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Palawan Travel Requirements, Your Guide to the New Travel Guidelines in Palawan, 2022 June.

Updated news on palawan travel guidelines 2022.

All major Palawan destinations (El Nido, Coron, San Vicente, Culion, and Amanpulo) are open for tourism except Puerto Princesa.

Unrestricted Destinations:

Coron, Palawan

Requirements: https://s-pass.ph/pages/requirements/175309

El Nido, Palawan

Requirements: https://s-pass.ph/pages/requirements/175312

Restricted:

Balabac, Palawan

Requirements: https://s-pass.ph/pages/requirements/175304

Other Municipality in Palawan

Check here, https://s-pass.ph/

Palawan Travel Requirements 2022

Before you visit the majestic Palawan, take note of all the important travel advisories, guidelines, and Palawan LGU travel requirements to keep both tourists and locals safe.

Coron Travel Requirements

All fully vaccinated domestic tourists are allowed to enter. Minors must be accompanied by fully vaccinated parents or guardians. Tourists on staycation are required to stay within the hotel or resort premises at all times.

CORON TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS 2022

Here’s a list of the Coron Palawan travel requirements 2022 to take note of before your trip:

Approved S-Pass travel application

Vaccination card

Negative antigen test result (QR coded with attached receipt) or negative saliva test result (through the Philippine Red Cross) – should be conducted within 24 hours before boarding any mode of transportation.

Roundtrip ticket

Confirmed accommodation booking

El Nido Travel Requirements

Tourists from the National Capital Region (NCR) are allowed point-to-point travel following the El Nido Palawan travel requirements.

All ages are allowed entry but individuals over 65 years of age, those with immunodeficiency, comorbidities, or other health risks, and pregnant women must be fully vaccinated. They can only travel at least 2 weeks after the second dose.

Those staying more than seven (7) days will be subjected to an antigen test on the 8th day. This travel requirement to El Nido must strictly be followed.

Here’s a list of the El Nido travel requirements 2021 to take note of before your trip:

EL NIDO TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS 2022 FOR FULLY VACCINATED

Approved S-PaSS travel application

Vaxcert accomplished via vaxcert.doh.gov.ph or vaccination card

Hotel Booking at DOT-accredited establishment

Negative Antigen test result valid within 48 hrs prior to arrival in Palawan.

EL NIDO TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS 2022 FOR UNVACCINATED / PARTIALLY VACCINATED

Negative RT-PCR test result taken within the last 48 hours before travel

EL NIDO TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS 2022 FOR MINORS TRAVELING WITH PARENTS / GUARDIANS

11 years old and below with fully vaccinated parents/guardians – Negative rapid antigen test result

12 years old and above with fully vaccinated parents/guardians – Negative RT-PCR test result

11 years old and below with non-vaccinated parents/guardians (or incomplete vaccination)- Negative RT-PCR test result

12 years old and above with non-vaccinated parents/guardians (or incomplete vaccination) – Negative RT-PCR test result

Puerto Princesa Palawan Travel Requirements 2022

Tourists visiting Puerto Princesa City can only stay there for a maximum of 4 days and 3 nights only. If intending to stay for more than 4 days, the tourist must undergo a 7-day mandatory facility-based quarantine (at traveler’s expense). See below for the Puerto Princesa Palawan Travel Requirements 2022:

S-PASS Travel Coordination Permit

StaySafe QR Code

Negative RT-PCR Test Result from testing facilities accredited by the DOH using nasopharyngeal swabs taken within forty-eight (48) hours prior to arrival

Travel Order / Travel Itinerary (for APORS)

Vaccination Card or ID (for travelers staying for 3 days only)

Returning Ticket (for travelers staying for 3 days only)

For items 6 & 7 basic travel requirements, only fully vaccinated APORs are eligible for the short-term stay and free to go upon arrival, subject to rapid antigen test within 24 hours upon arrival.

Whether you are fully vaccinated or not, you still need to comply with item 4 (test prior travel).

For more updates and information on the latest Palawan LGU travel requirements, visit this website: http://www.palawan.gov.ph/

Frequently Asked Questions About Palawan Travel

Requirements 2022.

Q: Is Palawan accepting tourists now? A: Yes, Palawan has reopened for tourists. All major Palawan destinations (El Nido, Coron, San Vicente, Culion, and Amanpulo) are open for tourism except Puerto Princesa.

Q: Do we need to present a negative RT PCR test result in Palawan? A: Yes, one of the travel requirements to Palawan is a negative RT-PCR Swab test Result.

Q: Do we need to present a negative RT PCR test result in Coron, Palawan? A: Yes, one of the Coron Palawan travel requirements is a negative RT-PCR Swab test Result (QR coded with receipt) conducted within 48 hours before boarding aircraft.

Q: Do we need to present a negative RT PCR test result in El Nido, Palawan? A: Yes, one of the El Nido tourist requirements is a negative RT-PCR Swab test Result taken within the last 72 hours before travel.

References of information written in this guide for tourists going to Palawan

https://app.philippines.travel/articles/palawan-safety-advisory

https://philippines.travel/safetrip/palawan

https://www.philippineairlines.com/en/ph/home/covid-19/TravelingWithinThePH/Busuanga

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Palawan : Budget + Itinerary Guide for First-Timers

WHAT'S IN THIS GUIDE?

DID YOU KNOW?

Palawan has been featured in many different posts circulating around its magnificent beaches. It is home to one of the 7 wonders in the world.

A lot of islands that compose the Philippines belong to Palawan.

Traveling to Palawan for the first time? This detailed and curated travel guide will make it easy for you to plan a trip, save money and maximize your time. This guide will also make sure that you get the best out of your money while traveling in Palawan.

Scroll down to read must-know travel tips before you go, followed by a sample itinerary + budget breakdown, recommended hotels/places to stay, things to do/places to visit, and lots of extra travel tips.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by YT: Shellwanders Vlog (@shellwanders) on Dec 7, 2017 at 5:28pm PST

Get Started

How to get to Palawan — By plane, Puerto Princesa, Palawan can be reached on a one (1) hour flight from Cebu. It serves direct flights to popular domestic destinations including Davao, Cagayan de Oro and Manila.

Always book your hotel early — Avail low rates and avoid fully-booked rooms by booking online as soon 2-3 months before your travel departure. Click below to compare discounts and read reviews by other travelers.

Check discounts and prices online — Save money by checking discounts on tours & airport/hotel transfers. Booking before you leave also saves you time & avoids the hassles of bringing large amounts of cash during your actual trip.

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Spend 2 days or more — While it’s possible to explore the highlights of the city in a day, consider planning at least 2 days to tour the island. Go for 4 days for a more relaxed trip.

Save More while Traveling — I’ve included a lot of money saving tips on this guide. You can actually save more when you do not include attractions that has entrance fees. You can achieve cheaper expenses by knowing where to find and book the attractions.

Getting around Palawan — There are a lot of transport and tour options available whether you want to go with a private tour or a do-it-yourself trip. You can even go full local and try the motorcycle/tricycle commute to get around or stick with packaged tours that can offer a hassle-free experience. Grab is not offered in this area.

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Pre-Travel Guide

✓ How to get to Palawan ✓ How to get around Palawan? ✓ Should I book my Palawan hotel online? ✓ What to prepare for a trip to Palawan? ✓ How to find cheap flights to Palawan? ✓ When is the best time to visit? ✓ Travel Must Haves ✓ Money-saving tips

How to get to Palawan

Entry point manila (naia).

✓ By Airplane (Cebu pacific, Airasia or Philippine Airlines)

Direct flights area available.
Travel time is around 1 hr and 15 mins.

✓ By Ferry (2-GO)

It has 2 trips in a week . (Tuesday and Friday at 1:30pm)
Travel Time is about 30 hours.
Minimum Price is around PHP 1200 (SGD 30, $ 24, € 20) – PHP 1800 (SGD 45, $ 36, € 30).

ENTRY POINT CEBU (Mactan Cebu International Airport)

Entry point cagayan de oro (laguindingan airport).

Flights are available with a stop-over in Cebu area .
Flight Duration is 2 Hour 30 Minutes.

MAP ON HOW TO GET TO PALAWAN

How to get around Palawan

By tricycle.

Offers the cheapest way to travel around Palawan.
Maximum of 4 passengers .
On average, you can expect to pay PHP 10.00 (SGD 0.25 ,$ 0.2, € 0.17) per person.

By Motor Bike Rental

Recommending you to use a mode of transport with a driver.
Small car rental price starts at PHP 700 (SGD 17.5 ,$ 14, € 12) per day.

By Car Rental

Small car rental price starts at PHP 2500 (SGD 62.5 ,$ 50, € 42) per day.

By Bus and Mini-Van

Most fares costs around PHP 400 (SGD 62.5 ,$ 50, € 42) . Standard trip from Puerto Princesa to El Nido.
Travel time takes around 6 to 9 hours.

By Private Van

Puerto Princesa to El-Nido costs around PHP 600 (SGD 15 ,$ 12, € 10)
It can accommodate up to 8-10 passengers .

By Ferries and Boats

El Nido to Coron. Most fares costs around PHP 2000 (SGD 50 ,$ 40, € 34) .

Should I book my Palawan Hotel Online?

My answer will always be YES . You can save money by checking discounts online. Booking before you leave also saves you time & avoids the hassles of bringing large amounts of cash during your actual trip.

What to prepare for a trip to Palawan?

Sunblock — If you don’t have a plan in getting yourself tan, then bring some sunblock to protect your skin from the suns UV rays.

Hats and Eye wear — Protect your eyes from the heat of the sun.

Cellphone Waterproof Case — Philippines nationals can enjoy visa-free travel in Palawan, for up to 30 days.

Rent a GoPro – If you are in Cebu, my friend can rent you one here .

How to find cheap flights to Palawan?

Start your search on Wego, Momondo, and Skyscanner .

Also, check Palawan promo alerts several weeks or months ahead of your trip if you are planning your trip early. The cheapest promos are sold up to a year in advance of the travel/flight departure date & are often only available if you book directly with the airline.

When is the Best Time to Visit?

In my experience, March – June and October are the best months to visit Palawan.

Travel Must-Haves

✓ Google Map App – A life-saver for me because without it, I might get lost.

✓ Google Translate – Super powerful app. Translate anything.

✓ Gps-Guided App – Tour the city like a local with this app.

✓ Sunscreen – Protect yourself from sunburn or much worse – Cancer.

✓ Pocket Wifi or Sim Card – The convenient of searching anything is a go-to. Please don’t forget this baby. It is a life-saver for me though.

Money Saving Tips

Get a good map and explore the city on your own tour — You can tour the city at your own pace plus you can choose from a variety of options. There are a lot of awesome things to do in Palawan that doesn’t cost a dime.

Drive a motorcycle — This is the cheapest way to get around.

Stay at hostels or airbnb — If you are travelling alone or by group of 3, hostels are best for you. But, if you are travelling in group of 4 or more, then airbnb is best for you. I have calculated the difference and airbnb ones are best for group of travellers.

Where to stay in Palawan

Type in the box below your designated location of the hotel or the hotel name and your preferred dates.

During in El Nido, we stayed at Rovic’s Tourist Hotel . The hotel can accommodate not just a maximum of 4 person in a room but 6-8 persons in a room. Its affordable and they have a cool stairs.

PUERTO PRINCESA

My co-workers and I stayed at Michelle Pension House .

5D / 4N Palawan Itinerary

Please take note that we have booked this thru a travel agency for about 60 pax.

Day 1: Arrival to Puerto Princesa + Travel to El Nido

Day 2: el nido island hopping (package a&b).

Day 3: Check out. Proceed to Underground River Tour

Day 4: Honda Bay Island Hopping + Puerto Princesa Day Tour

Day 5: Going Home

5d / 4n palawan budget expenses.

Since this is a travel and tour itinerary provided by Aboex Travel & Tours, I can only provide you some details of expenses. This package costs around 15,000 php for each person.

We were about 60 persons.

Inclusions of the said expenses are the following:

Round trip airfare from Cebu-Puerto Princesa 2 Nights at Michelle pension 2 Nights at Rovic’s Tourist Hotel 4 breakfasts,4 lunch and 4 Dinner Underground River Tour Honda Bay Island Hopping + City Tour El Nido Island Hopping A & B All applicable entrance fees Tour guide during tour Travel Insurance Van transfers all throughout the tour

Environmental fee – 150 PHP ( SGD 3.75 ,$3, € 2.5 )

Snorkel Fees – 150 PHP ( SGD 3.75 ,$3, € 2.5 )

UNDERGROUND RIVER FEES

1. Visitor’s Entry Permit (VEP)

Puerto Princesa Underground River entrance fee – 500 PHP (about €8.00) Environmental fee – 150 PHP ( SGD 3.75 ,$3, € 2.5 ) Audio guide fee – 85 PHP ( SGD 2.2 ,$1.7, € 1.42 )

2. Boat to Underground River – 1300 PHP ( SGD 32.5 ,$26, € 22)(good for 6 persons)

3. Transportation to/from Sabang Wharf (estimate only)

Local – 145 PHP ( SGD 3.75 ,$3, € 2.5 ) Foreigner – 215 PHP ( SGD 5.4 ,$4.3, € 3.6 )

Places to Visit

✓ New 7 Wonders of the World known as the Underground River

✓ Island Hopping at Honda Bay

✓ Plaza Cuartel and Church

✓ Snorkeling at Pambato Island

✓ 13ft-18ft Crocs at Crocodile Farm

✓ Mitra’s Ranch

✓ Bakers Hill

✓ Island Hopping at El nido

✓ Island Hopping at Coron

Puerto Princesa ,Palawan festivals are events that visitors look forward to seeing because of the fun activities that await and the liveliness of the celebrations.

Pangalipay sa Baybay

Pangalipay sa Baybay is a Puerto Princesa festival that is celebrated at the beginning of the second quarter of the year.
The Bay Walk of Puerto Princesa is the place where the Pangalipay sa Baybay is celebrated, right on the beautiful beaches of the capital and it starts off with live bands performing.

Seafood Festival

Puerto Princesa is known for having among the best and freshest seafood in the entire country and what better way to showcase this than to have a Seafood Festival.
3rd week of April is when the Seafood Festival is held and the best part of this Puerto Princesa festival.

Tips, Notes and Reminders

Always be alert and careful in everything you do.

Bring extra clothes. It’s very hot.

Bring some packed food with you to save more. If you do not want, food and souvenir stalls are available.

Bring water so that you are always hydrated.

Personal accessories and gadgets are not advisable to bring during island hopping tours.

Pack light.

MAP to help you locate places nearby

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Ultimate Palawan Itinerary for 10 Days

Are you visiting Palawan for the first time and looking for the perfect Palawan Itinerary? We’ve put together the best Palawan Itinerary for first-time visitors.

Why visit Palawan? Its beautiful white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, impressive limestone rock formations, and amazing marine life will fascinate every visitor.

If there’s one place in the world we could return to at any time, it would be the tropical paradise of Palawan in the Philippines.

Our Palawan Travel Guide includes the best places to visit, how to get there, where to stay, and the best things to do in Palawan.

You’ll also find all the useful tips and information you need to plan your 10-day Palawan Itinerary.

Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through our link. This is a free way to support us and allow us to continue to create inspiring travel guides.

Best hotels in Puerto Princesa City

Best hotels in el nido, best hotels in coron, how to get to port barton, best hotels in port barton, no time to read now pin it.

Where is Palawan

The province of Palawan is located in the Mimaropa region of the Philippines, and its capital is Puerto Princesa.

Palawan Island is the largest island in the province of Palawan and the best destination in the Philippines.

The Best Time to Visit Palawan

The Philippines has a tropical climate with warm weather and very high humidity all year round.

Palawan has two seasons: a dry season from November to May and a rainy season from June to October.

Typhoons can also occur during the rainy season.

The best time to visit Palawan is from November to May during the dry season, as the scenery is beautiful and the weather is warm.

How to Get to Palawan

You can easily get to Palawan by plane. Most people arrive first in Manila (the capital of the Philippines) and then take a flight to Puerto Princesa and start their Palawan Itinerary.

Use iVisa to check if you need a tourist visa for the Philippines and apply for an e-visa online.

You can also travel from Cebu to Puerto Princesa, but you’ll probably get cheaper flights from Manila to Puerto Princesa.

Puerto Princesa Airport: Puerto Princesa is the capital of the province of Palawan, about a 1.5-hour flight from Manila. This is the main airport on the island. Therefore, Puerto Princesa is the perfect place to start your Palawan Itinerary.
El Nido Lio Airport: If you are looking for the quickest way to El Nido, you can fly there, but flights are overpriced.
Francisco B. Reyes Airport: This airport is located on Busuanga Island, and flight tickets are expensive, but it is the fastest way to get to Coron.
San Vicente Airport: Currently, the plane schedules are limited, and the price is high, but it is an option if you want to get to Port Barton quickly.

TIP Use Skyscanner to get cheap flights to Palawan.

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Palawan Itinerary for 10 Days

Day 1: arrive in puerto princesa city.

Start your Palawan Itinerary in Puerto Princesa.

The city doesn’t offer much to see and do, so most people will travel to El Nido after arriving and skip the city’s main attractions.

Just a 1.5-hour drive from the city is the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, one of the Philippines’ most beautiful natural attractions.

Buy an eSIM and data package for the Philippines.

After visiting this UNESCO World Heritage site, you can spend the afternoon relaxing in nearby Sabang village or take an island hopping tour in Honda Bay.

Book your Honda Bay Island Hopping Tour HERE.

TIP As visiting the Underground River is a full-day activity, add an extra day to your Palawan Itinerary.

Luxury: Princesa Garden Island Resort and Spa
Mid-Range: One Manalo Place or Panja Resort Palawan
Budget: Cleon Villas Pension

Most travelers from Puerto Princesa take a minivan to El Nido. Many companies operate the shuttle service between the two cities, and the minivan costs around 10 USD.

Get Minivan Tickets here.

The minivans usually take 5-6 hours to arrive at the Corong-Corong bus terminal, which is only a few minutes from El Nido town.

TIP Once you arrive in El Nido, book an island hopping tour for the next day.

Recommended Post → Best El Nido Island Hopping Tours

Day 2: Go on an El Nido Island Hopping Tour

Good morning El Nido! Start your Palawan Itinerary by discovering Bacuit Bay and taking one of the best El Nido island hopping tours.

On the boat tour, you can visit the surrounding islands, tropical beaches, stunning limestone formations, and some hidden lagoons.

Island hopping tours are the best things to do in El Nido , Palawan.

There are 4 El Nido tours to choose from: A, B, C, and D, each offering a different route and a wonderful experience. During the island hopping tour, you can swim, snorkel, rent a kayak, or sunbathe on the boat.

Looking for an unforgettable experience in Coron and El Nido? Book multi-day island expeditions through Big Dream Boatman.

TIP Add an extra day to your Palawan Itinerary if you want to do two El Nido tours and explore the waterfalls in the area.

El Nido island hopping tours start from 1300 PHP (23 USD) , and we recommend you take the “A” tour or “D” tour. We did the “A” tour, which was a fantastic experience in the Philippines.

Check island hopping tour prices and availability HERE.

The El Nido tours are approximately 7 hours long, starting in the morning around 8:30-9:30 AM and finishing between 4-5 PM.

See also → Best El Nido Island Hopping Tour

Day 3: Visit the Best Beaches in El Nido

It’s time to continue your Palawan Itinerary!

The keyword for this day is relaxation, so spend the whole day on the most beautiful beaches of El Nido.

Did you know that Palawan has been voted the most beautiful island in the world many times?

Palawan is a tropical paradise with beautiful white sand beaches, stunning limestone rock formations, crystal clear waters, wonderful islands, and lagoons.

Keep reading → Best Places to Visit in El Nido

You can rent a kayak, snorkel, swim, take a zipline between the islands, or chill out in one of the beach bars.

These beaches are a must-see in El Nido: Nacpan Beach, Coron Corong Beach, Duli Beach, and Las Cabanas Beach.

The best and cheapest way to explore El Nido is to rent a scooter. You can rent a scooter in El Nido for around 400-600 PHP (7-10.5 USD)/day at the hotels or in town.

Luxury: El Nido Resorts Pangulasian Island
Mid-Range: Dryft Darocotan Island
Budget: Frendz Hostel El Nido

Day 4: Travel to Coron

It’s time to say goodbye to El Nido for a short time and continue your Palawan Itinerary to the beautiful island of Coron.

Coron is one of the most famous destinations in the Philippines, with its picturesque beaches, stunning rock formations, crystal clear waters, and World War II shipwreck scuba diving spots.

You can get from El Nido to Coron by plane, slow or fast ferry.

We have a detailed post on how to get from El Nido to Coron with all the information you need.

We took the fast ferry from El Nido to Coron. The fast ferry takes just 5 hours and is one of the best ways to travel to Coron.

Ferry tickets from El Nido to Coron start from 55 USD per person for one way. As the ferries run rarely, tickets can sell out quickly (especially in high season), so we recommend you buy online!

Buy your boat tickets in advance through 12Go or Bookaway , where you can get the best prices.

Join an Expedition Tour on your Palawan Itinerary

Are you looking for an unforgettable experience in Palawan, Philippines? You can join a 4-day, 3-night from El Nido to Coron boat expedition tour or vice versa. Explore paradise islands, visit hidden gems, and enjoy magical sunsets and delicious food.

Although there are several boat expeditions, we recommend Big Dream Boatman , the Trip Advisor’s best Palawan expedition.

Expeditions usually cost around 600 USD. The price includes meals, beverages (including alcoholic beverages), towels, snorkeling gear, and three nights of island-style accommodations (cottages and camping).

Book your best boat expedition tour HERE.

Day 5: Go on a Coron Island Hopping Tour

Coron was the best part of our trip to the Philippines. So plan your Palawan Itinerary to allow enough time for two island hopping tours.

We also did the A tour here on the first day, as in El Nido. But it’s good to know that Coron island hopping tours are more expensive than El Nido tours!

The Coron island hopping tours usually start around 8-9 AM and finish around 4-5 PM.

Read more → How to Spend 3 Days in Coron

Tour A includes CYC Beach, Las Islas De Coral, Kayangan Lake, and Sunset Beach.

The group A tour starts from an average of 29 USD.

Check island hopping tour prices and availability HERE.

Group tours include hotel pick-up and drop-off, drinking water, a buffet lunch, and government taxes.

The most photographed spot in Coron is the crystal clear emerald green waters of Kayangan Lake, the cleanest lake in the Philippines.

Day 6: Take another Coron Island Hopping Tour

Are you ready for one of the highlights of your Palawan Itinerary? After the last fantastic experience, it’s time to discover more of Coron and go on another island hopping tour.

Tour B includes Barracuda Lake, Smith Beach, Skeleton Wreck, Twin Lagoon, and Reef Garden.

The group B tour starts from an average of 33 USD.

Barracuda Lake is the most beautiful snorkeling and diving spot in Coron. The water is so crystal clear that you can see the magnificent limestone cliff formations standing on the wooden dock.

Book multi-day Coron and El Nido island expeditions through Big Dream Boatman.

As the boat tours are popular, you should book a Coron island hopping tour in advance! You can easily book private or group island hopping tours online.

Wreck diving is a popular activity in Coron. You can see a Japanese shipwreck that sank during World War II at the Skeleton Wreck.

The B tour offers a beautiful snorkeling site at Reef Garden, where you can discover amazing marine life.

Luxury: Two Seasons Coron Island Resort
Mid-Range: Bacau Bay Resort Coron or Tag Resort
Budget: Vela Terraces Hotel

Day 7: Go Back to El Nido

We know how you feel when you leave Coron Island, as it is the highlight of every Palawan Itinerary.

But don’t worry! You can still spend some time in El Nido visiting the waterfalls, hiking the Taraw Cliff Canopy Walk and enjoying the nightlife of El Nido, or chilling out on one of the beaches.

From Coron, you can return to El Nido in the same way as you arrived from Coron by fast ferry or by plane.

Day 8: Travel to Port Barton, San Vicente

Port Barton is a hidden gem on the Palawan Itinerary, perfect for those who want to avoid the crowds of El Nido or Coron.

Port Barton is a quiet, small coastal village with stunning snorkeling spots, fantastic island hopping tours, white sandy beaches, and the most beautiful sunsets.

Getting to Port Barton is very easy from El Nido or Puerto Princesa.

From Puerto Princesa, you can reach Port Barton by bus or minivan. The journey time is 3.5-4 hours, depending on traffic. Bus tickets start from 7 USD, and minivans costs are around 7-11 USD.

Get Minivan Tickets.

There are regular buses and minivans to Port Barton from El Nido bus station. Bus tickets start from 6 USD, and minivan fares are around 11-16 USD. The journey time is 5-6 hours, depending on traffic.

Book yor minivan via 12Go.

Day 9: Go on a Port Barton Island Hopping Tour

Port Barton is a perfect place to relax and for island hopping tours, so add it to your Palawan Itinerary. We enjoyed staying in Port Barton.

The “A” Island hopping tour is the most popular. But in Port Barton harbor, you can easily book an island hopping tour and agree on a combined trip with the boat captain.

Port Barton island hopping tours would start approximately 8-9 AM and finish around 4-6 PM.

We did a combined island hopping tour and visited beautiful places. While snorkeling, we saw many turtles, colorful fish, corals, and starfish.

Port Barton Island Hopping Tours

Port Barton Tour A: Twin Reef, Wide Reef, Lagoon Reef, Turtle Spot, German Island, Starfish Island, Paradise Island.
Port Barton Tour B: Twin Reef, Turtle Spot, Starfish Island, Maxima Island, Fantastic Reef, Paradise Island.
Port Barton Tour C: Aquarium Reef 1-2, Wide Reef, Turtle Spot, Paradise Island, Twin Reef, Starfish Island.
Port Barton Tour D: Turtle Spot, Twin Reef, Bigaho Falls, Paradise Island, Lagoon Reef, Starfish Island.

The Port Barton island hopping tours start from 1500 PHP (26 USD), which includes the entrance fee, snorkeling mask, lunch, and drinking water.

Not all tours include the German island entrance fee, so you may have to pay an extra 100 PHP (2 USD).

TIP In Port Barton, be sure to visit White Beach and Long Beach.

Mid-Range: Parrots Boutique Resort or Sunset Colors
Budget: Ausan Beach Front Cottages

Day 10: Leave Palawan

We hope you enjoyed your 10-day Palawan Itinerary! But it’s time to say goodbye to Palawan and travel back to Puerto Princesa from Port Barton. Then, you can return home or continue exploring the Philippines.

From Port Barton, you can reach Puerto Princesa by bus or minivan. The journey time is 3.5-4 hours, depending on traffic.

Bus tickets start from 7 USD, and minivans costs are around 7-11 USD.

The bus is the cheapest option between Puerto Princesa and Port Barton. But there are no air-conditioned buses, which in our experience was not very comfortable for a long bus ride.

We hope our 10-day Palawan Itinerary will help you plan your next trip to the Philippines. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comments below.

Travel Resources

Hotels – Booking.com Car Rentals – Discover Cars Flights – Skyscanner Travel Insurance – SafetyWing Tours & Attractions – GetYourGuide Bus/Ferry/Transfer – 12Go

Where to Stay: 11 Best Boracay Hotels in Station 1

Best Ways: How to Get from Puerto Princesa to El Nido

Best Ways: How to Get from El Nido to Puerto Princesa

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Palawan Travel Guide – Philippines ’ Most Beautiful Island!

Why visit palawan.

Palawan Island is a tropical paradise, with hands-down the best beaches I’ve been to in Southeast Asia. (In fact, second in broader Asia to the beautiful Maldives !) The ocean is all imaginable shades of turquoise, the beaches are sandy white, and the aquatic life is vibrant.

It’s therefore not surprising that Palawan was voted the World’s Best Island by Travel & Leisure in 2015 and 2016. It also received similar accolades from Conde Nast and National Geographic. A beach bum’s dream destination!

This Palawan travel guide will help you plan the perfect Palawan break!

Note: This post contains affiliate links. That means that if you click a link, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Where to Go in Palawan + Palawan Activities

Palawan travel is all about the tropical beaches and island hopping! We visited El Nido and Port Barton, and spent our time island hopping, kayaking, snorkeling, chilling at beach bars, reading and patting beach dogs (always a favorite holiday activity). Highlights were the beautiful clear water and the snorkeling, where we saw lots of tropical fish and a few turtles.

El Nido or Coron Island-Hopping

For island-hopping, the most popular Palawan travel destinations are El Nido and Coron, and for good reason. So which one is best?

Coron is considered better for divers and is more laidback (read: slightly quieter).

El Nido has incredible lagoons and more nightlife.

However, Coron and El Nido both have beautiful islands and excellent snorkeling. If you can’t fit in both, choose one and you’ll be guaranteed to have an incredible holiday. Read this article and this article for a more in depth comparison of El Nido and Coron.

Palawan travel island hopping in El Nido Palawan Philippines

Island hopping at beautiful El Nido

We chose El Nido for the stunning Bacuit Bay and chilled beach bars. The down-side? More than a few others had the same idea (surprising that!). We found ourselves sharing the idyllic islands with a string of boats that follow the exact same tour path and descend on the same islands at the same time. The fact that they’re named Tour A, B, C and D should probably give this away…

We attempted to avoid the crowds with a private island hopping tour, with mixed success. The boats are required to follow the same route for their permit. We did, however, manage to convince our driver to skip an island or two so that we could reach the next island before the rest of the boats.

Port Barton for Laid Back Beach Vibes

If El Nido’s all too busy for you, then Port Barton may just be the answer. Port Barton is a sleepy fishing village on a quiet beach, with a laid back vibe and rustic accommodation. Even better, Port Barton opens up to beautiful islands and bays to rival El Nido.

As with El Nido, the main activities are island hopping tours, but with much less boat traffic. Happily, it’s still possible to find a deserted island all to yourself. Again, we did a private island hopping tour. Unlike El Nido, our driver managed to dodge the crowds and find our own little slice of paradise. (Note: We first had to convince him that we were happy to miss the ‘famous’ beaches that everyone else was visiting.)

Palawan travel - island hopping beaches Port Barton, Palawan

Island hopping at Port Barton – just as beautiful as El Nido, sans crowds

As well as island hopping, Port Barton has a couple of short hikes to lush waterfalls with swimming holes. These are well worth the trip for a change of scenery. (Just in case you get bored of sandy white beaches and limestone rock formations).

Port Barton has been slightly off the tourist radar. This which could be due to the bumpy gravel roads going in and fewer dining and accommodation options. I suspect this all may change in coming years, as road upgrades and hotel developments are in progress. Visit while it’s still a laid back locale and you won’t be disappointed.

Puerto Princesa Underground River

Other than island hopping, the main attraction in Palawan is the Puerto Princesa Underground River. The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you can travel by boat through the world’s longest navigable underground river through a network of limestone caves.

The underground river is around 80km from Puerto Princesa. You can easily visit on a day trip from Puerto Princesa or even en route to Port Barton or El Nido.

With its limestone karst landscape and otherworldly atmosphere, it’s easy to see why the underground river is one of the most popular attractions in Palawan. However, as with any tourist hotspot, this inevitably comes with packaged tour pitfalls and plenty of crowds.

After reading the TripAdvisor reviews (most of which are very positive), we decided to give the underground river a miss in favor of more beach time, as we prefer to avoid the hordes and have been treated to incredible caves on other trips.

Palawan Travel and Transport

The Philippines isn’t the easiest place to get around, and it often takes a full day to get from A to B. Plan your time accordingly.

Most international and domestic flights go via Manila or Cebu, so you’ll often need to take a connecting flight, and overland transfers can be slow. A hassle when you’re travelling, but it does mean that the stunning Philippines islands are less crowded than most Asian beach hotspots.

How to Get to Palawan

In Palawan, most people fly into Puerto Princesa, where there’s regular flights from Manila and Cebu. You can also fly direct from Manila to El Nido and Coron to get your island-hopping on without an overland transfer. Expect to pay more for these flights in exchange for saving a good few hours in a van.

We flew direct from Manila to El Nido on a morning Air Swift in around 1h 15m. The extra $100 or so for flights was quickly forgotten when we gained an extra day in paradise and were swimming in the ocean by 10am.

How to Get Around Palawan

Once you’re in Palawan, it’s pretty easy to get around, if a little slow.

Port Barton and El Nido: You can get a shared shuttle van from Puerto Princesa to Port Barton in 3-4 hours or from Puerto Princesa to El Nido in 5-6 hours. Times are slightly faster (and the trip more comfortable) if you fork out for a private van transfer.

Coron: To get to Coron, take a short flight from Puerto Princesa (1h 20m) or a ferry from El Nido (around 3.5 hours).

Around town: Local transport around the towns is the tricycle, the Filipino version of a tuk tuk. Tricycles are cheap, easy and convenient. However, they’re not as comfortable as some other tuk tuks as it’s a tight squeeze to fit two people in and the roads are bumpy.

Philippines tricycle transportation from El Nido airport

Pretty chuffed with my tricycle airport pick up

Palawan Travel Accommodation

Palawan accommodation ranges from backpacker hostels to boutique guesthouses to luxury private island resorts, and everything in between. Whatever your budget, you’ll find something to suit in Palawan.

Luxury: I was pretty tempted by El Nido Resorts . El Nido Resorts is a group of luxury resorts dotted on stunning islands across El Nido with prices to match ($500+ per night when I was looking). I almost booked El Nido Resorts Pangulasian Island , but (unusually!) managed to restrain myself from blowing an entire holiday’s budget on a few night’s accommodation, and instead went for mid-range boutique options.

El Nido Accommodation : We spent four nights at The Birdhouse El Nido , unique glamping tents perched on a cliff above the lovely Marimegmeg Beach. The tents have all the creature comforts you need, with decent beds, bathrooms and, best of all, balconies with out of this world views of the bay below.

Marimegmeg Beach is the nicer of the mainland beaches and has some chilled beach bars to laze the day away at.

Views from Birdhouse El Nido Philippines

Stunning views over Marimegmeg Beach from the Birdhouse ‘nests’

Port Barton Accommodation : We then spent four nights at Secret Paradise Resort & Turtle Sanctuary , a small resort on a private island which has to be up there with the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited. Big call, I know, but I’m throwing it out there.

If you can cope with pretty average food and service, then I definitely recommend Secret Paradise Resort for the stunning location, tranquility, snorkeling and chance to see turtles laying or hatching on the beach. ( Tip : Take your own snorkeling gear, theirs sucks.)

Palawan travel - views of Secret Paradise Resort & Turtle Sanctuary, Port Barton, Palawan, Philippines

Secret Paradise Resort from the lookout – definitely an apt name!

Palawan Climate + Best Time to Visit Palawan

Palawan dry season.

While temperatures remain pleasant year around with an average high of 30 degrees, Palawan travel is best during the dry season from November to May .

From November, the rains ease off, but don’t completely disappear, and it can rain at any time during the dry season.

December to February is the cool dry season. March to May is the hot dry season, with humidity peaking in hottest months of April and May.

Weather wise, the very best months for Palawan travel are during the drier and relatively cooler months of February and March.

If you’re a diver, water visibility is said to be best from March to May. As a bonus, the ocean is also the calmest during this time.

Palawan Rainy Season

The rainy season starts in earnest from June and continues until around November. During this time, there can be heavy monsoon rains, rough seas and muddy roads. All of this can put a slight damper on a tropical beach holiday, or even stop Palawan travel altogether if you encounter a severe tropical storm.

Palawan Travel Guide Tips

Money: Take plenty of pesos! The only ATMs on Palawan (as at 2018) are in Puerto Princesa and one in El Nido (which regularly runs out of money!) and not many places take cards.

Snorkelling Gear: Bring your own snorkel gear if possible. We found that supplies were limited and of pretty poor quality. Not fun having a face full of seawater.

Food: The Philippines is not known for its food, and they seem to have a penchant for putting vinegar in EVERYTHING. I subsisted on rice and vegetables with a little bit of fish. Even then it wasn’t anything to write home about. Beer was cheap and tasty though!

Service: Service ranges from ‘island time’ to virtually non-existent. Try to manage your expectations and go with the flow, and you’ll soon be rolling in island time too. (Or, let it get to you, and you’ll be constantly frustrated. Your choice.)

I hope you’ve enjoyed this Palawan travel guide. Palawan has been my favorite Southeast Asian beach holiday by far. I’d love to explore more of the Philippines islands in the future. I’d love some tips for the rest of the Philippines, so share away in the comments if you’ve been there!

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Palawan Philippines Travel Guide | Read this guide for places to visit, including El Nido, Coron, Port Barton and Puerto Princesa, how to get to Palawan, transport, accommodation, weather and travel tips

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As a Korean living in the Philippines, I have grown to love this country and consider it my second home. I love the warmth not just of the weather but of the people as well.

This is a very good itinerary <3 Will bookmark this page for future reference when I go visit Palawan next year. Thankssss!

I can’t wait to retire in the Philippines. There’s just so much to see, discover and enjoy in your country. The people are also just as amazing

Palawan is very beautiful and interesting, I want to go there soon. I want to discover something.

Indeed! Palawan is a great place and must be on your bucket list. Ive been to El Nido and spent 3 days, and Puerto Princessa and spent 5 days last year. I wish i could stay longer. LOL. I like the calm environment. So relaxing. So natural. I like the people and the cleanliness of them. But no one knows that it was the last. I mean now that there was corona virus, I’m afraid of. So the next destination if the corona virus already vanished is Coron. I heard of it but never been there.

Palawan is definitely one of the most beautiful places in the world, and probably the best island to visit in the Philippines! The only thing is that, as of now and due to the pandemic, it’s out of tourists and economically struggling… Let’s hope a new more eco-responsible tourism will follow when its possible to travel again.

Your blog post on Palawan is truly captivating! Your vivid descriptions of the turquoise ocean, sandy white beaches, and vibrant aquatic life have painted a beautiful picture of this tropical paradise. Your practical tips on travel, accommodation, and local activities are incredibly helpful for anyone planning a trip to this stunning location.

Next time don’t forget to visit Balabac in Southern Palawan

Where do you want to go?

2024 Complete Balabac Palawan Travel Guide with Itinerary & Budget: Everything You Need to Know

In my journey of visiting all 82 provinces in my country, I have finally stumbled into my current BEST ISLAND in the Philippines — Onuk Island in Balabac Palawan . It has been a week since our visit to this majestic group of islands and up to this day I’m still stoked! So to all my readers asking for this awaited article, here is a Balabac Palawan travel guide with itinerary & budget for your future reference.

Balabac’s breathtaking and unspoiled beaches earned its nickname “ the last of the last frontier ” in the Philippines. Its stunning sandbars and crystal clear water will definitely guarantee tan lines as you marvel into its exquisite beauty.

Table of Contents

Understanding Balabac Palawan

To give you a bit of information, Balabac is a total of 31 islands located in the southern most part of Palawan and only about 50 kilometers North of Sabah, Malaysia. Most of its islands are privately owned by politicians and some are totally uninhabited.

The north of Palawan which are Coron and El Nico gives tourists a distinct characteristic through massive limestones and shipwrecks. Balabac islands on the other hand features more of tropical palm trees, pristine beaches, pink sand beach, powdery sand, vibrantly colored coral reef and marine life.

The best season to visit Balabac Palawan is during the height of summer when the sun is up and the beach is at its clearest. Make sure to plan your trip during February – May for best chances of seeing the islands in its utmost majestic phase.
Although the predominant language is Tagalog , Cuyonon is widely spoken and used all throughout Palawan, as well as Hiligaynon and other Visayan languages. Moreover, English is also widely spoken.
Indigenous people: the Molbog people dominate the municipality of Balabac, as well as the municipality of Bataraza in the north.
The currency used is Php and in terms of cash payments only. There are no ATM machines in Balabac so make sure to bring enough cash with you.

Frequently Asked Questions: Balabac DIY Trip

If you are planning to go to Balabac DIY way, below are few significant pre-travel guide tips you should know.

How to go to Balabac DIY way?

Step 1: Fly from Manila (MNL) to Puerto Princesa (PPS) . The nearest airport to Balabac will be Puerto Princesa so make sure to book your flight to PPS.

Step 2: Ride a van from PPS airport to Rio Tuba or Buliluyan Port in the municipality of Bataraza. The travel time is 5-7 hours and will depend on which port you will choose – Rio Tuba or Buliluyan Port. If you will come from Rio Tuba the sea travel to Balabac is about 4 hours. Alternatively, if you will come from Buliluyan Port the sea travel is less than an hour to Balabac.

Moreover, the most convenient way is to book van transfers from PPS airport to Buliluyan Port (Php800.00 per way), book here or contact Sir Motet Samson at 0939-363-7676.

Step 3: From Buliluyan Port you have to register at the tourism office which is just beside Buliluyan Port Terminal. Subsequently, rent a boat to Balabac and pay the necessary fees.

Boat rental usually costs Php1,500.00 per person and per day and this only includes 2-3 islands. The rate is also subject to change depending on how many passengers there are on the same date you will rent a boat for island hopping.

Where to stay?

PUERTO PRINCESA, PALAWAN

CASAORO HOMESTAY – PHP470.00/NIGHT GOOD FOR 2

GRANDMAS HOUSE HOMESTAY – PHP299.00/NIGHT GOOD FOR 2

If you have a budget on hotel rooms, I highly recommend Aziza Paradise Hotel. This is where I stayed for 4 nights, amenities includes a large lobby, swimming pool, wifi, bar and restaurant. It is also located about 2-3 minutes away from the Airport.

AZIZA PARADISE HOTEL – PHP3,000.00/NIGHT GOOD FOR 2

HUE HOTEL AND RESORT – PHP3,000.00/NIGHT GOOD FOR 2

Hue Hotel is also one of my recommended hotels around the City. Aside from it is located 2-3 minutes away from the airport, they have lots of room availabilities, amenities like swimming pool, bar, lounge, spa, restaurant and free airport transfers too. It is also walking distance from Robinsons Mall and other restaurants.

SICSICAN ISLAND, BALABAC – KAMP MALAYA

The base camp where you can stay is in Sicsican island, Balabac. There are A-type Kubo (fan room) available for Php500.00 per person and per night. Also, there are decent comfort rooms for guests. Contact Sir Motet Sanson for reservations: 0939-363-7676.

ONUK ISLAND, BALABAC

Overnight is also allowed in Onuk Island for a rate of Php3,500.00/pax which includes fan room and a mattress. Take note that advance reservation should be done. Day tour rate in Onuk Island is still Php1,500.00 per person.

A good reason why overnight in Onuk Island is so pricey is because Onuk Island is Balabac’s pride island. It’s the most majestic island you see online about Balabac.

Where to eat?

Food can be troublesome and might even get you spending more money for DIY travelers. Especially that these are secluded islands so you have to consider the fact that there are not much low budget eateries in the islands. You can opt for paluto or bring your own packed meals.

Where to book Balabac Island Tour?

Insider tip: save yourself from all the hassle and book a packaged tour instead!

Honestly there is not much difference in the budget if you plan to go to Balabac DIY way or booking a package tour. You can find preparing for your meals a bit troublesome and hassle in the island and buying cooked meals can be pricey too! So booking a package tour is more budget-wise if you ask me.

Book your tours with Balabac Island Tour-Kamp Malaya , below are the contact details:

Sir Motet Sanson 0939-363-7676
Email: [email protected]

TOUR COST : Php10,990.00 each for 4 Days & 3 Nights -Roundtrip AC van transfer (shared) from PPS-Buliluyan -Roundtrip boat transfers -Full board meals -All entrance fees -Onuk Island day tour (add Php500.00 for overnight in Onuk) -Accommodation (fan room/tent/kubo) add Php200.00/pax/night for AC room -Tour Insurance -Environmental fee -Life Vest -Local tour guide – NO HIDDEN FEES!

Helpful Tips From Joan’s Footprints

Bring your snorkeling and/or diving gears . If you don’t have one, Kamp Malaya has available mask and snorkel for rent (Php150.00 per day).
Signal and electricity varries from different islands. For instance, Buliluyan Port in Bataraza has no signal for both Smart and Globe users. The base camp in Sicsican Island in Balabac has good signal reception and electricity. You can upload and download images just fine using mobile data. In most islands like Onuk island, the signal is weak you can only send and receive text messages.
There are no ATM machines so make sure to bring enough cash with you.
I highly recommend availing a tour package if you’re planning to go to Balabac. Why? The expenses between DIY trip and tour package doesn’t differ much. Yeap ! You’ll just add a little extra and you’ll get a comfortable free of hassle trip to Balabac. Your meals, trip, accommodation, boat and land transfers are all arranged for you.
Mosquito repellan t is must!
Protect the colors of the reef! Use reef safe sunscreens for your skin protection! Purchase Magwai’s reef safe sunscreen and get a 10% discount by using my code JOANA10 .

Balabac Palawan Itinerary & Budget

We availed our 4 days and 3 nights Balabac Island tour with Balabac Island Tours-Kamp Malaya for Php10,990.00 each. It includes full board meals, accommodation, fees, tour guide, boat transfers and AC van transfer from PPS-Buliluyan. No hidden fees!

DAY 0: MNL-PPS

10:00PM Board a flight from MNL-PPS

Budget Tip: the tour starts at 2am on Day 1. Try to book the latest flight on Day 0 and wait at the airport (PPS) for your van transfer to Buliluyan Port. For example, I booked the 10PM flight from MNL-PPS and we arrived PPS at 11:30PM. We stayed at the lobby and waited for our van transfer, this way you can save 1 night in a hotel. But if you’re good with booking a hotel room for 1 night then you can opt for earlier flights.

DAY 1: Balabac Island Hopping

Places to visit: -Canimeran Island -Tangkahan Island -Patawan Island (dolphin-shaped sandbar) -Sicsican Island (base camp)

2:00AM Van transfer from PPS airport to Buliluyan Port 8:00AM ETA Buliluyan Port, register, meet with your your tour guide 9:00AM Start of tour 10:30AM ETA Canimeran Island 12:00NN Lunch at Tangkahan Island 2:00PM Patawan Island 5:00PM ETA Sicsican Island base camp overnight @ Kamp Malaya

Canimeran Island has a white sand beach with a touch of pink sand. Pink sand beaches are result of red corals and this also means a healthy reef!

Our next island to visit was Tangkahan Island , there are cottages in the island and it is also a good place for lunch. Tangkahan has a really beautiful front beach so we also went swimming and snorkeling in front if it.

After eating our lunch in Tangkahan Island, we went straight to Patawan Island which is popularly known for its dolphin-shape sandbar . Although our tour guide told us that the dolphin-shape sandbar would show up most likely during low tide.

Patawan Island is also a good place for snorkeling and swimming. It has crystal clear water, stunning sandbar and a white sand beach.

Lastly we went to Sicsican Island which is the base camp for Balabac island hopping. There are A-type kubo available for Php500.00/pax/night (fan-room). The island also has decent wash rooms ideal for few nights of stay in Balabac.

DAY 2: Balabac Island Hopping

Places to visit: -Starfish sandbar -Candaraman Island -Nasubata Reef (snorkeling) -Onuk Island overnight

7:00AM Breakfast 9:00AM Starfish Sandbar 10:00AM Candaraman Island 12:00NN Nasubata Reef snorkeling 1:00PM Onuk Island, swim with sea turtles, kayak, snorkeling 5:00PM Sunset watching 7:00PM Dinner, socials, overnight in Onuk Island

Starfish Island reminds me of Naked Island in Siargao or White Island in Camiguin. It doesn’t have trees, just a piece of sand in the ocean. This island earned its nickname because of the starfish inhabiting the stunning sandbar.

A friendly reminder to my fellow travelers, please do not pick up the starfish. Do not touch them in any way too.

Candaraman Island is a white sand beach and it is the island in front of Sicsican Island’s base camp. It is also located just beside Starfish sandbar.

Before heading to Onuk Island, we went snorkeling and skindiving in Nasubata Reef . If you don’t have snorkeling gears with you, the tour operator has gears for rental. (Php150.00 per day)

As our boat approaches what seem to be an exquisite beauty, the little piece of island from afar is slowly getting bigger and bigger. The water is slowly turning into turquoise blue making the sea turtles more visible in the naked eye. My heart started pounding so fast and I told myself “the dream destination is finally in front of me!”

Onuk Island is by far, the best island I’ve seen in the Philippines. In its own classy way, it won my heart. Truly it is the last of the last frontier!

So we arrived here at 1PM in the afternoon and had our lunch here too. After that our group quickly marveled into its stunning sandbar, went snorkeling with the sea turtles, i flew my drone too, went swimming and kayaking and took a lot of photos!

Just as we thought everything felt so magical, here comes Mr. Sun setting right in front of us! The sunset changed the mood of the island into light orange. It felt so peaceful and calm! The water was so still and quiet that it mirrored the sky.

DAY 3: Balabac Island Hopping

Places to visit: -Punta Sebaring island -Mansalangan Sandbar -Canibungan Island

7:00AM Breakfast at Onuk Island 11:30AM Punta Sebaring, lunch 2:30PM Canibungan Island 4:00PM Mansalangan Sandbar 5:30PM Back at Sicsican Island base camp overnight

In the morning, we went swimming and snorkeling before leaving Onuk Island. Also, the weather went gloomy from sunny since yesterday. Still, the island is so beautiful.

Balabac Palawan travel guide with Itinerary & Budget

Punta Sebaring made quite an impression to me because of its distinct powdery sand. It made me feel like I was in Boracay.

Mansalangan sandbar looked like starfish sandbar too. Best time to go here is during low tide, in the afternoon the waves gets a little harsh and buries the sandbar.

DAY 4: PPS-MNL

6:00AM Light breakfast 7:00AM Last hoorah at Sicsican Island (snorkeling, swimming) 9:00AM Travel back to Buliluyan Port 1:00PM Van from Buliluyan to PPS 7:00PM Dinner at Kinabuch in PPS 11:00PM flight back to MNL

Sample 4 Days 3 nights Balabac Expenses

This is assuming that you are availing tour package for your Balabac Palawan trip.

Airfare with Cebu Pacific: Php3,100.00 roundtrip
4 Days & 3 Nights Tour: Php10,990.00
Additional Php500.00 for Onuk Island overnight

TOTAL EXPENSE: PHP14,590.00 / PAX

Joana Paola Gutierrez

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This is such a help. Planning to go this April. Thank you.

Ultimate Travel Guide to Balabac, Palawan: The Last Paradise

Here’s your ultimate travel guide to Balabac, Palawan! Including a sample 5 days itinerary you can follow for your trip.

Last 2015, Hali and I were exchanging stories with a 60-year-old fellow traveler who then told us about Balabac. For the uninitiated, Balabac group of islands is a relatively unknown summer haven for backpackers seeking unspoilt beaches and preserved local culture. In my opinion, it has the best beaches you can find in the Philippines .

Balabac is located at the southernmost tip of Palawan in the Philippines and is just a few hours away from Sabbah, Malaysia.

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Along with five other friends, Hali and I ventured here on the first week of March 2016 for our first summer escapade (and also Hali’s birthday celebration — he said age isn’t important). It was a bit challenging to arrange a DIY vacation to Balabac. At the time of our trip, there was very little material in the internet especially with regards to island hopping prices and contact details.

Hali in Punta Sebaring, Balabac, Palawan

So much has changed since our last visit. We’ve updated this post with the latest information , including info on packaged tours to Balabac so you’ll have a hassle-free travel. Enjoy!

P.S. Traveling to Balabac, soon? I also recommend reading our Guide to Island Hopping in Balabac, Palawan .

Option 1: Via Rio Tuba

Option 2: via buliluyan port, when is the best time to visit, islands to visit in balabac, palawan, 5 days itinerary to balabac, palawan, island hopping tours only, full packaged tours, where to stay in rio tuba, where to stay in balabac, things to know before you go, things to bring on your trip, contact details, budget and expenses, is it safe to visit balabac, which places are similar to balabac, watch our video here, what to read next:, how to get to balabac, palawan.

The closest airport to Balabac is Puerto Princesa Airport. From there, you need to travel to either Rio Tuba port or Buliluyan port and then ride a boat to Balabac. It will take you at least a day to get to Balabac.

In Puerto Princesa, ride a trike or jeep to San Jose Terminal. Tricycle fare from the airport is P120. If you walk outside the airport to the main road, tricycle fare is P70-100 per ride and jeepney fare is P12-15 per person.

From San Jose Terminal, ride either a bus or van going to Rio Tuba. Travel time is 4-5 hours. Commuting via van is faster since there are lesser stopovers, although you will still need to wait for other passengers to fill up all the seats. Fare for the van is P300 per person.

Van Schedules:

Puerto Princesa to Rio Tuba: 4AM to 5PM
Rio Tuba to Puerto Princesa: 4AM to 3PM

Bus Schedules:

Puerto Prinesa to Rio Tuba: Up to 7PM

Regardless of which transport you choose, it’s safe to be at the terminal at around 5-6PM to make sure you won’t miss a ride to Rio Tuba.

From Rio Tuba, ride a passenger boat to Balabac.

Travel time is 4 hours, boat fare is P370. Normally, there is only one schedule for the boat via Rio Tuba-Balabac route, which is anywhere from 9AM to 12 noon. The boat leaves immediately once all seats are taken. A boatman told us they make a second trip depending on the number of passengers, but I get the impression that this rarely happens.

If you arrive at night in Rio Tuba, you can sleepover at the nearby White Heaven Lodging which is just near the port. From there, take a tricycle to the port (P20 per person).

The passenger boat makes a few stops. You’re about an hour away from mainland Balabac after you pass by Bancalan Port.

Similarly, there is also one schedule for the boat from Balabac to Rio Tuba: at 6AM in the morning. The boat is either docked in the unloading pier or VCI, depending on the sea level.

Depending on your itinerary, you can also opt to travel from Puerto Princesa to Buliluyan Port instead of Rio Tuba. There are no passenger boats in Buliluyan Port. Instead, your boat operator for island hopping will have to fetch you from here to Balabac. This port is closer to some islands in Balabac, including Patunggong Island and Tangkahan Island. If you want to go straight to island hopping, this is a better choice.

Same as above: In Puerto Princesa, ride a trike or jeep to San Jose Terminal.

Then ride a van to Buliluyan Port. Fare is P600 per person. Travel time is 5 hours.

Summer is the best time to visit Balabac . As per Anj of Kilometer Zero PH, ber-months are still okay but during the amihan season (from December to February) the waves can get particularly rough.

There are different islands you can visit in Balabac. These are:

Bancalaan Island
Camiaran Island (Pink Sand Beach)
Onuk Island (also called Onok Island)
Candaraman Island (Starfish Sandbar)
Sicsican Island
Ramos Island
Canabungan Island
Nasubata Island
Punta Sebaring
Patunggong Island
Patawan Island
Mansalangan sandbar
Matangule sandbar
Bobby’s Island
Secam Island
Cabcabun Island
Tangkahan Island
Timbayan Island (rock formation)
Balabac Island – Melville Lighthouse

In my opinion, the best islands to visit are : Camiaran Island, Onuk Island/Onok Island, Patawan Island, Candaraman Island, Mansalangan sandbar, Punta Sebaring and Tangkahan Island.

To know more about the islands in Balabac, read our Guide to Island Hopping in Balabac, Palawan . We also have a separate feature on Onuk Island .

Take note that the islands in Balabac are mostly privately owned, so public access may change.

As of 2019 , visiting Melville Lighthouse in no longer allowed. Candaraman Island is also closed but it is still possible to visit the sandbar.

Here’s a sample 5 days itinerary to Balabac, Palawan. You can use it as a rough guide when you visit Balabac.

Coordinate with your boatmen since they know which are the best hours to visit the islands. For instance, places such as Punta Sebaring, Onuk Island/Onok Island and the sandbars need to be visited during low tide, which changes per season.

Due to the long commute time, it’s recommended to stay 5-7 days in Balabac, Palawan.

Where to book your tours in Balabac

You can book your island hopping tour directly with the local boat operators in Balabac. There are also travel agencies offering full packaged tours to Balabac, which is convenient especially if you’re a solo or couple joiner.

Also included are the current island hopping rates ( Updated as of 2022 ).

Kuya Boboy and Kuya Onyok were our guides and we highly recommend them. If you decide to hire them via this blog, please tell them that we (Katherine and Hali) say Hi! Ate Lorna is a relative of them and she also arranges tours to Balabac.

Here is their contact:

Kuya Onyok : 09123993543 / Kuya Boboy : 09309822412 | Facebook
Ate Lorna : 09066909547 / 09465576503

Their rates are 4-6 people: P1500 per head/day, 7-10 people: P1200 per head/day.

These prices include the island hopping tour and meals. Accommodation can be booked in the mainland or islands separately.

For complete packaged tours, I recommend Gala PH by JV Francisco. I went with them on my second visit in Balabac . I had a blast, the food was overwhelming and overall I highly recommend their services.

Gala PH arranges joiner tours to Balabac, including transfer from PPS to Balabac and vice versa, island hopping, accommodation and meals.

Here is their contact: Gala PH – Facebook

Their rate is P9500 per person for a 3-day tour, including transfer from Puerto Princesa and vice versa, island hopping tour, meals, and accommodation (tent only).

Where to stay

Staying overnight in Puerto Princesa? You can check out discounted inns/hotels in PPS here .

Here are the main accommodations you can book for your trip to Balabac, Palawan.

White Heaven Lodging . Rates: Room for 2 pax – P250
Dewelyn Lodging House . Contact: 0999034854
Pring Pension House . Rates: Fan room with common CR – P300 / AC room w/o breakfast – P700 or with breakfast – P900. Contact: 09265844805

White Heaven Lodging is near the port of Rio Tuba so it’s the recommended to stay here.

Here are the places you can stay at in mainland Balabac.

JD lodging (Sing and Swing lodge) . Rates: Fan room with common CR for 2 pax – P500 / AC room for 2 pax – P1000. Contact: 09106620073
MLK lodging . Rates: Room for 2 pax – P500. Contact: 09395176169
Mely Bechayda Pension House . Rates: Fan room with common CR – P500 / Shared big room with own CR – P250 per person. Contact: 09264049171
Biga-Biga Beach Resort . (No info)

We stayed at JD lodging for the duration of our trip. The rooms are surprisingly spacious. The restrooms and shower stalls are for common sharing but clean and regularly maintained. The electricity in the whole Balabac group of islands is up until midnight only, but you can request for the generator to be turned on during the night in JD Lodging for P300 per night (all rooms covered).

There are also islands where you can find resorts/camping grounds. Some of these are:

Candaraman Island
Canibungan Island
Matangule Island
Punta Sebaring (Bugsuk Island)
Onuk Island/Onok Island

If you’re availing of a packaged tour, accommodation is already taken cared of.

Here are the things you should know about before you go:

Bring all the cash that you need; there is no ATM or bank in Balabac. The nearest one is located in Rio Tuba.
Be prepared to go on rough backpacking, i.e., camping on islands. You can also stay in mainland Balabac, but going to/from here when you island hop might be time consuming, which is why the usual itinerary includes staying overnight in islands.
Mobile signal is non-existent or weak in most places in Balabac.

You can buy Malaysian goods such as mi goreng noodles as pasalubong in mainland Balabac or Sitio Marabun, a local community on stilts which you’ll pass by going back to Buliluyan Port.
Insect repellent
For camping: Tent/hammock, flashlight and powerbank
Snorkel set/fins

There are islands in Balabac that are home to sand flies (or niknik), such as Punta Sebaring. Make sure to bring insect repellent and balm for insect bites.

There’s a lot of snorkeling/freediving sites in Balabac. However, there are no rental stores in this area so you should bring your own equipment.

Here are other contact details you may need:

Kuya Jerry, shuttle service Puerto Princesa City – Rio Tuba : 0927 705 5910/0946 260 6260

Update as of January 2018: Ate Bebeth is no longer part of the tourism office, and I’ve removed her contact detail above.

Budget depends on the package you choose. For 5-6 days stay good for 4 people, a safe budget would be P9000-10,000 per person.

Additional: FAQ Section

I’ve added this section as an update. Ever since posting this Balabac Palawan itinerary and other features, we’ve been drowning in inquiries, and though the attention is flattering, sadly I can’t keep up with all the messages.

When we visited in 2016, we found out thru inquiries in our blog that there are security issues in Balabac. However, it is our personal experience that Balabac is safe for foreign and local tourists.

As of 2019 , tourism in Balabac is expanding and there are currently no security concerns about visiting here.

There are other places you can visit in Palawan. The unique thing about Balabac is it’s the most remote and possibly the least commercialized as of yet.

Puerto Princesa offers its own island hopping and scuba diving adventures, not to mention the world-renown Puerto Princesa Underground River . El Nido and Coron are world-known vacation spots, famous for limestone karsts and clean lagoons. There are also low-key destinations in Palawan that offer a quiet time off, such as Port Barton .

If you’re looking for off-beaten beaches, we recommend:

Calayan Island in Babuyan Islands, Cagayan
Palaui Island in Cagayan

If you want to get an idea of other great attractions, here’s a list of the best places to visit in the Philippines .

Thank you to everyone who helped me in creating this guide! If you have updated information, please let us know thru comments/email so we can update this post as well.

Don’t forget to watch our summer experience in Balabac, Palawan, in this video:

Has this Balabac Palawan itinerary and travel guide been helpful to you ? Feel free to like and share. Oh and post your comments below! 🙂

Visiting Palawan? Check out the rest of our guides in Palawan:

Ultimate Guide to Palawan
Top Things to Do in Palawan
Best Beaches in Palawan

Puerto Princesa :

Guide to Puerto Princesa Underground River
Island Hopping in Honda Bay
Best Resorts and Hotels in Puerto Princesa
Travel Guide to Coron
Best Resorts in Coron Palawan
Travel Guide to El Nido
Best Resorts in El Nido Palawan
Travel Guide to Balabac
Island Hopping in Balabac
Onuk Island

Port Barton :

Travel Guide to Port Barton + 3 Days Itinerary
Top Things to Do in Port Barton
Island Hopping in Port Barton

If you liked this post, feel free to share it in Pinterest!

Travel guide to Balabac islands in Palawan, Philippines

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Katherine Cortes is a long-time backpacker and a freelance writer/editor. She likes beaches, snorkeling trips, and relaxing staycations (preferably with bath tubs!).

Balabac island hopping - Candaraman Island

129 Comments

Irena filipovic dimitrijevic.

Anybody wants to go with us and share expenses, in 3 days to Balabac? So, the dates are Februaru 20th- night in Rio Tuba, and after that 3 nights on Balabac. Johannes and Irena

its my futured island…Balabac is a unique in the whole world…lets safe Palawan forever.. 🙂

Hello, do you have a scheduled boat trip from Buliluyan Port to Balabac? Or we have to rent a private boat for that? would you know hm?

Katherine Cortes

Hello. There are no passenger ferries from Buliluyan Port. You have to rent a private boat. Usually it’s included in island hopping rates, as today most tourists go this route.

Maybe we can go together. my desired schedule is Jan 31 to Feb 2, 2020. My number is 09289106175

Ron Orlovsky

Hi there! Katherine! This is soooooo helpful! A friend and I are looking to travel Balabac during Christmas break. Anytime between 24th-29th of December, 2019. We are looking for joiner to share the “burden” 🙂 Feel free to email: [email protected] .

Sushil Kumar

hi we are 2 adults and a child 13 yrs planning for balabac from the 16 th of jan to 20th of jan 2020 any body who wishes to join can please mail me on [email protected] thank you

Hello, I will fly to Puerto Princesa on January 26 and will stay in Palawan till mid of February (single traveller). Do you think, it is possible, to organize joining a Balabac-Island-hopping-tour just after arrival in Puerto Princesa on January 27 or 28? Since I don’t want to rush, I would reserve up to 7 days for such a tour if it is necessary. But I am a foreigner (Europe). From the videos on Youtube it seems, that there have been some foreigners doing such tours in 2019. Is it possible, to join a tour being the only foreigner? Or is a foreigner still a risk for the whole group, like Bryan mentioned in his comment from February 2018?

Hi Carl, you’ll probably be fine. Also Balabac is more open to visitors now compared to the past years since word about it is slowly getting out.

Not sure how you’re going to organize a tour after arrival unless you already have/will meet other companions there. Why don’t you post in FB groups to see who’d also like to go or you can contact Ate Lorna to ask if she has scheduled guests on those dates. You can also go solo but it’s more expensive.

We will be in palawan on january 29 to feb 4. Can we join? 2 persons

Hello everyone, I will travel in balabac on February 2-7, 2020, two of us, expecting others to join.my email [email protected]

hi guys. my friend and i will be in balabac from nov 18 to 20. if theres anyone who we can join with the tours kindly send me an email please, [email protected] . mys sister in laws brother lives in rio tube and owns a boat so maybe we can get a discount for the trips. tia.

Jared dela Cruz

Your post and your pictures are truly inspiring, thank you so much. I have never heard of Balabac until recently. But from then on, I’ve been dreaming of going there, the last paradise in the Philippines’ last frontier.

Blog is very nice and details. Ilm planning in May 2019. Can i get WhatsApp no. Of some tour operator?

Hi! Better contact their mobile numbers directly because whatsapp isn’t used much here in the ph.

Seemed like an awesome experience you had. Was this a DIY trip that you planned yourselves or did you purchase a full package with a tour company beforehand? Very helpful post.

Hi Nicole. As said in the blog post, we did it DIY. Nowadays there are tours in Balabac which we’d recommend you do instead. 🙂

Hi! Pwede pong pakiconfirm if that is still the number of kuya onyok? I texted the number and inquired about rates. He asked for a downpayment and gave a different name (might be his real name?) But since malaki ung downlayment na hinihingi niya, medyo worried lang ako.

Hi Ren, sorry for the late reply. The number was still working a few months back, but we got the updated numbers here: Kuya Onyok – 09123993543, Kuya Boboy – 09073892313. 🙂 We also updated the guide.

Sarah L. Grageda

Hi Katherine! In Balabac or Rio Tuba, is there any available motorcycle that is for rent? If there is, I’d like to know the average price of the rent per day. Thanks!

I’m not sure. If you find one I’m guessing it’ll be around P400-500 per day? That’s how much motorcycle rental costs in other places in Palawan.

Hi! Anybody here who has contacts for mainland Balabac tours? Thank you in advance!

We live in Palawan (in Brooke’s Pt.) but when I told him I want to visit Balabac, he said no:( Want to visit the island badly :((

Bout dun sa 1,2 and 3days package tour in onok island?

May i know what is included on that packages?

Krista Matias

Palawan is really such a beautiful island, and I am planning to go there this year. I am glad I have read this blog, I am really looking forward to trying out these exciting activities in there. Thank you for sharing the beauty of Palawan.

Mhat Hidalgo

Hello! We’re actually heading rio tuba now with friend. Ask ko Lang yung tour package na 4500 per head for two 3d2n San ang pick up point? Thanks . Any joiners? Please pm me

I’ve heard about the “niknik” during the night, how bad is it? is OFF Lotion not enough to drive them away?

Nope. Even if it works I don’t think you’ll be very comfortable with insects around you.

I’m planning to go on my own this June or end of may who wants to Join me, so we can save more money I’ll bring my own tent as well

you want to check kilometerph meron na silang na organized na group. at may mga scheds na rin

Anyone going to palawan in june? Im island hopping and would love to visit balabac

I’m planning to go on my own this June or end of may

Jay Sebastian

Hi. I am planning to go to Balabac second week of August (9th).

Are there any of you here travelling around this time? If I can join your team that would be very nice.

Please give the contact number of tourism officer if you have.

Hi, we’re planning to go to Balabac on June 13-17. Hope we can find a group of travellers to whom we can join, so it will lessen our tight budget.

George Gaskell

hello, [email protected] here. George for short. A friend and I plan to go round about the same time; June 13-17. 2019. Please email your details if interested to join up and cut costs. And a million thanks too Katherine & Hali for this wonderful bit of info.

Eejay Corceles

Hi belle, my girlfriend and i are actually scheduled to tour balabac on june 13-17, 2019. DM me on instagram @eejayboang

Hi! I’ll be in Balabac from May 10 to 15. I hope I can join other groups to save money for the island hopping. Mac

Hello! We’re going to Balabac this coming June 2018? Anyone who wants to join us during our island hopping from June 8 to 10?

Hi! Are you still looking for travel buddies? My two friends and I will be in Palawan from June 6-11 and we’re planning to go to Balabac.

June 6 to 11 might work for me and a friend. Please email just in case we are able to manage these dates, so as to enable us to cut costs. Thanks and thanks again to Katherine and Hali for sharing.

June 8 to 10 might work for me and a friend. Please email just in case we are able to manage these dates, so as to enable us to cut costs. Thanks and thanks again to Katherine and Hali for sharing.

i and my husband were able to go march 19-21 and i would say this is by far my best beach experience ever in my many years of traveling to different beach locations in the country. we had such a great time. we met new friends during our island hopping. six of those who were featured in KMJS last sunday were with us in onuk island which we enjoyed the most. those who are going, please do not miss onuk. the hefty entrance fee is so worth it. i have so many stories to tell, good and not so good about this trip but i will need to write a blog about it. 🙂

Hi Judy thanks for sharing your experience. 😉

Hello! May I know who was your tour guide/boat operator and how was your transaction with him/her? Thanks.

Hello. I just saw this post and planning to go there alone 🙁 Let me know if I can join so that I can save cost

Hi! We are planning to go to balabac this may 29 (departure from manila). Any group interested to join para makamura tayo? PM me on FB- Sunshine Cervantes

get fidel….madali sya kausap at okay ang package rates nya

Earlier of May po meron?

May 2-6 pm me 09174037478 confirmed

Hi Sunshine. PMed you in FB already.

Jamie Lou Garces

Hi! Is that the final date? Will arrive in Puerto Princesa on May 31. May I still join the group?

Tried to search your name in messenger, it matches a lot of profiles po. I’m interested to join the group but I’ll arrive in Puerto Princesa on May 31.

fidel was our boat operator/guide and i highly recommend him.

I went down to Rio Tuba in Mid February and was told it is not safe for foreign guests (non-filipino) to go there at the time being. I had a very nice lady at the docks of Rio Tuba calling around to numerous numbers I gave her and some family that she has down there. The same response from all, they strongly discouraged foreign tourists from visiting at the moment. They are still operating boats (quite expesive – 6-7,000php for 3 day trips) for Filipinos though.

If boat operators that make money from tourism are encouraging foreign guests to stay away, it’s probably for a reason. To the foreign tourists, is it really worth putting yourself in danger or the other people with you as well?

Thanks for the update Bryan! Did they say why? (My friends had just gotten back from Balabac including Onuk this month, but then they are locals.)

I guess that the terrorists in the area will target foreign travelers specifically in the area. Just in the past year there was a foreign couple killed on a boat down there, along with a Filipino woman and her child according to what I was told. I’m quite sure they wouldn’t just be making that up. They didn’t say I couldn’t go, but just strongly advised against it.

As a foreign tourist, of course you shouldn’t put yourself in a potentially dangerous situation along with putting any Filipinos you would be with in dangers as well.

Hopefully one day things will get better down there!

I see. Thanks for this info! We were not aware of the news abt the foreign couple. 🙂 When we went tho I did mention (in another post) that I do not think Balabac is stable yet, hopefully it will be in the coming years.

Not a problem. And like you say, hopefully things get better in the future there! I would love to see it for myself one day.

di kami natuloy ng husband ko last year sa balabac due to time and money constraints but hopefully next month at nakabooked na kami. kaso ang mahal ng singil sa min nun nakausap ko. 3nights tig P10k each kami, island hopping lang un and food. kung 7k each kaya pa sa budge. but 10k each mukhang hindi na. sana meron pa akong mahanap na mas cheaper sa 10k at makasabay na mga grp. we will arrive puerto on march 17 and 26 is our flight back.

Hi Judy, sinong kausap niyo? Try contacting Kuya Boboy and Ate Lorna. My friends are going there also this summer, maayos naman yung quote sa kanila.

Hi po. I am planning to visit Balabac at baka aku lang mag-isa. I only want to visit Candaraman at Punta Sebaring. Side trip lang sa Candaraman and I’ll spend 2 nights sa Punta Sebaring. Do you have any idea how much it would cost me for the boat?

I don’t know since that’s a custom trip. Why don’t you ask the boatmen/tour guides for a quote? 🙂

sir anung date ang punta nyo ng balabac? kc kmi ng sister q..since dalawa lng kmi we’re planning to visit punta sebaring and another island malapit lng sa sebaring kc btin un araw namin? bka pd pd tyo tatlo kung same date lng un pgbisita mo para mas cheaper.. thanks

kelan kayo nasa puerto? baka pwede tayo mag joint forces para mas makatipid. 2 lang kami ng husband ko. dating namin ng puerto march 17. 25 ang balik. plan namin mag pa rio tuba the same day kung maabutan namin ang last trip. then pa bangkalan on the 18th kung saan kami ppick upin ni fidel (contact boatman ko) let me know guys. thanks

nku mam mgkaiba tyo ng date march 10-13 po kmi ng sister q.. sayang namn..

hi anne papunta pa labg ako ng balabac dito pa lanv ako rio tuba pier

hello anne…kmsta ang trip nyo last 10-13?

mjo disappointed kmi d sun package n nkuha nmin..then n delayed p un flight namin ng mahigit 2hrs..mjo maalon kaya ilang islands lng un npuntahn nmin.. pero no doubt mgganda tlga isla sa balabac worth to visit kahit malayo..

Pwede ba ako humingi ng itinerary mo? Thanks 🙂

mam may npg inquira’an aq 7500 per person lng kay kap andong ito un number nya 09204214583..

ser anung date ng balabac visits mo?

ALL the island-hopping BOAT TRIPS are CANCELED on Balabac! You can go there with public boat but NOONE will TAKE you any of the tourist DESTINATIONS since there are many discussions between island, boat owners, coast guards and tourism office of Balabac.

We ve just came back from Balabac.

This blog shoud be updated, before anyone effort to go there.

Hi Gabor, sorry to hear abt your experience and thanks for the heads up! Yes we’ve heard about on-going talks particularly about standardization of rates. Hope they come to an agreement soon. 🙂 If you have more updates, feel free to comment or message us so we can add it to the post.

Hala!!!panu kya yn?!!

It seems that island hopping tours are temporarily suspended. But my friends who’d been there this week were able to go island hopping. Guess there’s nothing else to do but wait until matters get resolved. 🙂

si fidel bago kong kausap…he gave me a much lower price.

Thanks for the tips! I’m going to Balabac in April! Did you have problems sa source ng drinking water in Balabac? Kasi parang hindi practical magdala ng maraming bottled water. hehe Thank you!

No. You can easily buy bottled water or ask for a glass in the eateries. 🙂

I wanted to let you know that Ate Bebeth, (Balabac assistant tourism officer: 0949 424 1605) no longer works with the tourism office.

Would anyone by chance know a different contact number to the tourism office there?

Hi Bryan, thanks for the update! I’ll go ask my friends if they have a contact number. 🙂 Please do inform us here if you get the new contact person also.

You can see my new response I made about my trip. Right now, I think it’s okay for Filipino tourists to visit but it was highly recommended that, I as a foreign tourist, didn’t visit due to concerns for the safety of foreign tourists in the area currently.

Hi, I can’t seem to find the contact number of White Heaven Lodge, do you have it? Thanks!

We didn’t get the number. It’s just walking distance from where the van will drop you off.

Hello Ms. Kath! If Sebaring Island lang pupuntahan namin then balikan lang agad, sa tingin mo po how much will it cost per head? Thank you.

Hi Cinderella, not sure… Better ask your boat operator. 🙂

i see…i’ll bring my 7yr old girl and little bit worried when it comes to camping for 2-3 nights(as offered by tour companies) your blog/article really help me to decide to do balabac on our own instead of getting a tour … thank you so much

Jasmin joy Villalobos Taneza

Hello Ms Kath.. fellow traveler here, enlighten me please, you don’t need to camp on those islands you mentioned,? on your day 2-4 you stay in balabac and do the boating every day from thereon? salamat

Yep. At the end of the day, we’d go back to the inn in mainland Balabac. I think it’s possible to camp in some of the islands but ask your boatmen to be sure.

Hi! My friend and I are planning to visit Balabac this March. More specifically, Onok Island is on the top of our list. However we were astounded to find out that they now charge 5000 pesos per head (entrance fee and meals included) just to visit this island. And that’s on top of the usual rate of 2000 per person per day Island hopping (3 islands per day). We tried to call diff boat operators and all have the same rates. Umm do you think it’s worth the price to still visit onok?

Waaa? Who are you referring to, exactly? Last time we were there, there was no entrance fee to Onuk Island. It’s a private property of the mayor and he used to just let visitors see the island. Did the mayor impose the new rate?

I just got an update and included it in the guide. Yes, the rate is now P5000 per head for a day tour in Onuk Island including lunch. Really pricey. I think I’ll skip on that. It’s not a 5-star hotel. But still depends on you.

Thanks for this detailed post. I just bookmarked this page for our future trip.

Quick question though: how the network coverage? Is there at least 3G?

Yep, but signal was intermittent so most of the time we just didn’t bother with our phones. Not sure how it is now. 🙂

hub and i are planning (well, im the one planning actually.he simply tags along 🙂 ) to go to balabac before end of january(20-24) from our northern palawan trip. considering the cost to get there and get back to puerto, kailangang magtipid…i really hope we may makasabay kami para mas mraming maka share sa island hopping. thank you so much for all the infos. they are a huge help.

If you’re on a budget I suggest just limiting your island hopping to the nearby islands – Onuk, Candaraman and Siksikan. It will cost you about P1500. Punta Sebaring is 3 hours away from mainland Balabac, for an additional P500.

Hi Zaida! I’m traveling solo to Balabac on Nov.20-24. You might want to come with me. Send me an email at [email protected] 🙂

We will be in Palawan again in April and we have already been to El Nido & Coron , we want do this area now. We’re foreigners so hope its not difficult to organise by ourselves

Hi Ana. We’ll probably go back next year, too. I hope you’d drop by again after your visit and let us know how it went. We get a lot of messages from foreign tourists asking the same thing and it’ll be a big help. 🙂

kapampangantraveller

Thank you for sharing your Balabac experience. Would explore on November and cross fingers for good weather.

Cheers for more travels!

I will travel novermeber 18-28th to Palawan. I plan to fly into Manila and then el Nido as the flight is one hour ish. Stay there for 3-4 days to island hop. From there fly back to Manila and then fly into Puerto princess and see if for a day if that. Then head to a tour to hit balabac island and island hope there to onuk and candarman. Is this enough time is there anything you can suggest. I may do a 5 day info you provided. Do I need the mayors signature to visit onuk? Thanks!

Hi Zaida, you can ask your boatmen to assist you in asking the mayor’s permission personally or you can send an email at least a month before. Contact the tourism office for more info on this.

Wow… Way back I was only allowed to stay in Rio Tuba. If I was just stubborn enough I would’ve discovered the place as well! Nice post and beautiful pics, Kat and Hali 😀

Anong meron? Security issues?

Hi! May I know if the rates of the tour are per boat or per person? There might be just two of us so I wanna know if it is still affordable.

Hi She. The rate is per boat. If you read the costing I clearly stated that with a rate of P8000, 2 people will have to spend P4000 each. 🙂 I hope that clears up any confusion.

hi kat.. is it possible to tour Balabac with my 3yrs old? and balak din kc namin mag el nido eh doable ba ang balabac and el nido for 8days?

Hi, I guess it’s okay if you’ll only island hop in nearby islands like Onuk and Candaraman and if you’ll manage to get a boat with proper roofing. Some islands are too distant kase. For example, from mainland it will take you 3 hours to reach Balabac island where the lighthouse is located.

Balabac and El Nido is doable in 8 days, but take note that El Nido and Balabac are on opposite sides of Palawan. It’s separated by at least 10 hours of land travel and another 4 hours of sea travel.

Backpacking Geek

Wow! Thanks for dropping by my space recently!

It was really hard to look for good references for a DIY sa Balabac! Kinilig ako because yours gave a great deal of info! Now I can start planning… 🙂 thanks again!

Oh, thanks for dropping by as well and you’re welcome!

I’d love to leave a comment in your site but there isn’t a comment option when opened in the WP reader. 🙂

Yeah… you will need to open the page to leave a comment. I’ll need to look for the settings in WP Reader to allow comments.

Thank you So much for this! I just want to ask kung dun na kayo sa balabac kumuha ng island hopping tour? Me and my boyfriend are planning to go there this August 2016 and we would like to backpack lang 🙂 Joiners are welcome!

Hi Isla! I already contacted Kuya Boboy weeks before our actual travel date. It’s okay if you’ll go there without an arranged tour yet. Just go directly to the tourism office for assistance. I have friends who went in Balabac without contacts and they encountered no problem naman.

hi Isla! we’re also planning to go to balabac on aug. 27-29. have you already booked a package tour? pls reply 🙂

hi isla! we wanna join for aug 27-29, 2016. do you still need joiners? we are a couple and we’re also in need of at least 3 joiners 🙂 pls pm me if interested. thanks! 🙂

Thanks for dropping by, Milet! Yep, better wait until election season is over. 🙂 I hope the newly elected officials do something to boost the tourism in Balabac as well as guarantee safety for tourists.

Roxane de Jesus

Hi, my cousin and I are planning to go on an April 16-17, 2016 trip to Balabac. Anyone interested to do a DIY with us to lessen the cost of fixed expenses like island hopping? The more, the lesser.

Roselle C Toledo

I’ve been wanting to go to Palawan. I find Boracay too crowded. I was not aware about Balabac. It’s so prinstine! Thanks for this article I also had an idea how much to save up.

Joy Perito-Priginal

The place really looks beautiful!Hubby and I will be travelling to palawan this october. I hope we can include it in our itinerary. Thank you for breaking down the expenses it will be really helpful as we always go on a budgeted trip!

Milton Coyne

I really want to visit the unspoiled beauty of Palawan .. this place has always been on my bucket list and your pictures make me so eager to push my plans this year!

Thanks for sharing your unbiased review on this place! I have been hearing my grandpa mention this place (Balabac) for so long since I was a kid. I didn’t know how beautiful this place was! I am going to Palawan this summer vacation and I am definitely am wanting to include this as my side trip with my family!

You’re welcome namesake! 🙂 I’ll consider other places though if you’re with a kid, since the boat rides during island hopping take hours and the motorized boats often used don’t have any overhead tarp to protect the boat passengers from the sun.

Aika Loraine

Last time, Air Asia had again their Piso Sale, I actually want to book for Palawan however, the fairs are too expensive so I decided to book for Kalibo instead. Reading this made me again think of booking a Palawan flight. I like it that you provided itinerary for this. I am a DIY traveller also. Uhum. Thanks to this blog entry as it will be a great addition to the very little material in the Internet about Balabac as you have mentioned.

Hi! I’m so glad i found this post. My friend and i are going to balabac in june so i need all the help i can get to prepare our itinerary. 🙂 Btw, you mentioned you werent able to go to Onuk? May i know why? Were you able to get the permit to visit the island? This is our main target location kasi so i would like to know if we need to get the permit before arrival sa palawan para sure and kung sino best contact person. Thanks in advance 🙂

Hi Awesome! You have to personally ask current Mayor Shuaib because it is his private property. So it depends if papayag siya. There are times he even lets visitors use his boat to go to Onuk Island.

Meron rin kasing security issue ngayon since election season (e.g., risk of kidnappings in the area etc.). This is what we were told by the asst. tourism officer.

When you arrive in Balabac, go to municipal hall to log your names in the local tourism register and also ask if Mayor is there. Seek assistance from your boatman, alam na nila yun. 🙂

Kat! You’ve captured our trip right on point. And I am also glad to see our beach conversation here. hehe

I think it also calls for everyone disposing their garbage properly – travellers and locals alike. Some of the trash seemed to have washed off from the shore and in the end it all comes back to us. Garbage is a big issue I think not only for Balabac but for other places as well. Though I am also hopeful that pretty soon the local tourism office will push for efforts to preserve the beaches since they are really that stunning. 🙂

’till our next adventure together! 🙂

Kelangan talaga more awareness and discipline regarding garbage disposal. Palaging yan ang problema sa local tourism e.

Yep, yep. See you soon! 😀

Hi Kath.. Good to see that you’re writing “again..” Hehe.. Refer ako dito sakaling mapadpad ako ng Palawan ha.. ; )

Hi Ranran, thank you! (Napaisip ako if I know you in person, if yes then PM mo ko here haha.)

Guide to Balabac Palawan: Breathtaking Secluded Islands in the Philippines

Best Time to Go to Balabac Palawan

Dry season | november to may, climate and weather, what to wear, how to go to balabac palawan.

From Manila
From Puerto Princesa

How to Get Around Balabac Palawan

Where to stay in balabac palawan.

Homestays and Guesthouses

Resorts and Beach Camps

Top things to do and tourist spots in balabac palawan, relax in onok island, marvel at the views at camiaran island (pink island), enjoy the white sand at punta sebaring beach, chill at candaraman island and snorkel at starfish sandbar, see the dolphin-shaped sands of patawan island, stroll along mansalangan sandbar, gaze into the blue waters of tangkahan island, snorkel in the waters of sicsican island and pulau bato (nasubata reef), climb to see cape melville lighthouse, explore indalawan falls and indalawan beach from balabac town, balabac palawan sample itinerary, day 1: travel to puerto princesa and/or rio tuba, day 2: arrival in balabac + island hopping tour, day 3: balabac island-hopping tour 2, day 4: balabac island-hopping tour 3, day 5: departure from balabac, balabac palawan travel tips and faqs.

Are there ATMs in Balabac, Palawan?
Is it safe to go to Balabac, Palawan?
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Are there any restrictions or permits required in Balabac?

What should i bring for my trip to balabac, is there anything else i should take note of when visiting balabac.

Onok Island & aerial view of Balabac Island

The Phillippines is a country known for its countless pristine beaches scattered across its 7,640-plus islands. One of the best places to explore the white sand beaches in the Philippines is Palawan . This province in the Luzon group of islands is famous for its tourist destinations like El Nido , Coron , and Puerto Princesa . In recent years, Port Barton and the rest of San Vicente have also gained popularity among tourists who want to see a quieter side of Palawan.

But one of the underrated places in the Philippines that is well worth a visit is Balabac, the southernmost municipality in Palawan. Because of its location, it is actually nearer to Sabah in East Malaysia than Puerto Princesa, the capital city of Palawan.

Balabac is slowly gaining popularity, thanks to its breathtaking beaches, unspoiled islands, and turquoise waters that rival those of other Palawan tourist spots . Some travelers even refer to it as the Maldives of the Philippines.

Check out our list of Maldives-like resorts in the Philippines

If you’re planning to add the municipality to your Palawan itinerary , this Balabac travel guide will help you by giving you what you need to know to have a hassle-free and enjoyable trip.

See our popular Palawan Tours and Activities

Planning when to go to Balabac is important, not only because most of the tourist spots and activities here can be found or are held outdoors, but also because you’ll need to ride a boat to reach Balabac’s islands. To ensure a safe and fuss-free transfer to the municipality, you’ll need to schedule your visit during the dry season. Generally, this is the best time to visit the Philippines .

The best months to go to Balabac, Palawan is March to May , as these are the hottest months in the municipality. Visiting at this time gives you a high chance of calmer seas, which means smoother boat rides. However, do note that this is also the summer months in the Philippines, and because Holy Week falls during these months, it is also considered peak season for travel in the country.

You may also visit from November to February , which is still considered the dry season. It won’t be as warm as March to May, but you can expect a small chance of rain during this period.

You can expect the weather in Balabac to be warm and humid year-round. However, you can expect rain during the rainy season. The hottest month in Balabac is usually May, which averages a 31.73ºC (89.11ºF) temperature, while the coolest is February, which averages a 25.48ºC (77.86ºF) temperature.

The wettest months are usually July to October, so avoid traveling to Balabac during this period. To ensure a stress-free trip, make sure to periodically check weather updates as your vacation comes nearer.

The weather in Balabac is usually warm, and since most of its tourist attractions are islands and beaches, it’s best to pack light and breathable clothes, especially if you’re visiting during the summer months. Also, remember to include in your packing list sunglasses, hats, and sunblock to protect yourself from the sun’s rays.

From Manila

There are no direct flights from Manila to Balabac. The nearest airport to Balabac is the Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS), so you will have to check which Manila to Puerto Princesa flights will work best for your schedule.

After arriving in Puerto Princesa, you may head directly to the port and catch a boat to Balabac, Palawan. But if your flight isn’t early enough to catch the bus to your preferred port, you will need to stay at least one night before continuing your journey to Balabac, as it would be hard to catch the boat that will take you to your final destination on the same day.

To ensure your comfort before a long journey, it’s best to stay in Puerto Princesa hotels . You should also consider booking Puerto Princesa vacation packages , some of which come complete with flights, accommodations, and Puerto Princesa Airport transfers .

If you haven’t explored Puerto Princesa yet, it’s a good idea to spend a day or two here so you can see some of its tourist attractions via Puerto Princesa tours . It would be a shame to be near the UNESCO World Heritage Site Puerto Princesa Underground River and not visit it.

See our popular Puerto Princesa Tours and Activities

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Puerto Princesa is the main gateway to Balabac, but if you’re in other places in Palawan, you can arrange transfers to the capital city. Puerto Princesa transfers are usually available from destinations like El Nido and Port Barton in San Vincente.

Once you are in Puerto Princesa, ride a tricycle or a jeepney to the Irawan Bus Terminal. From here, you can ride a bus or a van. There are two ports that you can go to from Irawan Bus Terminal: Rio Tuba Pier or Buliluyan Port. Both can be found in the municipality of Bataraza.

Option 1: Rio Tuba Pier

From the Irawan Bus Terminal, take the bus to Rio Tuba. The 245.9-km journey will take around four to five hours. There are usually two trips scheduled for the day, one at 8:30 AM and one at 10:30 AM. From Rio Tuba, you can take a tricycle to the pier.

There is usually only one boat per day that ferries passengers from Rio Tuba Pier to Balabac. There is no fixed schedule, and the boat leaves between 9 AM and 2 PM, so it’s best to take the earlier bus. If you miss the ferry for the day, you’d need to book accommodations in Rio Tuba and head to the port early the next day to catch the boat.

The boat trip from Rio Tuba Port to Balabac Island usually takes three to four hours. After arriving at Balabac, make sure to take note to familiarize yourself with the port, as you will need to head back here at least a day before your departure to reserve your seat for the ferry back to Rio Tuba. There is only one boat, which usually departs at about 6 AM. Even if you have reservations, make sure to arrive early, as latecomers may lose their seats to passengers on standby.

See our popular Puerto Princesa Transfers

Option 2: buliluyan port.

From the Irawan Bus Terminal, take the bus to Buliluyan Port. The journey of about 280.2km will take around five hours. There is usually only one scheduled bus trip that departs at 8:30 AM, so make sure you don’t miss it! This bus goes straight to the port.

There are no public ferries to Balabac from Buliliyan Port, but you can hire a boat to take you to one of Balabac’s islands. You can also check with your tour operator or accommodations in Balabac if they can hire a boat on your behalf. Depending on where in Balabac you are headed, the boat trip can take one to three hours.

While it is possible to arrange everything yourself and go on a DIY tour, because of the long travel time that involves multiple transfers and requires tricky scheduling, it is recommended to book Balabac Palawan tour packages that are inclusive of transfers, accommodations, and tours.

Within the bigger islands like Balabac, Bugsuk, and Bancalan Islands, you can hire tricycles to take you around as you explore. With some islands, you can also rent a motorcycle so you can ride around the area yourself.

If you are staying in Balabac Town, the attractions are close enough to each other that you can usually just walk from one place to another. For a hassle-free experience, you may also book Balabac, Palawan tours.

See our popular Palawan Island Hopping Tours

While Balabac, Palawan has been gaining popularity recently, don’t expect a lot of options when it comes to accommodations. The municipality is remote, and there are only limited accommodations. To ensure that you will have a place to stay during your trip, book accommodations in advance, especially during the peak season. Also, note that these accommodations are basic, so don’t expect luxury.

See our popular Palawan Vacation Packages

Homestays and guesthouses .

These basic accommodations can mostly be found on the two big islands, Balabac Island and Bugsuk Island. In Balabac Island, you’ll find most guesthouses and homestays at Balabac Town Proper (Poblacion), while in Bugsuk Island, your best option is the barangay of Sebaring.

Some of these accommodations only offer fan rooms with a shared bathroom, so if you want added comfort, make sure to inquire if an air-conditioned room with a private bathroom is available.

Camping

There are many islands in Balabac that you can camp in, but make sure to plan this in advance as some may require fees. Some islands where you can find camping grounds are Bugsuk Island, Onok (or Onuk) Island, Catamaran Island, and Camiaran Island.

If you booked Palawan tour packages to Balabac with campsite accommodations, check the inclusions. Some of these packages already include camping gear, such as tents, so you don’t have to bring your own.

Also scattered throughout the islands are several resorts and beach camps. Again, these accommodations are not four- or five-star ones, but they may be able to provide you with more comfortable accommodations compared to the guesthouses and campsites.

Some beachfront resorts offer bungalow accommodations, cottages, and even rooms on stilts, while beach camps offer tent accommodations that are already set up and ready to sleep in. You can find some of these accommodations on Patawan Island, Balabac Island, and Onok Island.

The municipality is made up of several islands, so it’s no surprise that the majority of the Balabac, Palawan tourist spots and attractions are pristine beaches surrounded by crystal-clear waters and diverse marine life. Depending on the ownership of some islands, you may have to pay a fee or ask for permission to visit, but your tour operator can easily arrange this when you book Philippine island-hopping tours .

Read about some of the most beautiful sandbars in the Philippines

Coron Island Hopping Tour to Kayangan Lake & Barracuda Lake | Palawan Super Ultimate Package

Private el nido palawan lio airport to or from any el nido town hotel transfer service.

This sandbar is connected to Byan Island, east of Matangule Island. This picturesque and snaking sandbar stretches as far as the eye can see, making it perfect for a relaxing stroll while enjoying the sea breeze.

Balabac has an abundance of stunning islands, and Tangkahan Island is one of them. This island boasts sandy beaches, towering palm trees, and surrounding waters that have different hues of blue.

While most of the islands and beaches in Balabac are great spots for snorkeling, if you really want to see lush marine life, head to either Sicscian Island or Nasubata Reef, which is also known as Pulao Bato. Sicsican Island is known for its flourishing coral garden, while Nasubata Reef is often found teeming with colorful fish.

On Balabac Island, you’ll find a Spanish-era lighthouse that began operating in 1892. Back then, it guided ships crossing the waters between Balabac and the northern islands of Sabah, Malaysia. While it is no longer used today, the 90-foot-tall lighthouse still looks impressive in the daylight, even as plants and trees are slowly reclaiming its structures.

Since they are located on the same island, you can reach Barangay Indalawan from Balabac Town via land transportation. If you’re riding a motorcycle or a tricycle, expect a bumpy trip to Indalawan Falls and Indalawan Beach, as you may need to pass by dirt roads along the way. The trip will be well worth it, though, as these two untouched sites will give you the chance to reconnect with nature or just enjoy a peaceful and quiet exploration.

Because of the long travel to get here, it is best to allot at least five days for your Balabac trip. This will allow you to have three days to explore Balabac. If you have more time and want to explore more of the municipality, you may also extend your trip to seven or more days.

Flight to Puerto Princesa

Overnight at a hotel in Puerto Princesa or land travel to Rio Tuba and check-in at accommodations

Boat ride to Balabac from Rio Tuba Pier or Buliluyan Port

Island-hopping tour to Tangkahan Island, Patawan Island, and Punta Sebaring Beach

Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing

Lunch served picnic-style on one of the islands

Overnight camping at Punta Sebaring Beach

Enjoy breakfast

Island-hopping tour to Mansalangan Sandbar, Canibungan Island, and Sicsican Island

Back to Balabac Town and check-in at accommodations

Island-hopping tour to Candaraman Sandbar and Onok Island, where you can swim with turtles and explore the giant clam area

Travel back to Balabac Island

Hike to Cape Melville Lighthouse and watch the sunset

Free time to relax, pack, and prepare for departure.

Dinner and overnight stay at accommodations

Breakfast and checkout from your accommodations

Depart from Balabac via ferry or boat to Rio Tuba Pier or Buliluyan Port

From Rio Tuba Pier or Buliluyan Port, travel back to Puerto Princesa by bus or van

Depart from Puerto Princesa International Airport to your next destination.

Balabac, Palawan is an amazing destination to visit, but thanks to its remote location, not a lot of people have had the chance to explore it, and many may have questions about this destination. Check out the following tips and frequently asked questions so you can have a smooth and fuss-free trip.

See our popular Best Philippines Itinerary Tour Packages

5-day nature & islands adventure package to puerto princesa and el nido palawan, 4-day fascinating culture & nature tour package to cebu & bohol with accommodations & transfers, scenic 1-week beaches & nature vacation package to cebu, puerto princesa & el nido palawan, are there atms in balabac, palawan .

Since it is a remote municipality, there are no ATMs in Balabac. It is best to bring all the cash that you would need for the entire trip. It’s best to withdraw Philippine currency either in Manila or Puerto Princesa. If you’re staying a night in Rio Tuba, you will also find some ATMs in the barangay.

Is it safe to go to Balabac, Palawan?

Balabac is generally safe for all tourists, but as with any destination, travelers should always exercise the right amount of caution and be mindful of all the health and travel risks that come with the trip. It is also best to be informed about the local customs, traditions, and laws so that you don’t accidentally disrespect the locals or break the law.

Is there mobile or phone signal in Balabac, Palawan?

The weak mobile signal in Balabac, Palawan is not reliable, so if you need to update your friends and family or download important information, it is best to do so while you are in Puerto Princesa or other bigger cities and towns.

Tropical landscape with lagoons in Balabac, Palawan

Since some islands in Balabac are privately owned, visiting them may require fees or permits. This can be arranged by your tour operator.

Palawan is the only place in the Philippines with malaria, and while the local government is taking steps to eradicate the disease in the province, it is best to take precautions and bring and use mosquito repellant.

Also, take note that because Balabac is remote and has limited infrastructure and access to modern amenities, you should bring your own creature comforts and necessities like drinking water, food, and medicine. Some areas also have no electricity so it is recommended to bring a power bank and charge it when possible.

As with any place you visit, do not litter. If you have trash with you but there are no garbage bins in sight, hold on to it until you find an environmentally friendly way to dispose of it.

Start planning your trip to Balabac, Palawan

The travel to Balabac, Palawan is not for the faint of heart, but after reaching this remote and untouched destination, you will instantly realize that the time and effort required to get there is worth it.

In fact, Balabac's isolation from the main island of Palawan adds to its charm. While there are no luxurious resorts and strong mobile signal here, it gives visitors the chance to go back to basics, reconnect with nature, and shut away the noise of the modern world.

Give yourself the chance to be recentered when you explore the southernmost municipality of Palawan and arrange your trip to Balabac today.

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Travel time from Manila to Palawan

How long does it really take to fly from Manila to Palawan? Here's a sample itinerary for a commercial flight plan. If you want to know the total travel time to reach Palawan, you need to include time at the airports. Eventually, you'll be able to customize this itinerary to select other nearby airports and choose your preferred airline.

Tuesday, 4:14 pm : start in Manila drive for about 21 minutes most airlines recommend you get to the airport at least 60 minutes before your flight, so arrive by 5:00 pm at the latest

4:50 pm : get your boarding pass and go through TSA security allow enough time for long security lines during busy travel seasons or holidays, and prepare for the wait time

5:20 pm : arrive at the gate once you're ready to board, you can get something to eat in the airport or just relax near the gate

5:35 pm : prepare for boarding check your boarding pass for your group number or listen to the gate agent as they announce boarding, some airlines require you to be in the boarding area 10-15 minutes before departure or risk losing your seat

5:50 pm : board Cebu Air Inc d/b/a Cebu Pacific Air flight you can scroll down to view other airlines that fly this route

6:00 pm : this is your scheduled departure time but remember flights can be delayed, so take that into account it takes the plane an average of 15 minutes to taxi to the runway

6:15 pm : wheels up! take-off from MNL fly for about 1 hour in the air

7:28 pm (local time) : Puerto Princesa Airport (PPS) Palawan is the same time as Manila taxi on the runway for an average of 15 minutes to the gate

7:43 pm (local time) : arrive at the gate at PPS deboard the plane, and claim any baggage if you're renting a car, check if you need to take a shuttle to car rental agency, otherwise you can ride in a cab, limo, or Uber for about 21 minutes to your destination

8:04 pm (local time) : arrive in Palawan

Total travel time: 4 hours

How far is Palawan from Manila? Here's the quick answer if you have a private jet and you can fly in the fastest possible straight line.

Flight distance: 361 miles or 581 km

Flight time: 1 hour, 13 minutes

Compare this to a whole day of commercial travel with the airports and waiting in line for security, which ends up taking a total of 3 hours, 50 minutes .

Flying private is roughly 3.8x faster , and saves you about 3 hours in your total travel time.

Because of the curvature of the Earth, the shortest distance is actually the "great circle" distance, or "as the crow flies" which is calculated using an iterative Vincenty formula.

This is a relatively short flight in a private plane, but you might be planning to book a commercial flight. In that case, your travel time would really need to include how many minutes to get to your local airport, wait for security, board and taxi on the runway, land at the other airport, and get to your destination. The flight itinerary at the top of the page takes into account all these factors to get a more accurate estimate of your actual flight time .

We picked Cebu Air Inc d/b/a Cebu Pacific Air for your main flight, but there are other airlines that you should check if you're looking for the cheapest flight, or you need a different schedule. Check the websites of these airlines:

Cebu Air Inc d/b/a Cebu Pacific Air (5J)
Philippine Airlines Inc. (PR)

Trippy has a ton of information that can help you plan your trip to Palawan. Start by reading the Trippy page on where to stay in Palawan . Trippy members can suggest things to do in Palawan like Puerto Princesa . Click the button below to explore Palawan in detail.

The distance is the same either way if you're flying a straight line. But for a real trip, there can be plenty of differences so go ahead and check the reverse flight itinerary to fly from Palawan to Manila , or go to the main page to calculate other flight times .

You can also compare the travel time if you were to drive instead. Get the full itinerary for a Manila to Palawan road trip . Or if you're more interested in the distance, How far is it from Manila to Palawan?

If you happen to know Manila, don't forget to help other travelers and answer some questions about Manila!

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EXACTLY How To Get From Puerto Princesa To El Nido, Palawan [2024]

Want to visit a tropical paradise and wondering how to get from Puerto Princesa to El Nido, Palawan? We can help!

El Nido is a popular tourist destination in the Philippines. With its gorgeous coastline and great beaches, there is so much to love about a trip here. Of course, before you can enjoy it, you need to make it there!

Puerto Princesa is a common entry point to Palawan with usually better flight prices and options than flying to El Nido directly. From here, you can travel overland to El Nido.

While the travel time from Puerto Princesa to El Nido isn’t that far, this journey can seem complicated – at least until you take it step-by-step. It’s actually quite straightforward with many people taking this trip every day.

Below, I break down exactly how to go from Puerto Princesa to El Nido so you know exactly what you need to do, when, whether you are looking for a flight from Puerto Princesa to El Nido, a Puerto Princesa to El Nido van transfer or taking the El Nido Puerto Princesa bus route. This way, you will be in paradise as quick as possible!

I also describe the reverse journey from El Nido to Puerto Princesa.

Table of Contents

Map: Puerto Princesa Palawan To El Nido

Wondering how to get El Nido from Puerto Princesa? the following map shows the most direct overland route.

How far is El Nido from Puerto Princesa? About 268 kilometres. How far is Puerto Princesa airport to El Nido Palawan? About 271 kilometres. This is the road distance Puerto Princesa to El Nido.

If you were to drive from Puerto Princesa to El Nido, the travel time Puerto Princesa to El Nido is about 4.75 hours. However, the exact Puerto Princesa to El Nido travel time depends on what method of transport you take and the road and traffic conditions on the day. The table below gives you a better idea of how long this journey might take you.

BEST OPTION: How To Get From Puerto Princesa To El Nido, Palawan

The quickest and best option for traveling from Puerto Princesa to El Nido is to take a private taxi or a van.

Here’s a summary of your options:

Here are full instructions for how to travel from Puerto Princesa to El Nido by each of these transport options.

Option 1: Puerto Princesa To El Nido: Flight

It’s not possible to take direct flights from Puerto Princesa to El Nido. This means that if you want to fly Puerto Princesa El Nido Palawan, you have to take at least two flights. This involves either flying via Manila or Cebu.

By the time you take two flights, it doesn’t really save any time and usually costs more than traveling overland.

For this reason, I don’t recommend you take a Puerto Princesa to El Nido flight.

If you really want to fly, there are flights with AirAsia, Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines out of Puerto Princesa. You then need to connect with an Air Swift flight to El Nido.

This will take at least 4.5 hours of flying and then you need to factor in time to get to and from airports, check-in, go through security, etc.

Click here to see the prices and options for your dates.

Option 2: Bus Puerto Princesa To El Nido

Taking a bus Puerto Princesa to El Nido is a better option.

Buses take around seven hours and depart in the early morning and evening. The night bus Puerto Princesa to El Nido departs around 9:30pm.

Tickets start at ₱670. The bus line is Cherry Bus. Buses depart from the Puerto Princesa Central Land Transport Terminal which is about 10 kilometres northwest of the centre of Puerto Princesa.

They finish at the El Nido Bus Terminal which is about 4 kilometres northeast from the town. You can take tricycles.

It’s best to buy a ticket in advance, and it’s recommended that you arrive at the bus station 45 minutes early.

Click here to see the latest Puerto Princesa to El Nido bus schedule and the latest prices now.

Bay Walk Park at Puerto Princesa Palawan

Option 3: Puerto Princesa To El Nido Van Transfer

An even better option is to take a van transfer from Puerto Princesa to El Nido. The van Puerto Princesa to El Nido price is similar to the bus, but it is much quicker.

These depart often in the morning with a few choices in the afternoon and early evening as well. They only take about five hours, and there are many providers of this service. Ticket prices start at ₱670.

Vans have different pick-up points depending on the company. You can be picked up at the airport by some or the Centro Transport Terminal. If you can be flexible with departure time, look at the different Puerto Princesa van to El Nido options and pick one that leaves from the most convenient location from your hotel.

The different companies also arrive at different places in El Nido. So again, check out the options on the link below and look for a company that is convenient for you.

Click here to see the latest van to El Nido from Puerto Princesa prices and schedules.

Option 4: Puerto Princesa To El Nido By Car

Another option is a car rental. Puerto Princesa to El Nido by private car is a great way to go and you can explore along the way.

As above, it’s about 268 kilometres and takes about 4.75 hours.

The downside is that the price can add up, especially if you want to take a private car from Puerto Princesa to El Nido but not return again. There will be a one way fee in this case.

Click here to see car rental prices for your dates.

Option 5: Taxi From Puerto Princesa To El Nido

Your final option is the easiest which is to take a Puerto Princesa to El Nido private transfer. This is also nice and quick.

However, this is not just the most expensive option, but can take a little more effort to organise. You can try asking at your hotel or ask vans and taxis at the airport on arrival if they will take you.

There are also sometimes Puerto Princesa to El Nido private van options at the bus station.

You can also sometimes find taxis at this link starting at ₱6,500.

Boat From Puerto Princesa To El Nido?

Unfortunately, there is no ferry from Puerto Princesa to El Nido so if you want to travel Puerto Princesa to El Nido by boat, you are out of luck.

Take one of the options above instead.

How To Get From El Nido To Puerto Princesa

Cave Entrance Of Puerto Princesa Subterranean Underground River, Palawan

If you are traveling El Nido Palawan to Puerto Princesa instead, don’t worry. Your options are the same and you can basically reverse the transport Puerto Princesa El Nido instructions above.

The distance from El Nido to Puerto Princesa is about 268 kilometres, and the travel time from El Nido to Puerto Princesa is about 4.75 hours.

If you would like an El Nido to Puerto Princesa flight, again, I don’t recommend this. It doesn’t really save time as you’ll have to fly via Manila or Cebu. Air Swift will fly you out of El Nido then you can connect to an AirAsia, Cebu Pacific or Philippine Airlines flight to Puerto Princesa.

This will take at least 4.5 hours plus time to get to and from the airports, check-in etc.

The best transportation from El Nido to Puerto Princesa for budget travelers are buses or vans.

The El Nido to Puerto Princesa bus schedule is in the early morning and evening. The bus is with Cherry Bus lines and takes about 7 hours.

The El Nido to Puerto Princesa van schedule is throughout the day starting at 5am. Vans take only five hours and cost a similar price to the buses.

Click here for the latest prices and schedules for vans and buses from El Nido to Puerto Princesa.

You can read more about the bus and van services in the section above.

You can also hire a car or taxi to travel from El Nido to Puerto Princesa.

Final Words

I hope you found this guide to how to go to El Nido from Puerto Princesa useful.

The Puerto Princesa to El Nido distance isn’t far, and this is an easy journey to make overland whether you choose to take a bus, van, taxi or hire car. I don’t recommend you fly.

A taxi is the easiest option, but a van is a good combination of price and time.

Click here for the latest prices and schedules.

You can find all the best things to do in El Nido here and the best hotels In El Nido here . Also find our complete travel guide to Palawan here .

By Sharon Gourlay

Sharon first fell in love with the Philippines back in 2013 when she spent her son's first birthday on the beach in Boracay. Since then, she has visited many times and loves sharing her love of the Philippines here so you can enjoy it too. Sharon also has a Bachelor of Arts in Asian Studies and a Certificate III in International Travel Sales. Sharon especially loves island hopping through the Philippines - it's so gorgeous and easy. Through this site, she'll help you have the perfect trip to the Philippines!

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How to plan the ultimate island-hopping adventure in the Philippines

In this archipelago of over 7,000 islands, bamboo boats can take you almost anywhere — a neon-streaked city, an underwater shipwreck or a forest village where fireflies twinkle with the stars

Filipinos have long referred to their country as a pearl. And yes, you can find pearls here — but that’s not the only reason why. It has everything to do with the Philippines’ natural riches: among them, jade-green rice terraces, looming limestone mountains and sunsets so vivid they seem to set the sea ablaze. Add to this the country’s cities, with oceanside skyscrapers, a diverse street food scene and charming, mini-bus-like jeepneys, and you have the makings of a world-class break.

Because the Philippines has no mainland to speak of, most trips here tend to involve hopping between some of its 7,641 islands and islets. Those craving a more laidback beach getaway are well catered for: in popular destinations like Palawan, bangkas (bamboo outrigger boats) line up by the shores, ready to whisk you to your choice of sandbar. Some are backed by barefoot bars, some are famous for snorkelling, while others are reclaimed by the water at high tide.

But the best visits to these islands include time spent inland. Filipinos flock to the cities of the Central Visayas, where ancestral houses and museums tell tales of national heroes — revolutionaries whose names are uttered with a reverence usually reserved for saints. On less frequented landmasses like the Bicol Peninsula, on Luzon island, you’ll find forests crisscrossed with streams and dotted with crystalline lagoons, and villages built from bamboo and wreathed in woodsmoke. Motorised tricycles putter from one of these villages to the next, carrying anything from chickens and pigs to an entire family of eight.

Diving opens up a whole new world beneath the waves, too, where coral chapels house congregations of angelfish and wrasse, while shoals of silvery sardines dance above. Some sites are frequented by bigger beasts — barracudas, manta rays, whale sharks and thresher sharks — and advanced diving credentials can bring them into view, while also giving access to the Philippines’ renowned shipwrecks. Down at those depths, you might discover creatures such as the ghost pipefish, which make their homes in the banks of black coral. And, who knows, perhaps you’ll find a shining pearl or two.

Itinerary 1: Central Visayas

Start: Mactan • Finish: Apo Island Distance: 183 miles • Time: 16 days

The Philippines can be divided into three areas: Luzon, the biggest, northernmost island, home to the capital, Manila; the Visayas, an archipelago scattered at its centre; and Mindanao, the second-largest island to the south. The Central Visayas are the heart of the country, with as much culture and history as leisure and adventure.

Begin on Mactan island. Lapu-Lapu City is named after the 16th-century chief who ordered the killing of explorer Ferdinand Magellan, whose arrival paved the way for Spanish rule. To learn more about the country’s past, cross the 5.5-mile Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway to Cebu island, where history looms large in both Catholic churches and capiz shell-encrusted ancestral houses.

Reserve about a week for both. Then, the real island-hopping begins, with fast and frequent ferries making transfers easy. Take one to Bohol island; once there, drive straight to Tagbilaran city, on Bohol’s southern shore, and across a bridge to Panglao Island. After a couple of days recharging on Panglao, retrace your way to Bohol to explore its limestone hills. Beyond lies Negros island, where Dumaguete city is the jumping-off point for discovering Apo Island.

1. Mactan Seaside resorts line Mactan’s southeastern shore — as do dive shops , positioned to make the most of a vertiginous reef wall that’s home to sea snakes and green turtles. Lapu-Lapu City, which covers most of the island, is the Philippines’ guitar-making capital: take a tour of Alegre Guitar Factory , which sells instruments made from tropical wood.

2. Cebu Ferdinand Magellan spent his final days on Cebu, one of the region’s biggest islands. This is where you’ll find Magellan’s Cross, planted by the explorer after his arrival, and the Santo Niño de Cebu. While they were still on good terms, Magellan gifted local tribespeople this carved wooden image of the baby Jesus, now housed in the Basilica del Santo Niño. It’s honoured every January during Sinulog , a folk dance festival.

3. Panglao Island There’s a beach to suit every visitor to Panglao . While most like to party on Alona, the local favourite is Dumaluan, a quiet stretch of powdery coral sand. If neither appeals, take a boat trip to the round island of Balicasag. On the way there, you may spot bottlenose and Risso’s dolphins.

4. Bohol Bohol’s undulating Chocolate Hills are one of the Philippines’ most photographed sights, but they’re not the island’s only attraction. Spend the night in a nipa palm hut in the forest village of Loboc, paddleboarding by day and firefly-watching by night.

5. Dumaguete This university town sits on the east shore of Negros, an island known for its tangy inasal (barbecued chicken). Try it at Jo’s Chicken Inatô, then head to Lab-as Seafood Restaurant for liempo kinilaw, vinegar-cured tuna chunks topped with crispy pork belly. Spend the evening bar-hopping along Rizal Boulevard, sampling rums made from Negros sugarcane.

6. Apo Island This coral cornucopia is one of the country’s best-loved dive spots . Beginner-friendly sites include the Chapel, where moray eels slither among sea fans and leather corals. For experienced divers, Coconut Point has schools of trevally and the occasional hawksbill turtle.

Itinerary 2: Palawan

Start: Puerto Princesa • Finish: Coron Town Distance: 310 miles • Time: 14 days

Although a map might convince you it’s one giant mass of land, Palawan is a quintessential island-hopping destination. Around 1,780 islets are scattered around the shores of Palawan Island — the archipelago’s biggest by far — ranging from jagged peaks to blinding white sandbars. But it’s the sea itself, and what lies within, that truly dazzles.

The best place to start is the provincial capital of Puerto Princesa, on Palawan Island. It faces Honda Bay, a smattering of islands that sink and reemerge with the ebb and flow of tides. Riding a bus through Palawan Island’s interior, you’ll find bamboo villages full of crowing cockerels, set against the silhouette of indigo mountains. It’s a fine taster for the UNESCO-listed Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, which draws visitors from the Cabayugan River’s brackish mouth into a shadowy cathedral of caves.

Palawan’s northeastern tip is a limestone wonderland, its chiselled karsts attracting climbers, kayakers and photographers. From here, take a multi-day boat trip to Coron Town, your last stop and base for reaching the waters of Coron Bay. It’s a world-renowned wreck-diving destination: Japanese warships lie in shallow graves, with coral and sea turtles claiming their rusting hulls.

1. Puerto Princesa Palawan’s capital is your base for the first few stops of this itinerary. Pay a visit to the Palawan Heritage Center, an interactive museum that houses both ancient artifacts and modern arts and crafts. In the evening, head to the seafront Baywalk promenade, where you’ll find a variety of laid-back, family-owned restaurants and bars. Don’t miss the Palawan honey-infused beer at Palaweño Brewery , the Philippines’ first female-owned craft brewery, a 20-minute walk into town.

2. Honda Bay The islets in Honda Bay, north east of Puerto Princesa, are blessed with biodiversity. On an island-hopping day tour from the city, operator Corazon Travel & Tours will have you swim among horned sea stars, damselfish and iridescent wrasse, pausing for a picnic lunch of freshly caught fish. On the larger islands, coconut vendors ply their trade on many beaches and will gladly hack open a freshly fallen fruit for you to drink from.

3. Mount Magarwak The beginner-friendly trek up Mount Magarwak — a cluster of hills between Honda Bay and the taller peaks of Puerto Princesa — is best done as a half-day trip from the city. Most guides will pick you up before sunrise; this way, you’ll reach the summit in time to see the sun’s first golden rays skim the bay below. On the way up, you’ll encounter native ironwood and katmon trees, as well as some of Palawan’s 445 species of butterfly.

4. Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park In this national park on the western coast of Palawan Island, an underground river winds for five miles through a mountain. Small-boat tours from the nearby village of Sabang take you up to its halfway point, gliding through echoing caves where bats chatter overhead. Although most travellers will visit on an organised day trip from Puerto Princesa, it’s worth staying overnight in Sabang to explore the surrounding forest, home to endemic species such as the Palawan peacock pheasant and Palawan porcupine.

5. El Nido This town is the base for visits to the Bacuit Archipelago — 45 craggy limestone outcrops that rise from the sea like mountains. To escape the day-trippers, it’s worth booking a tour through an operator such as Tao , which takes you to Coron Town for several days of snorkelling in the furthest-flung islands, eating and sleeping by the sea in bamboo huts.

6. Coron Bay During the closing stages of the Second World War, the US Air Force launched a surprise attack on 12 Japanese warships anchored in Coron Bay, sinking them in a matter of hours. Their wrecks — particularly that of the Okikawa Maru, with its cavernous propeller room and resident population of neon nudibranchs — are now popular locations for experienced divers .

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Palawan – World’s Best Island

Palawan – the World’s Best island according to Forbes.com! Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of this tropical paradise and experience the wonders that await you. With pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and stunning landscapes, Palawan offers a truly unforgettable adventure. Discover the enchanting Puerto Princesa Underground River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and be captivated by its mesmerizing rock formations. Book your slot today and contribute to the conservation of this ecological gem. Explore Palawan’s hidden treasures with Tour and create lifelong memories that will leave you in awe. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary journey – book your Palawan tour package now and embark on the adventure of a lifetime!

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Best Palawan Guide: Top Tours, Where to Stay, How to Get Around
The Palawan main island destinations can be explored by land travel, except for Coron, which is located north in a separate group of islands. You can get to Coron from the main island of Palawan by riding a ferry. The most popular route is El Nido to Coron and vice versa. Travel time is around 4 hours for this route.
Ultimate Guide to Palawan (Itinerary + Travel Tips)
Fly into Coron. This is another possibility, though I suggest starting in Puerto Princesa and flying out of Coron. All flights from Manila to Palawan take roughly 90 minutes. By the way, there are no direct flights nor any boats connecting Palawan to Indonesia or Malaysia. You must always travel via Manila or Cebu City.
How to get to Palawan
The journey costs 600 PHP per person in a private van and the journey takes 5hrs 30mins. By ferry - Take the bus or book a private/shared van transfer from Puerto Princesa to El Nido. From El Nido (6.5hrs), you can then catch a ferry directly to Busuanga and Coron Town (3.5hrs).
Ultimate Guide to Palawan + 10 Day Itinerary
Then take a van to Coron town proper. Travel time is around 30-40 minutes. There are also ferries servicing from Manila to Coron. There are overnight schedules available so you can arrive in Coron the next day. Travel time is 11 hours. San Vicente. San Vicente is one of the lesser-visited destinations in Palawan.
Palawan Travel Requirements, Your Guide to the New Travel Guidelines in
Here's a list of the Coron Palawan travel requirements 2022 to take note of before your trip: Approved S-Pass travel application. Vaccination card. Negative antigen test result (QR coded with attached receipt) or negative saliva test result (through the Philippine Red Cross) - should be conducted within 24 hours before boarding any mode of ...
1 Week in Palawan: The Perfect Palawan Itinerary
Day 1: Puerto Princesa. The first of your 7 days in Palawan will begin in Puerto Princesa. This is the largest city in the province, and it's found on the main island of Palawan. The city's airport has regular flight connections across the country, and you can easily fly in from Manila, Cebu, or many other destinations.
Palawan : Budget + Itinerary Guide for First-Timers
Travel time takes around 6 to 9 hours. By Private Van. Puerto Princesa to El-Nido costs around PHP 600 (SGD 15 ,$ 12, € 10) It can accommodate up to 8-10 passengers. ... Cellphone Waterproof Case — Philippines nationals can enjoy visa-free travel in Palawan, for up to 30 days. Rent a GoPro - If you are in Cebu, my friend can rent you one ...
Ultimate Palawan Itinerary for 10 Days
We hope you enjoyed your 10-day Palawan Itinerary! But it's time to say goodbye to Palawan and travel back to Puerto Princesa from Port Barton. Then, you can return home or continue exploring the Philippines. From Port Barton, you can reach Puerto Princesa by bus or minivan. The journey time is 3.5-4 hours, depending on traffic.
Palawan Travel Guide
The ocean is all imaginable shades of turquoise, the beaches are sandy white, and the aquatic life is vibrant. It's therefore not surprising that Palawan was voted the World's Best Island by Travel & Leisure in 2015 and 2016. It also received similar accolades from Conde Nast and National Geographic. A beach bum's dream destination!
2024 Complete Balabac Palawan Travel Guide with Itinerary & Budget
If you will come from Rio Tuba the sea travel to Balabac is about 4 hours. Alternatively, if you will come from Buliluyan Port the sea travel is less than an hour to Balabac. Moreover, the most convenient way is to book van transfers from PPS airport to Buliluyan Port (Php800.00 per way), book here or contact Sir Motet Samson at 0939-363-7676.
Ultimate Travel Guide to Balabac, Palawan: The Last Paradise
Some islands are too distant kase. For example, from mainland it will take you 3 hours to reach Balabac island where the lighthouse is located. Balabac and El Nido is doable in 8 days, but take note that El Nido and Balabac are on opposite sides of Palawan. It's separated by at least 10 hours of land travel and another 4 hours of sea travel.
Guide to Balabac Palawan: Breathtaking Secluded Islands in the
The 245.9-km journey will take around four to five hours. There are usually two trips scheduled for the day, one at 8:30 AM and one at 10:30 AM. From Rio Tuba, you can take a tricycle to the pier. ... Balabac Palawan Travel Tips and FAQs. Balabac, Palawan is an amazing destination to visit, but thanks to its remote location, not a lot of people ...
Balabac, Palawan Ultimate DIY Travel Guide 2024 (Itinerary + Budget)
From the terminal, take a van going to Bataraza Terminal. Fare is at Php 350.00 and the trip takes four to five hours. Some van operators travel directly from Puerto Princesa City to Rio Tuba. The trip takes five to six hours with the fare ist at about Php 550.00. First trip is usually at 4:00 AM.
Different Ways to Travel from Manila to Palawan [Ferry or Plane]
Learn how you can travel from Manila to Palawan here! ... Riding a ferry from Manila to Puerto Princesa is not highly recommended since the travel time takes about 24 hours. Also, the route from Manila to Puerto Princesa is renowned as being unstable at times. So if you suffer from motion sickness, this may not be a good idea.
THE 10 BEST Palawan Island Tours & Excursions for 2024
Top Palawan Island Tours: See reviews and photos of tours in Palawan Island, Philippines on Tripadvisor. ... Hotels near TripGuru Palawan Hotels near World Holiday Travel Day tours to Puerto Princesa City, ... You can cancel this reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. from ₱2,598. per adult. Reserve. 2.
Discover Palawan: Book Unique Tours & Tailor-Made Experiences
Share your preferences with us, and we will customize an itinerary that meets all your requirements, making sure that you have a personalized and unforgettable tour. Discover Palawan's hidden gems with Travel Palawan. Book unique tours and tailor-made experiences online with ease. Let us help you create unforgettable memories on your next ...
Manila to Palawan
Rome2Rio makes travelling from Manila to Palawan easy. Rome2Rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. Find all the transport options for your trip from Manila to Palawan right here. Rome2Rio displays up to date schedules, route maps, journey times and estimated fares from relevant transport operators, ensuring you can ...
How long is the flight from Manila to Palawan?
At a Glance. without making any stops. flight distance is 361 miles. flight time of 1 hour, 13 minutes. 47 Manila travel answers. 38 Palawan travel answers. Manila to Palawan flight time - get the full travel time including airports.
EXACTLY How To Get From Puerto Princesa To El Nido, Palawan [2024]
Option 2: Bus Puerto Princesa To El Nido. Taking a bus Puerto Princesa to El Nido is a better option. Buses take around seven hours and depart in the early morning and evening. The night bus Puerto Princesa to El Nido departs around 9:30pm. Tickets start at ₱670.
Cebu City to Palawan
The cheapest way to get from Cebu City to Palawan costs only ₱4,040, and the quickest way takes just 3 hours. Find the travel option that best suits you. Rome2Rio uses cookies to help personalize content and show you personalised ads.
MAGPalawan Travel & Tours
PALAWAN PROMO TOUR PACKAGE: 3D2N EL NIDO TOUR PACKAGE for as low as P2,990/pax. THIS PACKAGE INCLUDES: INCLUSIONS: 3 Days/2 Nights Accommodation (Based On Double/Triple Sharing), 2 Breakfast & 1 Lunch, Round-trip Airport Transfers, Air-Conditioned Transfer to and from El Nido, Air-Conditioned Rooms, El Nido Island Hopping Tour A with Picnic ...
How to plan the ultimate island-hopping adventure in the Philippines
Coron Bay During the closing stages of the Second World War, the US Air Force launched a surprise attack on 12 Japanese warships anchored in Coron Bay, sinking them in a matter of hours.
Palawan Travel and Tours
Contact your local travel agency today to secure your slot! The government's strict regulations on tourist numbers ensure the preservation of this natural wonder. Book now and embark on an unforgettable adventure while contributing to its conservation. Experience the wonders of Palawan with Tour.
Palawander Travel and Tours
We can give you the best experience and quality tours of the Palawan scenic beauty. Palawander Travel and Tours, Puerto Princesa. 21,990 likes · 404 talking about this · 17 were here. We can give you the best experience and quality tours...
China coast guard water-cannons Philippine ship days after US backs
After-Hours Market Movers Fear & Greed ... Travel Destinations Food & Drink Stay ... (125 miles) from the coast of the Philippine island of Palawan. In the 1990s the Philippines grounded an aging ...

Palawan Travel Requirements, Your Guide to the New Travel Guidelines in Palawan, 2022 June.

Palawan Travel Requirements 2022

Coron Travel Requirements

El Nido Travel Requirements

Puerto Princesa Palawan Travel Requirements 2022

Frequently Asked Questions About Palawan Travel

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Palawan : Budget + Itinerary Guide for First-Timers

Get Started

Pre-Travel Guide

How to get to Palawan

ENTRY POINT CEBU (Mactan Cebu International Airport)

MAP ON HOW TO GET TO PALAWAN

How to get around Palawan

By Motor Bike Rental

By Car Rental

By Bus and Mini-Van

By Private Van

By Ferries and Boats

Should I book my Palawan Hotel Online?

What to prepare for a trip to Palawan?

How to find cheap flights to Palawan?

When is the Best Time to Visit?

Travel Must-Haves

Money Saving Tips

Where to stay in Palawan

5D / 4N Palawan Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival to Puerto Princesa + Travel to El Nido

Day 3: Check out. Proceed to Underground River Tour

Day 4: Honda Bay Island Hopping + Puerto Princesa Day Tour

Day 5: Going Home

Places to Visit

Pangalipay sa Baybay

Seafood Festival

Tips, Notes and Reminders

MAP to help you locate places nearby

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Have you ever visited any of the 7 wonders of the world? Try the One in Palawan!

Shelley Mae

Osmena Peak Cebu: Budget Travel Guide and Itinerary

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Where is Palawan

The Best Time to Visit Palawan

How to Get to Palawan

Hi! We are Dittus & Máté

Palawan Itinerary for 10 Days

Day 2: Go on an El Nido Island Hopping Tour

Day 3: Visit the Best Beaches in El Nido

Day 4: Travel to Coron

Join an Expedition Tour on your Palawan Itinerary

Day 5: Go on a Coron Island Hopping Tour

Day 6: Take another Coron Island Hopping Tour

Day 7: Go Back to El Nido

Day 8: Travel to Port Barton, San Vicente

Day 9: Go on a Port Barton Island Hopping Tour

Port Barton Island Hopping Tours

Day 10: Leave Palawan

Travel Resources

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