palawan philippines travel guide

Best Palawan Itinerary Guide: How Many Days, Where to Go, What to Do, Top Island Tours

When is the best time to visit Palawan?

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• Palawan Itinerary for 5 Days and 4 Nights

Palawan Itinerary 3 Days 2 Nights

Palawan itinerary 4 days 3 nights, palawan to boracay itinerary, palawan to cebu itinerary.

Palawan , an archipelagic province, is one of the best places to visit in the Philippines . It has been named one of the best islands in the world several times, as it is home to beautiful islands, breathtaking limestone cliffs, and some of the best beaches in the Philippines. The most visited destinations in Palawan are El Nido , Coron , and Puerto Princesa , but recently, the municipality of San Vicente , home to Port Barton, has also been gaining popularity.

See our popular Best Philippines Itinerary Tour Packages

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• See our best Philippines itinerary tour packages
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• Read about the best diving spots in the Philippines

Since the Philippines is an archipelago of several island regions, exploring the country requires careful planning. If you’re visiting the country for the first time, it’s best to create a multi-day Philippines itinerary so you can maximize your time. For those who want to explore Palawan and other top destinations in the country, read this guide for a hassle-free experience.

See our popular Palawan Vacation Packages

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• Read our guide on getting around the Philippines

You can get around the cities and municipalities by riding public transportation like jeepneys and tricycles. If you prefer a private trip, you can hire a self-drive motorcycle. 

If you want a convenient way to travel across and within the many destinations in Palawan, you can also book private transfers. Regardless where you are staying in Palawan, you won’t have a problem booking private vehicles. But if possible, it is recommended that you book Puerto Princesa transfers , El Nido transfers , Coron transfers , and San Vicente transfers in advance.

See our popular Puerto Princesa Transfers

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Best for: Travelers who want to visit the best islands and beaches in Palawan

From Manila, you’ll make your way to Coron to begin your Palawan trip and enjoy a super ultimate island-hopping tour with stops at Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon, and Barracuda Lake. You will also tour Malcapuya Island, Bulog Dos Island, and Banana Island on a separate day.

See our popular Coron Vacation Packages

Relaxing 4-day coron palawan package at top-rated the funny lion hotel with flights from manila.

Day 1: Arrival in Manila - Explore the city if time permits

Day 2: Arrival in Coron

Day 3: Coron super ultimate island-hopping tour to Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon, and Barracuda Lake

Day 4: Free time in Coron

Day 5: Coron island escapade tour to Malcapuya Island, Bulog Dos Island, and Banana Island

Day 6: Arrival in El Nido

Day 7: El Nido island-hopping Tour A to Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and Seven Commandos Beach

Day 8: Free time in El Nido

Day 9: El Nido island-hopping Tour B to Snake Island, Cudugnon Cave, and Popolkan Island

Day 10: Free time in El Nido

Day 11: El Nido island-hopping Tour C to Hidden Beach, Helicopter Island, and Matinloc Island

Day 12: Departure from El Nido 

If you are looking for similar Palawan tour packages , you should check out this 11-day Coron to El Nido tour package , which is perfect for couples on their honeymoon or who just want a romantic getaway. 

• See our other Philippines honeymoon packages 
• Read about where to stay in Coron

See our popular Palawan Tours and Activities

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On this 2-week itinerary in the Philippines , you will start with a day in Manila. The next day, you will begin your exploration of Palawan. Your first stop is Coron, where you will enjoy a super ultimate island-hopping tour that will bring you to Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon, and Barracuda Lake and a Coron island escapade that will take you to Malcapuya Island, Bulog Dos Island, and Banana Island.

See our popular Puerto Princesa to El Nido Tour Packages Philippines Itinerary

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Finally, you will visit Puerto Princesa, where you will enjoy a private tour of the Puerto Princesa Underground River before you end your 2-week Palawan itinerary.

Day 7: El Nido island-hopping Tour C to Hidden Beach, Helicopter Island, and Matinloc Island

Day 11: Arrival in Puerto Princesa

Day 12: Puerto Princesa Underground River tour

Day 13: Free time in Puerto Princesa

Day 14: Departure from Puerto Princesa

For a slightly shorter Coron-El Nido-Puerto Princesa itinerary , you can also book this 13-day Coron to El Nido to Puerto Princesa tour package . You can also explore other destinations in the Philippines with other 2-week Philippines itinerary tour packages .

Check out our other Philippines itineraries

See our popular Palawan Island Hopping Tours

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Best for: Travelers who want to explore beautiful islands and a UNESCO World Heritage Site

If you only have a few days to spare, you can go on this 5-day Puerto Princesa to El Nido island-hopping tour package . This Puerto Princesa to El Nido itinerary will start in Puerto Princesa, where you will tour the famed Puerto Princesa Underground River. While in Puerto Princesa, you will also be able to go island-hopping in Honda Bay, where you will explore Starfish Island, Luli Island, and Cowrie Island. 

Day 1: Arrival in Puerto Princesa + Puerto Princesa Underground River tour

Day 2: Puerto Princesa Honda Bay island-hopping tour to Starfish, Luli, and Cowrie Islands

Day 3: Arrival in El Nido

Day 4: El Nido island-hopping tour (Choose from Tours A, B, C, or D)

Day 5: Departure from El Nido

You can explore both Puerto Princesa and El Nido longer when you book this 1-week Puerto Princesa, Port Barton, and El Nido tour package . This itinerary will also allow you to try some of the top things to do in San Vicente . You can also check out other Puerto Princesa to El Nido tour packages .

See our popular Puerto Princesa Vacation Packages

Exciting 4-day palawan package at hue hotel puerto princesa with island hopping tour & breakfast, palawan itinerary for 5 days and 4 nights .

Best for: Travelers who have time to explore two Palawan destinations 

You will be able to see some of the stalactites, stalagmites, and rock formations inside the underground river.

You will also spend two nights in El Nido, and on day 4, you will explore Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Secret Lagoon, and Seven Commandos Beach while on an El Nido island-hopping Tour A.

Day 1: Arrival in Puerto Princesa + Add-on Puerto Princesa City Tour

Day 2: Puerto Princesa Underground River tour

Day 4: El Nido island-hopping Tour A to Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and Seven Commandos Beach

For those who only have 5 days to spare, you also have the option to just immerse yourself in one Palawan destination for a more laid-back itinerary. You can check out other options for 5-day Palawan vacation packages .

See our popular Puerto Princesa Tours and Activities

Best for: Travelers who want a quick trip to their chosen Palawan destination

If you want to see the sights of Coron, book this 3-day Coron package . This package will allow you to spend one full day in Palawan, and you can spend it exploring Coron tourist spots at your own pace. You also have the option to book a Coron super ultimate island-hopping tour that will take you to Kayangan Lake and Barracuda Lake or a Coron firefly-watching tour , which will bring you to a mangrove forest to see these majestic creatures light up the night. 

You can also spend 3 days in El Nido through this 3-day El Nido package . You have plenty of options when it comes to El Nido tourist spots , and if you want a guided tour, you can book an add-on island-hopping tour for day 2. You can choose between El Nido island-hopping Tour A or B. Tour A will bring you to Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Secret Lagoon, and Seven Commandos Beach. On the other hand, Tour B will take you to Snake Island, Cudognon Cave, Cathedral Cave, and Popolcan Island.

You can also book a 3-day Puerto Princesa package . Booking this package means you won’t have to worry about where to stay in Puerto Princesa as it is already included in the package. This package will also allow you to book an add-on Puerto Princesa tour, and you can choose from three tours. You can go on a tour of the Puerto Princesa Underground River, go island-hopping in Honda Bay and visit Cowrie and Pandan Island, or enjoy a night tour and see fireflies as you cruise along the Iwahig River. 

Day 1: Arrival in Palawan

Day 2: Free time + Book add-on Palawan Tours

Day 3: Departure from Palawan

See our popular El Nido Vacation Packages

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Best for: Travelers who want a relaxed trip to their chosen Palawan destination

If you choose to book this 4-day Coron vacation package , you will be able to go on a Coron inland tour where you will visit attractions like Lualhati Park, St. Augustine Church, Mount Tapyas View Deck, and Maquinit Hot Springs. You will have one day where you can freely explore on your own, or you can book an add-on tour to maximize your time.

Those who like island-hopping should consider this 4-day El Nido budget package . This Palawan itinerary includes an El Nido island-hopping Tour B, which will take you to Snake Island, Cudognon Cave, Cathedral Cave, and Popolcan Island. You can also go on another island-hopping tour as an add-on to this El Nido package.

See our popular Coron Diving Courses and Packages

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If you’d like to visit the capital of Palawan, a 4-day Puerto Princesa package is perfect for you. While you’re in Puerto Princesa, you can go on an island-hopping tour in Honda Bay and visit Cowrie Island and Pandan Island. You also have the option to go on a tour of the Puerto Princesa Underground River or Puerto Princesa city attractions.

Day 2: Sightseeing Tour

Day 3: Free time in Palawan + Additional tours

Day 4: Departure from Palawan

Best for: Travelers who also want to visit the world-famous white beaches of Boracay

• Book other Boracay to Palawan Philippines tour packages   

See our popular Boracay to Palawan Philippines Itinerary Tour Packages

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Best for: Those who also want to visit the beaches, diving spots, and outdoor adventure attractions of Cebu

See our popular Cebu to El Nido Philippines Itinerary Tour Packages

Day 2: Arrival in Cebu + Optional Cebu City top attractions tour

Day 3: Moalboal island-hopping tour to Pescador Island and Turtle Bay + sardine run

Day 4: Arrival in Puerto Princesa

Day 5: Puerto Princesa Underground River tour

Day 6: Arrival in El Nido + island-hopping Tour A

Day 7: Departure from El Nido

If you want to just focus on Cebu and El Nido, you can check out options for Cebu to El Nido Philippines itinerary tour packages .

• Check out our other 1-week Philippines itinerary tour packages

See our popular 1 Week in the Philippines Itinerary Tour Packages

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Book a Philippines tour package to maximize your Palawan itinerary!

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• Read about the most romantic places in the Philippines

To make your trip hassle- and stress-free, you can book car rentals in the Philippines or Philippines airport transfers . You can also read our guide to airports in the Philippines .

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Not Another Backpacker

Palawan Travel Guide: Places to Visit + Insider Tips

Palawan in the Philippines is a true tropical paradise. The approximately 260-mile-long island is blessed with lush rainforest, impressive limestone formations, and countless beaches. It’s even been awarded “the most beautiful island in the world” several times.

I lived on Palawan for nearly two years during which time I thoroughly explored the island. To help you plan your trip, I put together this detailed Palawan travel guide.

Keep reading to find out about the best places to visit, tips on what to consider when planning your trip, and recommendations on where to stay!

Note: Your trust is important to me. Therefore, I’d like to point out that this article contains referral links (also known as affiliate links). This means I get a small commission if you buy a product after clicking on one of the corresponding links, which are marked with a *. There are no extra costs for you, but it helps me keep this blog ad-free. Thank you!

The 8 Best Places to Visit in Palawan

Palawan is the fifth largest island in the Philippines and quite a bit larger than most people imagine. The island’s unique elongated shape allows for a straightforward route, making it easy to plan your itinerary and visit multiple destinations. These are the best places in Palawan:

1. El Nido – Beaches, Islands & Stunning Lagoons

With stunning beaches and turquoise-blue lagoons, El Nido is definitely one of the best places to visit on Palawan!

While the town center itself is not that pretty, the surrounding nature is what makes this place special. Along the coast, you’ll find some of the best beaches on Palawan , and the islands with towering limestone cliffs in El Nido’s bay are nothing short of spectacular.

Unfortunately, this also means that the town can get quite crowded, but don’t let that discourage you from visiting: The beaches and islands around El Nido really are something else and when planning a trip to Palawan, you should make sure to put this gem on your itinerary!

The Best Things to Do in El Nido on Palawan:

• Go island hopping in El Nido and visit beautiful islands, lagoons, and sandbanks in Bacuit Bay.
• Enjoy the crystal-clear water at Nacpan Beach and Duli Beach.
• Rent a kayak and paddle to Cadlao Island (the largest island in Bacuit Bay).

Where to stay in El Nido ?

• Frendz Hostel* : Backpackers who like to party will love Frendz Hostel! The highlight is the incredible rooftop bar with a pool and an amazing view of Cadlao Island.
• Outpost Beach Hostel* : If you’re looking for a social atmosphere and you want to stay right on the beach, Outpost Beach Hostel is one of the best places to stay. It’s located a short ride outside of El Nido downtown and offers one of the best sunset views you can imagine.
• El Nido Viewdeck Cottages* : For those who want to splurge a little bit more, I recommend the El Nido Viewdeck Cottages which feature huts with private pools and an amazing view of the limestone cliffs in town!

For more accommodation tips check out my detailed article on where to stay in El Nido !

How many days do you need in El Nido?

I recommend staying in El Nido for at least three days. This will give you enough time to participate in one island hopping tour, visit Nacpan and Duli Beach, and go kayaking or visit a waterfall. If you want to do more than one island hopping tour and explore the region thoroughly, I recommend spending 5 – 7 days in El Nido.

2. Coron and Linapacan – Gorgeous Islands North of Palawan

The island group of Coron is situated north of the mainland of Palawan and, much like El Nido, is renowned for its small tropical islands and beautiful lagoons.

You can also book a three-day island hopping tour that starts in El Nido and ends in Coron (or the other way around). This will allow you to not only explore the islands around El Nido and Coron but also to enjoy the remote and less visited islands of Linapacan along the way.

I haven’t had a chance to visit Linapacan or Coron yet, but if you consider booking a tour, I heard very good things about the tour operators Tao and Big Dream Man Boattour . The latter also offers an amazing three-day tour around Coron. You can find more information in this Big Dream Man Boattour Review .

The Best Things to Do in Coron and Linapacan:

• Go island hopping around Coron to visit beautiful lagoons, caves, and jaw-dropping beaches.
• Join a 3-day island hopping tour from Coron to El Nido (or the other way around) to explore the island chain of Linapacan along the way.
• Explore the island of Coron and climb up Mt Tapayas for amazing views or relax in the Maquinit Hot Springs.

Where to Stay in Coron?

Unfortunately, I haven’t been to Coron myself yet, so I can’t give you accommodation tips from my personal experience. After doing research, I found several places with very good reviews though:

• Outpost Hostel* : Just like in El Nido, the Outpost Hostel seems to be one of the best places to stay in Coron. Backpackers will love the social atmosphere at the bar and if you still need more convincing, just look at that amazing infinity pool! The hostel features dorms and private rooms.
• The Ridge Coron* : Located on the outskirts of Coron Town, The Ridge Hotel offers guests comfortable rooms with mountain and ocean views. The hotel also provides a free shuttle into town.
• Kalis Viewpoint Lodge Coron* : If you’re looking for a budget room in the center of town, Kalis Viewpoint Lodge may be just what you’re looking for. It’s close to restaurants and bars and from the rooftop, you’ll have a beautiful ocean view.

How many days for Coron and Linapacan?

To explore the main island of Coron and head out to the surrounding islands by boat once or twice, you should plan to spend at least 3 full days on Coron. However, if you have more time to spare, you can easily stay a couple of days longer. To see the islands of Linapacan, you should plan for an extra 3 days for the island tour from Coron to El Nido.

3. Port Barton – A Laid-back Fishing Village with “Hippie” Vibes

For those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of El Nido and Coron, Port Barton in Palawan is the place to be! There may not be as many things to do, yet it’s the perfect place to kick back and unwind.

You’ll find lovely beaches, decent snorkeling spots, and a handful of quaint beach bars where you can sip cocktails while watching the colorful sunsets on the horizon. So, sit back and relax!

The Best Things to Do in Port Barton on Palawan:

• Book a tour or rent a kayak to explore the islands and snorkeling spots in Port Barton’s Bay.
• Visit the surrounding beaches (White Beach, Coconut Beach, and Pamuyan Beach).
• Hike to Pamuyan Waterfall and cool off in the refreshing water.

Where to stay in Port Barton ?

• Coco Rico* : Backpackers who love to party should check out Coco Rico’s Hostel in town which offers cheap dorm beds and a social vibe. Plus, on Friday and Saturday, you can enjoy live music and free shots for half an hour at the hostel bar (there are free shots for everyone – even if you don’t stay here).
• My Green Hostel* : For backpackers looking for a social vibe without the craziness Coco Rico has to offer, My Green Hostel is a good fit. There is a bar on site but overall the vibe is a little more laid-back. Also, My Green Hostel provides Starlink internet connection which is perfect for digital nomads!
• Besaga Beachfront B&B* : Those who want to stay right on the beach and are willing to pay a little bit more will enjoy the beach huts from the Besaga Bed & Breakfast on the northern side of the beach. There’s also a restaurant on site that offers delicious meals for a fair price.

Pro-Tip: If you want to book accommodation spontaneously, you can also find some accommodations on Rizal Street (parallel to the beach) that are not available to book online. I stayed at Itaytay Inn – a budget guest house that is run by an amazing Filipino family and features a spacious balcony with a jungle view.

How many days do you need in Port Barton?

If you’re pressed for time, two full days in Port Barton are probably enough. This will give you enough time to go island hopping or kayaking and visit one or two surrounding beaches. However, Port Barton is a place to relax and if you want to keep it chill, you could easily spend 3 – 5 days here.

4. Balabac Islands – A Secluded Oasis in the Sulu Sea

The Balabac Islands are one of the least visited places in Palawan and are calling out for an off-the-beaten-path adventure.

Due to its location in the infamous Sulu Sea south of Palawan’s mainland, there are some security concerns related to piracy and kidnappings that you should be aware of (more information here ), and some governments have issued travel warnings for this region.

Still, it is possible to travel to this region and you can hire a local guide to take you around the islands. You’ll be rewarded with beautiful white-sand beaches and the clearest water you can imagine.

Unfortunately, I haven’t had the chance to visit this island group myself yet, so I can’t speak from personal experience. BUT: I have talked to several people who have visited this incredible place and they’ve only had the best things to say.

Where to Stay in Balabac?

If you book a tour to the Balabac Islands, accommodation will be taken care of, so you don’t have to book a hotel.

How many days do you need for Balabac?

Most people who visit Balabac go on a three-day tour, but it’s possible to stay longer as well. If you plan a trip to this island group, keep in mind that it takes about one travel day to get there from Puerto Princesa. Many tour operators offer transport from and to the capital.

5. Sabang – The Home of the Underground River

Did you know that Palawan is home to one of the New 7 World Wonders of Nature? Yes, you’ve heard right: The Puerto Princesa Underground River was voted to be one of the most impressive natural formations on the planet!

As the name suggests, the approximately eight-kilometer-long river is located inside a cave. To visit this place, you can book a boat tour which takes you through the cave for about 45 minutes. The price for this tour is comparably high (for the same price you can book a full-day island-hopping tour in El Nido), but it’s definitely interesting to see this unique sight. There is something mystical about floating down a river in complete darkness with only a flashlight lighting the way.

Note: To avoid confusion, it’s essential to mention that the Underground River is not in Puerto Princesa (despite the name) but near a small beach town called Sabang. It is possible to visit the Underground River on a day trip from Palawan’s capital, but I would recommend staying at least one or two nights in Sabang to explore the region thoroughly.

The Best Things to Do in Sabang:

• Explore the stunning caves of Sabang like the Underground River and the 100 Caves.
• Visit the Pyamaluguan Waterfall and enjoy the refreshing water.
• Watch monkeys on the Monkey Trail.

Where to stay in Sabang ?

• Cafe Sabang* : As the only hostel in town, Cafe Sabang provides private rooms and dorm rooms for a budget-friendly price. The amenities are more basic with outdoor bathrooms and showers, but I enjoyed the social atmosphere and getting to know other travelers while staying here.
• Casa Leonara* : This budget guest house offers an excellent location right on the beach in the center of Sabang Town. The rooms are small but affordable and the beachside restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
• Bambua Nature Cottages* : Situated about 1 kilometer from Sabang Beach, the Bambua Nature Cottages offer affordable rooms and bungalows in a jungle atmosphere. I stayed here on my first trip to Sabang and enjoyed the solitude the place has to offer.

How many days do you need in Sabang?

I recommend staying one or two nights in Sabang. This is enough time to visit the Underground River and the 100 Caves outside of town, walk down the Monkey Trail, relax on the beach, and swim in the Pyamuluguan Waterfall. If you’re still hungry for more, you can also go ziplining across rice fields in Sabang’s Adventure Park.

6. Puerto Princesa – The Capital of Palawan

Honestly, Puerto Princesa, the capital of Palawan, is not overly exciting and if I was pressed for time, I would personally just skip the city. There are some good restaurants and a few beautiful beaches in the vicinity, but it’s nothing compared to what you’ll see in El Nido or Coron.

Nonetheless, Puerto Princesa is typically the cheapest place to fly into Palawan and it’s also a convenient place to start or end your trip on the island.

The Best Things to Do in Puerto Princesa:

• Rent a scooter and head to the local hangout spot Nagtabon Beach.
• Watch the sunset at the Baywalk Promenade.
• Visit the city’s Old Market where fresh produce, seafood, and all sorts of knickknacks are being sold.

Where to Stay in Puerto Princesa?

• Guni Guni Hostel* : If you’re looking for an affordable hostel in Puerto Princesa, Guni Guni is one of the best places to stay in. It’s located downtown and offers air-conditioned dorms with a speedy Starlink internet connection. Also, the hostel is connected to Guni Guni restaurant – one of my favorite places to eat in the city!
• Filigans Hotel* : During my time in Palawan, I usually stayed in Filigans when visiting Puerto Princesa. The hotel in the heart of the city center is pretty basic but if you’re traveling on a budget as a couple, you can find decent rooms for low prices.
• Sunlight Guest Hotel* : A little more expensive compared to the other options on this list, the Sunlight Guest Hotel in the center of Puerto Princesa offers spacious rooms and comfortable beds – some rooms come with an ocean view.

How many days do you need in Puerto Princesa ?

If you’re backpacking Palawan and you’re on a longer trip, you can spend one or two nights in Puerto Princesa to walk around town, check out the Old Market, and visit Nagtabon Beach. Those who have more time to spare can also visit the Crocodile Farm (a sanctuary that rescues crocodiles from South Palawan) or go island-hopping in Honda Bay.

On the contrary, if you’re on a short vacation in Palawan, I wouldn’t make Puerto Princesa a priority and instead spend more time in other places like Port Barton, El Nido, and Coron.

7. San Vicente – Famous for Palawan’s Longest Beach

Situated between Port Barton and El Nido, the remote town of San Vicente is primarily known for its famous ‘Long Beach.’ With a length of a whopping 14 kilometers, this beach lives up to its name and is, in fact, not only the longest sand beach in the Philippines but even one of the longest beaches in all of Asia.

Surprisingly, not many tourists come out here. This may be due to the reason that there isn’t much to do or see in San Vicente besides its beach. Still, if you have enough time and you’re looking for a calm place to relax for a couple of days, San Vicente might be just what you’re looking for.

The Best Things to Do in San Vicente:

• Take a leisurely stroll along Long Beach.
• Enjoy the view from Ningning Viewpoint.
• Rent a surfboard and hit the swell.

Where to Stay in San Vicente?

• Victoria Beach House* : Although not located on Long Beach, I loved my stay in Victoria’s Beach House. The rooms are basic but affordable and the hotel is located right on the neighboring beach to Long Beach). It’s only a short ride to town and there are a couple of restaurants nearby.
• Marina 4Rooms* : Marina 4Rooms is one of the most budget-friendly accommodations in San Vicente. The hotel offers cheap rooms and is located in a central area.
• Club Agutaya* : If you’re willing to spend a bit more for some comfort, you may enjoy staying in Club Agutaya which is located on Long Beach. The hotel provides spacious rooms with comfortable beds and even has a pool on site.

Note: When you search for accommodation in San Vicente online, many places in Port Barton show up, as Port Barton is officially part of the vicinity of San Vicente. So, make sure that your accommodation is located near Long Beach when making a booking.

How many days do you need in San Vicente?

Technically, you can see everything in San Vicente in one day. Walk along Long Beach, try your luck with surfing, and head to the viewpoint. However, if you want to relax and fully soak in the vibe, stay 2 – 3 days.

8. Southern Palawan – Travel off the Beaten Path

Last but not least, you may be wondering if there’s anything to do in Southern Palawan apart from the Balabac Islands. And yes, there are a few places worth checking out.

The nature on this side of Palawan may not be as spectacular as the northern part of the island but the towns are more authentic and less crowded. So, if you want to have a more local experience and travel off the beaten path, Southern Palawan is just the ticket!

Best Places in Southern Palawan (Mainland):

• Narra: A small town with impressive waterfalls (especially the Estrella Falls).
• Quezon: Known for the Tabon Caves, but there’s also a beautiful waterfall to visit (Tumarbong Falls).
• Napsan Beach: A quiet and small beachside village with an authentic flair.

Note: When traveling to Southern Palawan, there are some things to keep in mind. Southern Palawan is predominantly Muslim and more conservative than the North. Also, the infrastructure for tourism in this region is not as advanced, so it may be challenging to find ATMs or laundry services.

Where to stay in Southern Palawan ?

If you travel to South Palawan, I recommend booking accommodation on-site. Many guest houses don’t have an online presence, so it’s best to walk around and ask at the hotels if they have free rooms. Don’t expect too much comfort in Southern Palawan, though!

How many days do you need for Southern Palawan?

This depends on where exactly you want to go and how many places you want to visit. If you have enough time and you want to thoroughly explore the south, you could spend one to two weeks here.

How to Get to Palawan in the Philippines

If you don’t mind a long journey, you can catch a ferry to Palawan from Manila. Yet, most travelers decide to fly to Palawan as it’s much quicker and pretty cheap.

Palawan has several airports, providing you with multiple options for starting and ending your journey:

• Puerto Princesa: The cheapest flights to Palawan usually land in Puerto Princesa. If you want to visit several places on Palawan, this may be the best option, as you can make your way up north and visit Sabang, Port Barton, El Nido, and Coron in a straight route. To book a flight to Puerto Princesa, check Skyscanner* for the lowest prices.
• El Nido: If you have limited time on Palawan and you want to skip Puerto Princesa, you can also fly directly to El Nido via the national airline Airswift .
• Coron: Alternatively, you can also fly into or out of Coron. Check Airswift’s website for the best prices.

How to Get Around Palawan

Since most tourists follow a similar Palawan itinerary, getting around is relatively straightforward. You can book local buses and vans to most tourist destinations.

• Transport for long distances: Local buses are the cheapest mode of transportation when traveling from city to city, but they also stop more often and take longer than tourist vans. Vans, on the other hand, can be a bit rough on passengers with sensitive stomachs, as the drivers tend to think of the road as a racing ring. To secure your seat in advance you can book buses and vans through 12GoAsia* .
• Transport for short distances: In Puerto Princesa, you can use Jeepneys to get around. These old American Jeeps have been remodeled and are used as public transportation in most Filipino cities. Alternatively, you can take tricycles (local motorbike taxis with seating areas) or rent a motorbike. Motorbikes are available for rent in Puerto Princesa, El Nido, and Coron.

Riding Scooters on Palawan: Most roads on Palawan are paved and in decent condition, but some beaches are only accessible via gravel roads. Also, watch out for dogs in the streets and drive slowly – particularly on windy roads.

Accommodation on Palawan

When it comes to finding accommodations on Palawan, you have plenty of options. The good news is, that while there is no shortage of luxurious beach resorts and 5-star hotels, a trip to Palawan doesn’t have to be expensive! The island is a popular destination for backpackers and budget-friendly accommodations and hostels are readily available.

These are my favorite websites for finding budget-friendly accommodation :

• Agoda* : In my opinion, Agoda is the best booking platform for accommodations in Southeast Asia. The mobile app typically offers the best prices and incredible last-minute deals.
• Booking.com* : Alternatively, Booking.com offers a wide range of accommodations. If you book regularly through the app, you get access to better deals and perks like free breakfast.
• Hostelworld* : Backpackers will love Hostelworld, where you can find the largest selection of hostels in Palawan.

Keep in mind: During peak season, it’s best to book accommodations in advance as the good and cheaper ones tend to fill up quickly. This is particularly the case in El Nido and Coron.

Is Palawan Safe for Tourists?

Northern Palawan is safe to visit and it’s even regarded to be one of the safest places for tourists in all the Philippines.

However, there are some safety concerns when it comes to South Palawan, particularly the Balabac Islands in the Sulu Sea. Many governments, including the US, have issued travel warnings for this region related to “crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping.”

While this sounds off-putting, it is still possible to travel to this region. I myself have thoroughly traveled Southern Palawan’s mainland and I felt just as safe as in northern Palawan.

Regarding the Balabac Islands, I can’t speak from my own experiences, but I know that it’s becoming a more popular destination for tourists and whenever I’ve talked to people who have visited these islands, they’ve never had anything bad to say about them.

Nonetheless, you should exercise more caution when traveling to Southern Palawan and the Sulu Sea and if you want to visit the Balabac Islands, I recommend going with a local guide.

Best Time to Visit Palawan

The best time to visit Palawan is during the dry season from January to April , but thanks to its tropical climate, you can expect hot temperatures all year round . Daytime temperatures generally range from 30 to 33 degrees Celsius (86 to 91 degrees Fahrenheit), and even at night, temperatures rarely drop below 23 degrees Celsius (73 degrees Fahrenheit).

From May onwards, you should expect frequent rain showers. Although Palawan seldom experiences direct hits from tropical storms, typhoons often skirt the island, particularly from September to November, resulting in heavy downpours and occasional storms.

Here’s a rough overview of Palawan’s climate with average monthly precipitation:

This graph shows the average rainfall per month. Still, weather conditions can vary from year to year, so it’s always a good idea to check the current weather forecast before your trip (although, from my experience, the weather forecast in Palawan is not always accurate and should be taken with a grain of salt).

Tips for Traveling Palawan

Palawan is an outstanding island in the Philippines and the perfect place for a vacation or backpacking trip. Still, there are a few things you should know:

• Electricity: Power outages are very common on Palawan – especially in El Nido. If you value a good night’s sleep and you don’t want to end up sweating in bed without air conditioning or a fan, I recommend booking accommodation with a generator as backup power.
• Drinking Water: Tap water in the Philippines is not safe to drink. If you don’t want to buy one plastic water bottle after another, head over to the “Water Refill Stations”, where you can refill your bottle with filtered drinking water for just a few pesos. These refill stations can be found all over the island.
• SIM Cards: There are two SIM card providers: Globe and Smart. You can buy SIM cards at most Sari-Sari stores (small kiosks) for about 50 PHP (appr. 1 USD) and a 7-day internet top-up costs about 100 PHP (appr. 2 USD).
• Wi-Fi: In towns like El Nido, Coron, and Puerto Princesa, hotels typically provide Wi-Fi for their guests. In smaller towns, Wi-Fi is not necessarily available and even your SIM card provider may not receive a good internet connection.
• Tipping culture: Tipping is not customary in the Philippines, but leaving a small tip can be a nice gesture when eating in very nice restaurants with good service. It’s never expected though and not practiced as a standard.
• Dress code: When staying in tourist areas, there is no particular dress code to consider – even for female travelers. Still, you should only wear swimwear at the beach and if you plan on traveling to Southern Palawan, I recommend female travelers not to dress too revealing as the southern part of the island is more conservative.
• Visa: Citizens from many nationalities, including US citizens, can enter the Philippines visa-free for up to 30 days. If you want to stay longer, you can extend your stay at an immigration office inside the country. In Manila, you can extend your stay for up to six months at a time, and in any other immigration office, you can extend your stay for up to 2 months at a time. On Palawan, there is an immigration office located in Robinson Mall in Puerto Princesa.
• ATMs: These days, you shouldn’t have problems finding ATMs in Puerto Princesa, Port Barton, El Nido, and Coron, but you should make sure to bring enough cash if you travel to less visited places.
• Language: Tagalog is the primary language spoken on Palawan, but in tourist areas, most locals speak very good English as well.
• Jellyfish: Occasionally, you may encounter jellyfish, including box jellyfish, along the coast of Palawan. Jellyfish are mainly present in Port Barton, and if you get stung you should make sure to remove all tentacles before leaving the water. Avoid cooling the burn with fresh water or urine after you get stung, as this will only make it worse. Some locals say you should use vinegar or ground coffee to treat the sting, but even this information is controversial.
• Sandflies: Additionally, you should be aware of sandflies which are mostly present at Duli and Nacpan Beach. These insects are very small and barely visible to the naked eye, which is why you often don’t even notice when you get bitten. However, sandfly bites become very itchy the following day. To avoid them, you can apply insect repellent or oil, such as baby oil or coconut oil, which prevents sandflies from penetrating your skin.
• Sickness while traveling: Unfortunately, some travelers report getting an upset stomach or diarrhea when visiting El Nido. The exact cause for this is unknown, but locals speculate that it’s connected to the water. So, again, stay away from tap water and ask to have your vegetables washed with drinking water when eating fresh produce like salads in restaurants.
• Malaria and Dengue Fever: In some places of Palawan, there is a risk of Malaria and Dengue Fever, particularly during the rainy season. To avoid getting bitten by mosquitos, I recommend covering up with loose pants at night and using insect repellent when going to the rainforest. “Off! Overtime” is the best insect repellent I found on Palawan and it’s available in most stores on the island.

Travel Costs for Palawan

The cost for your travels in Palawan largely depends on the type of accommodations you book, where you choose to eat, and how many tours you participate in. Backpackers who are willing to eat local meals and stay in budget-friendly guest houses or hostels can travel Palawan on a very small budget.

Here you’ll find a rough overview of what you can expect to pay on the island (as a budget traveler):

• Budget Accommodation: Starting from 400 PHP
• Mid-Range Accommodation: Starting from 1,000 PHP
• Meal in a Restaurant: 200 – 500 PHP
• Meal at a Local Eaterie: 50 – 100 PHP
• Beer at a Shop: 50 PHP
• Beer at a Bar: 60 – 120 PHP
• Cocktails at a Bar: 2 cocktails for 250 PHP during happy hour
• Van Fares: A few hundred Pesos per trip (e.g. from Puerto Princesa to El Nido the van costs about 600 – 700 PHP per person)
• Bus Fares: Local buses are cheaper than tourist vans (e.g. from Puerto Princesa to El Nido the bus costs just over 200 PHP)
• Motorbike Rental: In tourist areas like El Nido, up to 500 PHP (negotiable!)
• SIM Card: 50 PHP per SIM card + 100 PHP per 7-day data load
• Tours (e.g., Island Hopping Tours or the Underground River Tour): 1,200 – 1,400 PHP

Daily Budget for a Backpacker: 800 to 2,000 PHP (appr. 15 – 36 USD)

Daily Budget for a Flashpacker: 2,000 to 3,000 PHP (appr. 36 – 55 USD)

Packing List for Your Palawan Trip

Are you visiting Palawan for the first time and you’re not sure what to bring? Then you can use this packing list as an example:

You can also download this list as a PDF file to print out or save on your phone. 😊

With fascinating limestone cliffs and awardwinning beaches, the north of Palawan is considered to be the most beautiful part of the island. El Nido and Coron, although somewhat touristy, are the main tourist spots on the island.

The ideal duration for your Palawan trip can vary depending on your interests and the amount of places you want to visit. Many travelers spend around 7 to 14 days in Palawan to explore the highlights, like El Nido and Coron, but you can adjust your itinerary based on your preferences. I recommend spending at least 10 days in Palawan if not more.

Palawan is one of the most visited islands in the Philippines and therefore quite touristy. However, it’s still worth visiting this spectacular island and if you want to skip the crowds, you can stick to places like Port Barton and Sabang which are less busy than El Nido and Coron.

Conclusion: Is Palawan Worth Visiting?

As someone who has lived on Palawan for almost two years, I can say yes, Palawan is absolutely worth visiting! The island is home to postcard-like beaches, stunning lagoons, and awe-inspiring limestone cliffs. On top of that, the countryside is filled with serene rice fields, lush rainforest, and even some waterfalls.

Yes, some places in Palawan, like El Nido and Coron, are very touristy and can get crowded. But there is a reason why these places are as popular as they are. Coron and El Nido are home to some of the best beaches in the world and the limestone formations will make an amazing background for your holiday photos. 😉

Plus, there are many things to do in Palawan . Whether you want to relax on the beach and drink cocktails, hike through the rainforest to see some waterfalls, or try your luck with watersports like surfing or diving- on Palawan there’s something to do for everyone!

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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.

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.)

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.

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. 

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.)

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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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

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Palawan, Philippines

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Tourism is rising in Palawan – for good reason. Surrounded by the 1,780-odd islets, the main island is the fifth largest in the Philippines , with a lush jungle-swathed interior surrounded by floury white beaches lapped by gin-clear waters and overlooked by towering limestone outcrops. Located southwest of Luzon, Palawan is as close to Borneo as it is to Manila . Influenced by many external cultures and religions, it instantly feels different to the rest of the Philippines. While the centres of Coron, El Nido, Sabang and Puerto Princesa are popular hubs, the southern part of this sword-shaped island remains largely unexplored.

The best travel tips for visiting Palawan

Best things to do in palawan, where to stay in palawan, best restaurants and bars, how to get here, how many days do you need in palawan, tips for getting around, best time to visit palawan, tailor-made travel itineraries for philippines, created by local experts.

4 days  / from 1250 USD

Tropical Escape to Palawan

Only have a few days to discover the island paradise of El Nido? Fly into Manila and take a domestic flight the next day to enjoy the white sandy beaches. Take a full day boat tour to discover the Bacuit Bay before enjoying a last dinner on the island and heading out to Manila on Day 4.

13 days  / from 2453 USD

Island Paradise Palawan

Explore the island paradise of Palawan: From the Underground River in Sabang to feeling like Robinson Crusoe on Flower Island to the popular dive and beach hang-out El Nido, this itinerary shows you the variety Palawan has to offer.

9 days  / from 2750 USD

Paradise Islands: Boracay & Palawan

Discover two paradise islands in the Philippines: world-famous Boracay and El Nido on Palawan. Enjoy luxurious hotels, white sandy beaches, a fascinating underwater world and the hospitality of the local population.

15 days  / from 2450 USD

A Palawan Beach Dream

Endless white beaches, a fascinating underwater world, snorkeling, kayaking, diving - this itinerary is a dream for all the beach bums out there. Discovering Modessa Island, El Nido and Coron, you will see highlights of Palawan with plenty of time to relax and sip coconuts on the beach.

16 days  / from 2878 USD

Total immersion - Visayas

Explore the fascinating Visayas: First you will get to know Cebu with its waterfalls and islands before heading to Dumaguete to swim with turtles and over to Bohol: known for its chocolate hills and tarsiers, this island never ceases to amaze. A few more beach days in Siquijor conclude this trip.

10 days  / from 1950 USD

A diving adventure in Palawan

A fascinating underwater world is ready to be explored. Coron is known for its wreck diving while El Nido has beautiful islands, hidden lagoons, and hundreds of species of coral and marine life. This itinerary allows you to discover both places, above and below the water.

7 days  / from 1430 USD

Island Duet - Boracay & El Nido

Spend a delightful week in the Philippines, exploring the paradisiacal islands of Boracay and El Nido. Enjoy ample leisure time lounging on pristine beaches and staying in beautiful hotels. Immerse in the serene beauty of these destinations, promising a perfect blend of relaxation and comfort.

8 days  / from 782 USD

Beach Hopper Philippines

From Siquijor's mystical charm to Bohol's Chocolate Hills, historical Cebu, and the tropical paradise of Boracay, you'll encounter a diverse tapestry of experiences. Immerse in pristine beaches, rich heritage, and unforgettable memories on this captivating journey through these stunning islands.

10 days  / from 2365 USD

Three Islands Escape

From Bohol's natural wonders, such as the Chocolate Hills and tarsiers, to the idyllic beaches of El Nido, and finally, the vibrant shores of Boracay. Savor ample leisure time on these pristine beaches, while also embarking on adventures to explore nature's marvels.

14 days  / from 2905 USD

Gorgeous Philippines

From the awe-inspiring mountain regions of Banaue and Sagada to the pristine islands of Bohol, Cebu, El Nido, and Boracay. Explore natural wonders, diverse cultures, and idyllic beaches on this enriching and diverse adventure.

Whichever part of Palawan you visit, you’ll be treated to a Jurassic landscape of coves, beaches, lagoons and forests.

Capital Puerto Princesa is the main entry point and is close to the mangrove islands of Honda Bay and the immense flooded cave systems that make up the mind-boggling Underground River.

Further north you’ll find the pretty beach resort town of Port Barton, the old fortress town of Taytay and the incredibly beautiful islands and lagoons of El Nido and the Bacuit archipelago.

Some areas are still relatively unaffected by tourism, such as the friendly little fishing village of San Vicente and nearby Long Beach, one of the finest stretches of sand anywhere.

Undeveloped southern Palawan contains some of the least-visited areas in the whole country, from the remains of a Neolithic community in the Tabon Caves and the turtle and cockatoo sanctuaries at Narra to Brooke’s Point, the access point for Mount Mantalingajan.

The Calamian group of islands, scattered off the northern tip of the main island of Palawan, has a deserved reputation for some of the best scuba diving in Asia, mostly on sunken World War II wrecks. Even if you’re not a diver, there’s plenty to do here.

Inspired? Maybe your next adventure will be the Philippines. If so, our local experts can help you plan a trip!

Entrance of Puerto Princesa Palawan subterranean underground river © VIew Apart/Shutterstock

From diving World War II wrecks to exploring untouched islands, the best Palawan experiences focus on the amazing beaches but there's good grub to be had too. Here are the best things to do in Palawan.

#1 Head to El Nido

El Nido is a breathtakingly beautiful destination that offers you a taste of paradise. Located in the northern part of Palawan in the, El Nido is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches, towering limestone cliffs, and abundant marine life.

The town is the gateway to the Bacuit Archipelago, which boasts over 45 islands and islets, each with its unique beauty and charm.

You can spend your days island hopping, swimming, snorkeling, diving, or just lounging on the beach, enjoying the warm tropical weather and stunning views. El Nido also offers various other activities such as hiking, kayaking, and exploring hidden lagoons and caves. A must visit!

El Nido, Philippines © Dmitry Pichugin/Shutterstock

#2 Take a boat trip around El Nido (Bacuit Archipelago)

If you're going to El Nido, make sure to take a boat trip with a bangka around El Nido. The traditional Filipino boat is perfect for island hopping, offering an authentic and enjoyable way to explore the Bacuit Archipelago.

The boats are not the most comfortable, but well equipped with necessary safety features, making them safe for travelers of all ages. You can choose from a range of tours, each taking in different islands and lagoons. The tours often include stops at hidden beaches and snorkeling spots, giving you the chance to see the incredible marine life that El Nido is known for.

The boatmen are friendly and knowledgeable, often sharing interesting information about the islands and the local culture.

#3 Dine out in Puerto Princesa

With its top-notch seafood restaurants, this is the best place in Palawan to indulge in the local cuisine. The lively Bay Walk promenade is a popular spot for an evening stroll, with a string of alfresco seafood shacks along the water’s edge.

Among the best places to eat are Badjao Seafront Restaurant, which serves fresh, tasty grilled seafood such as sizzling squid, and there are also a couple of veggie dishes, and family-run Haim Chicken Inatô, which sells quality Filipino dishes like grilled tuna belly and ginataang ubod ng rattan (young rattan vine with coconut milk and small fish).

#4 Take a boat trip along the Underground River

Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and voted as one of the “new Seven Wonders of Nature” in 2012, Puerto Princesa Underground River , officially Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, is a unique underwater river system that cuts through the limestone hills for 8.2km before emptying out into the sea.

The caves are completely natural and unlit, ranging from low-lying passages to vast, cathedral-like caverns. Because of the site’s popularity and fragile ecosystem, visitor numbers are restricted to a daily quota of nine hundred visitors, which is reached every day during peak season (Nov–May); make sure you book your visit ahead of time.

Puerto Princesa - boat heading into the cave © jesper olsson/Shutterstock

#5 Explore untouched islands from Port Barton

On the northwest coast of Palawan, roughly halfway between Puerto Princesa and El Nido, Port Barton is far less developed than its busier neighbours, and more of Filipino life continues alongside the groups of backpackers lounging around in the increasing number of budget beach hotels.

The hotels face crescent-shaped Pagdanan Bay, with its magical sunset views – Port Barton Beach itself, a gorgeous strip of sugary sand, is great for swimming.

Minutes away are fourteen pristine white-sand islands, and a number of top-notch dive and snorkelling sites in Port Barton Marine Park.

#6 Lay back on the bone-white sand of Long Beach

About 15km north of Port Barton is the sleepy San Vicente, accessible by bangka or a bone-shaking jeepney ride from Princesa.

It has a small market, a petrol station and a couple of snack stalls but little else; it does offer an alternative to taking longer bangka rides between Port Barton and El Nido however, as it has road links to the north coast and Taytay.

The only reason to linger around here is Long Beach, a so-far undeveloped 14km stretch of sand south of town that ranks as one of the most extraordinary beaches in the country – you can see both ends only on a brilliantly clear day.

Enjoy its unspoilt feel while you can, as the opening of an airport here in 2017 has already prompted the development of large resorts, and it is only a matter of time before the beach is “discovered” by package tours.

#7 Discover the majestic limestone islands of the Bacuit archipelago

The main reason that most people visit El Nido is to go island-hopping around the enchanting Bacuit archipelago, 45 limestone outcrops riddled with karst cliffs, sinkholes and idyllic lagoons.

The dramatic tower of rock just off El Nido is Cadlao Island. The star here is Ubugon Cove at the back of the island, hemmed in by jagged rock, where you can snorkel, but this is also one of the few islands that you can explore on land, too: one-hour trekking tours take in the unusual saltwater Makaamo Lagoon.

Miniloc Island, 45 minutes by boat from El Nido, boasts one of the area’s greatest treasures, the Big Lagoon, with glass-clear aquamarine water surrounded by towering limestone cliffs that look like a cathedral rising up from below.

Ubugon Cove on paradise Cadlao island with sharp limestone rocks - El Nido, Palawan, Philippines © Shutterstock

#8 Find Lake Kayangan, a hidden blue lagoon

In between Coron Island and Coron Town is the volcanic Lake Kayangan. Boats dock at a gorgeous lagoon rimmed with coral and turquoise waters – here the Tagbanua have a small hut with basic information about the island and the Indigenous people, with staff on hand to answer any questions.

The lake itself is reached by climbing up a steep flight of steps – at the top, turn left along a narrow path to tiny Kayangan Cave for awe-inspiring views of the lagoon below.

The main path continues down to the lake, where you can snorkel in the warm waters and spy schools of odd-looking needlefish and plunging cathedral-like rock formations.

#9 Explore Coron

Coron is a stunning destination located in the northern part of Palawan in the Philippines. It is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and towering limestone cliffs.

Coron Island is a must-visit destination, with its lagoons, lakes, and coral gardens. You can also explore the sunken World War II shipwrecks, which are some of the best-preserved wrecks in the world and have become popular diving sites. The town itself has a relaxed and laid-back vibe, with plenty of restaurants and bars to enjoy after a day of exploring.

The nearby Twin Lagoon and Kayangan Lake are not to be missed, offering breathtaking views and incredible swimming opportunities. Coron is also home to many hidden beaches and coves, making it a perfect destination for those looking to get off the beaten path.

Coron, Palawan, Philippines © Shutterstock

Puerto Princesa and the Calamian Islands have the best accommodation options in Palawan with resorts, boutique hotels, business spots and more. Here’s where to stay in Palawan.

Puerto Princesa

The city’s many places to stay are concentrated on and around Rizal Ave; the most pleasant are towards the eastern end of the strip. Those in the leafy northern suburbs are a tricycle ride from the centre.

Northern Palawan

Despite it being the most popular side of the island, Northern Palawan accommodation can be hit and miss. Most places to stay on Sabang are aimed at backpackers, with cold showers and electricity from 6pm to 11pm only.

Buses and boats arriving in Port Barton are met by staff from any number of hotels; take a look before making a choice . High season runs from mid-November to May – you’ll get much cheaper deals outside this period.

There are some clean and comfortable hotels near the Tabon Caves. Brooke’s Point has some functional and OK accommodation but nothing worth visiting for.

Book ahead (especially at Christmas and Chinese New Year) for El Nido town’s budget accommodation ; rates are a bit higher at quieter and prettier Corong-Corong or Caalan beaches.

The Calamian Islands

As a major resort-in-the-making, Coron Town has a good number of accommodation options with more development and ambitious land-reclamation projects in the pipeline.

Southern Palawan

A journey through southern Palawan represents one of the last great travel challenges in the Philippines. Much of the area is sparsely populated, with limited accommodation.

Browse the best hotels in Palawan .

Port Barton, Palawan, Philippines © Shutterstock

As tourism grows in Palawan, more chefs are starting to offer a variety of cuisine from Filipino meals and seafood to Western options like pizza, burgers and tacos. Here are the best places to eat in Palawan.

With its top-notch seafood restaurants, Puerto Princesa is the best place in Palawan to indulge in the local cuisine.

Port Barton

Most of the restaurants in Port Barton are at the resorts; head for Parrots or Greenviews. Nightlife is not part of Port Barton’s appeal – there are a couple of local karaoke bars, but everything tends to shut down by 10pm.

From thick burgers and tiger prawns in coconut milk to authentically Spanish tapas and grilled seafood, there are a range of decent places to eat in Coron Town. At some places, you'll pay for the views.

There is tonnes of choice in El Nido. Stonebaked pizza, massaman curries, Korean cuisine, and even a Ukrainian restaurant. There are even really good vegan spots too. Don't miss.

The best places to eat in Palawan include:

• Viet Ville, Puerto Princesa. Located on the way up to Honda Bay, this traditional Vietnamese restaurant is one of the few that remain in the city, situated in the former refugee village that was created when many fled to the city in the 1970s and 1980s. The menu includes classic beef pho, chao long (Vietnamese porridge) and shrimp in tamarind sauce. A few veggie dishes are also available.
• Kusinero del Barrio, Port Barton. One of the few restaurants in town not located at a resort, Kusinero del Barrio offers good Filipino standards, as well as a somewhat unexpected but not unwelcome sideline in French-style crepes. There are a couple of decent vegetarian choices on the menu too.
• Midtown Bakery, El Nido. The best bakery in town, with the usual buttery buns, white bread and pandesal (bread rolls), plus a tempting array of cakes such as the delicious egg-custard tart, all for a few pesos – plenty of budget travellers load up here.
• Hermanos Tapas, Coron Town. Popular central spot offering a good range of authentically Spanish tapas – the tiger prawns are excellent, as are the Spanish omelette, the patatas bravas and the meatballs. Make sure to leave room for the churros for dessert.
• Gusto Gelato, El Nido. Probably the best place to get a decent espresso coffee in El Nido, this small spot is also extremely popular for its excellent ice cream, which comes in a huge range of flavours.

El Nido Palawan, Philippines © Shutterstock

The best ways to get to Palawan are either flying or by ferry. It all depends on how much time you have. Here’s how to reach Palawan.

There are currently two main airports in Palawan: at Puerto Princesa on the main island and Busuanga Island in the Calamian chain. Despite the name, Puerto Princesa International Airport does not fly to any international destinations, limiting itself primarily to routes to Manila.

2GO operates a ferry between Puerto Princesa, Coron and Manila, departing Puerto Princesa on Saturdays at midnight (14hr to Coron; 30hr to Manila). There’s also a RoRo ferry with Montenegro to Puerto Princesa from Iloilo via Cuyo (4 weekly; 36hr) to Iloilo, including a stopover in Cuyo.

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Visitors will need 7-10 days to fully experience the beauty of Palawan. However, as the province is full of stunning beaches, clear waters, and rich marine life many travellers will factor in beach or snorkelling time.

For a week, visitors should explore more popular destinations such as El Nido, Coron, and Puerto Princesa, though travel can be trickier in the wet season (June to August). If you have limited time, you can still visit one or two of the big destinations and spend 3-5 days exploring the area.

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Kayangan Lake in Coron Island, Philippines © Shutterstock

Between buses, bikes and boats you can reach nearly anywhere in Palawan. These are the best ways to get around.

Bus services run throughout the main Palawan island. From Puerto Princesa you can travel south to Brooke’s Point and Quezon or north to Sabang, Roxas, San Vincente, Taytay and El Nido.

While jeepneys are the cheapest way to travel, they’re slow and you have to change often.

Vans run between all the main tourist hubs and are the most convenient transport for travellers.

By tricycle

Tricycles are an easy way of taking short hops within a city or up the coast.

By motorbike

There are numerous motorbike rental shops across the main island offering scooters and bigger motorbikes.

Outrigger bangkas will take tourists to some of the smaller islands. Boats are rented by the day.

The best time to visit Palawan is during the dry season, which is from November to April. During this time, the weather is generally sunny with little to no rain, making it ideal for island hopping, beach activities, and other outdoor activities.

The peak season in Palawan is from December to February, where the weather is the most favorable but also the most crowded. If you prefer to avoid the crowds, it's best to plan your trip during the shoulder season, which is from March to May or from September to November.

The rainy season in Palawan is from June to August, and while it may not be the ideal time to visit, you can still enjoy the island's beauty during this time, as the rain usually comes in short bursts and the island is lush and green. However, be prepared for occasional typhoons that may disrupt travel plans.

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updated 23.03.2023

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