What hidden fees pop up in El Nido and Coron that wreck a budget?
Want to avoid surprise charges on island-hopping trips.
2 answers
- Bryan (El Nido boatman)📍 LocalJun 28, 2026
Beyond tour prices (PHP 1,400-2,200/person), budget for the El Nido Eco-Tourism Development Fee of 400 (one-off, valid several days), Coron's environmental fee around 200-300, plus extra entrance fees per spot (Big Lagoon and Kayangan Lake are about 200 each). Lunch and snorkel gear are usually included; bottled water and booze are not. Build it into /expenses so the eco-fees don't blindside you.
- LenaJun 28, 2026
Don't confuse the two airport charges: the travel tax (about PHP 1,620 economy) is almost always built into your ticket, and the terminal fee is usually included too (700 at most CAAP airports, 950 at Manila/NAIA). Bigger gotcha on the boats: bring small bills - boatmen rarely have change for a 1,000.