Darocotan Island: The Complete Travel Guide to the Philippines’ Best Kept Secret
If you’ve spent any time in El Nido, you’ll know exactly what I mean when I say it can feel a little… overwhelming (the queues, the tour touts and the Instagram crowds at every lagoon). It’s beautiful, of course, but it’s a lot.
Darocotan Island is the antidote to all of that.
Just an hour from El Nido town, this tiny, unspoiled island sits quietly off the northern coast of Palawan, largely unknown to the crowds streaming through the more famous spots nearby.
There are no beach clubs on this island, but what there is (and I say this as someone who has travelled for over 12 years and visited 70 countries) is one of the most genuinely special places I have ever been.
I visited Darocotan Island during the dry season and stayed at Isla – The Island Experience, and it ended up being the highlight of my entire Philippines trip.
In this guide, I’m covering everything you need to know before you visit, what the island is actually like, how to get there, where to stay across every budget, what to do, and, crucially, whether it’s actually right for you.
Because Darocotan Island isn’t for everyone. And knowing that before you book is exactly the kind of thing I wish more travel guides would just say upfront.
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What is Darocotan Island?
Darocotan Island is a tiny, remote 2km long island located off the northern coast of Palawan in the Philippines, roughly 50km from El Nido town.
This isn’t a party island or a resort island. Darocotan is a proper slow-down and switch-off, from a world kind of place.
There are only a handful of accommodation options, a small local village, and a small community of people visiting and volunteering on the island.
The island runs on solar power and small generators. There are no ATMs, cards aren’t accepted anywhere, and WiFi and phone signal are patchy at best.
And honestly? That’s exactly what makes it so special.
Darocotan Island is home to a real, thriving local community, which gives the island a warmth that’s increasingly hard to find in Palawan’s more touristy spots like El Nido.
The few resorts that operate here do so with sustainability and community in mind, which you feel from the moment you arrive.
Is Darocotan Island Right For You?
Darocotan Island is genuinely one of the most special places I’ve visited in over 12 years of travel. But I’d be doing you a disservice if I pretended it was for everyone, because it really isn’t, and knowing that before you book is the whole point.
Darocotan Island is perfect for you if:
- You’re after something genuinely off the beaten path, away from El Nido’s crowds
- You’re happy to embrace the eco-glamping experience
- You don’t mind being a little off-grid
- You love connecting with other travellers
- You want to slow down, switch off and actually decompress
- You care about sustainable, community-focused travel
Darocotan Island is probably not for you if:
- Luxury and privacy are non-negotiables
- You struggle with the idea of no private bathroom, especially at night (I’ll be honest, the 3 am walk in the dark to the toilet is not fun)
- You need reliable WiFi to work remotely or stay connected
- You’re expecting resort-style amenities like a spa, pool or room service
- You want maximum flexibility — the island runs on fixed boat times, so spontaneous arrivals and departures aren’t really an option
How to Get to Darocotan Island
Getting to Darocotan Island is surprisingly straightforward, which is part of what makes it such a brilliant addition to a wider Philippines itinerary. Most people travel from El Nido, and the whole journey takes around an hour from town.
Here’s exactly how to do it.
Step 1: Get to Teneguiban Port from El Nido
You have three options for the roughly 50-minute journey from El Nido town to Teneguiban Port:
Shared Shuttle via Your Accommodation: The easiest and most straightforward option. Most accommodations on Darocotan Island offer a shared shuttle service from El Nido, so when you make your reservation, ask your resort about transfer arrangements; they’ll usually sort everything for you. This is the option I went for, and it couldn’t have been more straightforward.
Private Taxi: If the shared shuttle departure time doesn’t work for your schedule, a private taxi is a flexible alternative. Your accommodation should be able to help you arrange this if needed.
Moped or Bike: If you’ve already rented a bike, you can ride directly to Teneguiban Port yourself. Park up at Teneguiban Barangay Hall, and it’s no more than a 10-minute walk to the pier from there. This is the most flexible option and gives you the freedom to stop off along the way if anything catches your eye.
💡 Need to book transport around the Philippines? I always use 12goasia or Bookaway.com for buses, boats and transfers — they make planning connections so much easier.
Step 2: Catch the Boat to Darocotan Island
Once you’re at Teneguiban Port, you’ll board a small outrigger boat over to the island. The crossing takes around 10–15 minutes and is completely free of charge.
Boat departures run throughout the day in both directions, and your accommodation will confirm the specific times relevant to your stay when you book, so make sure to check with them directly before you travel.
💡 Pro tip: One thing I learned quickly about travelling in the Philippines is that if a journey says it takes 5 hours, budget for 6 or 7. Always leave plenty of wiggle room between connections — missing a boat can mean waiting hours for the next one.
Where to Stay on Darocotan Island
One of the things that makes Darocotan Island so special is that there are only a handful of places to stay here, and there’s something for every budget and travel style.
Here’s a breakdown of your options:
Isla – The Island Experience — Best for Most Travellers
This is where I stayed, and it is hands down my top pick for the majority of travellers visiting Darocotan Island.
Isla – The Island Experience strikes the perfect balance between affordable comfort and a genuine sense of community.
Accommodation is in beautiful bamboo huts on stilts, each with a balcony overlooking the most stunning turquoise water you have ever seen in your life. I am not exaggerating when I say that waking up to that view every single morning was one of the best experiences of my entire travelling life.
The resort never has more than 30 guests on site at any one time, which gives the whole place that cosy, social atmosphere that you simply cannot replicate in a larger resort.
Who it’s best for: Solo travellers, couples, small groups, and anyone who values community, sustainability and a genuine connection to the place they’re visiting. It’s also brilliant for solo female travellers specifically (the small guest numbers and attentive staff mean you are never far from company or support)
Room types and prices:
| Room Type | Sleeps | Price Per Night |
|---|---|---|
| Glamping Tent | 1-2 | ~$57 |
| Large Bamboo Hut | 2 | ~$80 |
| Large Twin Bamboo Hut | 2 | ~$80 |
| XL Bamboo Stilted Hut | 4 | ~$163 |
A few things to know before you book:
- Bathrooms are shared — there are shower and toilet blocks on the property, kept clean throughout the day. It’s absolutely fine in practice, but worth knowing upfront if private facilities are a dealbreaker for you
- Food and drinks are not included in the price of your stay — meals are served communal buffet style and charged via a running tab settled at checkout. Budget roughly $15–20 per day for food and drinks
- Most activities are completely free, including snorkelling gear and village tours. The only paid activity is paddleboarding at 250 PHP (~$4) per session
- Book as early as possible — with a maximum of 30 guests, it fills up fast
💡 Want the full picture before you book? Read my complete honest review of Isla – The Island Experience, including everything from the food and activities to the bathrooms and whether it’s worth it.
Dryft Darocotan Island — Best for Couples & Special Occasions
If you’re looking for something a little more upscale on Darocotan Island, Dryft is the one to look at.
I’ll be honest, I did consider Dryft before booking my own stay, and it looks absolutely stunning, but it was slightly over my budget at the time.
Here you’ll find romantic bamboo huts and glamping tents with more privacy and a slightly more boutique feel than the other options on the island.
It is more expensive than Isla Experience, but for a special occasion, a honeymoon, or simply if you want a little more comfort and privacy during your stay, it looks like an incredible option.
Who it’s best for: Couples, honeymooners, or anyone celebrating a special occasion who wants the Darocotan Island experience with a touch more luxury and privacy.
Please note: I did not personally stay at Dryft, so this is based on research rather than first-hand experience.
Richcoast Darocotan, El Nido — Best for Budget Travellers
If you are travelling on a shoestring and want to experience Darocotan Island without stretching your budget, Richcoast Darocotan El Nido is your best bet.
It’s the most affordable option on the island and sits right on the beach, with the famous Darocotan shipwreck just a short swim from shore. It has a similar rustic, social vibe to Isla Experience but at a lower price point.
Who it’s best for: Budget backpackers, solo travellers keeping costs low, and anyone who wants the Darocotan experience without the higher price tag.
Please note: I did not personally stay at Backpackers Island El Nido, so this is based on research rather than first-hand experience.
Things to Do on Darocotan Island
Let’s be honest, the main activity on Darocotan Island is doing as little as possible, and that is completely the point.
But if you do want to get active, here is everything on offer:
Snorkel the Shipwreck
Just a short swim from shore lies a sunken ship that has slowly transformed into one of the most beautiful natural reefs in the area.
The wreck sits at 2–3 metres deep and around 25 metres long, so it’s very easy to explore.
Guests staying at Isla – The Island Experience can borrow snorkelling gear completely free of charge, so there is no excuse not to get in the water.
The Floating Pontoon (My Personal Favourite)
I need to give this one its own special moment because the floating pontoon was my absolute favourite thing about the entire trip to Darocotan.
Located just a short paddle from shore, it’s the perfect place to sunbathe, read, or simply stare out at the horizon and let your mind go completely blank.
The pontoon is available exclusively to guests staying at Isla – The Island Experience, and honestly, it’s worth booking there for this reason alone.
Every single afternoon of my stay, I would pop my Kindle into my dry bag, paddle out and spend hours there chilling alone with the ocean.
Paddleboarding
Fancy exploring the island from a different angle? You can rent a paddleboard for just 250 PHP (~$4) and head out on the water.
If you’re planning to paddle around the whole island, check with your hotel’s staff first that conditions are safe, but on a calm, dry season day, it is absolutely stunning.
Explore the Island’s Beaches & Local Village
Darocotan Island is small enough that exploring it on foot is one of the best things you can do here. Follow the shoreline, and you’ll find a string of beautiful, largely untouched beaches.
As you walk, you’ll also pass through the local village, which is worth stopping for to browse the small local shops and maybe buy a drink or snack to support the people who actually live here.
Hammocks & General Doing Nothing
Arguably, the most important activity on this list. Darocotan Island has hammocks and comfortable seating dotted all around, and I spent a truly embarrassing number of hours here with a good book, just letting the time pass.
Sunsets
Darocotan Island sunsets deserve their own mention. The sky here turns the most extraordinary shades of pink and orange over the water, and every single evening the sunsets just get better and better.
As I was staying at Isla – The Island Experience, I had a very good sunset view directly from the main beach.
What to Eat and Drink on Darocotan Island
Food
One thing worth knowing before you visit is that there are no independent restaurants or bars on Darocotan Island.
All food and drink is served at the resorts themselves, so whatever your accommodation provides is what you’ve got so be sure to factor that in when you’re planning your stay.
At Isla – The Island Experience, food is served in a communal buffet format for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Everything is made with fresh, local ingredients, and I did not have a single bad meal during my entire stay.
It’s not just the food itself that makes mealtimes special here. There is something really lovely about sitting down to eat with a group of strangers and slowly getting to know one another over a shared meal. By the end of my stay, those long communal dinners had become one of my favourite parts of the whole day.
I have also heard that Dryft welcomes non-guests at their restaurant, which is worth knowing if you fancy a change of scenery for one of your meals (though I’d recommend checking with them directly before making the trip over).
💡 Important: Food and drinks are not included in the price of your stay at Isla Experience and are charged separately via a running tab settled at checkout. I’d recommend budgeting roughly $15–20 per day for meals and drinks.
Drink
Most resorts on the island have a bar on site, and at Isla Experience there’s a small tiki bar open for most of the day.
Practical Information for Visiting Darocotan Island
Best Time to Visit Darocotan Island
Darocotan Island is at its absolute best during the dry season, which runs from November to May.
During these months you can expect clear skies, calm seas and that picture-perfect turquoise water that makes the island so special. I visited in April and the conditions throughout my entire stay were perfect. There was not a drop of rain, calm seas every single day and stunning visibility for snorkelling.
The wet season in the Philippines runs from June to October. It is still possible to visit during this time, but you may experience rough seas, heavy rainfall and reduced visibility for snorkelling. Boat schedules can also be affected by weather conditions, which is worth factoring in.
How Long Should You Spend on Darocotan Island?
Two to three nights is the perfect amount of time. One night feels too rushed because you’ve barely arrived before it’s time to think about leaving, and you won’t get the full benefit of slowing down and settling into the pace of the island.
Three nights gives you enough time to properly decompress and explore. That said, I know plenty of people who have stayed longer and had absolutely no regrets about it.
💡 Fitting Darocotan Island into a wider Philippines trip? Find out how I included it in my 10-day Philippines island-hopping itinerary.
Is Darocotan Island Safe for Solo Female Travellers?
In short, yes, absolutely.
The island is small, well managed and has a genuinely warm, community feel that makes it one of the more naturally safe environments I’ve encountered. The staff at the resorts are attentive and welcoming, and the tight-knit guest community means you are never really on your own for long.
I visited with friends rather than solo, but having travelled solo for the best part of 12 years across 60+ countries, I know exactly what to look for and Darocotan ticks every box. If I ever find myself back in the Philippines, returning to Darocotan Island solo is already at the top of my list.
What to Pack for Darocotan Island
You’re heading to a small, remote island, so keep it light but pack smart. Here’s what I’d recommend:
- Cash — and more of it than you think you need. There are no ATMs on the island and cards are not accepted anywhere. Factor in your food, drinks, activities and a little extra for souvenirs from the village before you leave the mainland
- A dry bag — One of the most useful things I packed for this trip. It means you can safely take your phone, Kindle or camera out to the pontoon, on the paddleboard or snorkelling without worrying about water damage
- Reef-safe sunscreen — non-negotiable. The reef here is thriving and it’s on all of us to keep it that way
- Downloaded entertainment — books, podcasts, playlists, Netflix shows. WiFi on the island is patchy at best, so download everything you need before you arrive. That said, I’d really encourage you to embrace the digital detox (putting my phone on aeroplane mode for most of my stay was one of the best decisions I made)
- A reusable water bottle
- Something warm for the evenings — it cools down more than you’d expect once the sun goes down
- Reef shoes — optional but useful for getting in and out of the water over rocky patches
WiFi and Connectivity
WiFi is available in communal areas on the island, but don’t expect to be scrolling Instagram all day, the connection is patchy at best and completely drops out regularly.
I really recommend leaning into it. Some of the best moments of my entire trip happened because I put my phone down and was actually present. Download what you need before you arrive and give yourself permission to disconnect properly for a few days.
Money on Darocotan Island
This is really important: bring cash, and bring enough of it.
There are no ATMs on the island and cards are not accepted, so whatever you arrive with is what you have for the duration of your stay. Make sure to factor in accommodation, food and drinks for every day of your stay, any activities, and a little extra buffer on top.
If you do run short, a PayPal transfer may be possible in some cases (which Is what we ended up having to do) but do not rely on this (especially because the internet is so patchy). Make sure to sort your cash before you leave El Nido and you’ll have nothing to worry about.
Is Darocotan Island Worth It?
100% Yes (with the right expectations).
I’ve been travelling for over 12 years and I’ve stayed in five-star hotels, tiny hostels, overwater bungalows and everything in between, and somehow, a tiny remote island off the coast of Palawan has ended up being one of the most memorable travel experiences of my entire life.
Darocotan Island won’t give you luxury nor will It give you reliable WiFi, private bathrooms or a swim-up bar.
What it will give you is something that is increasingly hard to find in travel these days, a place that feels genuinely real and rooted in community.
From the moment I stepped onto the boat over to the island, I knew I was somewhere special. And when it came to leaving, I booked the latest possible departure and still felt like it was too soon.
If you’re looking for somewhere genuinely off the beaten path in the Philippines (away from the crowds and the over-touristed lagoons) this is it.
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