Palawan Travel Guide
El Nido's lagoons, Coron's wrecks, and the Underground River
Consistently voted one of the world's best islands, Palawan offers pristine beaches, crystal-clear lagoons, world-class diving, and untouched natural beauty across its three main destinations.
Best Time
Dec - May
Main Hub
Puerto Princesa
Budget
₱3,000-8,000/day
Recommended
7-10 days
Palawan's Three Must-Visit Destinations
Each region offers unique experiences - from El Nido's lagoons to Coron's wrecks and Puerto Princesa's Underground River
The crown jewel of Palawan featuring the spectacular Bacuit Archipelago with its towering limestone karsts, hidden lagoons, and crystal-clear waters. Famous for island hopping tours A-D that explore Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Beach, and dozens of pristine islands.
Key Highlights:
- •Big & Small Lagoons - kayak through emerald waters
- •45+ islands in Bacuit Archipelago
- •4-5 hour drive from Puerto Princesa
- •Direct flights from Manila available
Must-Do Activities:
- ✓Island Hopping Tour A (Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon)
- ✓Nacpan Beach sunset
- ✓Kayaking in lagoons
A diver's paradise famous for world-class WWII Japanese shipwreck diving and stunning freshwater lakes surrounded by limestone cliffs. Kayangan Lake is consistently ranked among the Philippines' most beautiful destinations.
Key Highlights:
- •12+ Japanese WWII wrecks for diving
- •Kayangan Lake - cleanest lake in Asia
- •Twin Lagoon with hot/cold thermocline
- •Direct flights from Manila available
Must-Do Activities:
- ✓Wreck diving (if certified)
- ✓Kayangan Lake tour
- ✓Twin Lagoon
- ✓Barracuda Lake
The capital city and main gateway to Palawan, home to the UNESCO World Heritage Underground River. A clean, organized city that serves as a base for exploring southern Palawan's natural wonders including Honda Bay's islands.
Key Highlights:
- •Underground River UNESCO Site
- •International airport hub
- •Honda Bay island hopping
- •Cleanest city in the Philippines
Must-Do Activities:
- ✓Underground River tour
- ✓Honda Bay island hopping
- ✓Mitra's Ranch viewpoint
Top Experiences in Palawan
From island hopping to wreck diving, these are Palawan's most memorable activities
Explore the Bacuit Archipelago through organized tours (A, B, C, D) visiting hidden lagoons, secret beaches, and snorkeling spots. Tour A is the most popular, featuring Big Lagoon and Secret Lagoon.
₱1,200-2,400 per tour
Dive into history exploring perfectly preserved WWII Japanese ships. Popular wrecks include Irako, Okikawa Maru, and Akitsushima. Suitable for intermediate to advanced divers.
₱2,000-3,500 per dive
Navigate 8.2km underground river system in Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring stunning cave formations. Permit required - book in advance.
₱1,500-2,500 including transfers
Visit Coron's most photogenic spots. Climb 300 steps for the iconic Kayangan viewpoint, then swim in crystal-clear waters. Twin Lagoon features a unique hot/cold water thermocline.
₱200 entrance + ₱1,200-1,800 boat tour
Escape the crowds at this 4km stretch of golden sand beach near El Nido. Perfect for swimming, sunset watching, and peaceful relaxation. Often called Twin Beach with adjacent Calitang Beach.
Free (transport only)
Explore Puerto Princesa's nearby islands including Starfish Island, Cowrie Island, and Luli Island. Snorkeling, beach time, and seafood lunch included. More accessible and budget-friendly than El Nido tours.
₱1,000-1,800 per person
Planning Your Palawan Trip
Essential information for a smooth and enjoyable Palawan adventure
Best time is December to May (dry season) with calm seas and sunny weather. June to November brings rain and rough seas, limiting island hopping. February to April offers the best conditions.
Fly to Puerto Princesa (PPS) as main hub, then transfer by van (5-6 hours to El Nido). Direct flights also available to El Nido (ENI) and Busuanga/Coron (USU) from Manila and Cebu.
El Nido to Coron: ferry 3.5-5 hours. Puerto Princesa to El Nido: van 5-6 hours. Within towns: tricycles. Between destinations: vans, ferries, or small planes.
Minimum 7-10 days to cover El Nido (3-4 days), Coron (3-4 days), and Puerto Princesa (1-2 days). 2 weeks allows for a more relaxed pace and additional destinations.
Budget: ₱2,000-3,500/day. Mid-range: ₱4,000-8,000/day. Luxury: ₱10,000+/day. Island hopping tours and diving are main expenses. Book accommodations early during peak season (Dec-Feb).
El Nido Environmental Fee (ETDF): ₱200 valid 10 days. Coron eco-tourism fees: ₱200-300. Underground River permit required (book 1-2 months ahead in peak season).
Where to Stay in Palawan
Accommodation options across El Nido, Coron, and Puerto Princesa for every budget
Budget to mid-range hostels and hotels near the pier. Convenient for tours but can be noisy.
Best for: Budget travelers, tour access
Sunset-facing bay area with beach resorts and restaurants. More relaxed than town proper.
Best for: Beach stays, sunsets, couples
Upscale beach resorts and boutique hotels away from crowds. Lio has integrated resort complex.
Best for: Luxury, privacy, families
Budget to mid-range accommodations near dive shops and tour operators. Central location.
Best for: Divers, budget travelers
Luxury island resorts on private islands like Busuanga Bay. All-inclusive packages available.
Best for: Honeymoons, luxury travelers
City hotels and resorts ranging budget to upscale. Convenient airport access and restaurants.
Best for: Transit base, Underground River tours
Frequently Asked Questions
Not necessarily. El Nido is the most popular for first-time visitors. If you have limited time, focus on El Nido (4-5 days) or combine El Nido + Coron (7-8 days). Puerto Princesa is mainly for the Underground River and as a transit hub.
Yes, ferries connect El Nido and Coron (3.5-5 hours depending on weather). Book in advance during peak season. Some travelers fly into one and out of the other to save backtracking time.
El Nido's island hopping, lagoon kayaking, and beaches don't require diving. Coron's lakes and snorkeling are excellent. Puerto Princesa's Underground River is accessible to all. Diving enhances Coron but isn't mandatory.
El Nido focuses on island hopping, lagoons, and beach relaxation with iconic limestone scenery. Coron is primarily for wreck diving and freshwater lakes. El Nido is more developed with more accommodation options; Coron is smaller and more laid-back.
Peak season (Dec-Feb): book accommodations 2-3 months ahead, Underground River permits 1-2 months ahead. Low season (Jun-Oct): 2-4 weeks is usually sufficient. Island hopping tours can be booked 1-3 days in advance.
Yes, Palawan is very safe for solo travelers including women. Tourist areas like El Nido, Coron, and Puerto Princesa have excellent safety records. Standard precautions apply - don't leave valuables unattended, avoid isolated areas at night.
June to November brings rain and rough seas that can cancel tours. Some days are fine, but expect cancellations. If you must travel during this period, build flexibility into your schedule. December to May offers the most reliable weather.
Tour A is most popular: Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Seven Commandos Beach. Tour C (Hidden Beach, Matinloc Shrine) is also excellent. Tours B and D are less common. Most do Tours A + C or Tours A + B.
Not mandatory - you can snorkel and visit the lakes. However, Coron's main attraction is wreck diving which requires Open Water certification minimum. Some shallow wrecks allow snorkeling. Discover Scuba available for non-certified divers.
ATMs available in Puerto Princesa, El Nido town, and Coron town but often run out in peak season. Bring sufficient cash for your entire trip. Credit cards accepted at upscale resorts and some restaurants, but cash is king for tours, transport, and most accommodations.
Ready to Explore Palawan?
Discover detailed guides for El Nido, Coron, and Puerto Princesa to plan your perfect island adventure