Best Palawan Guide: Top Tours, Where to Stay, How to Get Around | Guide to the Philippines (2024)

Table of Contents
See our popular Palawan Tours and Activities See our popular Palawan Vacation Packages Best Time to Go to Palawan Dry and Summer Season | November to May Climate and Weather What to Wear How to Get to Palawan By Flights See our popular Puerto Princesa Transfers See our popular El Nido Transfers See our popular Coron Transfers By Ferry via Puerto Princesa Getting Around Palawan By Bus By Van By Jeepney By Tricycle or E-Trikes By Ferry By Motorcycle Where to Stay in Palawan See our popular Palawan Vacation Packages Types of Accommodations Neighborhoods and Areas Accommodation Highlights in Palawan See our popular Palawan Vacation Packages See our popular Discovery Coron Packages What to See and Do in Palawan Explore the Underground River in Puerto Princesa See our popular Puerto Princesa Tours and Activities Swim in Coron’s Kayangan Lake Lounge in El Nido’s Nacpan Beach See our popular El Nido Tours and Activities Explore San Vicente’sPort Barton Discover Miniloc Island’s Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon in El Nido See our popular El Nido Island Hopping Tours Go Wreck Diving in Coron See our popular Coron Island Hopping Tours Unwind in San Vicente’s Long Beach What to Eat and Drink in Palawan Local Cuisine Recommended Best Restaurants and Bars Practical Information and Tips Currency Language What to Pack Sample Itinerary: Puerto Princesa + Port Barton/San Vicente + El Nido + Coron Day 1: Puerto Princesa Day 2: Puerto Princesa Day 3: Port Barton Day 4: San Vicente Day 5: San Vicente + El Nido Day 6: El Nido Day 7: El Nido Day 8: El Nido + Coron Day 9: Coron Day 10: Coron See our popular Coron to El Nido Palawan Tour Packages References

Best Palawan Guide: Top Tours, Where to Stay, How to Get Around | Guide to the Philippines (1)

Experience the ultimate island life in Palawan, the Last Frontier of the Philippines. Learn about its top destinations. how to get around, and the best things to see and do there in this article.

Palawan, one of the best places to visit in the Philippines, is consistently ranked as one of the best islands in the world, and for a good reason.

  • Find the best Palawan tours for your tropical getaway

It boasts white sand beaches and islands, clear blue waters, a spectacular variety of marine life and shipwreck sites, and majestic towering limestone cliffs. If you love swimming, island-hopping, and diving, this biggest island province in the Philippines should be in your travel bucket list.

Palawan has over 1,700 pristine islands and islets scattered in its four main destinations: El Nido, Puerto Princesa, Coron, and San Vicente.

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One of the top Palawan destinations is the UNESCO World Heritage Site and New 7 Wonders of Nature, thePuerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, or the Underground River.

El Nido is known as the ultimate tropical paradise because of itsstunning beaches and islands. At the northern end of Palawan island is Coron that is famous for itsshipwreck and crystal clear lagoons.

Last but not least is the emerging Palawan destination, San Vicente, where you can find Long Beach, the longest beach in the Philippines, and the popular beach town ofPort Barton. If you want to explore this top island destination in the Philippines, read this ultimate travel guide to Palawan.

See our popular Palawan Vacation Packages

  • Budget-Friendly 4-Day Palawan Island Tour Package at Ruhe Suites in Coron Town from Manila City
  • Stress-Free 5-Day Palawan Island Package at Coron Town's Bacau Bay Resort from Manila City
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Best Time to Go to Palawan

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The majority of your activities in Palawan are highly dependent on the weather because they're located outdoors. That's why it's best to plan your trip around the dry months in the Philippines and check weather updates first to avoid canceled tours or rough currents, especially when doingisland-hopping tours in Palawan.

Dry and Summer Season | November to May

The best time to go to Palawan and its destinations is during the dry summer season, from November to May. The warmest months are from March to April, the summer season in the Philippines. Palawan tours, especially thePuerto Princesa Underground River tourand island-hopping tours, are best maximized during these months.

However, this is also the peak season since most locals prefer to go to islands and beaches during this time. It is highly recommended tobook your tours in advance during the summer season. You can even avail of private tours if you’re in a big group if you prefer the exclusivity.

Climate and Weather

You can expect a warm tropical climate almost all year round in Palawan, except in the rainy season, usually around July to September. The month with the most rainfall is during September.

The warmest months are from March to April, with temperatures reaching 33°C. The month with the lowest degrees are from November to February with an average temperature of 23°C but is still dry. Here's an overview of the monthly temperature in Palawan:

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Source: NOAA

What to Wear

The best clothes to wear when you’re exploring Palawan are those made with light and breathable fabric that can also let you move freely. If you’re joining island-hopping or beach tours, you can opt to wear aqua shoes for added safety for your feet when swimming.

If you’re joining land or city tours, make sure to wear comfortable clothes as well and sunglasses, hats, and bring an umbrella to shield you from the sun.

How to Get to Palawan

The province of Palawan and its top destinations are accessible via land, sea, and air travel.Puerto Princesa is often the gateway to the province of Palawan since more flights are going here than to other airports. Your choice of entry point will affect your budget and itinerary, so it's best to look into which place best fits your preferences.

By Flights

Best Palawan Guide: Top Tours, Where to Stay, How to Get Around | Guide to the Philippines (5)The easiest and most common way to go to Palawan is by riding a plane, with Puerto Princesa as the main jump-off. There are also flights going to El Nido, Coron, and San Vicente.

However, more flights are going to Puerto Princesa, and it covers international flights aside from domestic. Read more below to learn how you can travel to Palawan through different routes.

Via Puerto Princesa

Domestic and international flights to Puerto Princesa are available almost daily. If you're coming from Manila, the travel time is just over an hour. There are also flights from Clark (Pampanga), Iloilo, Cebu, and Davao going to Puerto Princesa.

It is the usual route of travelers who want to explore the main island of Palawan, which also includes El Nido and San Vicente/Port Barton, which you can reach by bus or van with Puerto Princesa transfers. You can read more about this route in ourPuerto Princesa travel guide.

See our popular Puerto Princesa Transfers

  • Private Transfer Between Puerto Princesa Airport and Any Hotel in the City
  • Shared Puerto Princesa Airport to or from El Nido Town Van Transfer Service
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Via El Nido

If you want to explore only or go to El Nido first, the fastest option from Manila is to fly directly to Lio Airport.AirSwift is currently the only airline that services this route with up to four flights per day. The travel time is around 1 hour and 20 minutes.

From Lio Airport, El Nido's Town Proper is easily accessible by land travel of 30 minutes. It is a quicker option than flying from Puerto Princesa then traveling by land to El Nido for 5-6 hours via El Nido transfers. You can learn more about this in ourEl Nido travel guide.

See our popular El Nido Transfers

  • Private Transfer Between Lio Airport in El Nido and Any Hotel in Town
  • Shared Puerto Princesa Airport to or from El Nido Town Van Transfer Service
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Via Coron

Coron is located on a separate group of islands above the main island of Palawan. You can go here by flying to Francisco B. Reyes Airport or Busuanga Airport for around 1 hour of travel time from Manila. Most major domestic airlines have daily flights going here from significant destinations like Manila, Clark (Pampanga), and Cebu.

From the airport, you can reach Coron's Town Proper by Coron transfers land travel of around half an hour. From Coron, you can reach El Nido by a 4-hour ferry. From El Nido, you can explore Puerto Princesa and San Vicente/Port Barton by land travel. Read more about this in ourCoron Travel Guide.

See our popular Coron Transfers

  • Private Coron Airport Transfer to Any Hotel in Town
  • Private Transfer Between Coron Island Airport and Any Hotel in Town
  • Busuanga Airport to/from Sunlight Eco Tourism Guesthouse | Coron Transfers (USU)
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Via San Vicente/Port Barton

A newer entry point to Palawan is the emerging tourist destination called San Vicente/Port Barton, located between Puerto Princesa and El Nido. There used to be direct flights to San Vicente from Manila (1 hour) and Clark (Pampanga) (1.5 hours), but currently operations have stopped.

From San Vicente, you can also explore Puerto Princesa and El Nido by land travel. Read more about this route in ourSan Vicente Travel Guide.

By Ferry via Puerto Princesa

Since it's an island, Palawan is also accessible by ferry rides from Manila. It is, however, more extended in travel time. Your entry point is Puerto Princesa.2Go Travel has trips for this route every Tuesday and Friday, with a travel time of almost a day.

There are different types of accommodations on board available, so make sure to book in advance if possible to have the most comfortable long travel by sea.

Getting Around Palawan

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Traveling around the top attractions in Palawan destinations is possible through different types of land and sea transfers. You may opt to commute, hire private transfers, or rent self-drive vehicles. Take note that not all of these are applicable for long travels or all Palawan destinations, so find out first, which are the best transportation for the distance and place you're traveling to.

Palawan's leading island destinations like Puerto Princesa, El Nido, and San Vicente/Port Barton can be explored by land transfers, while the separate islands of Coron can only be reached by sea transfer from the main island. Here are some of your options when exploring the island of Palawan.

By Bus

If you're coming from Palawan's main island destinations and want to travel to/from destinations like Puerto Princesa, El Nido, and San Vicente/Port Barton, then riding a public bus is one of your options. You have the option to ride an ordinary (non-AC) or air-conditioned bus.

It is convenient for those who travel with big or multiple luggage since there are compartments where you can store them. There's also more legroom making for a more comfortable ride, especially on long trips. The only downside is that the travel time might be longer than vans because buses make stops along the way to pick-up or drop-off passengers.

By Van

Riding vans is another land transfer option for long trips in the main island of Palawan when traveling to/from Puerto Princesa and El Nido, and San Vicente/Port Barton. Vans are slightly faster than the buses because they usually do point-to-point transfers (ex: Puerto Princesa to El Nido) and only make stops for lunch or bathroom breaks.

Vans alone leave the terminals once it's full of passengers, so you might need to wait, especially during the lean season or hours. There are no big compartments for luggage like buses so it might get crammed inside with little legroom. You also have the option to hire a private van if you're traveling with a big group or want the exclusivity and more legroom.

By Jeepney

The iconic jeepneys in the Philippines are also available in Palawan, mainly in the capital Puerto Princesa. These are ideal only when traveling within a town or a city since they follow a specific route.

You'll be sharing the ride with locals or other tourists since a jeepney can accommodate up to 16 people or more depending on its size. If you want to ride a jeepney, it's best to know first which route will pass by the attraction you're going to.

The drivers and locals are your best source of information, so don't be afraid to ask. You can also advise the driver where you're heading so he can notify you if it's already your stop.

By Tricycle or E-Trikes

Best Palawan Guide: Top Tours, Where to Stay, How to Get Around | Guide to the Philippines (7)Another unique Philippine transportation available in Palawan is the tricycle, an auto-rickshaw similar to Thailand's tuk-tuk. These are best for land transfers within towns or cities as well.

Unlike the jeepney, tricycles can travel outside of their routes and drop you off directly to your destination. Regular tricycles are available in the town centers of Puerto Princesa, El Nido, and Coron, while rechargeable electronic tricycles (e-trikes) are available in San Vicente/Port Barton.

However, these can only accommodate 2-4 people depending on the size and layout of the tricycle. You can also hire these as private transfers for a full day of the tour. Rates will depend on your deal with the driver.

By Ferry

The Palawan main island destinations can be explored by land travel, except for Coron, which is located north in a separate group of islands. You can get to Coron from the main island of Palawan by riding a ferry.

The most popular route is El Nido to Coron and vice versa. Travel time is around 4 hours for this route. Make sure to check the dates of ferry transfers so you can plan your itinerary accordingly.

By Motorcycle

For a more rugged type of travel, you can ride a motorcycle (locally called habal-habal) with a local driver or rent a self-drive motorcycle. These are a great option if you're traveling alone or with a buddy. Motorcycles are suitable for both short and long-distance travel, and can even take you through narrow roads to do your exploring.

Where to Stay in Palawan

Best Palawan Guide: Top Tours, Where to Stay, How to Get Around | Guide to the Philippines (8)Choosing your home base in Palawan is crucial if you want to maximize your time in the different destinations you want to cover. Aside from the itinerary, you also need to take into consideration your budget and preferences so that you can get quality rest.

This section will discuss the types of accommodation, neighborhoods, and areas, and recommended hotels, resorts, or guesthouses in Palawan.

See our popular Palawan Vacation Packages

  • Budget-Friendly 4-Day Palawan Island Tour Package at Ruhe Suites in Coron Town from Manila City
  • Stress-Free 5-Day Palawan Island Package at Coron Town's Bacau Bay Resort from Manila City
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Types of Accommodations

You will have several options on where to stay in Palawan, each one offering a different experience, crowd, and view. Read on below to learn about the types of accommodations around Palawan so you can choose the best one for your preference and budget.

Island and Beach Resorts

Like a tropical getaway destination, the best accommodation locations in Palawan are those on islands and beaches. You'll get an unobstructed view and direct access to the white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and stunning sunsets for that idyllic island life. These resorts are perfect for those who want to go on a honeymoon in the Philippines. Price points depend on the amenities and how secluded or private the island or beach is.

But the majority are on the mid- to high-range prices. Most of these Philippines luxury resorts have restaurants, bars, pools, and dive centers in the property already.

Hotels

Palawan also has a variety of hotels, from low to high-range prices with modern to native designs. If you're staying in town centers, you'll most likely find several hotels that can suit any budget or preference.

It's just a matter of choosing the best ones to fit your criteria and preferred location. The higher-priced hotels have complete amenities with magnificent views, while lower prices hotels have basic features.

Backpacker Hostels/Inns/Guesthouses

For shoestring budget travelers, don't fret because Palawan also has accommodation options for you. There are backpacker-friendly accommodations like budget hostels, inns, and guesthouses all over Palawan.

You can choose from dorm-type to private rooms. The majority of these have shared bathrooms and shared spaces. If you like meeting other travelers from all over the world and don't mind a busy crowd, especially at night, then this is a good option for you.

Camping and Glamping

Want to be one with nature and sleep under the stars while the crashing of the waves lulls you to sleep? Go for camping or glamping type of accommodations in Palawan.

You can choose to bring your tent and pitch in camping grounds or book in glamping resorts. Glamping is a more glamorous type of camping where you're provided with a tent furnished with a mattress and other fixtures for a comfortable stay.

Vacation Rentals

Live like the locals when you book vacation rentals in Palawan. These are privately-owned houses where you're given exclusive use of the units that have a fully-equipped kitchen and furnished bedrooms and living room. These are a good option if you're traveling with a big group and prefer to lessen expenses by preparing your food.

Neighborhoods and Areas

Where you stay during your trip is essential. It will significantly affect where you eat, the duration of travel time, transportation budget, and the vibe of the place. It is why you have to carefully choose which neighborhoods or areas you prefer to stay in before booking accommodation.

Town Center

If you want to be close to restaurants and bars, souvenir shops, and transport terminals, then you should book accommodation in the town centers of Palawan destinations. The majority of accommodations here, however, don't have direct access to the beaches. Most town center accommodations are hotels, backpacker hostels/inns/guesthouses, and vacation rentals.

Islands

If you prefer to splurge for exclusivity and privacy, you should check out accommodations like luxury resorts in the islands of Palawan.

Island accommodations usually already have complete amenities and in-island establishments since you can't easily travel to the town centers. Island accommodations are typically limited to just several rooms or villas per island, so it's best to book these in advance.

Towns Outside of Center

A variety of accommodations are available also in towns outside of the town centers in Palawan. These range from budget to luxury accommodations and offer different experiences and vibe, depending on the location and infrastructure. Puerto Princesa, for example, hasareas like northwest of the city center, El Nido hasareas like Corong-Corong, and San Vicente hasareas like Port Barton and Long Beach.

Accommodation Highlights in Palawan

Regardless of where you plan to stay in Palawan, there are options for every budget needs and preferences. You can stay in budget, mid-range, or luxury accommodations. Here are some of the topPalawanPuerto Princesa hotels, El Nido hotels, Coron hotels, and San Vicente hotels that you can choose from:

See our popular Palawan Vacation Packages

  • Budget-Friendly 4-Day Palawan Island Tour Package at Ruhe Suites in Coron Town from Manila City
  • Stress-Free 5-Day Palawan Island Package at Coron Town's Bacau Bay Resort from Manila City
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Budget Accommodations

Palawan doesn't need to be expensive. There are budget-friendly accommodations like backpacker hotels, inns, and guesthouses in the top Palawan destinations. You will be provided with necessities in a dorm-type room or private room.

Most of these also have shared bathrooms and standard rooms where you can mingle with other travelers. Here are some of the top budget hotels in Palawan that you can choose from:

Blue Lagoon Inn and Suites (Puerto Princesa)

This tropical-inspired accommodation in Puerto Princesa is just 5 minutes away from the airport. Its location provides you with easy access to the city attractions in Puerto Princesa. They have villa-type rooms where you can also enjoy amenities like the outdoor pool, jacuzzi, and massage treatments.

Spin Designer Hostel (El Nido)

Best Palawan Guide: Top Tours, Where to Stay, How to Get Around | Guide to the Philippines (9)Photo by Spin Designer Hostel

A popular and top-rated budget-friendly hostel for backpackers in El Nido. This hip accommodation has dorm-type and private rooms. Aside from the sleeping facilities, they also have a shared kitchen, barbecue area, gaming room, and a terrace with a forest view. They also have fun activities like movie nights with free popcorn, beer pong, and margarita nights.

Fat Monkey Hostel (Coron)

This hostel is perfect for backpackers and budget travelers. It’s located within a major highway in Coron and offers dorm-type rooms and private rooms. Like other hostels, Fat Monkey also has common areas where you can socialize with other travelers.

Picardal Lodge (San Vicente)

Picardal Lodge offers budget-friendly rooms in San Vicente’s Poblacion area with family rooms that have air-conditioning and private bathrooms, and backpacker fan rooms shared with other travelers. It’s located within walking distance of the town center’s restaurants, public market, and jump-off point for island-hopping tours.

Mid-range Accommodations

If you’re willing to shell out a bit more money for a higher-end and more comfortable accommodation in Palawan, you also have a lot to choose from.

You get a sense of privacy since rooms are exclusive for each group, and are equipped with private bathrooms as well. Here are some of the top-rated mid-range accommodations from different Palawan destinations that you can choose from:

Blue Palawan Beach Club (Puerto Princesa)

Best Palawan Guide: Top Tours, Where to Stay, How to Get Around | Guide to the Philippines (10)Photo by Blue Palawan Beach Club

This stylish resort in Puerto Princesa is located near the beach so you can enjoy relaxing strolls on the shore or enjoy the sea breeze during your stay here.

They have modern beachfront villa-like rooms that can accommodate couples, big groups, or families. Aside from joiningtours in Puerto Princesa, you can also try water activities in the resort or have a relaxing dip in their pool.

El Nido Garden Resort (El Nido)

This beachfront resort in Calaan Beach has a stunning view of the El Nido islands with majestic karst cliffs. Some of their modern rooms also have a private patio if you want to lounge outside and enjoy the scenery. Aside from modern rooms, they also have a bar and an outdoor pool.

Coron Westown Resort (Coron)

This beachfront resort in Coron with contemporary modern rooms also has two outdoor pools and a Mexican-themed bar where you can sing your heart out in karaoke. They also have rooms with balconies if you prefer an additional extravagance to your stay.

Victoria Beach House (San Vicente)

A secluded beachfront native-styled resort at the far end of Long Beach that is perfect for a relaxing escape. They have air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms.

Guests rave about the sunset views here. You can enjoy the view from your hammock in the balconies of each room or by the beach where you can also play with local kids.

Luxury Accommodations

Live the life of royalty when you stay at luxury accommodations in Palawan. The majority of these luxury hotels and resorts have the best location, from pristine beach fronts to private islands.

Aside from the exclusivity, you’re guaranteed to get the best service and amenities for that perfect tropical escape in Palawan. Check out some of the highly-recommended luxury resorts and hotels in Palawan:

Princess Garden Island Resort (Puerto Princesa)

This posh resort is a mere 10-minute land travel away from Puerto Princesa airport. It offers top-notch facilities, amenities, and services for those looking for an idyllic tropical escape in Palawan's capital.

You have the option to stay in rooms, suites with a pool or beach view, or at the water villas. Aside from en suite bathrooms and kitchenettes, most of the rooms here also have a jacuzzi and balcony. The resort has its restaurant and bar, outdoor pool, gym, and water sports facilities.

El Nido Resorts (El Nido)

Best Palawan Guide: Top Tours, Where to Stay, How to Get Around | Guide to the Philippines (11)Photo from El Nido Resorts

The highly-coveted accommodations in El Nido are those located on the islands that are part of the El Nido Resorts group. These include sustainable resorts in El Nido's Apulit Island, Miniloc Island, Lagen Island, and Pangulasian Island.

  • Browse our El Nido Palawan tour packages

The rooms, suites, and villas on the island resorts are designed with indigenous Filipino materials but are equipped with modern features. You have the option to stay in rooms by the beach, garden, or those perched on the water. Aside from world-class tropical island amenities, the service in these resorts is also highly-rated.

Club Paradise Palawan (Coron)

This exclusive luxury island resort ofClub Paradise Palawan in Coron is blessed with magnificent views of Coron's azure waters and islands. Your home away from home in this resort is beachfront thatched cottages with balconies where you can relax and enjoy the relaxing island vibe.

They also have a spa for guests to unwind and a dive center for beginner and professional divers to explore the vibrant marine life of Coron.

See our popular Discovery Coron Packages

  • Upscale 4-Day Discovery Coron (Club Paradise Palawan) Private Island Resort Package with Airfare
  • Luxurious 3-Day Discovery Coron (Club Paradise Palawan) Private Island Resort Package from Manila
  • 1-Week Palawan Island Tour Package at Coron Town's Club Paradise Resort from Manila City
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Club Agutaya Resort (San Vicente)

Located along the stretch of 14.7km Long Beach in San Vicente is this eco-friendly resort that offers luxurious accommodations inspired by Filipino design elements. The en suite bathrooms of their rooms have solar-powered showers.

Guests in the resort have direct access to Long Beach and an outdoor pool overlooking the sea view. They're also an authorized turtle sanctuary where you can join baby turtle release activities.

What to See and Do in Palawan

Best Palawan Guide: Top Tours, Where to Stay, How to Get Around | Guide to the Philippines (12)Exploring Palawan and its multiple destinations' attractions requires at least a week because of the transfers needed. You can also select which Palawan destinations you want to explore if you have limited time. Here's a list of the top attractions that you can add to your Palawan itinerary:

Explore the Underground River in Puerto Princesa

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Puerto Princesa isn't just a jump-off point for Palawan destinations like El Nido and San Vicente/Port Barton; it's also home to the UNESCO Heritage Site and New7Wonders of NatureUnderground River or the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park.

In the Underground River tour, you will board a boat while cruising along the turquoise waters of the river, and you will see the natural rock formations of the protected cave.

  • Read our Top Things to Do in Puerto Princesa article

See our popular Puerto Princesa Tours and Activities

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Swim in Coron’s Kayangan Lake

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Experience swimming in the cleanest lake in the Philippines, Kayangan Lake. It is the most popular attraction in Coron and can be visited bybooking a Coron Kayangan Lake island hopping tour. Also known as The Blue Lagoon, the lake is set in the middle of towering limestone cliffs and is best for swimming, snorkeling, and freediving.

The stop during the hike to the lake is the iconic view of the sea with azure waters, which is usually mistaken as Kayangan Lake.

  • Browse our Coron tours

  • Read our Top Things to Do in Coron article

Insider tipSee our popular Kayangan Lake ToursLearn more

Lounge in El Nido’s Nacpan Beach

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Enjoy a laid-back beach day at El Nido’s top destination,Nacpan Beach, when you book an El Nido land tour. This 4-kilometer strip of cream-colored sand lined with coconut trees is a favorite destination for local and foreign tourists apart fromisland-hopping tours in El Nido.

Here you can work on your tan, read a book, or relax under the shade of the trees while listening to the calming crashing of the waves. Nacpan Beach is part of the Twin Beaches with the adjacent Calitang Beach. Make sure to hike up to the highest point to see the stunning view of the two beaches.

  • Browse our El Nido tours

  • Read our Top Things to Do in El Nido article

See our popular El Nido Tours and Activities

  • El Nido Island Hopping Tour to the Best Beaches
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Explore San Vicente’sPort Barton

Best Palawan Guide: Top Tours, Where to Stay, How to Get Around | Guide to the Philippines (16)If you want to chill at a beach town, head toPort Barton in San Vicente, just 2-3 hours of land travel from Puerto Princesa. This idyllic Palawan destination is famous for tourists because of its laid back atmosphere. Travelers from Puerto Princesa usually spend a night or two here where they enjoy the relaxed beach nightlife offered by Port Barton.

  • Browse our San Vicente Port Barton tours
  • Read our article on the best hotels and resorts in Port Barton
Insider tipSee our popular San Vicente Tours and ActivitiesLearn more

Discover Miniloc Island’s Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon in El Nido

You cannot leave El Nido without exploring its breathtaking lagoons in Miniloc Island, particularly Big Lagoon in theEl Nido island-hopping Tour A, and Small Lagoon in theEl Nido island-hopping Tour D. Big Lagoon is a postcard-worthy sight because of its turquoise-colored waters surrounded by towering limestone cliffs.

It is the spot in El Nido most featured in movies and travel photos and drone shots. In the Small Lagoon, you can explore paddle a kayak where you enter through a crack in the limestone walls, and this will lead you to a natural pool with serene crystal clear waters. You can also try other El Nido island hopping tours.

See our popular El Nido Island Hopping Tours

  • El Nido Island Hopping Tour to the Best Beaches
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Go Wreck Diving in Coron

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Apart from Kayangan Lake, Palawan's Coron is also a top diving destination because of its World War II shipwreck sites. You can explore a total of 13 shipwrecks in its open waters,the majority were Japanese fleet during the war, when you book Coron shipwreck diving packages.

Forbes has also declared these diving sites in Coron as one of the world's best. For non-professional divers, you can also see some of these shipwrecks that are found in more shallow areas that are good for snorkeling like theSkeleton Wreck.

See our popular Coron Island Hopping Tours

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Unwind in San Vicente’s Long Beach

Best Palawan Guide: Top Tours, Where to Stay, How to Get Around | Guide to the Philippines (18)Did you know that the longest beach in the Philippines is found in Palawan's San Vicente? Stretching 14.7 km, the aptly named Long Beach is an emerging tourist attraction in this part of Palawan.

It's also the second-longest in Southeast Asia. Long Beach is three times the length of Boracay's famous White Beach but without the crowds and establishments lined up on the beachfront.

  • Find out the other attractions you can see and do in San Vicente

What to Eat and Drink in Palawan

Best Palawan Guide: Top Tours, Where to Stay, How to Get Around | Guide to the Philippines (19)Apart from the natural sites and exciting activities that await you in Palawan, a must-try experience is to feast on the local cuisine and dine in the top-rated restaurants. In this section, we’ll let you in on the unique local cuisine of Palawan and some highly-recommended restaurants and bars that you should check out when traveling to different destinations in the province.

Local Cuisine

As an island destination, seafood is abundant in Palawan. You can feast on fresh fish, crabs, shrimps, lobsters, and more at an affordable price compared to those served in metropolitan cities. These are also served in island-hopping tours in Palawan, where your boat crew serves a hefty spread in one of your beach or island stops.

Apart from seafood, Palawan is also known for an exotic delicacy called tamilok (woodworm) that are freshly harvested from wood and eaten raw or cooked in vinegar like ceviche. In El Nido, a must-try dish is the Bird's Nest Soup that is made from nests of swiftlets formed by its saliva.

These nests are sourced from the crevices of the limestone cliffs of El Nido. El Nido translates to "The Nest" because of the abundance of this ingredient in the town.

Recommended Best Restaurants and Bars

Best Palawan Guide: Top Tours, Where to Stay, How to Get Around | Guide to the Philippines (20)Whether you're staying in Puerto Princesa, El Nido, Coron, or San Vicente, we've got you covered in this list of recommended places to dine and drink in Palawan. Palawan has become a melting pot of international cuisine because of the locals and tourists that made this province their home, so expect more than just Filipino food.

Kinabuchs Grill and Bar (Puerto Princesa)

A popular dining spot for local and foreign tourists that serves mouthwatering seafood and Filipino dishes. From adobo to grilled dishes, this restaurant is a great place to introduce you to Filipino cooking. They also serve the exotic delicacy of Palawan called tamilok (woodworm) and crocodilesisig. Diners love the cozy ambiance of the restaurant as well.

Badjao Seafood Restaurant (Puerto Princesa)

Enjoy the mangrove and sea view when you dine at this seafood restaurant in Puerto Princesa. Diners rave about their perfectly Filipino-styled cooked fresh seafood like crabs, lobsters, and local fish. Tourists love the laid back tropical vibe in the restaurant designed with natural materials.

Palaweño Brewery (Puerto Princesa)

If you're planning a chill drinking session in Puerto Princesa, head to the Palaweño Brewery, which is known for its unique line of craft beers. This female-owned and operator craft brewery has been making waves in the press and the internet in recent years. Their craft beers are made with fresh local ingredients.

Trattoria Altrove (El Nido and Coron)

Don’t miss the opportunity to eat at this rustic restaurant dubbed the best brick oven pizza place in El Nido and Coron. Aside from freshly baked pizza, they’re also known for whipping up tasty pasta dishes. Their Pancetta Con Tartufo pizza and Gamberetti Aglio Olio pasta are must-tries and best paired with a bottle of wine.

El Nido Boutique & Art Cafe (El Nido)

This long-time homegrown favorite has a breathtaking view of the sea and islands of El Nido. Aside from their tasty organic salads, freshly baked bread, pizza, and pasta, they also serve craft beers from Puerto Princesa’s Palaweño Brewery. On the first floor is a souvenir shop where you can find unique crafts and items to bring back home.

Kawayanan Grill (Coron)

If you're craving for fresh seafood and grilled dishes in Coron, try out this humble native-styled restaurant. A must-try is their Kawayanan Platter, which has generous servings of fresh crab, squid, shrimp, fish, clams, and lato (seaweed).

Mango Bar & Restaurant (San Vicente)

This local-favorite is strategically located in the heart of the town center of San Vicente's Poblacion area, just walking distance from the port where you get picked-up and dropped-off for San Vicente island-hopping tours. They serve tasty and fresh seafood dishes for low to mid-range prices. A must-try is the pit or slipper lobsters.

Practical Information and Tips

Excited to plan your Palawan trip? Read on below first on some essential travel tips that will make your Palawan trip hassle-free. Sometimes it’s these small things we tend to ignore that make or break a trip.

Currency

Bring enough cash in Philippines Peso (PHP)wherever you're going in Palawan. While there are ATM in Puerto Princesa and some town centers, it's better to be always prepared. Make sure to break your cash in smaller bills if you're exploring areas that are not busy. Some high-end restaurants or hotels and resorts accept credit cards, but to be safe, cash is still the best.

Language

The locals of Palawan speak Filipino, Cuyonon, and other dialects and languages. The majority can understand and speak basic English, especially those that work in tourism-related establishments. Try to talk in a neutral accent so locals can easily know what you're saying.

What to Pack

If you plan to do physically-demanding activities like trekking or extreme sports, make sure that you pack the right gear. Some accommodations in Palawan, like El Nido, don't have electricity 24/7, so bring flashlights with you. San Vicente is particularly notorious for sand flies or small mosquitoes during night time, mainly near the beach, so make sure to pack insect repellant.

Sample Itinerary: Puerto Princesa + Port Barton/San Vicente + El Nido + Coron

Best Palawan Guide: Top Tours, Where to Stay, How to Get Around | Guide to the Philippines (21)

Exploring the top destinations in Palawan is possible if your schedule permits it, but it requires a well-prepared itinerary to make it possible. We recommend at least 8-10 days to pull this off. You can also choose to visit just one or two destinations in Palawan. Here’s a sample itinerary for Palawan that you can take inspiration from:

Day 1: Puerto Princesa

  • 05:30 AM - ETA in Puerto Princesa

  • 06:00 AM - Breakfast

  • 07:00 AM - ETD forUnderground River tour with lunch

  • 04:00 PM - Back to the hotel to freshen up

  • 06:00 PM - Dinner

  • 08:00 PM - Drinks and social

Day 2: Puerto Princesa

  • 07:00 AM - Breakfast and prepare for the tour

  • 09:00 AM -Honda Bay island-hopping tour with lunch

  • 05:00 PM - Back to the hotel to freshen up

  • 06:00 PM - Dinner

  • 08:00 PM - Drinks and social

Day 3: Port Barton

  • 06:00 AM - Check-out of hotel and breakfast

  • 07:30 AM - ETD to Port Barton

  • 10:30 AM - ETA in Port Barton; check-in at the hotel

  • 12:00 NN - Lunch

  • 03:00 PM - Lounge by the beach

  • 06:00 PM - Dinner and drinks

Day 4: San Vicente

  • 07:00 AM - Breakfast

  • 09:00 AM - San Vicente Island-hopping tour with lunch

  • 05:00 PM - ETA in San Vicente’s Poblacion

  • 05:30 PM - Ride e-trike to the hotel in Long Beach or Poblacion

  • 06:30 PM - Check-in at hotel

  • 07:30 PM - Dinner and drinks

Day 5: San Vicente + El Nido

  • 07:00 AM - Breakfast

  • 08:00 AM - Lounge at Long Beach

  • 10:00 AM - Check out of the hotel

  • 11:00 AM - Lunch at Poblacion

  • 12:30 PM - ETD to El Nido

  • 03:30 PM - ETA in El Nido; Check-in at hotel

  • 05:00 PM - Visit El Nido's Nacpan Beach

  • 07:00 PM - Dinner and drinks

Day 6: El Nido

  • 07:00 AM - Breakfast

  • 09:00 AM -El Nido island-hopping tour Aor island hopping tour B with lunch

  • 05:00 PM - Back to the hotel to freshen up

  • 06:00 PM - Dinner

  • 08:00 PM - Drinks and social

Day 7: El Nido

  • 07:00 AM - Breakfast

  • 09:00 AM -El Nido island-hopping tour Cor island hopping tourDwith lunch

  • 05:00 PM - Back to the hotel to freshen up

  • 06:00 PM - Dinner

  • 08:00 PM - Drinks and social

Day 8: El Nido + Coron

  • 05:30 AM - Check-out of hotel

  • 06:00 AM - Ride the fast ferry to Coron

  • 10:00 AM - ETA in Coron

  • 10:30 AM - Check-in at hotel

  • 12:00 NN - Lunch

  • 03:30 PM-Climb Mt. Tapyas and watch the sunset

  • 06:00 PM - Dip atMaquinit hot springs

  • 08:00 PM - Dinner and drinks

Day 9: Coron

  • 07:00 AM - Breakfast and prepare for the tour

  • 09:00 AM -Coron island-hopping tour with lunch

  • 05:00 PM - Back to the hotel to freshen up

  • 06:00 PM - Dinner

  • 08:00 PM - Drinks and social

Day 10: Coron

  • 07:00 AM - Breakfast

  • 08:00 AM - Explore the town of Coron

  • 11:00 AM - Early lunch

  • 12:00 NN - Check-out of hotel and travel to the airport

  • 01:00 PM - ETA in airport

  • 03:00 PM - Flight departure

See our popular Coron to El Nido Palawan Tour Packages

  • 2-Week Palawan Island Stunning Beaches Tour Package from Manila City
See all tours

Start Planning Your Ultimate Palawan Trip!

Best Palawan Guide: Top Tours, Where to Stay, How to Get Around | Guide to the Philippines (22)

Experience the perfect island holiday at Palawan’s top destinations. Discover the enchanting beauty of theunderground river andexplore the islands of Honda Bay in Puerto Princesa, chill atPort Barton and Long Beach in San Vicente, find out why El Nido is a top island destination with itsisland-hopping tours, and last but not least,discover the underwater treasures andKayangan Lake and lagoons of Coron.

Nature and adventure lovers will truly enjoy and fall in love with Palawan. Find out for yourself why tourists rave about this island province and why it’s consistently named as one of the best destinations in the world.

Plan your Palawan trip today! Check outPalawan tours and activities that you can add to your itinerary for the ultimate island getaway.

Best Palawan Guide: Top Tours, Where to Stay, How to Get Around | Guide to the Philippines (2024)

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