Remote working from the Philippines - The Best places to work remotely in El Nido and Siargao
For years, the Philippines wasn't considered one of the easiest destinations for digital nomads due to the notably slow internet, frequent power outages, and the logistical challenges of moving between islands .
However, with the arrival of Starlink, things have changed dramatically. Venues equipped with Starlink now offer better internet than what you could ever have at home, even on the most remote islands you can imagine. The Philippines is quickly becoming one of Southeast Asia’s most exciting destinations for digital nomads looking for a balance between productivity, adventure, and island life.
If you're considering working remotely from the Philippines, these are two destinations I highly recommend: El Nido and Siargao.
El Nido: Paradise for remote workers and adventure seekers
Located on the northern tip of Palawan, El Nido is famous for its amazing limestone cliffs, turquoise lagoons, white-sand beaches, and some of the most breathtaking island scenery in Southeast Asia. For years, many digital nomads avoided El Nido because the internet connection was unreliable and finding a comfortable place to work could be challenging. Today, that's no longer the case.
El Nido offers an incredible balance between work and adventure. After finishing your workday, you can spend your afternoons exploring hidden beaches, kayaking through lagoons, diving vibrant coral reefs, or joining one of the famous island-hopping tours.
Popular activities include:
Island hopping tours
Scuba diving and freediving
Snorkelling in crystal-clear waters
Kayaking through Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon
Hiking to Taraw Cliff viewpoint
Sunset cruises
Surfing during the right conditions (something many travellers don't realise is possible around El Nido!)
Neighbors & Nomads: The Coworking space that changed the game
The biggest change for remote workers in El Nido has been the arrival of Neighbors & Nomad.
This coworking space has quickly become the hub for digital nomads visiting El Nido, and has solved many of the connectivity issues that once made working here difficult.
I actually knew Steve, the owner, from our London days, when we both worked in the same circles before he and his wife decided to leave and build a life in the Philippines.
A couple of years later, I came to El Nido and ended up working from their space for a month, and honestly, it was one of the best experiences I’ve had in the Philippines. It’s a clean, beautifully designed space with excellent WiFi, genuinely delicious food, and a team that makes you feel welcome from the moment you walk in. The rooftop terrace is a huge bonus, and being right in the town centre makes everything incredibly easy.
While El Nido still experiences occasional power outages, Neighbors & Nomad has a backup generator. During my month working there, I experienced a couple of minor outages, yet the internet remained completely uninterrupted, even in the middle of a call ! It’s for sure one of the most reliable work setups on the island.
Accommodation and internet in El Nido
Another major improvement is accommodation. Many Airbnbs and guesthouses now operate using Starlink internet, making it much easier to find reliable connections for video calls and online work. It’s usually clearly advertised their website.
The owners of Neighbors & Nomad also offer accommodation through Airbnb, with a starlink connection too and at a very affordable price. But you’ll find many options on Airbnb or Booking for every budget.
Siargao: The surfing capital of the Philippines
If El Nido is known for its dramatic scenery and island-hopping adventures, Siargao is famous for its laid-back surf culture, creative community, and rapidly growing digital nomad scene. Often referred to as the surfing capital of the Philippines, Siargao has evolved far beyond its surf roots and is now attracting entrepreneurs, content creators, remote employees, and online business owners from around the world.
The island offers a unique mix of:
World-class surfing
Beautiful beaches
Island hopping
Natural pools and lagoons
Vibrant café culture
Wellness and fitness communities
A growing entrepreneurial scene
Unlike some destinations that feel overcrowded with tourists, Siargao still manages to maintain a relaxed island atmosphere while offering many of the comforts remote workers need.
Best coworking spaces in Siargao
The remote work infrastructure continues to improve every year, and several coworking spaces now offer reliable Starlink-powered internet.
One of the newer additions to the island, Wave Work Coworking space within the Ruck Sack Inn hostel is quickly becoming a favourite among budget remote workers, although they don’t use Starlink. The space provides fast and reliable internet and dedicated work areas while also providing a very social atmosphere and a pool.
On the more reliable side, Alter Space is one of the island's most established coworking spaces and has long been a favourite among digital nomads. Known for its strong community and professional environment, it's an excellent choice for remote workers planning a longer stay and is open 24h/7
Both coworking spaces are conveniently located near Cloud 9, Siargao's most famous surf break.
Is the Philippines worth it for digital nomads?
Absolutely. While Thailand and Bali often dominate conversations about remote work in Southeast Asia, the Philippines offers world-class diving, exceptional surf in Siargao, some of the most beautiful beach just a few steps away from coworking space with connection faster than 200 Mbps upload and download !
The introduction of Starlink internet, the growth of dedicated coworking spaces, and a thriving community of remote workers have transformed destinations like El Nido and Siargao into genuinely viable bases for digital nomads.
If you're looking for crystal-clear waters, island life, incredible nature, friendly locals, and the ability to work remotely without sacrificing productivity, the Philippines deserves a place at the top of your list.
If you’re thinking about spending time in the Philippines as a digital nomad but feel unsure where to start, what areas to choose, or how to structure your trip, I can help you map it out based on your travel style and what you’re looking for.