Palawan has been voted the world's best island multiple times, and the hype is justified. El Nido's limestone lagoons, Puerto Princesa's Underground River (a UNESCO site), and the remote Bacuit Archipelago offer scenery that's genuinely world-class. Three days typically splits between Puerto Princesa and El Nido — choose one as a base, or budget travel time between them (6-hour van ride or 1-hour flight).
El Nido — Tour A (Big & Small Lagoons)
Full Day — Island Hopping Tour A (PHP 1,200-1,500): The most popular tour visits the Big Lagoon (kayak through towering limestone cliffs into an emerald-green enclosed lagoon — kayak rental PHP 300), Small Lagoon (swim through a narrow gap into a hidden pool), Shimizu Island (snorkeling with tropical fish over coral), and Seven Commandos Beach (white sand, swimming). Lunch on the beach is included. Book from any El Nido tour operator — prices are standardized.
Evening — El Nido Beach Walk: Walk the beachfront at sunset. Restaurants along the shore serve fresh seafood — grilled fish (PHP 200-400), kinilaw (Filipino ceviche, PHP 150-200), and garlic butter shrimp (PHP 250-350). Live acoustic music at several beach bars. Artcafe is the social hub — cocktails PHP 150-250.
El Nido — Tour C (Hidden Beaches & Shrine)
Full Day — Tour C (PHP 1,200-1,500): Visits Hidden Beach (swim through a narrow cave opening to a secluded crescent beach), Matinloc Shrine (an abandoned clifftop shrine with dramatic views), Secret Beach (another cave-accessed hidden beach), and Helicopter Island (named for its shape, excellent snorkeling). Bring waterproof phone protection — the cave swimming is the highlight.
Evening — Corong Corong Beach: Walk or tricycle (PHP 50) to the neighboring beach south of El Nido town. Quieter than the main beach with cheaper restaurants and better sunset views. Beachfront bamboo huts serve grilled seafood at PHP 150-300/dish.
Underground River or Beach Day
Option A — Puerto Princesa Underground River: This UNESCO World Heritage site (PHP 500 + PHP 150 boat + PHP 200 environmental fee) features a navigable underground river winding 8 kilometers through a cave system. The boat ride through stalactite-filled darkness is surreal. Book through your hotel 1-2 days ahead — daily visitor numbers are capped. Allow a full day from El Nido (3-hour van to Puerto Princesa, plus tour time).
Option B — Nacpan Beach (El Nido): A 45-minute tricycle ride (PHP 300-500 round trip) north of El Nido reaches this stunning 4-kilometer golden sand beach. Less crowded than the lagoon tours. Swim, bodysurf, and eat at beachfront bamboo restaurants (PHP 100-200/dish). Return by 4 PM — the road back is rough after dark.
Evening — El Nido Farewell: Last sunset from the beachfront. Happiness Beach Bar for cocktails (PHP 150-200), then dinner at Trattoria Altrove for surprisingly excellent Italian pizza (PHP 250-350) — the Italian owner imported a proper pizza oven.
Getting Around
Palawan's geography — a 650-kilometre island chain with no reliable main road connecting its scattered destinations — means transport is a core part of the travel experience, not just a logistical detail. Getting from Puerto Princesa to El Nido, or from El Nido to Coron, requires planning and time, but each transfer has its own scenery and character.
The most important route is Puerto Princesa to El Nido. The shared van (fondly known as a UV Express) runs the 239-kilometre journey in approximately 5.5 to 6 hours over a mostly sealed but sometimes rough road. Departures run from 7 AM to 2 PM from the marked van terminal near the Puerto Princesa bus station (PHP 400-500 per person). The van fills before departing — arrive 30 minutes early. For PHP 2,500-3,500, a private van makes the same journey with comfort stops and can be booked through your hotel. Air Swift also flies Puerto Princesa to El Nido directly in 45 minutes (PHP 2,500-5,000 one-way, seasonal schedule) — worth considering if your time is limited or the rainy season makes roads unpredictable.
Within El Nido town, the standard vehicle is the tricycle — a motorcycle with a covered sidecar that seats two (three at a squeeze). Short town hops cost PHP 20-30; the longer ride to Corong Corong Beach at the south end of town is PHP 40-60. Tricycles are available everywhere but occasionally cluster away from the busy main street, so a 10-minute walk toward the pier usually finds a queue of them. Motorbike rentals (PHP 400-600/day) are available from half a dozen shops along the main road and unlock the northern beaches — Nacpan, Duli, and Las Cabanas — at your own pace.
Getting between El Nido and Coron requires a boat. The fast ferry service (Montenegro Lines, Atienza Shipping) takes 4-5 hours and costs PHP 1,200-1,800 per person, running three to four times weekly depending on season. The journey passes through the northern Bacuit Archipelago and is scenic even on the open Sulu Sea crossing. Book at least two days ahead in peak season (November–April).
Within Puerto Princesa, tricycles and jeepneys connect the compact downtown area (PHP 15-30 per ride). Grab operates in Puerto Princesa for airport runs and day trips — the app works on local SIM data. Taxis exist but are expensive and rarely metered — agree a price before boarding.
Practical Tips
The Philippines is Southeast Asia's most welcoming country — Filipinos' warmth, humor, and English proficiency make it the easiest destination for first-time Asian travelers. The Philippine peso (PHP) offers good value — budget PHP 2,500-5,000/day for mid-range travel. ATMs are available in cities and tourist areas; cash is essential in remote islands.
Island-hopping logistics require flexibility. Domestic flights (Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines) connect major islands cheaply but delays are common. Ferries range from comfortable (2GO Travel) to adventurous (local pump boats). The best months are November-May (dry season). The typhoon season (June-October) can disrupt travel plans, especially in the Visayas and northern Luzon.
Filipino food culture is deeply social — every gathering involves food. When invited to eat, accept enthusiastically. 'Kain tayo!' (Let's eat!) is the national invitation. Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory — 10% at restaurants is standard. Filipino humor is self-deprecating and infectious — go along with it and your trip will be richer for the human connections.
Best Times to Visit & Budgeting
Timing your visit matters enormously for both weather and crowds. Peak tourist seasons bring higher prices, sold-out accommodations, and crowded attractions. Shoulder seasons (the weeks just before and after peak) often deliver the best balance — good weather, manageable crowds, and reasonable prices. Off-season travel is the cheapest but check for monsoon rains, extreme heat, or seasonal closures.
Budget planning for three days should account for accommodation (30-40% of total), food (20-25%), transport (15-20%), activities and entrance fees (15-20%), and a contingency buffer (10%). The biggest savings come from choosing accommodations wisely — a well-located mid-range hotel that eliminates taxi costs can be cheaper than a budget hotel in a remote area plus daily transport.
Travel insurance is non-negotiable. A single hospital visit in most Asian countries costs more than a year of comprehensive travel insurance (0-80 for a 2-week trip). Ensure your policy covers emergency medical evacuation — this is the expensive scenario that justifies the premium. Download your policy documents to your phone for offline access.
Currency exchange tips: ATMs generally offer better rates than airport exchange counters. Withdraw larger amounts less frequently to minimize per-transaction fees. Carry some US dollars (0-100) as universal backup — they're accepted in emergencies across most of Asia. Notify your bank of travel plans to prevent card blocks. Use a travel-specific card (Wise, Revolut) for the best exchange rates and lowest fees.
Download essential apps before arriving: Google Maps (with offline maps for your destination), Google Translate (with offline language packs), the local ride-hailing app (Grab for Southeast Asia, DiDi for China, Uber/Ola for India), and your accommodation booking confirmation. A portable battery pack (10,000-20,000 mAh) keeps your phone alive through a full day of navigation, photography, and ride-hailing.
