Nikki's Pension
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front of the Nikkis's pension
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About

#2 of 2 guest houses in Cuyo Island
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Location
3.4 of 5 bubbles
Rooms
3.8 of 5 bubbles
Value
3.3 of 5 bubbles
Cleanliness
3.8 of 5 bubbles
Service
2.8 of 5 bubbles
Sleep Quality
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HOTEL STYLE
Romantic
Quaint
Property amenities
Beach

Location

Palawan Province Philippines
Traveler rating
  • 7
  • 6
  • 1
  • 4
  • 4
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Detailed Reviews
KaliDee wrote a review Jul 2013
Miami Beach, Florida, United States
4.0 of 5 bubbles
There are differing viewpoints drawbacks and advantages to the whole Island in general. But to be fair to the pension, nothing I'v seen from the other reviews gives accurate justice from the sense of an aware and expecting traveler. The people at the pension are beyond friendly. When it comes to accommodating your needs they go out of the way of what you would expect to be possible. Stuff like helping us set up outdoor BBQs with food we bought from the market ourselves. A flexibility that you can depend on for anything you might need in and around the Island, Especially since the family at Nikki's are on good terms with their local community unlike some of the other owners, allowing us to set up unorthodox arrangements for kitesurfing excursions from the beach, like taking a downwinder to the next island while they negotiated on the best pricing to have a fishing boat follow us down and pick us up.

There are of course the natural annoyances like the sand flies and sea urchins but like another review said, we also found those on all the other places on the island and no matter what some "claim" to tell you about their beach conditions compared to others the only one that all the Kiters congregated to was the one by Nikki's. Our only big worry on that beach was the fact that at times the kids from the local college would go out there at night drinking and breaking the glass bottles. Something that it was the family at Nikki's that warned us about regarding certain parts of the beach. And I have to admit that considering its not their beach but a public one that they have no control over I was impressed that they had no qualms fessing up about it compared to some of the other beach owners that needed to conceal some of the downsides on their end. Making it all the more of an endorsement for the desirability of the beach conditions by Nikki's pension. Considering everyone knew about it and wanted to stay there, tells you something.

Keep in mind that we came as a very big group of Kiters. We had met each other on a long trip throughout the Philippines and it was not possible to room all of us at Nikki's so many of us had the opportunity to stay at different accommodations all through out the Island. And whilst they all do suffer from drawbacks and long trips to get to the beach or to town for supplies, road conditions that don't support a night out, power outages etc. The major drawback to Nikki's is if your staying at the 2nd building with the karaoke and bar which I did myself and let me tell you if by the time you visit Cuyol you haven't already learned to sleep through all that noise and music in the Philippines, then stay away from that building and stick to the main house or somewhere else.

Cuyol isnt a 5 star paradise as far as accommodations go and its not Boracay by any means. Its remote involves a long boat trip to get to and has no ATM on the Island. Plan ahead and expect paradise in the form of authenticity beyond helpful locals and natural wind conditions that are a Kite surfers prime directive. But that also means it has no massive influx in tourism to spoil those conditions. When we were there it was a maximum of 9-11 Kites out on the water at any given time and that was their peak season for tourists passing through.
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Date of stay: January 2013
3.0 of 5 bubblesValue
3.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
3.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
3.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elena S wrote a review Jul 2013
Moscow, Russia
4.0 of 5 bubbles
We visited Cuyo Island in 12-13 New year and stayed at Nikki for more than a month. As far as disadvantages noted by other reviewers - we did not note particular sewage smell; nik-niks - everywhere on the island (our friends got badly bitten on the other beach, too); loud music - it's in the second building at Nikki's (the main building is quiet); I agree that it is loud so this second building does not suit anyone. We stayed at the main building, so we did not have this problem. In comparison with other places to stay in Cuyo Nikki has several benefits (1) close to the kite spot - 5 mins walk, (2) excellent food, available any time (in other places - appr.$40/person - too expensive for Philippines or no food at all). So we think that Nikki is the best value for money at Cuyo. Also I would like to note that all the personnel at Nikki's are really friedly, we felt as if we came to visit some far away relatives. They prepared a wonderful New Year party and a birthday party for a small girl in our team. So definetely I would recommend Nikki to everyone who comes to Cuyo.
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Date of stay: December 2012
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
3.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
3.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adrian A wrote a review Mar 2016
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Is the first accommodation you see when walking out of the pier. They have simple rooms starting at 350 for the single and 450 for the double room. All the action of Cuyo happens in front of Nikki's or in the Bar&Karaoke a few doors from the pension. The hotel is located right in front of the beach and next to the market. They are also the best informed people about what's happening in the island of all the activities you can do during your stay. They are friendly and welcome and they also offer Filipino and the several western food. They also offer kite material to rent and private kite lessons.
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Date of stay: March 2016
3.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mindsky wrote a review Jan 2020
Montreux, Switzerland
1.0 of 5 bubbles
My first bad review on trip advisor. After i asked what was in the curry because i have food allergy, the women refused to serve us. "The kitchen is too far" she said. I had all sorts of adventure asking that but it never was that rude.
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vinice R wrote a review Jan 2015
Singapore, Singapore
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nice small place with a local home feeling. You are definitely in a good place. Very well situated, right on the beach, just a few meters from kite area. Overall facility is standard, simple and clean but with all the comfort. Owner and staff are very accommodating, always nice and helpful especially Nikki. They also have a small resto inside that serves really great food. We had big lobsters prepared and grilled fish - by request. And also pizza, best in town.

We will be back at Nikki's again and would definitely recommend to family and friends.
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Date of stay: December 2014
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip: Room #8 is our favourite. Place is always full, you need to book ahead.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ArielSh wrote a review Aug 2013
Haifa, Israel
5.0 of 5 bubbles
The family is extremely hospitable and helpful. Had great time.
Rooms start at 200php and totally worth it. The karaoke bar is great with many locals coming to enjoy beer and pool table.
Close to public market where you can get fresh fish and fruits.
I would most defiantly recommend!
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Date of stay: August 2013
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
4.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
docrobi333 wrote a review Feb 2014
2.0 of 5 bubbles
There are much better choices for accommodation on the island. The rooms near the karaoke bar are a joke, even if you sleep with earplugs... food is ok but after a couple of meals it is getting boring. The staff is really really friendly but we didn't like the owner. He seems greedy and unfriendly. As someone wrote below he likes the money but not the tourists. Hope the stalls nearby will provide more service in future, it is a pity that all the money from the tourists stays at the same place on cuyo.
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Date of stay: February 2014
2.0 of 5 bubblesValue
2.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
2.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
2.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
2.0 of 5 bubblesService
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
paris7710 wrote a review Jun 2013
2.0 of 5 bubbles
We had a similar experience at Nikki's. We're kiteboarders and chose Nikki's for its location to Capusan Beach. We didn't see sewage dumping on the beach but this is common in many places in the Philippines. But the odor of the septic tank did permeate the premises. We changed to the annex but it was very noisy being separated by a wall from the videoke bar. After it closed late the billiards crowd kept us awake until 3am. We'll return to Cuyo but find more suitable accommodations next time.
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Date of stay: February 2013
3.0 of 5 bubblesValue
2.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
3.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
2.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
2.0 of 5 bubblesService
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
looptheglobe wrote a review Dec 2014
Stuttgart, Germany
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Nikkis Pension is one of the first accomodations you see when you arrive in Cuyo. Even it is the most closest option you better walk a few meters more and check in at another place (Feroland, Villa Gange, ...). As the pension is located directly on the beach front the location is the only positive thing I can write about.
Unfortunately with the location comes also a lot of noise which starts from early in the morning and ends quite late. Reasons are the busy pier area and the karaoke bar in the next building... I dont have to mention all the roosters around.
Another thing which makes me staying somewhere else next time is the old sewer system. As soon as there are more guests in the pension it starts to smell like in a huge toilet building. Most of the time there was also not enough water pressure in the second floor so we had to use the "bucket-shower".
Regarding the owners its like in all touristy places as long as you bring money they are friendly to you.... you dont want to see the real face ;) Last but not least the thing which made me feeling most uncomfortable where quite direct questions about world war II and the german leader ...
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Date of stay: January 2014
1.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
1.0 of 5 bubblesService
1.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dibyne wrote a review Jun 2014
Davao City, Philippines
+1
5.0 of 5 bubbles
If you would like to explore Cuyo given the luxury of time, this is the only place i can recommend to you. Cuyo is an isolated island in the Sulu sea so there are only few accommodations available. Nikki's is affordable, has its own fast food beside the resort, nearest to the port, owner is accommodating, near also to market, and owner can suggest/ arrange places to check or visit. My memorable experience here was that we ask the lobster vendor to cook for us a breakfast, that includes lobster and ensaladang talong, and we ate it in the public park.
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Date of stay: November 2013
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
4.0 of 5 bubblesService
4.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Solenn B asked a question Mar 2020
Cuyo Island, Philippines5 contributions
Can I stay here
Carl-Johan M asked a question Sep 2016
Stockholm, Sweden1 contribution1 helpful vote
Hi I would like to find contact info to Nikki at Cuyo. Please email me on cjmarkoo "at" gmail com
Jorge V wrote a tip Jan 2015
Barcelona, Spain19 contributions20 helpful votes
3.0 of 5 bubbles
"Only for a day or few days, you can find better options in the island."
Read full review
Vinice R wrote a tip Jan 2015
Singapore, Singapore3 contributions11 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Room #8 is our favourite. Place is always full, you need to book ahead."
Read full review
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There are more places to choose from in the Cuyo Island area.
LOCATION
PhilippinesMimaropaPalawan ProvinceCuyo IslandsCuyo Island
NUMBER OF ROOMS
10
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NIKKI'S PENSION - Guest house Reviews (Cuyo Island, Philippines) - Tripadvisor