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Shared Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour in Palawan with Lunch & Hotel Transfers

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

Palawan Coron Malcapuya, Banana & Bulog Dos Islands Shared Tour with Lunch & Transfers

5-Day Nature & Islands Adventure Package to Puerto Princesa and El Nido Palawan

Palawan Coron Ultimate Island Hopping Tour with Lunch | Kayangan Lake & Twin Lagoon

Palawan Puerto Princesa Underground River Shared Tour with Lunch & Transfers

Shared Coron Palawan Top Land Attractions Afternoon Tour with Transfers

Epic 3-Day Palawan Boat Expedition Island Tour from El Nido to Coron with Accommodations & Meals

El Nido Seacret Luxury Catamaran Yacht Whole-Day Private Island Hopping Tour with Transfers

Private El Nido Palawan Lio Airport to or from Any El Nido Town Hotel Transfer Service

Coron Palawan Kayangan Lake & Twin Lagoon Island Hopping & Snorkeling Tour with Lunch & Transfers

Palawan Puerto Princesa Bay Cruise & Iwahig River Firefly Watching Tour with Dinner & Transfers

Fun-filled 4-Day El Nido Palawan Package at Charlie's El Nido with Island Hopping & Airfare

Relaxing 3-Day Palawan Package at Charlie's El Nido with Daily Breakfast & Airport Transfers

Stress-Free 5-Day Charlie's El Nido Palawan Package with Island Hopping Tour & Daily Breakfast

Private Puerto Princesa Airport Palawan to or from Any Puerto Princesa City Hotel Transfer Service

Palawan Puerto Princesa Shared City Tour with Snacks & Transfers | Plaza Cuartel, Baker's Hill

Coron Busuanga Palawan Airport to or from Any Hotel in Coron Town Private Van Transfer Service

2-Week Stunning Islands & Beaches Tour to Coron, Puerto Princesa & El Nido Palawan from Manila

Comfy 4-Day Coron Palawan Budget Package at Ruhe Suites with Flights from Manila, Tour & Transfers

Upscale 4-Day Coron Club Paradise Palawan Resort Island Package with Flights from Manila or Clark

Stunning 4-Day El Nido Palawan Package at Karuna Villas with Island Hopping Tour & Daily Breakfast

Best 5-Day El Nido Palawan Budget Package at South Anchorage Inn with Island Hopping & Breakfast

Exciting 4-Day Palawan Package at Hue Hotel Puerto Princesa with Island Hopping Tour & Breakfast

Explore an unequalled wealth of tours and packages

Top Tours in the Philippines

Island hopping tours, water activity tours, adventure tours, best of the philippines, philippine airport and sea transfers, philippines vacation packages, philippine scuba diving packages & courses, philippines day passes and tickets, verified customer reviews.

Read first-hand reviews by customers from across the world

Danielle Tejada

It was an amazing trip, our tour guide Richard gave us knowledge about the city. Also our boat D' Menger one?(not sure if I spelled correctly) made sure that we are safe during the island hopping tours. They're great.

Pick up van was perfectly on time. At the port there are many tourists and groups and it takes some time (more than 1h) and patience to board on your boat. The sail was smooth and our guide and boatmen polite. Lunch was delicious!

Katarzyna Komor

I did really enjoy the trip. The tour guide did his best to make it an unforgettable experience for me. He knew where to go to avoid crowds. He made sure I enjoyed all the spots we went to. The only thing i would change is I would want to get mango for lunch :)

Mary Jane Abalon

We had the best time with this tour. Our guide Marvin was amazingly funny and good . Lunch was sumptuous and plenty of water to hydrate us .. the islands were gorgeous and breathtaking… the water was blue and the the sand was pearly white .. will definitely recommend Ellen tours ..

Frequently asked questions

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Black Island in Coron, Palawan: Complete Guide

Jackson Groves

Posted on Last updated: September 17, 2023

Categories PHILIPPINES

Black Island, known to locals as Malajon Island, is a huge, mysterious looking island near Busuanga, Coron. From a distance, it has an eerie feeling despite its beautiful white beaches and coconut trees. Once you step foot onto the shore there are many hidden caves and secluded beaches to explore. It’s one of the several stops on the Busuanga Island Hopping Tour . I visited Black Island on my 3-day, 4-Night Big Dream Boat Man Island Hopping Trip and it was one of my favorite stops.

Table of Contents

HOW TO GET TO BLACK ISLAND

There are really two main ways of reaching Black Island from Coron Town. It’s not on the itinerary of most of the regular Coron island hopping tours. This is because it is much further and the regular tours, like the Ultimate Coron Island Hopping Tour , stick closer to the popular spots like Kayangan Lake and Barracuda Lake . The two main options you have are below:

• Busuanga Island Hopping Tour – This trip is a pretty sweet itinerary including Black Island, Salvacion Town and Concepcion Falls.
• Big Dream Boat Man 3-Day, 4-Night Island Hopping Trip – On this trip, you will spend four days exploring all of the amazing beaches, sandbars, islands, shipwrecks, and snorkeling spots in the Coron region. You sleep on the islands in cabins or tents and its an amazing experience. I was lucky enough to join back in 2019. You can read my full review on the ‘Coron Experience’ with Big Dream Boat Man .

WHERE IS BLACK ISLAND

Black Island is located on the north-western corner of Busuanga Island, which is commonly known by tourists incorrectly as ‘Coron’. Busuanga Island is where all the hotels, restaurants and airports are and the island that acts as the base for all tours of Coron Island (where you will find Kayangan Lake and Twin Lagoon). I have pinned the location of Black Island below but note it is located by it’s local name, Malajon Island, by Google Maps.

3 POPULAR CORON TOURS

• Coron Island Hopping Trip : The iconic boat trip to amazing Kayangan Lake & Barracuda Lake. Best value and most popular
• Snorkeling, Shipwrecks, Private Islands (Island Hopping D) : Pass Island, Lusong Gunboat Shipwreck Snorkel & Coral Gardens. This is my favorite island hopping in Coron and is the snorkeling paradise & active tour.
• Coron Land Tour : Get to know Coron! Visit Mt Tapyas viewing deck, Maquinit Hot Spring and important sites around town. Great for a day off from snorkeling and island hopping.

I only recommend tours with Guide To The Philippines , who are a locally owned company and the most RELIABLE & PROFESSIONAL in Coron with small group sizes.

MY EXPERIENCE AT BLACK ISLAND

As we slowly cruised closer to Black Island, the water was still and the clouds were reflecting on the mirror-like surface. It was slightly gloomy, there was no other movement and there was a bit of an eerie feeling. Black Island is a bit ominously shaped with lots of sharp cuts in the rock, which form private beaches. I discovered this while flying my drone above.

The reef surrounding Black Island is phenomenal and awesome for shallow water snorkeling or it has a huge drop-off for free-divers. Essentially no matter what you are trying to do in the water this is a perfect spot for you. We saw lots of different coral and fish species here as well as a few good spots for cliff jumping if you are game!

Black Island has one main strip of beach with a few huts and coconut trees to chill under. It reminded me of Seven Commando Beach in El Nido without all of the people!

We explored a couple of the beaches, one of which you need to explore through the cave and do a little hike down to reach the shore. I suggest spending as much time at Black Island as possible because it truly does have a lot to explore.

BLACK ISLAND CAVES

The highlight of Black Island (aside from the snorkeling) was definitely the caves. After our snorkel, we headed inland onto Black Island to check out the caves. The first cave was huge with at least 40-feet between floor and ceiling. Two crystal-clear pools shone as the morning light flooded into the cave.

You can swim and even cliff jump into both or simply admire the stalactites and rock formations from within the depths of the cave. We then headed down to the other end of the beach and climbed up through another cave this time emerging onto a private beach around the corner where our guides met us with snorkel gear and the SUP.

We explored this area and laid out on the beach. These were dream moments, isolated in paradise. Bring a torch for the second cave but you won’t need one in the first cave.

BEST TIME TO VISIT BLACK ISLAND

The best time to visit Black Island in Coron is during the dry season from December to May, offering sunny days and calmer seas ideal for island activities. March to May are peak tourist months, so expect more visitors. While the rainy season from June to November offers fewer crowds, weather can be unpredictable with potential typhoons. For a balance between good weather and fewer tourists, consider the shoulder months of late November, early December, or late May. Always check local forecasts and book in advance during peak seasons.

BIG DREAM BOAT MAN ISLAND HOPPING TRIP

Big Dream Boat Man is a locally owned tour company that offers THE BEST island-hopping experience in Coron on their private 3-day, 4-night trip throughout the islands nearby Coron.

Reasons to book with Big Dream Boat Man

• Skip the crowds: Visit popular spots like Kayangan Lake, Barracuda Lake and Lusong gunboat BEFORE the crowds arrive.
• Secluded Spots: Visit islands that the daytrippers can’t reach.
• Sunrise & Sunset: Stay overnight at secluded islands in cabins and tents on the beach. Enjoy bonfires, drinks and a fun atmosphere.

3 BEST PLACES TO STAY IN CORON

• Best Location: Two Seasons Coron Island Resort – Incredible Island Bungalows
• Where I stayed : Outpost Hostel – Central location, great hostel vibes.
• All-Round Resort: Sunlight Eco Resort – Great beachfront location & activities.

WHERE TO STAY IN CORON TOWN

Coron Town is the base for all of your adventures in Coron. In Coron Town you have the bars, restaurants, transport, places to book tours and you are close to Mt. Tapyas and Maquinit Hot Spring. It is also just a $3 shuttle to the airport. Below are my three picks plus one all-inclusive resort (I’ve stayed multiple times) that includes private island hopping.

• The Funny Lion  (Good Atmosphere):  The Funny Lion is a boutique resort in Coron that I visited several years ago. Let’s just say that beer from the hot tub with one of the best sunset views in Coron is about as good as it gets. It’s ultra-modern and has a spa, pool, and immaculate rooms. The rooftop bar and dining is an awesome place to be after a long day of island-hopping in Coron.
• Two Seasons Coron Bayside Hotel  (Value):  Located by the bay in Coron Town, this upscale hotel features an infinity pool which makes for a picture-perfect sunset view (Possibly the best sunset hotel view in Coron). If you want comfort and luxury at the same time this place is for you. It has its own private dock so you just leave straight to the island-hopping tours from your hotel room!
• Casa Fidelis Resort All-inclusive (Includes private island hopping) : I had the most amazing stay at Casa Fidelis. The villa had a large patio area that looked out over the garden. Stepping stones led you from the room to the dining area, where we had decadent spreads of gourmet food for every meal. Casa 

ARE YOU KEEPING UP WITH MY CORON SERIES?

• Best Island Hopping Experience: (4 Days & 3 Nights) Big Dream Boat Man Coron Tour Review .
• My Ultimate Travel Guide: Coron Travel Guide: 22 Awesome Things To Do
• A detailed activity schedule for you: Ultimate Coron Itinerary for 3-4 Days
• A comprehensive accommodation guide: 20 Best Places to Stay in Coron
• Best activity that is not in the water: Mt. Tapyas Hike for the best view in Coron.

Or you might want to jump to a few of my favorite spots in Coron:

• Read my blog post about Kayangan Lake
• Read my blog about Black Island
• Read my blog about Barracuda Lake
• Read my blog about​ Lusong Gunboat

Tuesday 18th of August 2020

Hello Jackson! While trying to survive through the new travel restrictions due to COVID, I'm trying to stay positive and plan our next trip. Your blog has been super helpful while planning, and I intend on using your links when I can offically book the trip. I am really looking forward to Black Island. Is the cave inland hard to find? Or will the boat operators know how to find it? Thanks for everything!

Hey how's it going? Appreciate you supporting me through the links :) Yep Black Island is beautiful. The cave is only a 5-minute walk from the beach and the guides will definitely know where it is. I suggest print-screening my photo and keeping it on your phone just in case you have to explain what you are looking for but I would be pretty confident they show the cave to most visitors on the island. Enjoy El Nido

Jessica Alcide

Monday 29th of April 2019

Hi ! Hope you are well! your article is really cool, I just wanted to point out that that picture in which you're diving down near a big piece of coral is very important - and really not a pretty one. It shows how that coral is actually dead and is in its final bleaching process. This is one of the biggest challenge and threat we will be facing in the next decades, as scientist have predicted that 90% of corals will bleach out. With your influence, you can alert on the degradation of the aquatic environment in which people love to have fun. When people know, they will most likely be able to pay attention and protect it.

Thank you and have a great day!

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Best Palawan Itinerary For 2 Weeks (Including a Secret Spot!)

• by Jonny Duncan
• November 1, 2020 September 27, 2022

Looking for a good Palawan itinerary as part of your Philippines travels?

The Philippines has a lot of awesome travel experiences to offer andPalawan and Coron Islands are two of my favourites and this is what I did with my time in Palawan for 2 weeks, plus a secret location I’ll mention later (keep reading for it).

One of the things the Philippines is most famous for is white sand beaches and fun in the sun. You can find all that on Palawan.

Technically Coron Island is part of Palawan but I’ve added it as a separate destination in itself as quite a few travellers I met in El Nido didn’t plan to go there as they didn’t realise beforehand about it.

There is a lot to do on Palawan, but myself and my travelling companions chose to stick to the northern part as we wanted to continue on to Coron Island and Apo Reef.

North Palawan Itinerary

Day 1 – puerto princesa.

The beginning of this Palawan itinerary begins in Puerto Princesa as this will most likely be your port of entry and is the main town on Palawan.

There are things to do around Puerto Princesa although we didn’t spend long there ourselves as we wanted to head to the west coast and the north of Palawan.

Take transport to Sabang  the day after arriving in Puerto Princesa.

In that regard this article can be seen as suggestions for things you can get up to.

FIND PLACES TO STAY IN PUERTO PRINCESA HERE

Day 2 – Sabang Subterranean River

If you managed to get to Sabang on the first day then you can take it easy in the morning, or if you stayed in Puerto Princesa get up early enough to get to Sabang.

Sabang is known as the entry way to get to the ‘ Subterranean River ‘ that is well known on Palawan.

It’s a cool place to visit (pun intended as it can be chilly inside) although it is a popular tourist attraction so can get busy.

You go on a small boat into a cave system in the rocks and is fun enough to do, although if you can’t make it there you aren’t missing the Taj Mahal or something like that.

For the rest of time in Sabang just chill out on the beach and grab some fresh fish dinner at one of the buffet dinners on a beach hotel.

Day 3 – A Big Jump Up To El Nido

Ok there is a bunch of stuff you can do between Sabang and El Nido in the north of Palawan, but we jumped straight up to El Nido from Sabang as we planned for time on Coron Island and another little getaway we discovered (revealed later).

Day 4 – 6 El Nido And Boat Trips/Beaches Around The Area

El Nido is such a good place to base yourself in the north and you can do day trips to surrounding beaches, islands, nature areas from there.

Two to three days will be enough to get a taste of what it has to offer, but if you have the time then take it easy and see more of things you can do in El Nido.

The boat rides in this area are epic. You can see karst rock outcrops, secluded white sand beaches, and there’s good kayaking and snorkelling to be had.

You can find secret beaches as well while exploring the turquoise waters of the lagoons.

Many companies run local boats to these places and can be found when in El Nido.

That being said if you want to book everything ahead then do so through a good travel company in Palawan , especially if you don’t want the hassle of doing everything by yourself.

El Nido itself is a small town with hotels/hostels and plenty of restaurants. Having a good fish dinner on the beach for sunset is a great way to finish the day there.

Speaking of sunsets the ones around El Nido are some of the best in the Philippines and make for great photographic opportunities.

The whole area around El Nido will be one of the highlights for any Palawan itinerary.

Day 7 – Boat to Coron Island

Although you could technically visit Coron on day trips from El Nido it’s way better to stay on the island itself otherwise it’s so rushed.

Take a boat from El Nido to Coron (an agent in El Nido will help arrange everything if you want).

You should arrive late afternoon into the town where you will stay (there’s only one main one and is where the boats stop).

Climb up the small hill above the town for a good view, and if it’s the right conditions, a good sunset pic.

Day 8 -11 – Snorkel/Dive Boat trips Around Coron Island

Coron Island is epic for its shipwreck diving as there are many Japanese shipwrecks from World War II you can dive on.

It is also a good place to do a PADI scuba diving course, which would take 3-4 days for a beginners course. This is what one of the friends I was with did.

After doing the course you could then go out and try some shipwreck diving if you feel confident enough.

There is also good snorkelling and boat trips around on local boats to turquoise lagoons.

In the early morning or evening check out the local fish market in town to get a taste of local life and some fresh fish, if you like that.

Coron should generally be all about diving/snorkelling, and just general chilling.

Day 12 – Boat to San Jose (Mindoro Island) Then Transport to North Pandan Island)

The last few days actually take you away from Palawan but on to a secret little gem of a place.

Take a boat from Coron to Mindoro Island (to San Jose town) then straight away some local transport north up the coast a few hours to Sablayan where you can arrange a small boat for the short trip to North Pandan Island .

There’s a bungalow resort on the island for you to stay at. Get a drink and enjoy the sunset.

Day 13 – Apo Reef

Apo Reef Natural Park  is between Coron and Mindoro islands.

This is the ‘secret spot’ I have mentioned for the article. Secret simply because most travellers haven’t seemed to have heard about it, outside of a few divers I met.

It’s a nature reserve so isn’t overrun with tourists. Most people that visit come on dive boats that pass through there on longer trips, or day trips to dive/snorkel Apo Reef from Mindoro (what I did).

You won’t stay on the island but a long day trip from North Pandan Island is enough to get some seriously good diving or snorkelling in.

One of the resorts on North Pandan Island can arrange for you to join a boat trip going there (as long as they’re running).

At Apo Reef there is some excellent diving down a steep reef cliff, or if you are snorkelling it’s also just as good to get a look at what Apo Reef is famous for: sharks!

Yep, there’s a lot of reef sharks at Apo Reef and they are not dangerous enough for people (although you never really know with nature).

Even just snorkelling you will see loads of sharks just swimming around the reef.

Just being so remote in the ocean away from lots of tourists is another big appeal of the place.

After a great day of diving/snorkelling you come back to North Pandan Island again.

Day 14 – Wherever You Go Next

The end of the suggested Palawan itinerary.

This ones entirely up to you where you want to keep exploring in the Philippines.

Practicalities For Visiting Palawan & Coron

A standard tourist visa for the Philippines  (check that link to Wikipedia for all countries visa requirements) for most nationalities is 30 days. This can be extended however, and if you apply before going to the Philippines at an embassy you can get 60 days (2019).

To get to Palawan you will most likely fly from either the capital Manila, or Cebu City, as this is the easiest way. Puerto Princesa as mentioned is the gateway town to fly into.

This is what I would pack for visiting Palawan and travelling anywhere in fact.

Useful links for your Palawan Itinerary

Take the Lonely Planet Philippines travel guide to help plan your trip to the Philippines.

I recommend using SafetyWing Travel Insurance for your trip, just in case, it’s best to be prepared.

Get a quote:

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Glad I enjoyed the post! This is a great list for the visitors who would like to know more . Thanks

Out of all the beaches that I have tried here in the Philippines, I have to admit that Coron is my favorite one among all of them. 🙂 Glad you had fun in Coron! Thanks for sharing this! 🙂

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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.

Philippines 3G/4G internet data sim card & pocket WiFi rental

🏷️ 12% OFF 4G/3G WiFi (MY Airport Pick Up) for Philippines

🏷️ 5% OFF  4G WiFi (MNL Airport Pick Up/Delivery) for the Philippines

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.

See more blogs & travel guides

Guide to Honda Bay Island Tour For First Timers

Travel Guide to Ardent Hot Spring

Travel to Sunken Cemetery

Travel Guide to Walkway to the Old Volcano

Travel Guide to Camiguin White Island

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

Always remember to “ Develop your One Days to Day Ones! “

Shelley Mae

Osmena Peak Cebu: Budget Travel Guide and Itinerary

Puerto princesa, palawan: honda bay island tour.

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Ultimate Guide to Palawan + 10 Day Itinerary

Palawan is undeniably the top destination in the Philippines. This exotic paradise is home to the best islands in the country, from the crystal-clear lagoons surrounded by karsts in El Nido to the beautiful lakes in Coron.

Even though it’s made its spot into the mainstream, don’t make the mistake of excluding it in your Philippines itinerary! With its unmatched beauty, history and culture, and delicious food, you’ll find that Palawan truly deserves a visit.

Via Puerto Princesa Airport

Via busuanga airport, via san vicente airport, how to get around, best time to visit, wifi and mobile data, what to wear, what to bring, puerto princesa city, san vicente, where to stay in palawan, what to eat, 10 days itinerary in palawan, budget and expenses, reminders and tips, what to read next:, how to get to palawan.

Palawan has 3 main airports. Budget airlines ply these routes including Cebu Pacific and Air Asia .

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Puerto Princesa Airport is located in Puerto Princesa City. It is about 1-hour flight away from Manila.

It’s the gateway to El Nido, as well as other areas in Palawan such as San Vicente (including Port Barton), Dumaran, and Balabac.

Busuanga Airport is the gateway to Coron.

San Vicente Airport is a fairly new airport located in San Vicente. As of this writing, flight schedules here are limited and expensive. An alternative option is by booking to Puerto Princesa Airport instead and then taking public transport to San Vicente.

Public transport is easily available in Palawan. Puerto Princesa City is connected to the rest of the province via buses and vans.

There are also ferries connecting several areas in Palawan, including El Nido and Coron.

If you plan on exploring on your own in short distances, you can rent a motorbike or charter a private vehicle for touring.

Things to know about Palawan

Here are some essential info you need to know about Palawan.

The best time to visit is during the summer months, from November to May . This is also the peak season since it coincides with the school break, so make sure to reservations in advance.

That saying, in my experience it’s pretty safe to visit Palawan all-year-round as it’s not as affected by typhoons as other places in the country. In particular, El Nido and Coron are good to visit anytime of the year. However, some areas such as Balabac experience rough waves which make sea travel difficult.

There are ATMs in major areas in Palawan such as Puerto Princesa City, El Nido, and Coron. In rural areas ATMs may be hard to come buy, so make sure to stock up on cash.

WIFI and mobile data are available in major towns. There may be no or minimal signal in rural areas.

The best activities in Palawan are island hopping, diving, kayaking — basically all ocean related. So bring light & cool clothing and bikinis.

Don’t forget to bring (eco-friendly) sunblock. A powerbank also comes in handy when you have to be on a boat tour for a whole day.

Snorkel sets and other equipment can easily be rented or bought in towns. Personally I prefer to bring my own so I can ensure proper fit. Nothing ruins an island tour more than having a too-small or too-large mask!

Lastly, make sure to bring a good camera and underwater action camera for your trip!

Top Attractions in Palawan

Puerto Princesa City, El Nido, and Coron are the top attractions in Palawan. However, there are also other remote places you can visit especially if you’re looking for untouched nature spots.

Puerto Princesa City is the capital of Palawan. It serves as the gateway for most destinations in the province.

The best thing to do here is visiting the Puerto Princesa Underground River , a UNESCO Heritage Site. This is an underground cave system that stretches for about 24 kilometers — one of the longest in the world. A 45-minute boat tour will take you to the first kilometer stretch of the cave, where you can sit in awe as a guide tells you about its history and points out interesting stalactite and stalagmite formations.

Another thing you should do is visit Sabang. This is the jump-off point to the underground river, so it’s pretty hard to miss. Sabang is a quiet town with a wide stretch of creamy-sand beach. Go here for a day tour or book a resort so you can spend a day relaxing, sipping a fresh coconut while admiring the ocean and a backdrop of islands in the distance.

Lastly, try out the great food in the town proper! There’s a lot of restaurants in Puerto Princesa City where you can taste local food, including delicacies you can only find in Palawan. One worth mentioning is tamilok, a woodworm found in mangrove trees that is eaten fresh. Aside from the restaurants, you can also head to the seaside boulevard at night for a dinner of cheap, fresh seafood!

There are other activities you can do in Puerto Princesa, but in my opinion they can be skipped. There are full-day tours offering island hopping in Honda Bay. However, there are better islands elsewhere in Palawan. Tricycles also offer a city tour where you can visit a few city landmarks and souvenir shops. This a popular activity among locals. However, you might find that some of the stops are “tourist traps”, so consider this before booking a tour.

El Nido is a town located in the Baquit Archipelago. It’s known for its amazing karst formations, lagoons, and white-sand beaches.

There is no off-peak season in El Nido and during summer the crowd may be overwhelming, but you won’t mind it at all once you’ve seen its beauty!

The main activity in El Nido is island hopping. The tours are standardized so you don’t have to worry about arranging boat tours prior to your trip. Some of the notable places you can visit are the white-sand beaches in Helicopter Island, the crystal-clear water in Small Lagoon and Big Lagoon, and the hidden cove surrounded in a tower of karsts called the Secret Beach.

Aside from these, there are mainland attractions you can visit including Nacpan Beach, one of the best beaches in the country.

El Nido also offers diving activities, with over 30 dive spots scattered across the area.

If you’re looking for a different experience in El Nido, head over to the coastal town of Sibaltan about 1 hour away. Sibaltan also offers island hopping, snorkeling, and diving activities. More importantly, it’s an archeological town where you can see traditional houses and museums and witness the everyday life of the people.

To get to El Nido, book a flight to Puerto Princesa Airport. From the airport, there are vans bound for El Nido. Travel time is around 6-7 hours. If you’re coming from Coron, you can simply ride a ferry to El Nido.

Coron is another destination you shouldn’t miss in Palawan. This is one of my favorite places in the Philippines. Personally, I prefer this over El Nido for a variety of reasons — including that it’s relatively less crowded and the spots more beautiful! (A little subjective, but I’m sure a lot of people would agree.)

Coron is mostly known for Kayangan Lake, which is said to be the cleanest lake in Asia. The most photographed spot in Coron can also be found here — atop a viewdeck offering a view of Coron Bay. Aside from these, you can visit other lakes and lagoons and white-sand beaches.

Coron is also famous for diving. It has shipwreck sites from the WWII era, when the Japanese took shelter in Coron but were eventually sank by the Americans. The shipwrecks now serve as home to corals and reef fishes.

To get here, book a flight to Busuanga Airport. 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 is one of the lesser-visited destinations in Palawan. It’s known for the Long Beach, a 14-kilometer beach which is considered the longest in the country. It’s also home to a few resorts ideal for those who want a quiet time.

Aside from the Long Beach, another notable place you can visit is Port Barton. Port Barton is the best option for those who like exotic beaches but want to avoid the crowd in El Nido or Coron. There are also island hopping tours offered in Port Barton, where you can swim and snorkel. There is also a waterfall nearby where you can take a refreshing dip.

I recommend staying in Port Barton instead of the town proper since it offers more activities. The island hopping in Port Barton is a great activity. The islands are beautiful and the snorkeling spots are lovely. There is even an area where you can see turtles in the wild. The fact that there are less people here makes it even more enjoyable!

To get here, book a flight to San Vicente Airport located at the town proper. An alternative option is to book a flight to Puerto Princesa City instead and then take a bus or van to San Vicente town proper or Port Barton. Travel time is around 3-5 hours.

Balabac is a group of islands located at the southern tip of Palawan. Balabac is a developing attraction, so there are no high-end hotels here. Instead, you can find modest inns and resorts, as well as islands for camping.

What it lacks in infrastructure, it makes up for its untouched beauty. There are different islands you can visit in Balabac — from the pinkish-sand beach of Comiaran Island to the white-sand shores of Punta Sebaring in Bugsuk Island and the picture-perfect sand bars in Candaraman Island and Mansalangan Island. Of course, you can’t go to Balabac and miss visiting Onuk Island , a privately owned island surrounded in crystal-clear water ideal for beach bumming and snorkeling.

So far, I’d been to Balabac twice and each trip had been amazing. I’d been all over the country and nothing compares to the beaches in Balabac. Balabac is an ideal destination for backpackers and those who like discovering nature spots.

To get here, book a flight to Puerto Princesa Airport. Then ride a van to either Rio Tuba or Buliluyan port. It’s recommended to arrange a boat tour beforehand so you can properly plan your itinerary. There are also a handful of tour agencies arranging joiner tours here especially during the summer.

Nestled between El Nido and Coron is the untouched paradise of Linapacan.

Linapacan is a relatively small municipality. The largest island (also called Linapacan) features 2 towns and a small population of around 2000. It’s off-the-beaten path, so expect to find regular homestays or camp in deserted beaches for overnight stay.

Linapacan is mostly known for having one of the clearest waters in the world, as per an online magazine in 2013. You can visit islands for swimming and snorkeling, hike up a jungle trail, or visit the millions-years-old seniora caves.

Locals may offer to take you island hopping. There are also selected agencies that offer custom boat tours or joiner tours that take you to remote areas in Palawan including Linapacan.

To get here, ride a ferry that plies between El Nido and Coron and ask the operator to drop you off at Linapacan. It’s best to arrange your boat tour prior to your trip.

Dumaran is another off-the-beaten destination in Palawan. It has pristine islands and numerous snorkeling spots. This is a great place for snorkelers and freedivers due to the presence of magnificent coral reefs across different areas.

To get here, book a flight to Puerto Princesa Airport. Then ride a bus or van to Dumaran. Travel time is 4-6 hours. Once you arrive in Dumaran, head to the port in Barangay Sta. Teresita. This is the jump-off point to the islands.

There are different accommodations in Palawan — from budget-friendly campsites and hostels to luxury resorts. There is always a place for your budget whether you’re here for a casual vacation or splurging for a honeymoon or other special occasions.

Here are the best hotels and resorts in Palawan:

Puerto Princesa:

• Holiday Suites. Book via Agoda
• Daluyon Beach and Mountain Resort. Book via Agoda
• Sheridan Beach Resort and Spa. Book via Agoda
• Mad Monkey Hostel (Nacpan Beach). Book via Agoda
• Cuna Hotel. Book via Agoda
• Cauayan Island Resort. Book via Agoda
• Coron Westown Resort. Book via Agoda
• Two Seasons Coron Island Resort and Spa. Book via Agoda .
• Club Paradise Palawan. Book via Agoda

Look for other accommodations in Palawan .

If you’re in Puerto Princesa, you can easily find restaurants serving local dishes and tamilok (woodworm), an exotic food served raw. Another must-try food is chao long noodles , which is served in regular eateries throughout the city.

Fresh seafood is available in most areas in Palawan. El Nido and Coron offers a seafood buffet as lunch for the island hopping tours. In more rural areas in Palawan, you can go to the market yourself to buy fresh fish, shrimp, crabs, and more.

Here’s a suggested 10 days itinerary in Palawan.

I have seen other itineraries that include San Vicente, but I think that it’s too far and you won’t get to enjoy El Nido or Coron much if you’re going to take this detour. Believe me, you won’t regret the days you allot for either destination.

Here’s a summary of estimated expenses ( Updated as of 2020 ):

The costs of traveling to Palawan is reasonable. There are cheaper destinations elsewhere in the country, but the great thing about Palawan is that it offers incomparable beauty of nature that you can enjoy in modern comforts.

If you’re heading to the remote areas in Palawan, it’s best to find other people to go with you. Boat rental for island hopping can be expensive, from P2000 to P4000 ($40-80) depending on the distance between islands. Major tourist hubs such as El Nido have standardized tour rate per person, so it’s easy to go as a solo traveler.

Here are some reminders before your trip:

• Be respectful of the communities you visit. If you’re on public roads, wear a cover-up dress on top of your swimwear.
• Please follow local regulations. If you know that a guide is required to wherever you are going, then get one. It helps the local economy and it prevents accidents from happening.
• Tipping is not required, but I always recommend tipping to your guides!

Has this Guide to Palawan been helpful to you? If you have comments or questions, let me know in the comment section 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

Get discounts on your travels!

Enjoy discounts with KLOOK using our promo code: TARALETSANYWHERE

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

One Comment

Oldbirdtravels.

I wanted to go there but it was overfull and they had already closed two islands due to this so I left it for another day

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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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About the author: adventurous flashpacker.

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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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Best 10 Day Palawan Itinerary for 2024 + Tips

Are you visiting the Philippines soon and wondering how to plan a 10 day Palawan itinerary?

This itinerary will show you the best way to plan your route so you can see as much as possible while still allowing plenty of time for relaxation.

From the white-sand beaches and karst mountains of El Nido to the pristine marine life of Port Barton or the UNESCO-listed underground river of Puerto Princesa, there are so many reasons why Palawan is the most coveted destination in the Philippines.

In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to plan the best 10 days in Palawan Philippines. I’ll also explain how to travel between each destination, where to stay, how to get discounts on tours, and more.

So keep reading for the ultimate Palawan itinerary for 10 days!

*** This article may contain affiliate links, meaning each time you click through and make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you which helps a lot in keeping this website running. Thank you for your support 🙂

Read more about Palawan Philippines:

• How to spend 3 or 4 days in El Nido
• Guide to El Nido Island Hopping Tour A
• Tour C El Nido: What to expect
• Best things to do in Port Barton Philippines

Table of Contents

How many days is enough in Palawan?

Based on my experience, I think that 10 days in Palawan is enough to see all the major tourist attractions as well as some lesser-known ones.

Below is a suggested 10-day Palawan itinerary:

• Day 1 : Fly into Puerto Princesa and take a bus to EL Nido
• Day 2-5 : EL Nido
• Day 6 : Travel from El Nido to Port Barton
• Day 7-8 : Port Barton
• Day 9-10 : Puerto Princesa

Just remember that you also need to take into account the travel time between each destination as Palawan is quite big.

For instance, it takes approximately 5-6 hours to travel from Puerto Princesa to El Nido, 4 hours from El Nido to Port Barton, and 3 hours from Port Barton to Puerto Princesa.

10 Day Palawan Itinerary Guide

Day 1: fly into puerto princesa and take a bus to el nido.

Your 10 day Palawan itinerary begins in Puerto Princesa, the capital city of Palawan.

This is the best option for budget travelers as the route from Manila to Puerto Princesa is serviced by budget airlines such as Air Asia and Cebu Pacific. The total journey time is approximately 1.5 hours and one-way tickets start at USD 30.

CHECK PRICE FOR FLIGHTS FROM MANILA TO PUERTO PRINCESA

Once you arrive in Puerto Princesa, you can take a bus or van to El Nido, which will take around 5-6 hours. Note that the bus will make a few stops along the way for food and toilet breaks.

CHECK PRICE FOR A TRANSFER FROM PUERTO PRINCESA TO EL NIDO

The bus will drop you off at El Nido Transport Terminal and from there, you’ll need to take a tricycle to get to El Nido Town, which should cost around 80-100 pesos.

Alternatively, if budget isn’t an issue, you can fly directly to El Nido from Manila with Air Swift. A one-way ticket costs approximately USD 100.

CHECK PRICE FOR FLIGHTS FROM MANILA TO EL NIDO

Where to Stay in El Nido?

For ease of getting around during your 10 days in Palawan itinerary, I recommend staying in EL Nido Town since most tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, and shops are located within walking distance.

Luxury : H Hotel is a 4-star property located just a few steps from the beach and close to restaurants and bars. The rooms are spacious and offer either an ocean or mountain view. Check latest rates here.

Mid-Range : Sea Cocoon Hotel is located in the heart of El Nido near restaurants and bars and offers air-conditioned rooms with breakfast included in the room rate. Check latest rates here.

Budget : I personally stayed at Frendz Hostel and highly recommend it for budget or solo travelers. It’s perfect for those looking for affordable accommodation, with both private and dorm rooms available. Their rooftop pool is amazing and they organize daily activities like island hopping, karaoke, game nights, etc. Check latest rates here.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HOTELS IN EL NIDO

Day 2: Explore El Nido Beaches

After a long travel day, take it easy on your first full day in El Nido by relaxing at one of its numerous beaches.

Although El Nido is famous for its island hopping tours, the mainland also boasts some stunning beaches.

Start your day by heading to Vanilla Beach, also known as Marimegmeg Beach. If you don’t know how to ride a motorbike, you can easily get there by tricycle, which should cost you around 100 pesos.

It’s one of the best beaches in EL Nido, featuring soft white sand and crystal-clear water, making it perfect for swimming.

There are many facilities on the beach, including restaurants, bars, and even a shopping mall at the entrance.

If you want to do something more active, you can rent a kayak or book a zipline activity at the nearby Las Cabanas Beach.

If you have time, I also recommend checking out Corong Corong Beach. Although it’s not the best for swimming, the sunset here is stunning.

You can also rent a kayak from Corong Corong to visit some less popular beaches such as Lapus Lapus Beach or Papaya Beach.

Day 3: El Nido Island Hopping Tour

On day 3 of your Palawan itinerary for 10 days, take an island hopping tour to explore some of the most beautiful beaches and lagoons around El Nido.

There are four tours to choose from – Tour A, B, C, and D. Each tour costs between 1,200 and 1,400 pesos inclusive of a buffet lunch, life jacket, and a licensed tour guide.

While you can book your island hopping tour directly in El Nido, I recommend booking in advance on Klook to get a discount !

Here’s a quick overview of each tour:

Tour A : Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Seven Commandos Beach, Shimizu Island, Payong-Payong Beach. BOOK HERE

Tour B : Entalula Island, Snake Island, Cudugnon Cave, Cathedral Cave, Papaya Beach. BOOK HERE

Tour C : Helicopter Island, Hidden Beach, Secret Beach, Matinloc Shrine. BOOK HERE

Tour D : Cadlao Island, Small Lagoon, Nat Nat Beach, Paradise Beach, Bukal Island. BOOK HERE

I suggest starting with the most popular island hopping tour in El Nido, which is tour A.

During the tour, you’ll visit the spectacular Big Lagoon where you can kayak across a crystal-clear lagoon surrounded by jagged karst cliffs.

Other highlights include Seven Commandos Beach, Shimizu Island, and finally the Secret Lagoon which can be accessed through a small opening in the cliffs.

Related post: Everything you need to know about El Nido Tour A

Day 4: El Nido Island Hopping Tour

Get ready for another island hopping tour in El Nido! Tour C was the highlight of my 10 day itinerary in Palawan, so I highly recommend you do this tour.

It normally costs 1,400 pesos but if you book on Klook , you’ll pay only 1,200 pesos.

Tour C takes you to Helicopter Island, where you can swim in the crystal-clear waters or simply relax on the beach. You’ll also visit Secret Beach and Hidden Beach, both of which are home to beautiful corals and colorful fish.

The last stop is at Matinloc Shrine, which has a nice viewpoint overlooking the ocean and nearby islands.

Related post: What to expect during El Nido Island Hopping Tour C?

Day 5: Taraw Cliff Viewpoint and More El Nido Beaches

Since most of the attractions for today are located outside EL Nido Town, I suggest renting a motorbike or hiring a tricycle.

Another option is to book this jeepney tour that covers Lio Beach, Bulalacao Waterfalls, and Nacpan Beach. The tour includes all entrance fees, lunch, water, beach club access with unlimited cocktails, a tour guide, and a photographer.

Start your day with a short hike to Taraw Cliff viewpoint for a bird’s eye view of El Nido Beach.

Entrance to the viewpoint starts at 430 pesos but you can get a discount by booking your entrance ticket on Klook here .

Harnesses and helmets are provided, and you’ll be accompanied by a guide who will help you navigate the trail and take photos of you.

After the hike, head over to Lio Beach. The airport is located nearby so you can watch the planes land and take off as you swim in the ocean.

Next stop is Bulalacao Waterfall which can be reached after a 20-minute hike. You do need to pay an entrance fee to visit the waterfall which also includes a guide.

Finally, end the day at Nacpan Beach to watch the sunset or relax under the shade of palm trees.

Related post: Best El Nido itinerary for first-time visitors

Day 6: Travel from El Nido to Port Barton

It’s now time to leave EL Nido and travel to the charming beach town of Port Barton .

This place isn’t as popular among tourists, which makes it a hidden gem and one of the reasons why I’ve included it in this 10 day Palawan itinerary.

At Port Barton, you can relax on almost empty beaches surrounded by palm trees, swings, and hammocks.

You can also enjoy delicious Filipino food at the local restaurants and have a sundowner or karaoke night at one of the beach bars.

Although there isn’t a whole lot to do in Port Barton apart from exploring the beaches or snorkeling at the nearby islands, it’s still worth visiting if you want to experience the Philippines without crowds.

To reach Port Barton from El Nido, you’ll need to take a van that departs twice a day, at 8 a.m and 1 p.m.

The journey takes about 4 hours, and the van will drop you off at the terminal located here . From there, you can take a tricycle or tuk tuk to your hotel, which should cost around 50 pesos.

CHECK PRICE FOR A TRANSFER FROM EL NIDO TO PORT BARTON

After resting for a bit at your hotel, head to the main beach in Port Barton, also known as Itaytay Beach, to catch the sunset or have dinner at one of the local restaurants.

My personal recommendation for a great dining experience in Port Barton is Dam Dam Place . The food there is so good and affordable. Be sure to try out their Chicken Adobo, you’ll thank me later!

Where to stay in Port Barton?

Affordable luxury : Parrots Boutique Resort is located near the beach and boasts and outdoor pool and beautifully designed rooms with a double bed, private bathroom, and a kitchen. The resort also offers complimentary breakfast. Check latest rates here.

Mid-Range : Aquarius Hotel is located just a few steps from the beach and features spacious rooms with private bathrooms and fans. Keep in mind that rooms with air-con require an additional fee. Check latest rates here.

Budget : Bundal Riverside is a cheap and clean guesthouse located about a 5-minute walk from the beach with lots of restaurants nearby. I stayed in their fan room, but they also have air-con rooms available. Check latest rates here.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HOTELS IN PORT BARTON

Day 7: Port Barton Island Hopping Tour

On day 7 of your Palawan itinerary, I recommend going on an island hopping tour in Port Barton.

Similar to El Nido, there are several tours available –  Tour A, B, C, D, and E. I recommend choosing only one tour as most of them take you to more or less the same spots.

The tours cost on average 1,400 pesos, but you can save money by booking from Dam Dam Place, like I did, and pay only 1,200 pesos plus an environmental tax of 50 pesos.

This included breakfast, transfer to the beach, a buffet lunch of chicken, fish, vegetables, and fresh fruits, water, snorkeling gear, and life jacket.

During the tour, we visited several islands, starting with Starfish Island, which is a sandbar with lots of starfish.

We then went snorkeling at Twin Reef and Fantastic Reef, where we saw some of the most beautiful corals. We even spotted a turtle!

We also visited Maxima Island and Albaguin Island, which are located next to each other. Depending on the tide level, you can either swim or walk between the islands in less than 5 minutes.

Related post: Complete travel guide to Port Barton

Day 8: Port Barton Beaches and Waterfalls

Today you’ll be exploring the mainland and visiting Pamuayan Waterfall, Coconut Beach, and White Beach.

The roads in Port Barton aren’t the best so unless you’re confident riding a motorbike, I suggest hiring a tuk tuk or tricycle.

Some people have managed to walk to these places, but I wouldn’t recommend it as it can take up to 1.5 hours to walk to the waterfall and 1 hour to Coconut Beach.

I attempted to walk to Pamuayan Waterfall from downtown Port Barton, but it was too hot and the roads were too steep. So do yourself a favor by hiring a tuk tuk or renting a motorbike!

Begin your day by exploring Pamuayan Waterfall. It takes only about 20 minutes to hike to the waterfall and you can also swim in the pool.

Later in the afternoon, I recommend visiting Coconut Beach. You do need to pay an entrance fee of 50 pesos to enter but you’ll have access to the free hammocks so it’s a win-win. There’s also a small beach shack at the entrance where you can buy snacks and drinks.

The only downside is that Coconut Beach isn’t the best for swimming. So if you’d like to take a dip in the ocean, head to White Beach instead.

You can get there by walking along the shore for about 10 minutes from Coconut Beach.

Alternatively, you can go there by motorbike or tuk-tuk, but since the road is super bumpy, walking would be the best option.

Day 9-10: Puerto Princesa

On day 9, take a van from Port Barton to Puerto Princesa. The van departs six times per day with the first trip at 8 a.m and the last trip at 5 p.m. The total journey takes around 3 hours.

CHECK PRICE FOR A TRANSFER FROM PORT BARTON TO PUERTO PRINCESA

If you arrive in Puerto Princesa before 1 p.m, you can then take this guided city tour to see some of the most important landmarks in the city.

Finally, if you have a late flight out of Puerto Princesa, you can spend the last day of your Palawan itinerary by going on a Honda Bay island hopping tour or Underground River tour .

Honda Bay features several small islands and is the best place for swimming and snorkeling in Puerto Princesa.

The Underground River, on the other hand, is an impressive cave system with uniquely shaped stalagmites and stalactites.

Where to stay in Puerto Princesa?

Luxury : Canvas Boutique Hotel features modern and spacious rooms that are conveniently located near the airport. They also offer complimentary airport transfers and breakfast. Check latest rates here.

Mid-Range : For something more affordable, you can book a stay at Dolce Vita Hotel . It’s also located near the airport and offers double and family rooms and has a pool. Check latest rates here.

Budget : I personally stayed at Villa Skanderbeg Guest House . It’s situated less than a 10-minute drive from the airport. Though rooms are basic, they are clean and it’s quiet at night. Check latest rates here.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HOTELS IN PUERTO PRINCESA

Best time to visit Palawan Philippines

The best time to plan your Palawan itinerary is from December to April during the dry season. May to November is considered the wet season, with July and August being the wettest months of the year.

I hope you found this 10 day Palawan itinerary helpful. If you have any questions about planning your trip, just ask in the comments below.

Steph is an outdoor enthusiast who’s always down for adventure. When she's not traveling abroad, you’ll either find her exploring her own backyard or researching her next trip. She writes adventure travel guides featuring waterfalls, mountains, and beaches and shares her tips on how to travel on a budget without compromising on comfort and experience.

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Home / Blog / 5 Days in Palawan, Philippines (Itinerary)

5 Days in Palawan, Philippines (Itinerary)

• About Palawan…

Palawan , in the southwestern Philippines, is a place that promises a memorable experience. Palawan has been dubbed the “Best Island in the World” by many travel journals for its magnificent beaches, crystal-clear waters, and breathtaking natural surroundings. The region is also noted for its rich biodiversity, which includes many rare and endangered species, making it an excellent visit for nature enthusiasts. Palawan has something for everyone, whether you’re searching for relaxation, adventure, or cultural immersion. A journey to Palawan is likely to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime, from exploring underground rivers to island hopping to diving.

Here’s our five-day itinerary for your next visit to Palawan.

• Day 1: Puerto Princesa

Your first day in Palawan will begin at Puerto Princesa. Puerto Princesa, in the lovely province of Palawan, is more than just a gateway to the world-famous El Nido. This huge provincial city known as “The City in a Forest” is noted for its breathtaking views and encompasses a large region with many natural, cultural, and historical monuments for local and foreign visitors to discover.

There are also various Puerto Princesa trips and activities available. The Puerto Princesa Underground River, its most famous attraction, is a natural wonder and a national treasure. Its stunning limestone cliffs, turquoise waters, and towering cave formations will captivate visitors and nature enthusiasts alike. Aside from the underground river, the city is home to some of the most beautiful islands in the Philippines, as well as Palawan beaches where you can get the perfect tan, fascinating cultural and historical attractions, and activities that will keep you entertained.

• Day 2: El Nido

The main course of your journey will begin as you travel north from Puerto Princesa. El Nido is Palawan’s most famous tourist destination, but it’s not easy to get to. It’s all part of the adventure and fun of touring in Palawan, but you’ll need to leave the city early because it’s at least a 5-hour trip north on difficult roads from Puerto Princesa.

El Nido, a quaint little beach town located in the northernmost part of mainland Palawan, has developed into a travel destination, with more convenient access to more flights and a wide array of El Nido resorts and El Nido hotels that include Philippines luxury resorts, some of the best beach resorts in the Philippines, Philippines honeymoon resorts, and backpacker hostels that cater to everyone’s budget.

Imagine deserted silky white sand beaches with clear and turquoise oceans, stunning limestone cliffs, secret islands, and dramatic sunsets – El Nido, with its untouched beaches, should be on every traveler’s bucket list. El Nido’s temperature is generally always warm, making it an excellent year-round getaway. The big attraction of El Nido is the easy access to various island-hopping destinations.

More than the many lovely islands off its coast, the island also caters to adventurers and nature lovers by offering exciting El Nido trips such as cliff climbing, kayaking, waterfall trekking, and sunbathing on pristine Palawan beaches on the main island.

El Nido is like losing yourself in a dream that you don’t want to wake up from. Its majesty and charm will undoubtedly transport you to paradise and heaven on Earth.

• Day 3: Island Hopping in El Nido

On your second full day in El Nido, you should take an island hopping tour, as this is the best way to see the sights.

Simply choose one of the trips that you did not do on day two and remember to sign up the night before to ensure your spot. Another exciting day awaits you as you ride fishing boats across the turquoise water to secluded coves, white sand beaches, and stunning limestone karst terrain.

When you return to El Nido’s beaches, linger out for the evening at the bars. Order some cold San Miguel and a fresh seafood BBQ.

• Day 4: Coron

On Day 4, you’ll go to Coron, one of the nicest spots to visit in Palawan, but be prepared for a long ride and an early start. You can take either the slow 6-hour ferry or the faster but more expensive 4-hour tourist boat from El Nido. However, if it is busy, you may not have an option. Bookaway allows you to compare and book boat tickets from El Nido to Coron.

For starters, Coron Bay is the location of all the magic. This beautiful maze of deep blue water winds around tall limestone cliffs that look straight out of the movie ‘Avatar’ it almost doesn’t seem real.

Multiple shipwrecks in the bay have contributed to the creation of natural reefs. These reefs and ruined ships provide excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities.

You can sign up for Island Tours that transport you through Coron Bay while stopping at secret inlets, taking you to the best swim locations, and views that give you a full perspective of the bay. If you want to make all of your friends and family envious, then go to Bulog Island. The beach is powdery and white, the water is a stunning ombre that goes from clear crystal to vivid blue, and the backdrop is Instagram-worthy. When the tide is low, a new sandbar forms, allowing you to snap those desired jumping shots in which you appear to be floating in the middle of the ocean.

And, as if that wasn’t enough, the way the catamarans line up on the beach is straight out of National Geographic.

Day 5: Pass Island & Black Island

On your second full day in Coron, you’ll also go island hopping because there are still hundreds of islands to view.

Pass Island is the first. Pass Island is one of Coron’s hidden jewels, with its white sandbar flanked by coconut trees and a view of the calm waves lapping the ocean. This is a small island in Palawan, just outside Busuanga. There are several methods to get to Pass Island; however, taking a boat is mandatory. It takes about 2 hours by boat from Coron Town. Alternatively, one can take a bus to Concepción, which is around an hour distant by boat. Tours to this island are also often offered by travel businesses throughout town.

Visitors can engage in some team play while on the beach at Pass Island, which features a volleyball and basketball court. Snorkeling is also a popular activity because the waters around the island are teeming with beautiful reefs and aquatic life. Drones are also permitted on the island, allowing tourists to get uninterrupted panoramic views of the entire island, providing a new perspective on the clarity of the surrounding waters.

Then there is Black Island, known to locals as Malajon Island, which is a big, mysterious-looking island near Busuanga. Despite its gorgeous white beaches and coconut trees, it has an ominous feel from a distance. Once on the beach, there are numerous secret caves and private beaches to explore. The coral surrounding Black Island is spectacular and awesome for shallow water snorkeling, or it has a large drop-off for free divers. Basically, no matter what you want to do in the water, this is the place to be. You can spot various coral and fish species here, as well as a few decent sites for cliff jumping if you’re up for it!

On your way back, you can either catch a slow overnight ferry or a quick 40-minute flight to Manila, from where you can continue your journey or head back home.

If you are planning your trip, make sure to check out our accommodation tips in Palawan. We’ve compiled a list of places to stay while visiting this island.

Palawan, Philippines, offers a paradise like no other, and our five-day itinerary has allowed you to experience the best this breathtaking destination offers. From the lush forests and beautiful underground river in Puerto Princesa to the pristine beaches and dramatic landscapes of El Nido and the mesmerizing beauty of Coron’s islands, your journey through Palawan has been filled with awe-inspiring moments.

Whether you were exploring the hidden gems, indulging in thrilling activities, or simply relaxing on the picture-perfect beaches, Palawan has left an indelible mark on your heart. Our itinerary has been a helpful guide, allowing you to make the most of your time in this tropical paradise.

As you reflect on your unforgettable experiences, we encourage you to share your favorite moments in the comments below. Palawan’s natural wonders, rich culture, and warm hospitality have a way of captivating travelers, leaving them longing to return and, until then, hoping that you carry Palawan’s beauty and serenity wherever your future travels may take you.

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About Palawan… Palawan, in the southwestern Philippines, is a place that promises a memorable experience. Palawan has been dubbed the “Best Island in the World”

• Day 5: Pass Island & Black Island

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is it better to book tour packages(hotels+transfers+activities)or book hotel on your own and activities..some hotels offer island hopping tour...save on money?will the experience be different...theres 5of us in a group.

Definitely DIY. Some members have complained about sub standard rooms with packages.

Use TA as a resource and that way you have more control over what you receive.

I never use agencies.

Packages are offered for convenience so you have to pay extra. I am a DIY traveler but if I book for family or friends, I buy packages. If you are confident about your booking skills then definitely DIY is for you.

you can choose your own hotel. you can check at at www.cleartrip.com, agoda or booktravel for hotels . you can relay on the reviews. for the tours like underground river and honday bay better tap up a travel agency as its hard to be a walk in guests there like what happend to my guest who traveled to underground on his own. he was worried of a ride back to puerto princesa good to know there is a van company in standby for walk in travelers

for more queries free to ask.

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Ultimate Coron Island Hopping Tours Guide

By: Author MC Miller

Posted on Last updated: October 23, 2022

Categories Philippines , Travel Blog Post

Wondering which are the best Coron Island Hopping Tours to spend your money on? We know the feeling!

Having tried and tested the tours we can help you pick the right tour for you.

After experiencing all there was to offer in  El Nido , we moved on to Coron (only a short boat ride away).

Like El Nido, Coron is an area where boat tours whisk you to jaw-dropping lagoons, reefs and white sand beaches.

Which Coron Tour should I take? 4 Coron Tours which Rocked!

We did the 4 main tours in Coron with JY Travel & Tours . They were all absolutely amazing!

Know which tour you’re interested in? Jump right to it here:

• Ultimate Tour
• Coron Escapade
• Calauit Safari

Coron Town Tour

Or keep reading to see what each tour has to offer to help you decide what is the best for you.

The Ultimate Tour – For those who only want 1 Tour

The Ultimate Tour is exactly as the name suggests – it showcases the best & most iconic areas Coron has to offer.

If we had time for only one tour in Coron, this would be it. The stunning lagoons and amazing landscapes are unique to Coron and something you do not see everyday.

The Ultimate Tour costs 1200 PHP per person ($22 USD).

The tour includes: hotel transfers, an experienced guide & lunch. It does not include the use of kayaks (1000 PHP per kayak).

Tips for the Ultimate Tour:

• Unlike the El Nido tours, hiring/buying reef shoes is not really a necessity. We did not hire the reef shoes and were perfectly fine;
• Bringing or hiring a snorkel is worthwhile as part of the tour involves viewing of an underwater ship wreck;
• Hiring a kayak is advantageous but not essential. You can also enjoy the Twin Lakes by swimming.

Kayangan Lake

The first destination of the day is Kayangan Lake. This is perhaps the attraction we were most excited to see in Coron due to the perfect turquoise water.

To reach this attraction, it involves a 367 step climb.

Luckily half way up, you will find an absolutely stunning view of Coron.

As this is one of the most iconic views of Coron, there was quite a line up to get this shot. Well worthwhile for a beautiful memory though!

And yes, the hike is completely worth every agonising step up as at the bottom you are rewarded with some of the clearest water in Asia with absolutely stunning natural rock formations.

The water is in fact so clear that you can see garfish swimming around you in the lake.

You are not allowed to swim in Kayangan Lake without a life jacket so make sure you bring one with you from the boat!

Barracuda Lake

Our next stop was Barracuda Lake. This was an unexpected stop and a “bonus stop” of our tour.

We thoroughly enjoyed Barracuda Lake and would recommend trying to book a tour which includes it.

If anyone is also interested in the best place to free dive in Coron – this is the place to do it! The underwater rock formations at Barracuda Lake are absolutely unreal.

We did not free dive but we had an opportunity to snorkel at Barracuda Lake and were very happy with the opportunity to be able to swim & snorkel in one of Coron’s most iconic locations.

We could also see the beautiful underwater rock formations just by snorkeling as the water is SO clear in Barracuda Lake. The visibility is unparalleled anywhere else we visited in Palawan.

Following Barracuda Lake is one spot we were eagerly awaiting. It’s one of the most iconic spots of Coron – the Twin Lake.

Twin Lake is known for the beautiful colour of water & stunning rock formations.

Here you have the opportunity to use rented kayaks. It is advisable but not absolutely necessary to kayak at Twin Lake.

After a fun time swimming & kayaking in the lake, we enjoyed a delicious lunch aboard the boat. This consisted of grilled fish, rice, vegetables, chicken & fruit.

Japanese Ship Wreck

The next stop is a Japanese ship wreck. It was very cool seeing a Japanese ship wreck from WW2 submerged underwater.

As stated above, it is advisable to hire or buy snorkel gear for this tour as it is fascinating to see the ship wreck.

The final stop of the day was CYC beach.

You can swim or use your kayak to access the beach.

Interestingly, we met a French tourist camping overnight on CYC beach. He had actually come on a day trip and asked if he could be collected the next day.

An option for anyone who wants to get back to nature for a night. Ask your tour if this is possible in advance. The tourist brought all his own supplies.

As we got back on the boat, we were treated to “Turon” a Filipino specialty which is banana wrapped in spring roll paper and fried.

Turon was one of the extra perks on our tour with JY Travel and Tours and one of the many reasons why we love them!

Coron Escapade Tour

The next tour we took of Coron was the Escapade Tour . We choose this tour as we wanted to see some spots further away from Coron where fewer tours (and tourists) go.

We recommend this tour for those looking for beautiful beaches further away from Coron.

There are less stops included in this tour as the first stop is 1.5 hours boat ride from Coron.

Tips for the Escapade Tour:

• Hiring/buying reef shoes is not really a necessity. We did not hire the reef shoes and were perfectly fine;
• Bringing or hiring a snorkel is worthwhile as the snorkeling on this tour is amazing;
• Hiring a kayak on this tour is not necessary.

Malcapuya Island

The first stop was Malcapuya Island. This Island is absolutely beautiful – white sand beaches & crystal clear water.

What we also loved about this beach was that there are plenty of tables & chairs to sit on at the beach to keep shaded in the hot weather in the Philippines.

This island is also great for off shore snorkeling so if you have brought or hired a snorkel, this is a great opportunity to see some beautiful reef life.

Banana Island

After enjoying snorkeling and swimming at Malcapuya Island, it was time to stop for lunch at Banana Island.

The JY crew prepared the most delicious lunch at Banana Island consisting of grilled fish, chicken, rice & fresh fruit.

Banana Island is also a great place to snorkel. If you feel energised after lunch we highly recommend snorkeling at Banana Island as it was one of the best snorkeling spots we experienced in the Philippines.

Metres from shore Mike found a huge school of fish on a feeding frenzy – check out our Instagram story highlights for more about this!

Bulog Dos Island

The island we were most excited about visiting for the day was Bulog Dos Island , which features a stunning white sandbar which protrudes from the beach.

Alas, we are not very lucky with sandbars. Just like our visit to Snake Island, El Nido – we visited at high tide so the ocean covered most of the sandbar.

Even though the full sandbar was not visible Bulog Dos was still an absolutely beautiful island. The snorkeling on this island is also fabulous.

There is also a viewpoint on this Island where you can get some pretty cool Instagram shots.

View this post on Instagram Paradise found ????️ Where is your happy place? . . . . . . @jytravelandtourscoron A post shared by Travel Couple ✈︎ (@coupletraveltheworld) on Nov 18, 2018 at 7:47am PST

Calauit Safari Tour

One of the reasons we were excited to visit Coron was to see African animals at the Calauit Safari.

We had seen this safari park on Instagram and were amazed that there was really African animals living in the Philippines. I mean, how cool is that?

Coron Safari

This tour starts even earlier than regular El Nido and Coron tours. The pickup time for the Coron Safari tour is 5am.

We actually didn’t realise this and managed to miss our tour one morning. Not recommended. All of the island tours in Coron start at around 8am. This is different – be prepared.

The first stop is for a local breakfast for those who want it. Breakfast is 100 pesos per person and includes 2 eggs, Filipino sausages & rice.

From here, it takes around 30 minutes to reach the entry to the safari park.

The safari park is a very interesting experience and definitely not be missed if you are in Coron.

A cool quirk of the park is that it’s located on an island reachable only by boat. It really felt like we were visiting Jurassic Park as our boat trundled up to this densely green island where rare animals awaited.

We found the boat ride over to the island to be pretty fun in itself.

When you first arrive, you get to feed the giraffes. It was so fun to be able to feed these animals. They were quite cheeky too so hold on to your branch or they will take it in one bite!

From there the rangers take you around the park to have a longer look at the animals and take photographs.

You can get fairly close to the giraffes and zebras in order to take a beautiful photo. The rangers don’t like you getting closer than 3-4 metres.

On the safari, the ranger also took us to see turtles, monkeys & a large snake.

It was a great experience and we would highly recommend it to anyone who loves animals.

After the safari, we had a quick pitstop at a local beach before heading back to the same restaurant as breakfast for lunch.

Black Island

After lunch the group split into two: those who wanted to see a waterfall & those who wanted to see Black Island.

We choose to skip the waterfall in favour of Black Island, an absolutely beautiful island off the north coast of Coron.

There is also an amazing cave on the island with a natural swimming hole. If you feel like an icey cold dip, you can even take a swim in the cave.

We arrived in Coron after a ferry ride from El Nido. The boat from El Nido arrrives at around 10am in the morning. This means it is too late to do a boat tour.

However, we didn’t need to waste any time as we were able to join the Coron Town Tour! This tour starts at 4pm in the afternoon.

Admittedly, we are not usually fans of town tours. We would rather DIY. However, as this tour requires an after dark transfer to the hot springs 30 minutes from town, we think it’s good value and more convenient than taking a tuk tuk.

We would highly recommend it if you have an extra afternoon spare while you are in Coron.

Lualhati Park

The first stop on the Coron Town Tour is Lualhati Park.

This was our least favourite spot of the tour but it was only a short stop for 10 minutes.

Basically, it is a nice river view walk/dock boat. Locals sell various souvenirs here and if you haggle, you can get a great price!

Mt Tapyas View Deck

The highlight of the Tour in our opinion was what came next – Tapyas View Deck.

The view and scenery at the View Deck is sublime.

We were not expecting this kind of countryside in the fisherman village of Coron and we were totally blown away.

In order to access the view deck, it is around a 20 minute stair climb to the top. We found it reasonably tiring (we were quite exhausted at the top).

Our guide told us that older people still manage to make it so it is definitely a doable hike!

From on side of the mountain a view deck with a beautiful vista of Coron town. On the other side is beautiful yellow rolling countryside like the one pictured below.

Mt Tapyas View Deck is the perfect place to enjoy a beautiful sunset.

One of the reasons for the late start of this tour is so you can sit down and enjoy the sun set over Coron.

Maquinit Hot spring

After a steep climb uphill, what is better than relaxing tired muscles under the stars?

We weren’t sure what to expect of Maquinit Hot Spring but we were pleasantly surprised.

The hot spring was so relaxing. It is extremely hot though and hard to stay in longer than 20-30 minutes at a time.

Luckily, there is a little cafe where you can buy cheap drinks and relax around the hot springs while you steam off.

Our group preferred to stay longer at the bigger attractions. There were a few attractions we missed in this tour: Town Plaza, Souvenir Shops, St Augustine Church & the cashew harvest.

What is great about JY Travel & Tours – they listen to the needs of the group and their preferences.

We loved that the tour is adaptable to individuals interests.

Which Tour Company? JY Travel & Tour

All Tours of Coron we did with JY Travel & Tours. We couldn’t recommend this company highly enough.

The staff were fun, professional and looked after our safety the entire time. They were also very helpful with information about the surrounds.

Not only are the staff fabulous but they serve a fabulous lunch consisting of grilled fish, chicken, pork, prawns, grilled vegetables, rich & fruit.

If you are looking for a tour in Coron, we would highly recommend this company.

You can find more information on  JY Travel & Tour   website . You can also them on Facebook &  Instagram .

Where to Stay in Coron

There are so many great places to stay in Coron to suit all budgets.

Click here to search all accommodation in Coron during your dates.

We would recommend staying in town rather than outside of town as there tends to be better access to internet! We stayed in a very clean & comfortable place in town with a great view.

To see where we stayed in Coron click here !

We were guests at JY Travel & Tour as part of these tours. However, as always, all opinions are our own.

We hope this helped you plan your Coron tour! If you have anything to add or need some advice, leave a comment below!

Save this ‘Coron Tour Guide’ to Pinterest so you can find it again later!

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MC Miller is a travel blogger and writer who has travelled America extensively and abroad to over 80 countries. He founded Couple Travel The World in 2017. Since then, he has spent over 6 years on the road as a full time travel couple. When he not traveling he likes to spend quality time with his partner Bett, planning our their next date or romantic getaway!

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Thursday 27th of February 2020

OMG! I have been to Palawan at least 5 times and just falls in love with the place even more each time.

coupletraveltheworld

Saturday 29th of February 2020

Palawan is truly amazing. Did you take any of the tours in Coron? Between visiting the islands and meeting the friendly locals we fell in love too