Name: Golden Monkey Cottages
Address: Caalan Beach, Barangay Masagana, Palawan, 5313, PH

10/10

Exceptional

25 Jul 2026

Bansidhar

It was a very nice hotel in an excellent location - highly recommended to visitors.

8/10

Excellent

02 Jul 2026

Abigail

Located about 15 mins walk from El Nido and right on the beach this place is a real gem. It’s peaceful and the breakfasts overlooking the sea are divine. It’s close enough to town to but far enough that you have space. Plus they have a free tricycle service to Town Square (although it’s not the most comfortable so it’s often better to walk in daylight unless you have bags).
The only real negative was the noise. The rooms have no soundproofing so you hear cockerels and dogs from about 3.30am. Definitely take earplugs for a good night sleep.
Staff very helpful the though when I was there they were battling very poor WiFi connection and electricity issues.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

30 Apr 2026

Tara

Beautiful! Peaceful, kind people, great food, walkable

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

15 Feb 2026

David

Clean rooms & great staff with amazing view
From Resto/bar!!

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

07 Feb 2026

Damien

Insane views

8/10

Excellent

20 Jan 2026

Elizabeth

Nice room with a view, great staff!

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

25 Nov 2025

Christian Reyne

Room is good and comfortable. However frequent power outage. The AC is very weak and not cold during hot weather which is most of the time. The staff has very strict rule of not being able to bring in food so if you have left overs from restaurants you cant bring it back to the hotel.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

19 Nov 2025

Roy

The old owners, Rosie and Kev fantastic there was no beach it was idyllic but the ocean is up to the boundary walls. Low tide is just okay.

Leisure Self

6/10

Pleasant

10 Nov 2025

Ana

Breakfast has very limited menu, the rice with garlic served uncooked, room is okay, not hot water of the shower, air-conditioning too loud, staff are okay but not accommodating, my room was garden view but i open the window tje view was garbages. The location of the hotel is hard to access especially if it rains, we were confined in the room cannot go downtown because no rides can get trough the wet and sandy road.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

11 Sep 2025

Timothy

I had an amazing stay here! The staff was awesome and my accommodations were perfect. The only thing I didn’t like was the convenience of getting to and from El Nido. The hotel provided free transportation but only to the main square.

Leisure Self

2/10

Poor

31 Aug 2025

David

It was a run down hotel. It was dirty and black mould throughout the room. The bed was like sleeping on a rock. We actually moved to lime resort and it was fantastic

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

29 May 2025

Natasha

Cute little cottages just a short trek from town. Tricycle able to take you back and forth--do need service to call/whats app them to request it.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

24 Apr 2025

Stacey

I absolutely LOVE LOVE this place!!! From the moment we arrived, the staff was welcoming and met every expectation. The staff made sure we had \"to go\" breakfast on a morning that we were leaving for a private boat tour, so kind. The dinning area is incredible; we could've just sat there for hours as the view was perfect! Right on the water; so beautiful. Food was great. We walked to and from town, for us no big deal only a short walk to everything. The grounds are as clean as they could be and so beautiful with the flowers, trees, rock walkway, and little sitting areas. Our \"cabin\" was perfect, air conditioning worked very well, clean, and just what we needed. We would recommend this place to everyone and if ever in the area again would stay here. Thanks for such an amazing stay!!!

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

17 Apr 2025

Severino

Our cottage, Unit 1 had a fabulous view of the ocean. The room was clean and the beds were comfortable. The hotel staff was very friendly and always attentive to the needs of the hotel guests. I would definitely recommend this place to friends and families.

10/10

Exceptional

05 Dec 2024

jeff

We really enjoyed our stay at the Golden Monkey. The staff was great. The breakfast in the morning was good and filling with strong brewed coffee served by a nice girl named Vanz. There was another server, but I missed her name. The wonderful July at the desk arranged our tour and rides to the airport. Pads the tuk tuk driver was great, also helped carry our luggage to the second floor room with a great view. It’s not a high end resort, but very comfortable with a short ride or 15 minute walk into town. Beach was good for shelling. Not great for swimming. Best beach for swimming is the Corong Corong side or El Nido town.

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

18 Oct 2024

Kimberly

Views wonderful. Noise around area and within property disappointing. I was awoken quite a bit by staff, construction workers, loud guests. Staff gave misinformation and was not prepared for transport when said would.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

16 Oct 2024

Jillian

We love the staff service and the view of the resort. My kids loved our stay at it that they don't want to leave the place already. We fell in love with the view at the resort location. We also love the breakfast options, its free breakfast, and its free tuktuk service from/to the resort. We will definitely come back here.

Leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

21 Sep 2024

Josephine

You would have the best view if you’re staying at cottage 1.

10/10

Exceptional

04 Aug 2024

Keith

Great value for money

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

04 Jul 2024

Rebecca

The relaxing splash

Was a relaxing stay with the splash of the sea & the awesome mountains around

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

06 Apr 2024

Jennifer

I booked room one, a family room, as it was the last room available at the time.

I didn’t need the additional space but it was worth the additional cost for the view. There was seating and two sun beds on the deck overlooking the bay. Unrestricted water views.

The hotel isn’t new, but gets five stars for the view and the excellent food.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

29 Mar 2024

Daren

Great stay and great staff at Golden Monkey

Good, quiet location right on the waterfront, comfortable room, good rates, and above all extremely helpful, friendly staff who went above and beyond to ensure we enjoyed our stay and made the most of our time.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

06 Mar 2024

Liam

A beautiful location on Calaan Beach, which is just an easy 5-10 minute walk into town.
The cottage I stayed in was basic with just a ceiling fan, which is fine for me, with a very tropical jungle feel to the rooms.
The staff were all so friendly and helpful. The grounds are kept immaculate.
The breakfast included was simple, but delicious and the view from the restaurant/bar everyone morning is memorable.
Really enjoyed staying here and not in town centre.
Would return on my next visit to el nido.

Leisure Self

4/10

Poor

18 Feb 2024

Marco

Got “upgraded” because they doubled booked with someome else so last 2 days were booked at a nearby hotel. It was a massive downgrade, checked prices, much lower than what we spent per night, room was 2/3rds smaller, smelled like mildew, dirty, air conditioner louder than a full washing machine full of trash. Dusty as all hell, no shampoo or soap, overall trash experience. This was booked 3 months prior to leaving and then we were notified to move less than 2 weeks prior to arriving. No reimbursement, and no notice of actual new hotel until literally the day of transfer, they couldnt provide the name because they probably didnt want us to see the massive downgrade to their sister company. Terrible experience, regardless if the first hotel room wasnt half bad. Terrible managing of our stay, no thanks

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

08 Feb 2024

Savannah

Some of the reviews were very dramatic, and frankly not a reflection of the experience I had at Golden Monkey. I loved the rooms, decor, bar (albeit intermittently attended), hammock and quick access to the beach.

I would recommend taking a separate tricycles if you have anymore than two people and bags, otherwise your third will have to jump off during the narrow streets to the hotel! Also loved the cats Frida and Melon, their very own in house Golden Monkey!

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

04 Feb 2024

Cathy

We are very happy with our stay, the view was unbelievable! win win! Free breakfast was also a plus, basic Filipino Breakfast and they do serve European Breakfast. Walking distance to the town square, and we walk along the beach to get to the town square.

However, the sign on the street is so small that the tricycle driver have to ask me several times the name of the hotel which increases my suspicion if there is such a hotel or not. :) The road going to this hotel is so narrow that no car can fit, but only tricycle or motorcycle.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

23 Jan 2024

Mia

This property is such a gem! I love how secluded and peaceful it is, away from all the noise of the town. It's also beachfront, so you can go for a dip whenever you want on the clear waters of Palawan. Since it's secluded, it's a little far from the town proper, probably a 15-20 minute walk or a 5 minute tricycle ride which they offer for free, just message them whenever you need a ride. Our room was at the 3rd floor which was so spacious, we had our own balcony with a hammock and the best view of the waters. Staff is amazing too, July at the front desk helped us out with everything, from van transfers to booking a massage, she was so nice and truly the highlight of our stay here. The other staff at the restaurant (breakfast and evening), and the kuyas who drove us with the tricycle are all so nice and warm andbalways very accommodating. It's free breakfast too! Only wish is for them to have more breakfast options but otherwise everything was so great. I'll stay here again in a heartbeat when I go back.

10/10

Exceptional

17 Jan 2024

Dana

It was amazing!

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

09 Jan 2024

Robert

Bathroom was very old, needs a remodel, towels were old and floor matt was a rag

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

03 Sep 2023

James

Very relaxing place, clean and good staff. Keep it up. God bless

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

26 Apr 2023

Nathan

Nice little cottage away from all the city noise. Right on beach. Wake up in the mornings and simply take a few steps to the water

Leisure Self

6/10

Pleasant

05 Jan 2023

Carmelina

Wifi wasn’t working for the first 4 days we were there, was rather inconvenient

8/10

Excellent

12 Dec 2022

Aly

Beautiful views and friendly staff

Such a great property. Staff was great, Anna was very helpful. Our room (15) was on the 3rd floor, all stairs, but the view on the balcony was beautiful. Bed was nice and firm, AC unit and ceiling fan was really good, but only thing that I had a problem with was that the shower drain was a little clogged and no one ever came up to unclog it (but that did not change my view of how nice the property was). Eating area was nice and open, but if I were to really be picky it would be all the cars that roam around the area cause I’m allergic. Another downside to the property is how to get there from the main road. A little rough but manageable. But overall I would come back and suggest it to anyone.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

26 Sep 2022

Alexander

Absolutely beautiful property with awesome place to sit right in front of the water. Best view. We arrived very late, the property communicated with us quite well and arranged our pickup as it’s not accessible by car. They send a very cool little tricycle that drove us along the beach and down a narrow pathway to the property. Was fun and made it even more of an experience. Comfy bed and basic but nice room. Awoke to the stunning view and a nice free breakfast :) would stay again for sure

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

03 Sep 2022

Pieter

Very nice place when staying in El Nido

Very nice accomodation. Amazing food in the restaurant by a French chef. Well recommended.

Just some troubles with the water pump during our stay, meaning there was no water for a few hours, but that’s part of the things that happen when travelling in a country like the Philippines and can’t really be helped.

They are a little bit away from El Nido town, but provide a free tricycle to get to town and back, so that’s really not an issue.

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

22 Jul 2022

michael

This property has new owners
There is still a few issues they are working through however based on my experience here this will be a fabulous place to stay for my future visits

Business Partner

10/10

Exceptional

05 Mar 2020

Kylie

Enjoyed !

Enjoyed our stay. We found it difficult to get to when we arrived, we weren't told to notify hotel but were lucky enough for a local to ring for us when they saw us walking with luggage. It is a fair but enjoyable walk to town or a very interesting bike ride across the beach.

Partner

4/10

Poor

24 Jan 2020

Verified traveler

Staff is very friendly and helpful. Room was clean but noisy.
It is very difficult to get to the property, as not every tricycle can get there, so you have to walk another 10 min or call hotel to send them their tricycle which you have to pay for it. There no restaurant at the property, and all restaurants that are nearby are overpriced. On their leaflet it said free transfer when you checking out but as we found out free transfer is only from hotel to main road. As we needed to go to local airport, we had to pay extra.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

15 Jan 2020

zied

The hotel is in a quiet area around 10-15 mins walk from town but it has its own tricycles and can drive guests to/from town.
Rooms are quite basic but spacious.
The restaurant has a beautiful view on the beach.
It is not possible to swim in that area because the beach is rocky.
Staff is generally helpful
Overall pleasant stay but overpriced

Partner

8/10

Excellent

31 Dec 2019

Mercy

The place has a very nice view of the other island if you choose it on your booking. Beach is a bout few feet from the balcony. Can hear waves at night .Clean comfortable , has AC and electric fan in the room. Very nice people . The place is about 15-20 min walk to the main strip for eating and strolling around. It is only accessible by a small tricycle for the road is very narrow going there.

Friends_and_family Family

6/10

Pleasant

30 Apr 2019

Verified traveler

most of the food listed in your menu are not available. you should have a choice of jam not only calamansi jam.

Leisure Family

6/10

Pleasant

06 Apr 2019

Verified traveler

an aged property in a hard to access part of Caalan beach. For some reason normal transportation from el nido do not go to this area so you have to arrange pick up from the property. this easier said than done and took us lots of effort to communicate with them. You should also be aware that Caalan beach is not a place to swim during low or high tide- do not let others tell you otherwise. We were here for 3 nights and did not see anyone swiming in it.
Our net take is that the Caalan beach area is the least desirable place to stay in el nido and prices asked for stays here are high and not worth it. Golden monkey not worth the price you pay.

Leisure Partner

6/10

Pleasant

20 Feb 2019

James

Great View: shame about the location/accessibility

Plus: stunning views; nice cottages; A/C; Drawbacks: Must walk a mile (or tricycle) on wild dog path (1 bit my partner)

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

15 Feb 2019

Verified traveler

Great staff and a beautiful property set away from the bustle of downtown... but still close enough to walk!

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

11 Feb 2019

Verified traveler

The room was really nice and clean with a balcony that had great views out to the sea. Some other rooms didn't have any views though. Our toilet didn't flush. The staff were helpful. Breakfast is included and is ok thought a bit simple. The location is nice and peaceful away from the main town of El Nido although could be a bit of a trek every time you want to go out for food or do an activity. There is a tricycle service for 50php each way to the end of the road. The hotel seems to be missing a trick by not having a bar or restaurant. They have a breakfast area with tables and chairs overlooking the sea but they don't serve any drinks or anything except at breakfast.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

21 Jan 2019

Malin

Would not go there again.

The only hotel I’ve stayed at in the Philippines who hasn’t been able to help us with transportation (within Palawan). Air condition stopped working. Couldn’t pay with card though it said they could in description in front desk. No beach nearby and it’s not easy to get there, bumpy road and you’d have to walk very far or pay the hotel to give you ride with tricycle (other tricycles wouldn’t go there). Hotel had no restaurant and there’s only one restaurant nearby where it was really expensive.

Breakfast staff was very helpful and friendly. The room had a stunning view over the ocean, but that’s it.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

30 Dec 2018

Verified traveler

Golden Monkey is peaceful, friendly and simple with beautiful views and just the right distance from the bustle of downtown El Nido. You can walk to town in about ten minutes or take the hotel’s private tuk tuk.
The staff are friendly and so are the family cats (LB likes to sit on laps at breakfast time!). You can walk five minutes along the beach to swim, and snorkel when the tide is higher. There is thriving coral right there. We had a nice room upstairs with a big balcony with a picture-perfect view. Highly recommend.

6/10

Pleasant

11 Sep 2018

Sandra

Great views after renovation will be really lovely

We got the tricycle to Lally and Abet resort as instructed but struggled to call them on the numbers they gave but eventually they sent their guy. The lane is narrow and we would not have found it on our own or managed our suitcase as being rainy Low season the path was muddy and being rebuilt in parts. A lovely warm welcome and great room upgrade as they were doing renovations. Great view from our own veranda where they served us a delicious breakfast as we were the only guests. Lovely well kept Gardens and peaceful space. The beach here is rocky but easy to walk to a sandy area and out to the point or to El Nido 10 -15 mins the other way. Restaurant was closed but nice meals at other nearby resorts and little shops in the lane to buy drinks and snacks to supplement those in the room fridge. In season and when all the renovations done it will be great. So friendly and helpful staff.

Partner

2/10

Poor

05 Jun 2018

C

Not worth the price

10/10

Exceptional

18 Apr 2018

Verified traveler

Wonderfully relaxing hotel with a spectacular view

We booked this hotel after a night at a hot and noisy hostel and wow, what a difference. Peaceful, unbelievable scenery, and the nicest staff who helped schedule tours and rent motorbikes for us.

Breakfasts are delicious. Sunsets are a must-see every evening. And definitely schedule tours with them because the boaters they work with are awesome!