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Holiday rentals in El Nido.
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The difference
A host wants NZ$1,975. Here’s what it costs.
The host keeps their full price. The displayed total includes a 3.9% cost contribution for Stripe payment fees and refunds. BookNoFees earns nothing from it.
Take a simple example: an owner who wants to earn $1,975 for a week.
| What each platform takes | Airbnb | Booking.com | BookNoFees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Platform commission | 15.5% | 15%–25% | 0% |
| Payment processing & protection | included | contract-specific | 3.9% |
| Owner keepson a $1,975 listing | $1,669 | $1,481–$1,679 | $1,975 |
| Guest paysfor $1,975 to reach the owner | $2,337 | $2,323–$2,633 | $2,052 |
Over 18 weeks let, that is more than $4,938 a year in this example — money that stays with the guest or reaches the owner.
Rates checked in September 2026. Under its single-fee structure, Airbnb charges most hosts 15.5%; Airbnb says other hosts typically pay between 14% and 16%. Exceptions depend on country and account type. Booking.com sets the commission rate in each accommodation agreement, and visibility programmes may increase it. This worked example uses a possible range of 15% to 25%. If Booking.com facilitates payment, the applicable payment terms and transaction cost are contract-specific. Our 3.9% cost contribution is included in the displayed total and contributes towards Stripe payment fees and refunds. BookNoFees earns nothing from it. Nothing is added at checkout and nothing is deducted from the owner. Fee models can change, so please check each platform’s current terms. Sources: Airbnb Help Center and Booking.com General Delivery Terms.
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About El Nido
Staying in El Nido
El Nido sits at the northern tip of Palawan, facing the Bacuit archipelago: a scatter of dozens of islands and islets where sheer karst cliffs rise straight out of turquoise water. Most visitors come for the island-hopping, which local boatmen have long organised into four set routes - the well-known Tours A, B, C and D - each stringing together its own mix of lagoons, snorkelling reefs, hidden beaches and secret coves. The Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon, with their still emerald water and towering walls, are the images that put El Nido on the map. Back on the mainland, the town itself is a compact, walkable grid of guesthouses, dive shops, cafes and beachfront bars, framed by cliffs and fishing bancas. A short ride north, the long golden curve of Nacpan Beach offers a slower, wilder counterpoint to the busy town. The wider bay lies within a large managed protected area, so reefs, turtles and mangroves are part of the draw. Ideally reached by air into the small local airport or by road from Puerto Princesa, El Nido rewards travellers who slow down, hop between islands by day and settle into a laid-back beach town by night.
Good to know
Holiday rentals in El Nido — FAQ
When is the best time to visit El Nido?
The dry months from roughly late November to May usually bring the calmest seas and the most reliable island-hopping conditions, with the peak around Christmas and Easter. The wetter middle of the year can mean rougher water and occasional cancelled tours, but also thinner crowds and greener scenery. Because weather at sea changes quickly, it helps to keep your schedule flexible and treat any single day's boat trip as conditions allow.
How do I get to El Nido?
Many travellers fly into the small local airport near El Nido on light aircraft, which is the quickest option. The more budget-friendly route is to fly into Puerto Princesa, Palawan's main gateway, and continue overland by van or bus to El Nido - a long but scenic road journey of several hours. Some visitors also arrive by boat from Coron. Confirm current schedules directly with your carrier or transfer operator before you travel.
What are Tours A, B, C and D?
They are the four standard island-hopping itineraries that El Nido's boat operators run around Bacuit Bay. Each tour visits a different set of lagoons, beaches, snorkelling reefs and coves, so many people do two or more on separate days rather than trying to see everything at once. Tour A is the most requested because it includes the Big and Small Lagoons. Ask your host or a local operator which combination best fits your interests and the day's sea conditions.
Do I need to book island-hopping tours in advance?
In the busy dry season the popular routes can fill up, so it is worth arranging a spot a day or two ahead, especially for tours that visit the famous lagoons where daily visitor numbers are managed. Outside peak periods you can often book on short notice in town. A local host can point you to reputable boat operators and help you time your trip around the weather.
How does booking direct through BookNoFees save me money?
BookNoFees deducts no commission from the amount set by the host. The displayed total includes a 3.9% cost contribution for Stripe payment fees and refunds, and BookNoFees earns nothing from it. Nothing is added at checkout.
Is it safe to book directly with a host on BookNoFees?
BookNoFees deducts no commission from the amount set by the host. The displayed total includes a 3.9% cost contribution for Stripe payment fees and refunds, and BookNoFees earns nothing from it. Nothing is added at checkout.
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