Darocotan Island’s “Isla Experience”: Escape the Crowds of El Nido

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Up until this point, the Philippines had left me feeling underwhelmed. Sure, the beaches were white, with limestone karsts covered in green jungle that was nothing short of postcard-worthy. But the sheer number of tourists, the insistence in the voice of every tour tout. The steady stream of offers for Tuktuks, island tour a, b, or c, and other waterfalls and lagoons deemed Instagram-worthy by the masses as you walk the street was irksome, even in my best mood. The draw of the Philippines is nature. We’re all looking for the idyllic island paradise where we can swing in woven hammocks surrounded by blue water and have to share it with only a handful of fellow travelers at most. Maybe I’m a romantic, but this is how I had envisioned the Philippines based on the stunning photos plastered all over every corner of the internet.

Bitterly disappointed with El Nido town, we left. And found Darocotan Island. On this island, I could live a little slice of that island fantasy. Shockingly, just a short journey from El Nido.

Your Guide to Darocotan Island + “Isla Experience“

Darocotan Island is a small island off the North East coast of Palawan near El Nido. It’s rimmed with white sand beaches, inhabited by locals, covered in coconut palms, and has three distinct hotels/hostels on the island.

There’s no “town” per se. Just a few streets where locals live. The entire island is easily navigable on foot if you’re dedicated enough to trudge through the overgrown jungly pathways in the center. Or you can take a coastal walk around the rocky tide lines. But mostly people who visit this island are looking to relax on a beach, get away from it all, and maybe snorkel around the brilliant blue waters in the area.

Things to know before visiting Darocotan Island

Here are a few things that you need to know before you cast away to Darocotan Island.

1. There are no ATMs on the island. Bring cash.
2. Card does not work at any of the three establishments on the island.
3. It’s advisable to bring your own snacks considering there is no place to buy any once you are on the island.
4. Meals, however, will be provided by your lodging.
5. The boat to the island does not run after dark. This means you must reach the boat dock before 5:30 PM. This is for everyone’s safety.

Getting to Darocotan Island

Obviously, this island is remote. It’s about an hour’s drive and a 15-min boat ride from El Nido town.

The Isla Experience offers free boat transfers at around 2 PM from the boat pick-up spot (sent to you after booking). If you arrive before or after that time you can pay 200 pesos ($3.30) for a private transfer. 

Getting to the boat pick-up site takes about an hour from El Nido town. You can either arrange this ride yourself or message The Isla Experience to arrange one for you. There are no bus transfers as far as I could locate that take you to this remote pier.

It’s best to arrange your transfer with The Isla Experience because the tricycle and taxi drivers in El Nido are difficult to haggle with. We ended up spending 200 pesos more than if we had just arranged ahead of time with Isla Experience.  

For two, a tricycle is 1000 pesos. An A/C car for two is 1500 pesos.

What is the Isla Experience? & Why Choose It.

As I mentioned, there are three different places to stay on Darocotan Island. We chose Isla Experience because of its commitment to working with the local community and working toward environmental sustainability. Also because it offers a unique hut-style experience for a budget-travelers price tag.

It’s a great way to meet fellow like-minded travelers and totally unwind far from Wifi signals and civilization. The snorkeling is epic, the beaches spectacular, and the island itself quite pretty to wander. It’s super similar to our experience in the San Blas Islands of Panama.

Isla Experience employs only locals on-site and has a major focus on cultural exchange, which we love. While the lodging is comfortable, Isla Experience also puts a big emphasis on encouraging travelers to step outside their comfort zone and not expect things to be done as they would at a resort or hotel. This place is one with nature and as the name suggests…offers a real island experience.

That being said, expect karaoke in the evening, no power outside of a charging post from 6 PM – 9 PM, no wifi, and limited reception even with a local SIM. There is a proper bathroom and shower, but no hot water obviously. Off-grid.

Snorkel gear is free, kayak rentals are available and the staff will give free tours of the village, and the shipwreck snorkel spot. You can also sign on for a more extended snorkeling tour and hop around a few islands for 500 pesos.

There is unlimited drinking water, coffee, and games to entertain yourself in the evening. Also, pigs. There are two resident pigs that adore being scratched and fed scraps. If you do visit, say hello to Betty and Wilma for me.

Which Isla Experience hut style is right for you? 

You’ll notice when booking that there are two very differently priced hut styles online. Let’s look at which one is right for you. 

Large glamping huts 

These more costly, but beautifully decorated huts, are spacious and equipped with a small set of shelves, and a real bed and bedframe. The views from these huts are also the most impressive since they are elevated much higher from the sand. On each, there is a balcony with a table and two chairs to enjoy your morning coffee with a view. 

If you’re looking for comfort, views, and relaxation— I would book the large huts. 

Small Huts 

The small huts are for those on a budget looking for a camping-style experience. Travelers just looking to get on the island. There are still mosquito nets and mattresses, but none of the luxuries that come with the large huts. The room is small, built mostly just for sleeping and storing your belongings away from the sand. The mattress pads are laid on the bamboo slats of the floor and there’s very little room to maneuver around in the daytime. 

If you’re on a budget this is a great way to get away from the crowds without breaking the bank.

Eating at the Isla Experience 

Food is not included in the price of the hut but it is available on the island. Meals are served three times per day buffet-style. Here’s a quick breakdown of the costs.

Breakfast- 250 pesos – $4.50

Lunch – 300 pesos – $5.40 

Dinner – 350 pesos – $6.30 

Expect a tray of basic vegetables, rice, noodles, and some protein for dinner. A similar spread for lunch and toast, pancakes, eggs, banana fritters, and fruit for breakfast. Breakfast was my favorite meal of the day. I usually ate a massive portion and then skipped lunch to avoid a carb overload. 

Instant coffee is free all day long and there is a bar where you can buy cold beer and rum cocktails. 

Isla Experience can accommodate any dietary restrictions you might have. Just be sure to tell them in advance.

Things to Bring to Isla Experience

Preparation is key to enjoyment with remote experiences like this. 

As I mentioned, there’s no wifi, limited power, and simple food options. Here’s what you should bring to enjoy yourself fully. 

• Mosquito Repellent. After rain especially, you’ll encounter a lot of mosquitos and sandflies. 
• Itch cream. Just in case. 
• Swimwear. Obviously. 
• Dry bag for valuables on the boat. 
• Cash. Lots of it. There is no ATM on the island and it’s always better to have far more than you’ll think you need. You CANNOT pay anything with card. 
• Snacks. If you’re like me and prefer to graze throughout the day at the beach or you like more variety— bring lots of snacks. There’s no kitchen but there are utensils, knives, and hot water readily available all day. I also am not a soda person. Instead, I recommend bringing packets of tang to mix with your rum. 
• Sunscreen. Lots of it. 
• Beach towel. 
• Aloe Vera. 

How long should I stay at the Isla Experience? 

2-3 nights is the perfect amount of time. This gives you ample beach lounging time, snorkel time, + island exploring time without starting to feel like you’re stranded on a deserted island. 

Some people stayed longer and enjoyed it. You just have to decide how much downtime you need. 

Leaving Darocoton Island

You will leave the same way you came! But this time you pretty much have to arrange transport with Isla Experience. The free boat heads back to the mainland at around 11 AM which is checkout time.

Fortunately, when you leave the island most people will be going to El Nido Town and you can split a van or 4-person car for slightly cheaper than the two-person options. With the added benefit of A/C.

4-person car: 1800 pesos

Van for 8 people: 2500 pesos

Note: The transport is not actually affiliated with them, they just organize it for you.

Total cost of visiting Darocotan Island with Isla Experience

To get a better idea of how much cash you should bring to the island— here’s a breakdown of costs.

3 meals: 850 pesos per day

Cocktail: 250 pesos

Snorkel tour: 500 pesos

Kayak: 500 pesos

Including the cost of the accommodation, you could expect to spend anywhere from $55-85 per day all included.

We loved our time at the Isla Experience. In fact, it was our favorite three days during our entire Philippines trip. We hopped from Palawan to Cebu to Bohol to Siquijor and never found a better beach than the one on Darocotan Island.

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