Palawan
The Philippines’ last frontier · MIMAROPA
Voted among the world’s best islands for more years than anyone can count, Palawan is actually a 450 km long province — so the question isn’t whether to go, but which part. El Nido for lagoons and karst drama, Coron for diving and lakes, Puerto Princesa for the UNESCO Underground River. Each one is a different trip, and all three are worth it.
Things to do in Palawan
🚣 Underground River, Puerto Princesa
A UNESCO World Heritage Site — a river that runs 8.2 km through a cathedral-sized cave system before emptying into the sea. Book permits ahead (₱150 entry + boat) — tours fill weeks in advance during peak season.
🏖️ El Nido & Bacuit Bay
World-class lagoons, limestone karsts and island-hopping tours (A, B, C, D) departing from El Nido town. Tour A with Big and Small Lagoon is the unmissable one. Fly direct to ENI or combine with Puerto Princesa.
🐠 Honda Bay hopping, Puerto Princesa
A cluster of small islands 20 minutes from Puerto Princesa city — good snorkeling, white sand, easy half-day trip. Less crowded and less dramatic than El Nido, but perfect if you’re based in PP.
🤿 Coron wreck diving
The Bay of Coron holds 13 WWII Japanese shipwrecks in 18–40 m of warm, clear water. One of the top wreck diving destinations in Asia. Non-divers can island hop to Kayangan Lake and Twin Lagoon.
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🗓️ Best time to visit Palawan
November to May (dry season). Peak: December–April. El Nido and Coron both face rough seas and cancelled tours June–October. The Underground River is year-round but access can close during strong weather.
✈️ How to get to Palawan
Three separate entry points: Puerto Princesa (PPS) — most flights from Manila (1.5 hrs, from ₱1,800); El Nido (ENI) — direct from Manila (1.5 hrs, from ₱3,000); Busuanga/Coron (USU) — from Manila or Cebu (1–1.5 hrs). Flying via Clark (CRK) to Coron can save ₱3,000–5,000 vs Manila direct. Match your airport to your first destination.
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Frequently asked questions — Palawan
Should I go to El Nido or Coron?
Both, ideally. El Nido is for above-water beauty — lagoons, beaches, karst cliffs. Coron is for underwater drama — WWII wrecks, Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon. If you only have one, El Nido edges it for most travellers. If you dive, Coron wins easily. There’s a direct bangka between them (4–5 hrs) if you want to do both.
How many days do I need in Palawan?
Seven to ten days to do El Nido, Coron and Puerto Princesa properly. Five days if you focus on just one area. Two weeks if you want to go slow, explore Port Barton, or do a diving liveaboard in Coron.
Is the Underground River worth visiting?
Yes, but manage expectations. The cave is genuinely spectacular, but tours are rushed (45 minutes inside, no independent exploration). The drive from Puerto Princesa takes 2 hours each way. It’s worth doing if you’re based in PP, less worth it as a day trip from El Nido.
Can I travel between El Nido and Coron by boat?
Yes — a shared bangka runs the route daily (4–5 hrs, ₱2,500–3,500 per person). The crossing can be rough — go April or earlier for the calmest seas. Flights (via Manila) are faster but cost more.
What is the cheapest way to get to Palawan?
Fly to Puerto Princesa (PPS) — it has the most domestic flights and the lowest base fares. Book 4–6 weeks ahead on Cebu Pacific or AirAsia for the best prices. Avoid flying during Holy Week or Christmas unless you book months in advance.
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First time in Palawan?
Quick essentials so you can hit the ground running.
Visa-free 30 days for most passports. Extendable at the Bureau of Immigration in Puerto Princesa — the most convenient BI office in Palawan province.
Philippine Peso (PHP). 1 USD = ~57 PHP, 1 EUR = ~62 PHP, 1 SGD = ~42 PHP. El Nido and Coron are pricier than average; Puerto Princesa is more budget-friendly.
No mandatory vaccines. Bring mosquito repellent — dengue is present in forested areas. Tap water is not safe to drink. Long boat days mean high sun exposure; reef-safe sunscreen and a hat are essential.
ATMs in Puerto Princesa are reliable. El Nido has ATMs that get crowded during peak season — bring backup cash. Coron ATMs sometimes run dry. Card acceptance is limited outside main towns.
Safe for tourists across all three main areas. In Puerto Princesa, use the official shuttle to the Underground River (do not accept offers from unlicensed operators). Life jackets are mandatory on island-hopping boats.
Local Stays in Palawan
Hand-picked homestays and guesthouses — book direct with local hosts.
Top Activities in Palawan
Island hopping, diving, surfing and more — book instantly.
