Generally speaking, well known hotels & resorts in the El Nido are welcoming towards all LGBTQ couples and most of the 4 & 5* hotels are gay friendly El Nido.
The lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people in the Philippines have a distinctive culture[vague] in society and also have limited legal rights. Gays and lesbians are generally tolerated (if not accepted) in Filipino society. Despite recent events that have promoted the rights, general acceptance, and empowerment of the Filipino LGBT community, discrimination remains. Homosexuals in the Philippines are known as “bakla“, though there exist other terms to describe them. Similarly, Filipino lesbians are generally known as Alfa.
El Nido is a Philippine municipality on Palawan island. It’s known for white-sand beaches, coral reefs and as the gateway to the Bacuit archipelago, a group of islands with steep karst cliffs. Miniloc Island is famed for the clear waters of its Small and Big lagoons. Nearby Shimizu Island has fish-filled waters. The area has many dive sites, including Dilumacad Island’s long tunnel leading to an underwater cavern.
top attractions to visit in El Nido
Full-day Tours in El Nido
- El Nido Island Hopping Tour A: Lagoons and Beaches with Buffet Lunch
- El Nido Island Hopping: Caves and Coves Tour Including Buffet Lunch
- Shared El Nido Island Hopping Tour Including Picnic Lunch
See all Full-day Tours in El Nido on Klook.
1. Angel Nido Resort 3* – Gay Friendly Hotels El Nido
Angel Nido Resort has a restaurant, bar, a shared lounge and garden in El Nido. Boasting a tour desk, this property also provides guests with a terrace. The accommodation features room service and free WiFi.
All rooms at the resort are fitted with a seating area. At Angel Nido Resort the rooms have air conditioning and a private bathroom.
Guests at the accommodation can enjoy a continental or an American breakfast. Angel Nido Resort is located in front of the beautiful Bacuit Bay and with the view of Cadlao island, distant just 800 meters from the city center of El Nido (10/15 min walk). Our cottages and rooms are furnished with a mix of native/modern style with ceiling fan, air conditioning, windows with mosquito nets and well-finished bathrooms with hot shower and private terraces with sea and/or garden views.
he hotel is lovely and quiet and right next to the sea. You can paddle and almost swim but it is quite shallow – the view is beautiful and the hammocks and breakfast area look straight out to sea which was fantastic. Breakfast isn’t huge but it is tasty we just added some extra toast onto it to bulk it out. The room was small but clean and comfy with great air con.
The staff were amazingly helpful and friendly. One day we hired a kayak from the hotel and paddled over to one on the islands this was great fun and gives you the chance to get to a quiet beach. In the evenings we walked to the main el Nido beach strip which takes about ten fifteen mins we ate at an amazing fish restaurant the Angel Wish the seating is basic but seafood to die for and very reasonable price. We use the art cafe to book our tour and this was a very organised and professional company to use also the boat only had about 8 people on which was great. We loved this little hotel and is accessibility to the main beach strip if you don’t mind a walk or can get a moped was easy- we preferred being away from the noise of town. The hotel organised free transport to the ferry port for us on the way back which was helpful.
Bathrooms are clean and simple, you have warm water when the electricity is on and wireless works fine as well, bearing that you are in a remote place and some connections might not always be at their best. You don’t come to El Nido for a holiday made of bars and restaurants or great shopping and if you expect this, you will be very disappointed. But if you are looking to explore an island which is still under development, with a great nature, great beaches, this is the place for you.
The location is hidden away, a bit out of town, but this works to it’s advantage as it is private and secluded- the perfect place to relax and absorb the amazing sea view and sunsets. The bungalow was basic but cosy and very well maintained, just like the rest of the resort which is situated right on the water’s edge. However, it was the staff that really made the difference to our stay. Friendly and always willing to go above and beyond to ensure our satisfaction, they were the main reason for us enjoying our time there so much. Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this resort to fellow gay travelers.
This place is heaven! Gorgeous landscaping, views, sound of waves gently crashing, spotless room and good meals! We loved it. We had the sea view cottage and loved sitting on our deck eating breakfast and enjoying the view. After a long day of island hopping it was a pleasure to return here to be met by a warm and friendly staff (and owner) and to come back to our room tidied up.
How much does a room costs at Angel Nido Resort ?
Prices start 60 $/night for Standard Double Room. The Deluxe Double Room with Balcony is 86$/room per night with breakfast included – if coming on a honeymoon this is the perfect choice for gay couples.
This double room has a balcony, tile/marble floor and air conditioning.
Where to book online – Angel Nido Resort – Gay Friendly Hotels El Nido– you can find the best hotels deals in El Nido during The Kulambo Festival which is celebrated with much enthusiasm in El Nido on Booking.com or Trivago.com and see more reviews on TripAdvisor.
2. Cauayan Island Resort and Spa 5* – Gay Friendly Hotels El Nido
Set amidst lush greenery, Cauayan Island Resort offers luxurious and peaceful accommodation in El Nido. The resort features an outdoor infinity pool, and a restaurant on site.
Offering views of the beach and garden from the private balcony, villas are furnished with modern interiors, a clothes rack, a flat-screen TV and minibar. Some villas include a daybed to relax in after a busy day. Indoor and outdoor shower facilities are also available.
Guests can enjoy island-hopping or kayaking around the islands of El Nido. Diving activities at 15 different dive sites can be arranged at the Cauayan Diving Centre. Guests may also rejuvenate with a pampering massage at Cauayan Spa.
Is a luxury resort that embodies the pristine beauty of its natural surroundings and first class personalised services. Escape to a paradise of tranquility and haven of comfort. Indulge yourself in a perfect serene lifestyle vacation. The beach coastline is a welcoming picturesque of clear blue water and a vast stretch of white sand beach that exudes a tropical ambiance. It captivates the true essence of natural beauty with its surroundings of lush greens and wide array of flower blooms. Each villa is designed with spectacular views that redefine coziness and relaxation. Enjoy a dining adventure and savor the taste of our impeccable dishes. Immerse yourself in the different island activities and facilities to make your vacation experience truly memorable.
This island resort was met all of these criteria and offered so much more. Its picture-perfect location surrounded by pristine blue waters and magical cliffs overhanging no matter where you look from will take your breath away and your instant thought would be “I am in paradise”. The shore and the sea (steps away from our villa) was filled with all kinds of magnificent creatures, coral, fish in a multitude of shapes, sizes, and colors, baby shark Playing around our feet, chasing each other!) and TURTLES! Every morning and throughout the day, we saw turtles who come right to the Cauayan shore to graze. It was their nesting season and we were so grateful to have the luxury to swim alongside these turtles. They are not scared easily either, they are pretty used to humans swimming alongside marveling at them as they happily graze seagrass 🙂
We stayed at the Beach Front Villa which was idyllic. We were steps away from the shore and every morning, we awoke to the view and sound of the waves gently caressing the shore. We saw the high tide and low tide and it was all lovely. The infinity pool overlooking the sea was another magnificent surprise. The location was so perfect, it has an uninterrupted view of the sea so it appears as an extension of the sea.
But in spite of all this, the most beautiful feature of this amazing resort surrounded by so much beauty was the lovely people who live and work here. They made this experience better than we could ever have imagined. From the moment we were greeted by Cauayan Resort, Airport pickup crew to the moment we were dropped off at the same spot 7 days later, every single person we had the privilege of interacting with was absolutely beautiful.
The island hopping tours are an absolutely amazing experience and a must-do. It was the most exciting adventure we have been on and we had the best snorkeling experience of our life ( previous experiences being in Hawaii and Mexico). The food on the island hopping tours was so delicious, we ate till we could eat no more. I would definitely recommend going for no less than 4-5 days so you can enjoy the resort beach and pool and also do the island hopping tours, one if not all.
The room:
We booked a beach villa which I would highly recommend. Having a view of the beach when you wake up is special. Being able to step out of your villa on to the beach is a real privilege. The TV didn’t work but who cared, it’s the last thing we were going to think about when you are in paradise. There is an indoor sunken tub which the kids loved and an outdoor shower at the rear of the villa. The veranda has a daybed which is fantastic to relax on and take in the view. It’s worth noting that you will only observe sunrise from the villa beach side (which is worth waking up for) and the sunsets on the other side of the island.
The food:
All meals are served in their one and only restaurant. Great opportunity to see other guests and enjoy the privileged ambience that such a place offers. Breakfast is al carte but there is no limit to what you can order. Great selection of fresh juices, pastries, and traditional options that will leave you totally satisfied. Lunch and dinner have a good variety of options and were impressed with the presentation, quality and quantity.
The spa:
What an amazing spa…just the walk along the limestone edge bridge to get there is an experience in itself leading one to an event they will relish. Just picture it: being massaged while looking through a glass floor with colourful fish swimming across the sea. Incredible.
How much does a room costs at Cauayan Island Resort and Spa ?
Prices start 453 $/night for Beach View Villa (with Boat Transfers). The Bay View Cauayan Pool Villa is 864$/room per night with breakfast included – if coming on a honeymoon this is the perfect choice for gay couples.
This villa features a balcony, sofa and air conditioning.
Where to book online – Cauayan Island Resort and Spa- LGBT Friendly Hotels El Nido– you can find the best hotels deals in El Nido during The Kulambo Festival which is celebrated with much enthusiasm in El Nido on Booking.com or Trip.com and see more reviews on TripAdvisor.
3. Buko Beach Resort 4* – Gay Friendly Resorts El Nido
Offering an outdoor swimming pool, Buko Beach Resort is a beachfront accommodation set in Corong Corong, El Nido. Free WiFi is provided in public areas and free parking is available on site.
Featuring native designs, all air-conditioned rooms come with a terrace and an outdoor bathroom with hot shower facilities.
Guests can enjoy food and drinks at the on-site restaurant and bar. Alternatively, room service is available.
Welcome to Buko Beach Resort, El Nido’s most unique beachfront haven. Located between the lush, jungle-clad mountains and the beautiful beachfront of Corong Corong, our Grand Villa (4 bedrooms for groups and families) and six distinct cottages (for 2 adults 16+ years) have been designed and built with native materials, local Filipino craftsmanship and an attention to unique design that is the hallmark of the ‘Buko’ experience.
In the Philippines, the word ‘Buko’ means coconut, and the coconut is commonly called “the tree of life” – due to its diverse number of uses ranging from food to building materials. We appreciate the land on which our resort was built upon, and strive to maintain the integrity of our operation with an environmentally-conscious vision to the best of our ability. We look forward to hosting you on your next vacation to our tropical paradise in El Nido.
If you are looking for a peaceful place to clear your thoughts and relax then look no further. If you love the sound of nature around you look no further. Looking for the best sunsets look no further.. The rooms are spacious and rustic with comfortable beds. If you love the outdoor life then this resort is perfect. They provide plenty of products to keep the mosquitoes away. The resort is only 100 peso tricycle ride each way into town if you are wanting to shop or have a meal outside of the resort. We loved the food at the resort along with the best cocktails!! Breakfast was included and we were never disappointed, we pretty much tried everything off the menu.
The cottages are a beautiful combination of modern and traditional Philippine design. The rooms are clean and super comfortable.
I liked that the bathroom was partially outdoor as it would maintain a very natural, fresh air circulation from the surrounding trees and plants outside. The king bed was comfortable (not too firm nor soft) as the A/C was in good condition which provided a good night’s sleep. The living room was spacious, comfy and had an elevated dining area countertop by the kitchen area where you can easily eat, drink and hang-out. One unique service they offer is having your meals in your villa, which is very convenient if you’re already tired and want to just stay in. The pool in the villa was clean and it’s cool temperature was very refreshing. One of my favorite areas was the BUKO BAR by the beachfront. It is a very charming and serene setting to eat and have drinks.
I highly suggest to order their “Specials” for the day. The prawns, mashed potato, chicken pastel pasta, mushrooms, local fish were all delicious as my plate was empty every time. The food variety was very appealing and appetizing. And all of this can be enjoyed while having a glimpse of a very stunning sunset view, one of the best I have seen. What made the experience worth it was the very friendly, accommodating resort staff from the bellmen, reception, housekeeping, F&B servers, bartenders, and security. Even though it is on the outskirts of El Nido town and all the way at Palawan, BUKO is definitely a snug place to be my Home away from Home.
The resort is small, quite and very beautiful and the grounds are kept in a pristine condition. The cottages are beautifully designed, and ours was extremely comfortable and clean. The beds are really wide and very comfortable, and the bed sheets and laundry smell amazing. I really loved the outdoor shower, although the water pressure is a little low but still pleasant.
The food here is extremely tasty, they offer a good range menu and breakfast was a particular highlight and a great way to start the day. The mango pancakes are so good! I strongly recommend their pizzas which are delicious. The cocktails were very good too.
The staff are so lovely and very friendly. They are also extremely helpful and helped us to book island hopping tours (both group and private tours), transfers to Nacpan beach and a private massage in our room.
The resort is in a great location as it is only a short tricycle ride to the main town but far enough away from the hustle and bustle. There is a small stretch of beach in front of the resort which is okay, but not the best for sunbathing. However, Corong Corong beach is very close to the resort and it was also very close to the meeting point for island hopping tours. The wifi was not working during our stay, but to be honest it was nice to have a digital detox. Also, I think generally there tend to be wifi issues in El Nido. There is a pool there which isn’t large enough to go for a proper swim, but nice to relax around with a cocktail.
I would highly recommend Buko Beach Resort, especially if you want to stay somewhere very chilled out, but still has the benefit of being close to other activities to explore. We really enjoyed our stay here, and would definitely stay here again.
How much does a room costs at Buko Beach Resort ?
Prices start 177 $/night for Standard Cottage. The Sea View Cottage is 284$/room per night with breakfast included – if coming on a honeymoon this is the perfect choice for gay couples.
This sea view bungalow is on the front row of the resort near to the beach and pool. They have a private lounging area with views of the pool and sea. All bungalows have an outdoor private bathroom with shower, air conditioning and outdoor covered seating area with hammock.
Where to book online – Buko Beach Resort – Gay Friendly Hotels El Nido– you can find the best hotels deals in El Nido during The Kulambo Festival which is celebrated with much enthusiasm in El Nido on Booking.com or Trip.com and see more reviews on TripAdvisor.
