The hype
Travelers love the location and cleanliness but consistently mention the rooms are incredibly small.
Mananquil Travel Lodge
$30-60/ night
Book this if You're a budget-conscious traveler who prioritizes a clean bed and a mountain view over square footage and luxury amenities.
Why People Love It
- Incredible value for the location (walking distance to town but slightly removed)
- Mountain view rooms offer a stunning limestone cliff backdrop
- Staff are consistently praised for being friendly and helpful with island hopping tours
Quick Take: A clean, no-frills crash pad with shoebox-sized rooms and a karaoke machine that might be your best friend or worst enemy.
Reviewed by @letsgowithmiklo: I stayed here before my island hopping tour. The room is simple—just a bed and bath—but honestly, that's all I needed. The best part was the rooftop breakfast; drinking coffee while staring up at those giant limestone cliffs was a core memory. Great budget spot.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'quiet corner' location is great until the on-site karaoke starts or the power goes out.
- You plan to spend 90% of your time island hopping
- You are traveling solo or with a partner you are extremely comfortable with (tight quarters)
- You want to save money for diving and tours
Cleanliness & Maintenance
7.7
- Housekeeping: Daily cleaning is available on request, but don't expect automatic turndown service.
- Bathroom hygiene: Generally clean with bidets, but watch out for low water pressure and slow drainage.
- Maintenance: Wear and tear is visible; reports of 'few things need to be fixed' are common.
- Linens & towels: Basic, clean sheets. Towels can be a bit worn/thin.
- Odors & scents: Usually fresh, but mustiness can occur in windowless rooms or after rain.
Sleepability™
6MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- On-site karaoke machine
- Thin walls (hallway noise)
- Roosters (standard in El Nido)
Before you book
Good to know
- WiFi is officially listed as 'public areas only' — don't count on streaming Netflix in bed
- There is no elevator; be prepared to carry luggage up stairs
- Check-in ends at 9:00 PM; communicate in advance if arriving late
What to pack
- Dry bag for island hopping tours
- Power bank (crucial during brownouts)
- Earplugs for the roosters and karaoke
- Quick-dry towel (hotel towels may not dry fast in humidity)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Standard Double with Balcony (Mountain View) — the view of the limestone cliffs makes the small space feel larger
- Top floor rooms — better breeze and views, less foot traffic noise
Rooms to avoid
- Basic Triple/Economy rooms without windows — guests have reported feeling claustrophobic and requesting moves
- Ground floor rooms near the reception/karaoke area
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would love to request a room on an upper floor with a mountain view balcony. Please avoid any rooms without windows or directly adjacent to the reception/karaoke area.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there a generator?
No full-capacity generator is listed. Expect to be without AC during El Nido's frequent power outages.
Is breakfast included?
No, breakfast is not included in the standard rate, though some reviews mention it's available for a fee on the rooftop.
How is the WiFi?
Weak and unreliable. Mostly works in the lobby/public areas, very spotty in rooms.
Do they accept credit cards?
No. This is strictly a cash-only property. ATMs in El Nido often run out of money, so bring cash from Manila/Puerto Princesa.
How far is the beach?
El Nido Beach is a short 3-5 minute walk; Caalan Beach is about 15 minutes away.
Are the rooms really that small?
Yes. 8 square meters is tiny. It fits a bed and a small path to the bathroom. Pack light.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The rooftop terrace has a great view of the limestone cliffs — perfect for a sunset beer even if you don't buy one there.
- ✨
Walk to the nearby 'cliffside' area for better photos than the crowded main beach.
- ✨
Tricycles to Corong Corong beach (for better sunsets) cost about 50-100 PHP from the corner.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Mountain View' is actually a stunning limestone cliff face right behind the building.
💡The shower pressure fluctuates wildly depending on how many people are using water.
💡You might have to leave your room key at the desk when you go out.
💡The 'Family Room' is just two beds crammed into a slightly larger box (12m²).
💡There is a bidet in the bathroom (a major plus for the Philippines).
Local Playbook
Map
See where Mananquil Travel Lodge is located and what's nearby.