Palawan is consistently ranked among the world’s best islands — and for good reason. This long, narrow province in the western Philippines offers extraordinary natural diversity: UNESCO-listed underground rivers, world-class wreck diving, pristine limestone lagoons, and some of Southeast Asia’s finest beaches. This guide covers everything you need to plan your Palawan trip.
Palawan’s Top Destinations
El Nido
El Nido is Palawan’s most famous destination — a small town surrounded by the Bacuit Archipelago’s limestone karsts, turquoise lagoons, and white-sand beaches. The four island-hopping tours are the main draw, but El Nido also offers excellent diving, outstanding beaches, and a lively town scene. Allow 4–7 days minimum.
Coron
Coron is Palawan’s second major destination — famous for WWII Japanese shipwrecks (world-class wreck diving), freshwater lakes (Kayangan Lake, Barracuda Lake), and a quieter, more local atmosphere than El Nido. Allow 3–5 days. See our El Nido vs Coron comparison to decide which suits you better.
Puerto Princesa
Palawan’s capital is primarily a transport hub, but the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — is worth a day trip. Most travellers fly into Puerto Princesa and travel overland to El Nido (5–6 hours). See our El Nido to Puerto Princesa transport guide.
Port Barton
Port Barton is a quieter alternative to El Nido — a small fishing village with good snorkeling, island hopping, and a relaxed backpacker scene. Located between Puerto Princesa and El Nido, it’s easy to include as a stop on the overland route.
Getting to Palawan
- Fly to Puerto Princesa: The main gateway — direct flights from Manila (1 hour), Cebu, and other Philippine cities. Then travel overland to El Nido (5–6 hours by van).
- Fly to El Nido (Lio Airport): Direct flights from Manila on AirSWIFT — more expensive but saves the overland journey. Limited schedule.
- Fly to Busuanga (Coron): Direct flights from Manila on multiple airlines.
Best Time to Visit Palawan
The dry season (November–April) is the best time to visit Palawan — reliable weather, calm seas, and ideal conditions for island hopping and diving. The wet season (June–October) brings heavy rain and rough seas that limit activities. For the full seasonal breakdown, see our best time to visit El Nido guide.
Sample Palawan Itineraries
7 days: 5 days El Nido + 2 days Puerto Princesa (underground river day trip)
10 days: 5 days El Nido + 4 days Coron + 1 day Puerto Princesa
14 days: 6 days El Nido + 4 days Coron + 2 days Port Barton + 2 days Puerto Princesa
Plan Your El Nido Visit
Start with our 3-day El Nido itinerary, browse our hotel rankings, and check our travel costs guide for budget planning.
