digital nomad scene, does just that.
So pack your laptop, grab your snorkel, and join us in this tropical workspace. El Nido is calling, and trust us, it's a call worth answering! 🌴💻🇵🇭
Here is a list in Google Maps for all the places mentioned, a combination of accommodations, restaurants, and cafes that you can work from:
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