Palawan Travel Guide: Places to Visit + Insider Tips

Palawan in the Philippines is a true tropical paradise. The approximately 260-mile-long island is blessed with lush rainforest, impressive limestone formations, and countless beaches. It’s even been awarded “the most beautiful island in the world” several times.

I lived on Palawan for nearly two years during which time I thoroughly explored the island. To help you plan your trip, I put together this detailed Palawan travel guide.

Keep reading to find out about the best places to visit, tips on what to consider when planning your trip, and recommendations on where to stay!

Note: Your trust is important to me. Therefore, I’d like to point out that this article contains referral links (also known as affiliate links). This means I get a small commission if you buy a product after clicking on one of the corresponding links marked with a *. There are no extra costs for you, but it helps me keep this blog ad-free. Thank you!

The 8 Best Places to Visit in Palawan

Palawan is the fifth largest island in the Philippines and quite a bit larger than most people imagine. The island’s unique elongated shape allows for a straightforward route, making it easy to plan your itinerary and visit multiple destinations. These are the best places in Palawan:

1. El Nido – Beaches, Islands & Stunning Lagoons

Shimizu Island in El Nido
El Nido is home to stunning islands and beautiful limestone formations

With stunning beaches and turquoise-blue lagoons, El Nido is definitely one of the best places to visit on Palawan!

While the town center itself is not that pretty, the surrounding nature is what makes this place special. Along the coast, you’ll find some of the best beaches on Palawan, and the islands with towering limestone cliffs in El Nido’s bay are nothing short of spectacular.

Unfortunately, this also means that the town can get quite crowded, but don’t let that discourage you from visiting: The beaches and islands around El Nido really are something else and when planning a trip to Palawan, you should make sure to put this gem on your itinerary!

The Best Things to Do in El Nido on Palawan:

  • Go island hopping in El Nido and visit beautiful islands, lagoons, and sandbanks in Bacuit Bay.
  • Enjoy the crystal-clear water at Nacpan Beach and Duli Beach.
  • Rent a kayak and paddle to Cadlao Island (the largest island in Bacuit Bay).

Where to stay in El Nido?

  • Frendz Hostel*: Backpackers who like to party will love Frendz Hostel! The highlight is the incredible rooftop bar with a pool and an amazing view of Cadlao Island.
  • Outpost Beach Hostel*: If you’re looking for a social atmosphere and you want to stay right on the beach, Outpost Beach Hostel is one of the best places to stay. It’s located a short ride outside of El Nido downtown and offers one of the best sunset views you can imagine.
  • El Nido Viewdeck Cottages*: For those who want to splurge a little bit more, I recommend the El Nido Viewdeck Cottages which feature huts with private pools and an amazing view of the limestone cliffs in town!

For more accommodation tips check out my detailed article on where to stay in El Nido!

How many days do you need in El Nido?

I recommend staying in El Nido for at least three days. This will give you enough time to participate in one island hopping tour, visit Nacpan and Duli Beach, and go kayaking or visit a waterfall. If you want to do more than one island hopping tour and explore the region thoroughly, I recommend spending 5 – 7 days in El Nido.

2. Coron and Linapacan – Gorgeous Islands North of Palawan

Kayangan Lake in Coron
This photo of Kayangan Lake in Coron was provided by Jackson from the travel blog Journey Era

The island group of Coron is situated north of the mainland of Palawan and, much like El Nido, is renowned for its small tropical islands and beautiful lagoons.

You can also book a three-day island hopping tour that starts in El Nido and ends in Coron (or the other way around). This will allow you to not only explore the islands around El Nido and Coron but also to enjoy the remote and less visited islands of Linapacan along the way.

I haven’t had a chance to visit Linapacan or Coron yet, but if you consider booking a tour, I heard very good things about the tour operators Tao and Big Dream Man Boattour. The latter also offers an amazing three-day tour around Coron. You can find more information in this Big Dream Man Boattour Review.

The Best Things to Do in Coron and Linapacan:

  • Go island hopping around Coron to visit beautiful lagoons, caves, and jaw-dropping beaches.
  • Join a 3-day island hopping tour from Coron to El Nido (or the other way around) to explore the island chain of Linapacan along the way.
  • Explore the island of Coron and climb up Mt Tapayas for amazing views or relax in the Maquinit Hot Springs.

Where to Stay in Coron?

Unfortunately, I haven’t been to Coron myself yet, so I can’t give you accommodation tips from my personal experience. After doing research, I found several places with very good reviews though:

  • Outpost Hostel*: Just like in El Nido, the Outpost Hostel seems to be one of the best places to stay in Coron. Backpackers will love the social atmosphere at the bar and if you still need more convincing, just look at that amazing infinity pool! The hostel features dorms and private rooms.
  • The Ridge Coron*: Located on the outskirts of Coron Town, The Ridge Hotel offers guests comfortable rooms with mountain and ocean views. The hotel also provides a free shuttle into town.
  • Kalis Viewpoint Lodge Coron*: If you’re looking for a budget room in the center of town, Kalis Viewpoint Lodge may be just what you’re looking for. It’s close to restaurants and bars and from the rooftop, you’ll have a beautiful ocean view.

How many days for Coron and Linapacan?

To explore the main island of Coron and head out to the surrounding islands by boat once or twice, you should plan to spend at least 3 full days on Coron. However, if you have more time to spare, you can easily stay a couple of days longer. To see the islands of Linapacan, you should plan for an extra 3 days for the island tour from Coron to El Nido.

3. Port Barton – A Laid-back Fishing Village with “Hippie” Vibes

Coconut Beach in Port Barton Palawan
Coconut Beach in Port Barton

For those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of El Nido and Coron, Port Barton in Palawan is the place to be! There may not be as many things to do, yet it’s the perfect place to kick back and unwind.

You’ll find lovely beaches, decent snorkeling spots, and a handful of quaint beach bars where you can sip cocktails while watching the colorful sunsets on the horizon. So, sit back and relax!

The Best Things to Do in Port Barton on Palawan:

  • Book a tour or rent a kayak to explore the islands and snorkeling spots in Port Barton’s Bay.
  • Visit the surrounding beaches (White Beach, Coconut Beach, and Pamuyan Beach).
  • Hike to Pamuyan Waterfall and cool off in the refreshing water.

Where to stay in Port Barton?

  • Coco Rico*: Backpackers who love to party should check out Coco Rico’s Hostel in town which offers cheap dorm beds and a social vibe. Plus, on Friday and Saturday, you can enjoy live music and free shots for half an hour at the hostel bar (there are free shots for everyone – even if you don’t stay here).
  • My Green Hostel*: For backpackers looking for a social vibe without the craziness Coco Rico has to offer, My Green Hostel is a good fit. There is a bar on site but overall the vibe is a little more laid-back. Also, My Green Hostel provides Starlink internet connection which is perfect for digital nomads!
  • Besaga Beachfront B&B*: Those who want to stay right on the beach and are willing to pay a little bit more will enjoy the beach huts from the Besaga Bed & Breakfast on the northern side of the beach. There’s also a restaurant on site that offers delicious meals for a fair price.

Pro-Tip: If you want to book accommodation spontaneously, you can also find some accommodations on Rizal Street (parallel to the beach) that are not available to book online. I stayed at Itaytay Inn – a budget guest house that is run by an amazing Filipino family and features a spacious balcony with a jungle view.

How many days do you need in Port Barton?

If you’re pressed for time, two full days in Port Barton are probably enough. This will give you enough time to go island hopping or kayaking and visit one or two surrounding beaches. However, Port Barton is a place to relax and if you want to keep it chill, you could easily spend 3 – 5 days here.

4. Balabac Islands – A Secluded Oasis in the Sulu Sea

Balabac Island in Southern Palawan
The Balabac Islands are some of the least traveled places in Palawan
Photo from: Chris Tagupa

The Balabac Islands are one of the least visited places in Palawan and are calling out for an off-the-beaten-path adventure.

Due to its location in the infamous Sulu Sea south of Palawan’s mainland, there are some security concerns related to piracy and kidnappings that you should be aware of (more information here), and some governments have issued travel warnings for this region.

Still, it is possible to travel to this region and you can hire a local guide to take you around the islands. You’ll be rewarded with beautiful white-sand beaches and the clearest water you can imagine.

Unfortunately, I haven’t had the chance to visit this island group myself yet, so I can’t speak from personal experience. BUT: I have talked to several people who have visited this incredible place and they’ve only had the best things to say.

Where to Stay in Balabac?

If you book a tour to the Balabac Islands, accommodation will be taken care of, so you don’t have to book a hotel.

How many days do you need for Balabac?

Most people who visit Balabac go on a three-day tour, but it’s possible to stay longer as well. If you plan a trip to this island group, keep in mind that it takes about one travel day to get there from Puerto Princesa. Many tour operators offer transport from and to the capital.

5. Sabang – The Home of the Underground River

Puerto Princesa Underground River
Entrance to the Underground River near Sabang
Photo from: David Milton

Did you know that Palawan is home to one of the New 7 World Wonders of Nature? Yes, you’ve heard right: The Puerto Princesa Underground River was voted to be one of the most impressive natural formations on the planet!

As the name suggests, the approximately eight-kilometer-long river is located inside a cave. To visit this place, you can book a boat tour which takes you through the cave for about 45 minutes. The price for this tour is comparably high (for the same price you can book a full-day island-hopping tour in El Nido), but it’s definitely interesting to see this unique sight. There is something mystical about floating down a river in complete darkness with only a flashlight lighting the way.

Note: To avoid confusion, it’s essential to mention that the Underground River is not in Puerto Princesa (despite the name) but near a small beach town called Sabang. It is possible to visit the Underground River on a day trip from Palawan’s capital, but I would recommend staying at least one or two nights in Sabang to explore the region thoroughly.

The Best Things to Do in Sabang:

  • Explore the stunning caves of Sabang like the Underground River and the 100 Caves.
  • Visit the Pyamaluguan Waterfall and enjoy the refreshing water.
  • Watch monkeys on the Monkey Trail.

Where to stay in Sabang?

  • Cafe Sabang*: As the only hostel in town, Cafe Sabang provides private rooms and dorm rooms for a budget-friendly price. The amenities are more basic with outdoor bathrooms and showers, but I enjoyed the social atmosphere and getting to know other travelers while staying here.
  • Casa Leonara*: This budget guest house offers an excellent location right on the beach in the center of Sabang Town. The rooms are small but affordable and the beachside restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
  • Bambua Nature Cottages*: Situated about 1 kilometer from Sabang Beach, the Bambua Nature Cottages offer affordable rooms and bungalows in a jungle atmosphere. I stayed here on my first trip to Sabang and enjoyed the solitude the place has to offer.

How many days do you need in Sabang?

I recommend staying one or two nights in Sabang. This is enough time to visit the Underground River and the 100 Caves outside of town, walk down the Monkey Trail, relax on the beach, and swim in the Pyamuluguan Waterfall. If you’re still hungry for more, you can also go ziplining across rice fields in Sabang’s Adventure Park.

6. Puerto Princesa – The Capital of Palawan

Nagtabon Beach from a viewpoint
View of Nagtabon Beach near Puerto Princesa

Honestly, Puerto Princesa, the capital of Palawan, is not overly exciting and if I was pressed for time, I would personally just skip the city. There are some good restaurants and a few beautiful beaches in the vicinity, but it’s nothing compared to what you’ll see in El Nido or Coron.

Nonetheless, Puerto Princesa is typically the cheapest place to fly into Palawan and it’s also a convenient place to start or end your trip on the island.

The Best Things to Do in Puerto Princesa:

  • Rent a scooter and head to the local hangout spot Nagtabon Beach.
  • Watch the sunset at the Baywalk Promenade.
  • Visit the city’s Old Market where fresh produce, seafood, and all sorts of knickknacks are being sold.

Where to Stay in Puerto Princesa?

  • Guni Guni Hostel*: If you’re looking for an affordable hostel in Puerto Princesa, Guni Guni is one of the best places to stay in. It’s located downtown and offers air-conditioned dorms with a speedy Starlink internet connection. Also, the hostel is connected to Guni Guni restaurant – one of my favorite places to eat in the city!
  • Filigans Hotel*: During my time in Palawan, I usually stayed in Filigans when visiting Puerto Princesa. The hotel in the heart of the city center is pretty basic but if you’re traveling on a budget as a couple, you can find decent rooms for low prices.
  • Sunlight Guest Hotel*: A little more expensive compared to the other options on this list, the Sunlight Guest Hotel in the center of Puerto Princesa offers spacious rooms and comfortable beds – some rooms come with an ocean view.

How many days do you need in Puerto Princesa?

If you’re backpacking Palawan and you’re on a longer trip, you can spend one or two nights in Puerto Princesa to walk around town, check out the Old Market, and visit Nagtabon Beach. Those who have more time to spare can also visit the Crocodile Farm (a sanctuary that rescues crocodiles from South Palawan) or go island-hopping in Honda Bay.

On the contrary, if you’re on a short vacation in Palawan, I wouldn’t make Puerto Princesa a priority and instead spend more time in other places like Port Barton, El Nido, and Coron.

7. San Vicente – Famous for Palawan’s Longest Beach

View of Long Beach in San Vicente
View of Long Beach
Photo from: Valooey

Situated between Port Barton and El Nido, the remote town of San Vicente is primarily known for its famous ‘Long Beach.’ With a length of a whopping 14 kilometers, this beach lives up to its name and is, in fact, not only the longest sand beach in the Philippines but even one of the longest beaches in all of Asia.

Surprisingly, not many tourists come out here. This may be due to the reason that there isn’t much to do or see in San Vicente besides its beach. Still, if you have enough time and you’re looking for a calm place to relax for a couple of days, San Vicente might be just what you’re looking for.

The Best Things to Do in San Vicente:

  • Take a leisurely stroll along Long Beach.
  • Enjoy the view from Ningning Viewpoint.
  • Rent a surfboard and hit the swell.

Where to Stay in San Vicente?

  • Victoria Beach House*: Although not located on Long Beach, I loved my stay in Victoria’s Beach House. The rooms are basic but affordable and the hotel is located right on the neighboring beach to Long Beach). It’s only a short ride to town and there are a couple of restaurants nearby.
  • Marina 4Rooms*: Marina 4Rooms is one of the most budget-friendly accommodations in San Vicente. The hotel offers cheap rooms and is located in a central area.
  • Club Agutaya*: If you’re willing to spend a bit more for some comfort, you may enjoy staying in Club Agutaya which is located on Long Beach. The hotel provides spacious rooms with comfortable beds and even has a pool on site.

Note: When you search for accommodation in San Vicente online, many places in Port Barton show up, as Port Barton is officially part of the vicinity of San Vicente. So, make sure that your accommodation is located near Long Beach when making a booking.

How many days do you need in San Vicente?

Technically, you can see everything in San Vicente in one day. Walk along Long Beach, try your luck with surfing, and head to the viewpoint. However, if you want to relax and fully soak in the vibe, stay 2 – 3 days.

8. Southern Palawan – Travel off the Beaten Path

Empty beach near Napsan in South Palawan
Empty beach near Napsan in South Palawan

Last but not least, you may be wondering if there’s anything to do in Southern Palawan apart from the Balabac Islands. And yes, there are a few places worth checking out.

The nature on this side of Palawan may not be as spectacular as the northern part of the island but the towns are more authentic and less crowded. So, if you want to have a more local experience and travel off the beaten path, Southern Palawan is just the ticket!

Best Places in Southern Palawan (Mainland):

  • Narra: A small town with impressive waterfalls (especially the Estrella Falls).
  • Quezon: Known for the Tabon Caves, but there’s also a beautiful waterfall to visit (Tumarbong Falls).
  • Napsan Beach: A quiet and small beachside village with an authentic flair.

Note: When traveling to Southern Palawan, there are some things to keep in mind. Southern Palawan is predominantly Muslim and more conservative than the North. Also, the infrastructure for tourism in this region is not as advanced, so it may be challenging to find ATMs or laundry services.

Where to stay in Southern Palawan?

If you travel to South Palawan, I recommend booking accommodation on-site. Many guest houses don’t have an online presence, so it’s best to walk around and ask at the hotels if they have free rooms. Don’t expect too much comfort in Southern Palawan, though!

How many days do you need for Southern Palawan?

This depends on where exactly you want to go and how many places you want to visit. If you have enough time and you want to thoroughly explore the south, you could spend one to two weeks here.

How to Get to Palawan in the Philippines

If you don’t mind a long journey, you can catch a ferry to Palawan from Manila. Yet, most travelers decide to fly to Palawan as it’s much quicker and pretty cheap.

Palawan has several airports, providing you with multiple options for starting and ending your journey:

  • Puerto Princesa: The cheapest flights to Palawan usually land in Puerto Princesa. If you want to visit several places on Palawan, this may be the best option, as you can make your way up north and visit Sabang, Port Barton, El Nido, and Coron in a straight route. To book a flight to Puerto Princesa, check Skyscanner* for the lowest prices.
  • El Nido: If you have limited time on Palawan and you want to skip Puerto Princesa, you can also fly directly to El Nido via the national airline Airswift.
  • Coron: Alternatively, you can also fly into or out of Coron. Check Airswift’s website for the best prices.

How to Get Around Palawan

Boat in Palawan with limestone cliffs in the backdrop
Boat on an island of Palawan

Since most tourists follow a similar Palawan itinerary, getting around is relatively straightforward. You can book local buses and vans to most tourist destinations.

  • Transport for long distances: Local buses are the cheapest mode of transportation when traveling from city to city, but they also stop more often and take longer than tourist vans. Vans, on the other hand, can be a bit rough on passengers with sensitive stomachs, as the drivers tend to think of the road as a racing ring. To secure your seat in advance you can book buses and vans through 12GoAsia*.
  • Transport for short distances: In Puerto Princesa, you can use Jeepneys to get around. These old American Jeeps have been remodeled and are used as public transportation in most Filipino cities. Alternatively, you can take tricycles (local motorbike taxis with seating areas) or rent a motorbike. Motorbikes are available for rent in Puerto Princesa, El Nido, and Coron.

Riding Scooters on Palawan: Most roads on Palawan are paved and in decent condition, but some beaches are only accessible via gravel roads. Also, watch out for dogs in the streets and drive slowly – particularly on windy roads.

Accommodation on Palawan

When it comes to finding accommodations on Palawan, you have plenty of options. The good news is, that while there is no shortage of luxurious beach resorts and 5-star hotels, a trip to Palawan doesn’t have to be expensive! The island is a popular destination for backpackers and budget-friendly accommodations and hostels are readily available.

These are my favorite websites for finding budget-friendly accommodation:

  • Agoda*: In my opinion, Agoda is the best booking platform for accommodations in Southeast Asia. The mobile app typically offers the best prices and incredible last-minute deals.
  • Booking.com*: Alternatively, Booking.com offers a wide range of accommodations. If you book regularly through the app, you get access to better deals and perks like free breakfast.
  • Hostelworld*: Backpackers will love Hostelworld, where you can find the largest selection of hostels in Palawan.

Keep in mind: During peak season, it’s best to book accommodations in advance as the good and cheaper ones tend to fill up quickly. This is particularly the case in El Nido and Coron.

Is Palawan Safe for Tourists?

Countryside on Palawan with rice fields and palm trees
Ricefields on Palawan

Northern Palawan is safe to visit and it’s even regarded to be one of the safest places for tourists in all the Philippines.

However, there are some safety concerns when it comes to South Palawan, particularly the Balabac Islands in the Sulu Sea. Many governments, including the US, have issued travel warnings for this region related to “crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping.”

While this sounds off-putting, it is still possible to travel to this region. I myself have thoroughly traveled Southern Palawan’s mainland and I felt just as safe as in northern Palawan.

Regarding the Balabac Islands, I can’t speak from my own experiences, but I know that it’s becoming a more popular destination for tourists and whenever I’ve talked to people who have visited these islands, they’ve never had anything bad to say about them.

Nonetheless, you should exercise more caution when traveling to Southern Palawan and the Sulu Sea and if you want to visit the Balabac Islands, I recommend going with a local guide.

Best Time to Visit Palawan

The best time to visit Palawan is during the dry season from January to April, but thanks to its tropical climate, you can expect hot temperatures all year round. Daytime temperatures generally range from 30 to 33 degrees Celsius (86 to 91 degrees Fahrenheit), and even at night, temperatures rarely drop below 23 degrees Celsius (73 degrees Fahrenheit).

From May onwards, you should expect frequent rain showers. Although Palawan seldom experiences direct hits from tropical storms, typhoons often skirt the island, particularly from September to November, resulting in heavy downpours and occasional storms.

Here’s a rough overview of Palawan’s climate with average monthly precipitation:

Graphic of average amount of rainfall per month on Palawan

This graph shows the average rainfall per month. Still, weather conditions can vary from year to year, so it’s always a good idea to check the current weather forecast before your trip (although, from my experience, the weather forecast in Palawan is not always accurate and should be taken with a grain of salt).

Tips for Traveling Palawan

Island in El Nido
A small island in El Nido

Palawan is an outstanding island in the Philippines and the perfect place for a vacation or backpacking trip. Still, there are a few things you should know:

  • Electricity: Power outages are very common on Palawan – especially in El Nido. If you value a good night’s sleep and you don’t want to end up sweating in bed without air conditioning or a fan, I recommend booking accommodation with a generator as backup power.
  • Drinking Water: Tap water in the Philippines is not safe to drink. If you don’t want to buy one plastic water bottle after another, head over to the “Water Refill Stations”, where you can refill your bottle with filtered drinking water for just a few pesos. These refill stations can be found all over the island.
  • SIM Cards: There are two SIM card providers: Globe and Smart. You can buy SIM cards at most Sari-Sari stores (small kiosks) for about 50 PHP (appr. 1 USD) and a 7-day internet top-up costs about 100 PHP (appr. 2 USD).
  • Wi-Fi: In towns like El Nido, Coron, and Puerto Princesa, hotels typically provide Wi-Fi for their guests. In smaller towns, Wi-Fi is not necessarily available and even your SIM card provider may not receive a good internet connection.
  • Tipping culture: Tipping is not customary in the Philippines, but leaving a small tip can be a nice gesture when eating in very nice restaurants with good service. It’s never expected though and not practiced as a standard.
  • Dress code: When staying in tourist areas, there is no particular dress code to consider – even for female travelers. Still, you should only wear swimwear at the beach and if you plan on traveling to Southern Palawan, I recommend female travelers not to dress too revealing as the southern part of the island is more conservative.
  • Visa: Citizens from many nationalities, including US citizens, can enter the Philippines visa-free for up to 30 days. If you want to stay longer, you can extend your stay at an immigration office inside the country. In Manila, you can extend your stay for up to six months at a time, and in any other immigration office, you can extend your stay for up to 2 months at a time. On Palawan, there is an immigration office located in Robinson Mall in Puerto Princesa.
  • ATMs: These days, you shouldn’t have problems finding ATMs in Puerto Princesa, Port Barton, El Nido, and Coron, but you should make sure to bring enough cash if you travel to less visited places.
  • Language: Tagalog is the primary language spoken on Palawan, but in tourist areas, most locals speak very good English as well.
  • Jellyfish: Occasionally, you may encounter jellyfish, including box jellyfish, along the coast of Palawan. Jellyfish are mainly present in Port Barton, and if you get stung you should make sure to remove all tentacles before leaving the water. Avoid cooling the burn with fresh water or urine after you get stung, as this will only make it worse. Some locals say you should use vinegar or ground coffee to treat the sting, but even this information is controversial.
  • Sandflies: Additionally, you should be aware of sandflies which are mostly present at Duli and Nacpan Beach. These insects are very small and barely visible to the naked eye, which is why you often don’t even notice when you get bitten. However, sandfly bites become very itchy the following day. To avoid them, you can apply insect repellent or oil, such as baby oil or coconut oil, which prevents sandflies from penetrating your skin.
  • Sickness while traveling: Unfortunately, some travelers report getting an upset stomach or diarrhea when visiting El Nido. The exact cause for this is unknown, but locals speculate that it’s connected to the water. So, again, stay away from tap water and ask to have your vegetables washed with drinking water when eating fresh produce like salads in restaurants.
  • Malaria and Dengue Fever: In some places of Palawan, there is a risk of Malaria and Dengue Fever, particularly during the rainy season. To avoid getting bitten by mosquitos, I recommend covering up with loose pants at night and using insect repellent when going to the rainforest. “Off! Overtime” is the best insect repellent I found on Palawan and it’s available in most stores on the island.

Travel Costs for Palawan

View from Eagles Nest in El Nido
View of the islands of El Nido

The cost for your travels in Palawan largely depends on the type of accommodations you book, where you choose to eat, and how many tours you participate in. Backpackers who are willing to eat local meals and stay in budget-friendly guest houses or hostels can travel Palawan on a very small budget.

Here you’ll find a rough overview of what you can expect to pay on the island (as a budget traveler):

  • Budget Accommodation: Starting from 400 PHP
  • Mid-Range Accommodation: Starting from 1,000 PHP
  • Meal in a Restaurant: 200 – 500 PHP
  • Meal at a Local Eaterie: 50 – 100 PHP
  • Beer at a Shop: 50 PHP
  • Beer at a Bar: 60 – 120 PHP
  • Cocktails at a Bar: 2 cocktails for 250 PHP during happy hour
  • Van Fares: A few hundred Pesos per trip (e.g. from Puerto Princesa to El Nido the van costs about 600 – 700 PHP per person)
  • Bus Fares: Local buses are cheaper than tourist vans (e.g. from Puerto Princesa to El Nido the bus costs just over 200 PHP)
  • Motorbike Rental: In tourist areas like El Nido, up to 500 PHP (negotiable!)
  • SIM Card: 50 PHP per SIM card + 100 PHP per 7-day data load
  • Tours (e.g., Island Hopping Tours or the Underground River Tour): 1,200 – 1,400 PHP

Daily Budget for a Backpacker: 800 to 2,000 PHP (appr. 15 – 36 USD)

Daily Budget for a Flashpacker: 2,000 to 3,000 PHP (appr. 36 – 55 USD)

Packing List for Your Palawan Trip

Are you visiting Palawan for the first time and you’re not sure what to bring? Then you can use this packing list as an example:

Packing list for a Palawan  vacation


You can also download this list as a PDF file to print out or save on your phone. 😊

FAQ

Which part of Palawan is the best?

With fascinating limestone cliffs and awardwinning beaches, the north of Palawan is considered to be the most beautiful part of the island. El Nido and Coron, although somewhat touristy, are the main tourist spots on the island.

How many days in Palawan is enough?

The ideal duration for your Palawan trip can vary depending on your interests and the amount of places you want to visit. Many travelers spend around 7 to 14 days in Palawan to explore the highlights, like El Nido and Coron, but you can adjust your itinerary based on your preferences. I recommend spending at least 10 days in Palawan if not more.

Is Palawan too touristy?

Palawan is one of the most visited islands in the Philippines and therefore quite touristy. However, it’s still worth visiting this spectacular island and if you want to skip the crowds, you can stick to places like Port Barton and Sabang which are less busy than El Nido and Coron.

Conclusion: Is Palawan Worth Visiting?

Island in El Nido on Palawan
Palawan is definitely worth visiting! Just look at these islands…

As someone who has lived on Palawan for almost two years, I can say yes, Palawan is absolutely worth visiting! The island is home to postcard-like beaches, stunning lagoons, and awe-inspiring limestone cliffs. On top of that, the countryside is filled with serene rice fields, lush rainforest, and even some waterfalls.

Yes, some places in Palawan, like El Nido and Coron, are very touristy and can get crowded. But there is a reason why these places are as popular as they are. Coron and El Nido are home to some of the best beaches in the world and the limestone formations will make an amazing background for your holiday photos. 😉

Plus, there are many things to do in Palawan. Whether you want to relax on the beach and drink cocktails, hike through the rainforest to see some waterfalls, or try your luck with watersports like surfing or diving- on Palawan there’s something to do for everyone!

You are reading: Palawan Travel Guide: Places to Visit + Insider Tips

2 comments

  1. I really liked your simple yet thorough coverage of what I need to know about Palawan. It seemed very honest and non-pushy and therefore authentic. I’ve a somewhat freebie holiday coming up! And there don’t seem to be any creditable old-style travel guide books available. You’ve made me feel a little more confident and can’t wait-ish, thank you Lena x

    1. Hi Julie,
      Thanks for your nice feedback. I’m happy to hear you liked my article. Have fun in Palawan! 🙂

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