travel guide

Discover Palawan

Known as the "Last Frontier" and repeatedly named among the World's Best Islands, Palawan dazzles with pristine beaches, limestone cliffs, rainforests, and mountains. It's an adventurer's paradise for trekking, kayaking, and diving, from the iconic lagoons of El Nido and Coron's WWII shipwrecks to the UNESCO-listed Tubbataha Reefs and the Underground River at Saint Paul Subterranean River National Park.
Beyond nature, vibrant festivals and indigenous communities add cultural depth, making Palawan a destination that delivers both thrills and serenity.

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TRANSPORT & MOBILITY

How to Get There

By Air

Puerto Princesa (PPS) is the main gateway to central Palawan, with flights from Manila, Cebu, and Clark, plus some seasonal international routes. From the airport you can book a shared transfer to El Nido, a shared transfer to Port Barton or a private transfer.
El Nido Airport (ENI) connects via Cebu Pacific from Cebu, Bohol, and Boracay, alongside private charters.
Coron is served by Francisco B. Reyes Airport (USU) with flights from Cebu and Clark, while San Vicente Airport (SWL) offers Cebu Pacific flights from Cebu.

By Sea

Ferries are slower but scenic and budget-friendly:
2GO Travel connects Manila to Puerto Princesa (via Coron) in 24-30 hours, while daily fast ferries (Jomalia and Atienza) link Coron and El Nido in 4-5 hours. Book the El Nido to Coron ferry online or check the schedule and info.
Less frequent routes also run from Iloilo or the Cuyo Islands to northern Palawan or Puerto Princesa.

Getting Around

Shared or private vans are the most common way to travel between Puerto Princesa, El Nido, Port Barton, and San Vicente. Book a shared transfer to El Nido, a shared transfer to Port Barton or a private transfer. Motorbikes and scooters offer flexibility for shorter trips in major towns.
Tricycles handle short local rides, and car rentals are available in Puerto Princesa and El Nido for more independence.

Top Attractions in Palawan

Palawan Quick Facts

Capital: Puerto Princesa
Main airports: Puerto Princesa, El Nido, Coron (Busuanga) and San Vicente
Climate: tropical, with a dry season (late Nov - May) and a wet season (June - Oct)
Average temperature: 24-29°C (75-84°F)
Best time to visit: late November to May
Wettest month: August
Currency: Philippine peso (PHP)
Language: Filipino and English
Most popular destinations: El Nido and Coron
Off the beaten path: Balabac and Taytay
Must-do tour: Underground River tour
Best diving: Coron and Tubbataha Reef

Top Destinations

El Nido

Coron

Puerto Princesa

Port Barton

Best Time to Visit Palawan

Palawan is a year-round destination, with warm temperatures of 24-29°C (75-84°F) in every season. Understanding its two distinct climate patterns will help you plan the ideal visit.
For a month-by-month breakdown, read our Palawan weather guide.

Dry Season (Late Nov - May)

Late November to May, including the Amihan season, brings sunny skies, calm seas and little rain, perfect for island hopping and diving. As the busiest period (mid-December to mid-April), expect higher rates and crowds, especially around Christmas, New Year and Easter. Book at least 6 months ahead.

Wet Season (June - Oct)

June to October, with the Habagat monsoon peaking from July to September, brings hot, humid weather and frequent heavy rain that can occasionally disrupt boat tours and ferries. Typhoons rarely hit Palawan directly. In exchange, you'll find fewer crowds, shorter queues at attractions like the Underground River, and hotel rates 20-50% lower.

Top Activities

Day Trip Underground River

This UNESCO World Heritage site and New 7 Wonders of Nature is a must-visit for any traveler. Marvel at the limestone karst formations and crystal-clear waters as you navigate the underground river.

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El Nido Island Hopping Tour A

Tour A is one of the most popular tours in El Nido, and it takes visitors to some of the most scenic locations in the Bacuit Bay.

The tour usually covers five destinations, including Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and Seven Commandos Beach. Big Lagoon is a stunning lagoon surrounded by towering cliffs, known for its crystal-clear waters .

Secret Lagoon is a hidden gem with a small entrance that opens up into a secluded pool. Shimizu Island is a popular snorkeling spot, while Seven Commandos Beach is a picturesque stretch of sand ideal for swimming, relaxing, and enjoying a picnic.

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Coron Island Tour

Experience the ultimate Coron adventure with our Island Super Ultimate Tour. Discover stunning lakes, gorgeous lagoons, and spectacular snorkeling sites, including Kayangan Lake, Barracuda Lake, Twin Lagoons, Beach 91, CYC Beach, Balinsasayaw Reef, and Twin Peak Reef.

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9-Day Palawan Itinerary

Our 9-day Palawan tour is the best way to experience the whole island, combining the Underground River, El Nido’s Bacuit Bay and Coron’s lakes and islands in one journey.

It’s private and fully customizable, so you can add days at Nacpan Beach or Port Barton.

Day 1: Arrival in Puerto Princesa – Sabang Beach

Arrive and transfer (~2 hours) to Sabang Beach, gateway to the Underground River.

Day 2: Discover the Underground River

Guided canoe tour of the UNESCO-listed cave, then free time at Sabang.

Day 3: Sabang Beach to El Nido

Morning at leisure ~5-hour transfer north to El Nido.

Day 4: El Nido Island-Hopping Tour A

Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island and Seven Commandos Beach.

Day 5: El Nido Island-Hopping Tour C

Secret Beach and Hidden Beach on Matinloc Island, plus Helicopter Island.

Day 6: El Nido to Coron

Fly to Coron and settle in.

Day 7: Coron Island Tour

Kayangan Lake, Barracuda Lake and Twin Lagoons.

Day 8: Coron Island-Hopping

Malcapuya Island, the Ditaytayan sandbar and snorkeling at Bulog Dos.

Day 9: Departure

Transfer to Coron Airport for your onward flight.

Palawan Useful Information

Cash & ATMs:

Cards are accepted at most hotels and larger restaurants, but cash is still king outside Puerto Princesa. ATMs in El Nido, Coron and especially Port Barton can be limited or run out of cash, so withdraw enough pesos before you head north. Keep small notes for tricycles, markets and tips.

Mobile Signal & Wi-Fi:

Signal is good in main towns but can be weak on remote islands and some beaches. A local SIM or eSIM is easy to get at the airport, and most hotels offer Wi-Fi, though speeds vary. Download offline maps and your booking confirmations before you go.

Permits & Fees:

Entry to the Underground River requires a permit, and daily visitor numbers are limited, so it's best to book ahead. Many islands and lagoons also charge environmental or entrance fees. On our tours these are included, so you don't have to organize them yourself.

Weather & Flexibility:

Boat tours can be cancelled or rerouted in bad weather, especially from June to October. Keep a spare day in your itinerary, and avoid booking a tight connection to an international flight straight after an island tour, ferry or domestic flight.

What to Pack:

Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent, water shoes, a dry bag for boat trips and a light rain jacket in the wet season. Quick-dry clothes are ideal, plus something warmer for air-conditioned vans and early mornings.