Palawan
Photo: Jules Bassoleil / Unsplash
Key Facts
Best Time to Visit
November to May (dry season). December-February is peak. Typhoons are rare in Palawan but June-October brings heavy rain
Language
Filipino (Tagalog), English widely spoken
Currency
Philippine Peso (PHP)
Time Zone
PHT (UTC+8)
Airport
Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS) for southern Palawan; El Nido Airport (ENI) for northern; Francisco B. Reyes Airport Busuanga (USU) for Coron
Population
950,000 (province)
Climate
Tropical, avg 27-33°C year-round. Drier than most Philippines due to western Palawan sheltering effect
Safety Rating
Generally Safe (Level 1). Petty theft precautions on beaches; boat safety varies by operator
Top Highlights
El Nido Island Hopping (Tour A & C)
The iconic lagoon tours through towering limestone karst formations. Tour A (Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Secret Lagoon) and Tour C (Hidden Beach, Matinloc Shrine, Star Beach, Helicopter Island) are the must-dos. Each tour costs 1,200-1,500 PHP (~$21-27) including lunch, kayak, and snorkel gear. Book through your hotel or at the tourism office on the beach. Tours depart 9AM, return 4PM. Tour A is the most popular — go on a weekday if possible.
Puerto Princesa Underground River
A UNESCO World Heritage site — an 8.2km navigable underground river through a limestone cave system (you see about 4km on the tour). Entry: 500 PHP permit + 250 PHP boat fee + 150 PHP environmental fee. Must book at least 1 day ahead through the tourism office or your hotel — daily visitor cap of 900. The 45-minute boat ride through cathedral-sized caverns with stalactites and bats is otherworldly. 80km from Puerto Princesa (2-hour van ride). Allow a full day.
Coron Shipwreck Diving
Coron Bay holds a fleet of 12+ sunken Japanese WWII warships at 10-40m depth — one of the world's top wreck diving destinations. Two-dive trips cost 2,500-3,500 PHP (~$45-63) including gear. The Irako (42m patrol vessel) and Akitsushima (seaplane tender) are highlights. Open Water certification required for most wrecks; some are accessible to snorkelers. Visibility: 10-20m. Water temperature: 26-30°C. Book with established operators like Sea Dive or Coron Divers.
Kayangan Lake, Coron
Often called the cleanest lake in the Philippines — crystal-clear freshwater surrounded by limestone cliffs with visibility down to 10+ meters. A steep 10-minute climb from the boat landing (about 160 steps) leads to an iconic viewpoint, then down to the lake. Entry: 300 PHP. Swimming is allowed — the water is an eerie emerald green. Arrive before 9AM to beat the tour groups. Part of most Coron island-hopping tours (1,500-2,000 PHP).
Nacpan Beach, El Nido
A 4km stretch of golden sand backed by coconut palms — consistently rated among the world's best beaches and far less crowded than El Nido town. 45-minute ride from El Nido (tricycle 500-700 PHP round trip). Beach bar shacks serve fresh fish and cocktails (150-300 PHP). Best for sunset. Camping possible (500 PHP/tent). The twin beach at Calitang is accessible at low tide by walking around the headland. No entrance fee.
Big Lagoon, El Nido
A vast turquoise lagoon enclosed by sheer limestone walls — paddle a kayak (included in Tour A) through narrow openings into the lagoon's calm, shallow waters. The water is so clear you can see fish, starfish, and coral below your kayak. Environmental fee: 200 PHP (valid for 10 days). Early morning visits have the flattest water and best reflections. Connected to the Small Lagoon which requires swimming through a narrow gap between cliffs.
Planned Itinerary
7-Day Palawan Itinerary
Arrival in El Nido
Fly into El Nido Airport (ENI) or Puerto Princesa (PPS) and transfer to El Nido. Settle in and explore the beach town.
Arrival and transfer to El Nido(1 hour)
If flying to ENI: 15-min tricycle to town (50 PHP). If PPS: 5-6 hour van ride (500-700 PHP) or 50-min flight. Book van a day ahead in peak season
Check into El Nido hotel(1 hour)
Budget 800-1,500 PHP, mid-range 2,000-4,000 PHP. Stay near the beach for walkability to tour operators
Pay El Nido eco-tourism fee(15 minutes)
200 PHP valid 10 days. Tourism office on the beach
Sunset at Las Cabanas Beach(2 hours)
Zipline across the bay (500 PHP) or just watch the sunset from the beach bar. Cocktails 150-250 PHP. The limestone islands silhouetted at sunset are postcards come to life
El Nido Tour A — The Lagoons
The iconic lagoon tour — Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Secret Lagoon.
Tour A full day(7 hours)
1,200-1,500 PHP including lunch, kayak, snorkel gear. Depart 9AM, return 4PM. Big Lagoon — kayak through towering limestone into turquoise water. Small Lagoon — swim through a narrow cliff gap. Secret Lagoon — scramble through a rock crevice to a hidden pool. Shimizu Island — snorkeling. Book through hotel or tourism office
El Nido Tour C — Hidden Beach & Matinloc
Tour C explores the outer islands — dramatic shrines, hidden beaches, and star-shaped islands.
Tour C full day(7 hours)
1,200-1,500 PHP. Hidden Beach (swim through a gap in the cliffs to a white sand cove), Matinloc Shrine (abandoned shrine on a cliff), Star Beach (excellent snorkeling), Helicopter Island (beach and snorkeling). Tour C is less crowded than Tour A and equally stunning
Evening at Art Cafe(1.5 hours)
El Nido's social hub. Pizza (200-350 PHP), cocktails, and live acoustic music. The vibe is relaxed backpacker-meets-boutique
Nacpan Beach & Twin Beach
World-class golden sand beach, far from El Nido's crowds.
Tricycle to Nacpan Beach(45 minutes)
500-700 PHP round trip. 4km golden sand backed by coconut palms
Nacpan Beach day(5 hours)
Swim, sunbathe, read. Beach bar shacks serve fresh fish and cocktails (150-300 PHP). Walk to the twin beach at Calitang at low tide by rounding the headland. No entrance fee. Quieter than anything near town
Sunset drinks at Nacpan(1.5 hours)
The west-facing beach gets spectacular sunsets. Stay until the last light
Kayaking & Free Afternoon
Morning kayak around Cadlao Island and a relaxed afternoon.
Kayak to Cadlao Island(3 hours)
Rent a kayak (500-800 PHP half day) and paddle to Cadlao Lagoon — a hidden lagoon on the island opposite El Nido beach. 45-minute paddle. The lagoon is accessed through a narrow opening in the cliff. Bring reef-safe sunscreen
Lunch at Trattoria Altrove(1 hour)
Italian restaurant with excellent handmade pasta. Mains 350-500 PHP. A welcome change from Filipino food
Free afternoon — rest or massage(3 hours)
Filipino hilot massage on the beach (400-600 PHP per hour). Or rest — you've earned it
Island Hopping Tour B or D
Tour B visits Snake Island and Pinagbuyutan, or Tour D combines elements from the others.
Tour B or D full day(7 hours)
Tour B (1,300 PHP): Snake Island (sandbar connecting two islands), Pinagbuyutan Island (pristine beach), Cathedral Cave, Cudugnon Cave (archaeological site). Tour D (1,400 PHP): Cadlao Lagoon, Helicopter Island, Bukal Beach, Ipil Beach. Choose based on what you haven't seen
Farewell dinner at Makulay(1.5 hours)
Rooftop restaurant with Filipino fusion. Kinilaw (Filipino ceviche) 250 PHP, grilled squid 200 PHP. Views of Bacuit Bay at sunset
Departure
Final morning in paradise.
Sunrise swim at El Nido beach(45 minutes)
The beach at 5:30AM is empty and the water is warmest
Breakfast at Happiness Beach Bar(1 hour)
Eggs, banana pancakes, Filipino coffee. 150-250 PHP
Transfer to airport or van station(30 minutes)
ENI flights are tiny prop planes — book ahead. Or van to PPS (500-700 PHP, depart by 6AM for afternoon flights)
14-Day Palawan Itinerary
Arrival in El Nido
Arrive and settle into the beach town.
Tour A — The Lagoons
Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island.
Tour A(7 hours)
1,200-1,500 PHP
Tour C — Hidden Beach & Matinloc
Outer islands and hidden coves.
Tour C(7 hours)
1,200-1,500 PHP
Nacpan Beach
Golden sand world-class beach.
Tricycle to Nacpan(45 minutes)
500-700 PHP return
Kayaking & Free Afternoon
Paddle to Cadlao Lagoon and rest.
Kayak to Cadlao(3 hours)
500-800 PHP
Tour B — Snake Island & Caves
Sandbar connections and archaeological caves.
Tour B(7 hours)
1,300 PHP
Rest Day
No tours. Beach, sleep, repeat.
Lio Beach(3 hours)
Upscale beach development 15 min from town. Cleaner, quieter, with good restaurants. Tricycle 100 PHP
Ferry to Coron
Fast ferry from El Nido to Coron — 3.5 hours across the Sulu Sea to wreck diving paradise.
Fast ferry to Coron(3.5 hours)
1,600-2,200 PHP. Montenegro Lines or Buhay Ko. Depart early morning. Book in advance — sells out in season. Motion sickness medication recommended
Check into Coron Town hotel(1 hour)
Budget 800-1,500 PHP. Coron town is small and walkable
Mount Tapyas sunset climb(1.5 hours)
721 steps to a cross overlooking Coron Bay. Free. The 360-degree sunset view over the islands is the best introduction to Coron. Bring water — the steps are relentless
Coron Island Hopping
Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon, and the coral gardens.
Coron island hopping tour(7 hours)
1,500-2,000 PHP. Kayangan Lake (300 PHP entry — crystal clear emerald lake, iconic viewpoint climb), Twin Lagoon (swim through a rock gap between hot and cold lagoons), Coral Garden snorkeling, CYC Beach. Tours depart 8AM
Shipwreck Diving or Snorkeling
Coron's WWII Japanese shipwrecks — world-class underwater exploration.
Wreck diving (2 dives)(6 hours)
2,500-3,500 PHP with gear. The Irako (patrol vessel) and Akitsushima (seaplane tender) are highlights. Advanced OW recommended for most wrecks. Non-divers can snorkel over the Lusong Gunboat — shallow enough to see from the surface
Maquinit Hot Spring(1.5 hours)
Natural saltwater hot spring 200 PHP. 30 minutes from town by tricycle (150 PHP). Soak at sunset — the hot water meets the cool ocean breeze. Open until 8PM
Coron Outer Islands
Further-flung islands with the best snorkeling.
Full-day outer island tour(7 hours)
2,000-2,500 PHP. Malcapuya Island (white sand, turquoise water), Banana Island (reef snorkeling), Bulog Dos (sandbar). These islands are further and less visited — worth the extra cost
Rest Day in Coron
Free day — dive shop, chill, or explore town.
Coron town market(1.5 hours)
Local market for fruit and street food. Fresh mango 50 PHP/kg
Sunset at Mount Tapyas again(1.5 hours)
Second climb reveals details you missed the first time
Free Day — Extra Dive or Beach
One more dive, or revisit your favorite island.
Extra wreck dive or snorkel trip(5 hours)
Try a different wreck or revisit Kayangan Lake in different light
Farewell dinner at Balinsasayaw chicken(1 hour)
Coron's favorite chicken restaurant. Whole grilled chicken 250 PHP
Departure from Coron
Fly out from Busuanga airport.
Transfer to Busuanga airport (USU)(30 minutes)
Tricycle to airport. Small terminal — arrive 1.5 hours early
21-Day Palawan Itinerary
Arrival in Puerto Princesa
Fly into PPS and settle into Palawan's capital city.
Check in(1 hour)
Hotels near Rizal Avenue. Budget 600-1,200 PHP
Baywalk evening walk(1.5 hours)
Waterfront promenade with food stalls and sunset views. Grilled seafood skewers 30-50 PHP
Underground River
UNESCO underground river — 4km navigable through cathedral caves.
Van to Underground River (Sabang)(2 hours)
80km northwest
Underground River boat tour(1.5 hours)
500 PHP permit + 250 PHP boat + 150 PHP environmental. Book 1 day ahead. 45-min ride through stalactite caverns. Cap 900 visitors/day
Puerto Princesa to El Nido
Transfer north to El Nido.
Morning van to El Nido(5.5 hours)
500-700 PHP. Depart 6AM. Book ahead in season
Tour A — The Lagoons
Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon.
Tour A(7 hours)
1,200-1,500 PHP
Tour C — Hidden Beach
Outer islands and hidden coves.
Tour C(7 hours)
1,200-1,500 PHP
Nacpan Beach
4km golden sand beach.
Nacpan Beach day(6 hours)
Tricycle 500-700 PHP return
Rest Day
No tours.
Tour B & Kayaking
Snake Island sandbar and Cadlao paddling.
Tour B(7 hours)
1,300 PHP
Private Boat Tour
Hire a private bangka to less-visited spots.
Private boat tour(7 hours)
5,000-7,000 PHP for 4-6 people. Choose your own islands — Tapiutan, Dilumacad (Helicopter Island), or revisit favorites without the tour group crowds. Bring your own snorkel gear and food
Cooking Class & Town Exploration
Filipino cooking and El Nido beyond the beach.
Filipino cooking class(3 hours)
Learn kinilaw (ceviche), chicken adobo, and halo-halo. 1,000-1,500 PHP at local cooking schools
El Nido viewpoint hike(1.5 hours)
Hike to the cross above town for panoramic views of Bacuit Bay. 20 minutes up. Best at sunset
Evening at Sava(1.5 hours)
Upscale Filipino restaurant. Mains 300-500 PHP
Ferry to Coron
Cross the Sulu Sea to shipwreck country.
Fast ferry to Coron(3.5 hours)
1,600-2,200 PHP
Mount Tapyas sunset(1.5 hours)
721 steps. Free. 360-degree views
Coron Island Hopping
Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon, coral gardens.
Coron tour(7 hours)
1,500-2,000 PHP. Kayangan Lake 300 PHP
Shipwreck Diving
WWII Japanese wrecks.
2-dive wreck trip(6 hours)
2,500-3,500 PHP
Maquinit Hot Spring sunset(1.5 hours)
200 PHP. Tricycle 150 PHP
Rest Day
Coron at leisure.
Outer Islands
Malcapuya, Banana, Bulog Dos.
Outer island tour(7 hours)
2,000-2,500 PHP. Less visited islands
Black Island Expedition
Remote Black Island (Malajon) — a rarely visited island with a limestone cave and pristine beach.
Private boat to Black Island(7 hours)
3,000-5,000 PHP for a small group. 2-hour boat ride each way. The island has a massive cave opening onto a white beach. Excellent snorkeling. Pack lunch and plenty of water. The remoteness is the point — you may have it to yourself
Second Dive Day
More wrecks or reef diving.
Wreck or reef diving(6 hours)
Try Barracuda Lake — a thermocline lake inside a volcanic rock formation where water temperature changes dramatically as you descend. Unique in the world. 2,500-3,500 PHP for 2 dives
Rest Day
Last rest day.
Calauit Safari
Day trip to Calauit Game Preserve — African wildlife on a Philippine island.
Full-day Calauit Safari(8 hours)
2,500-3,500 PHP including boat and transfers. African giraffes, zebras, and local wildlife on a former presidential game reserve. 3 hours each way by boat. A surreal experience — African animals grazing by Philippine beaches. Guide included
Farewell Day
Last swims and sunsets.
Morning snorkeling at coral garden(2 hours)
Hire a boat for a quick morning snorkel trip. 500-800 PHP
Farewell dinner at Balinsasayaw(1 hour)
Whole chicken 250 PHP
Departure
Fly out from Busuanga.
Travel Tips
Visa & Entry
Visa-Free for Most Nationalities
Over 150 nationalities get 30-day visa-free entry to the Philippines. US, UK, EU, Australian, and Canadian passport holders need no advance visa. Indian passport holders need a tourist visa (apply at the Philippine embassy, 30-day single entry). Extend your stay at any immigration office for 29 days (3,030 PHP). Bring return/onward ticket proof.
transport
Getting Between El Nido, Coron, and Puerto Princesa
El Nido to Coron: fast ferry (3.5 hours, 1,600-2,200 PHP) or fly via Manila. Puerto Princesa to El Nido: van (5-6 hours, 500-700 PHP) or fly (50 min, 3,000-5,000 PHP). Puerto Princesa to Coron: fly via Manila only. Within towns, tricycles are the main transport (20-50 PHP per trip locally, 500-700 PHP for longer routes). Book inter-city vans a day ahead in peak season.
Budget
El Nido Is More Expensive Than You Expect
El Nido has higher prices than mainland Philippines due to island logistics. Budget guesthouse: 800-1,500 PHP/night. Restaurant meal: 200-400 PHP. Island hopping tour: 1,200-1,500 PHP. Budget 2,500-4,000 PHP/day ($45-72). ATMs exist but frequently run out of cash — bring enough pesos from Puerto Princesa or Manila. Credit cards accepted only at upscale resorts.
Safety
Choose Boat Operators Carefully
Island hopping boats (bangkas) vary widely in safety standards. Choose operators with life jackets for all passengers, a working engine, and a covered sun shade. Avoid overloaded boats during peak season — if a tour puts 25+ people on a small boat, find another operator. Weather cancellations are common during wet season — boats should not go out in rough seas. Pay the extra for a private tour (5,000-7,000 PHP) if seas look questionable.
Gotcha: Reef-Safe Sunscreen Only
Some lagoons and marine parks in El Nido and Coron now prohibit non-reef-safe sunscreen. Chemical sunscreens with oxybenzone and octinoxate damage coral. Bring mineral/zinc-oxide sunscreen from home — reef-safe options are expensive and hard to find in Palawan. Some tour operators check before allowing you into the water. Rash guards reduce the need for sunscreen entirely.
Local Customs
Environmental Fees Stack Up
El Nido charges a 200 PHP eco-tourism development fee (valid 10 days) plus individual island entrance fees. Coron charges similar fees. The Underground River has a permit (500 PHP), boat (250 PHP), and environmental fee (150 PHP). Budget 500-1,000 PHP for fees beyond tour costs. Keep receipts — officials sometimes check. These fees fund conservation of the marine parks.
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