Exploring Palawan: The Crown Jewel of the Philippines
- Marianne Belanger
- Dec 15, 2024
- 8 min read
Updated: Dec 21, 2024
Planning a Trip to Palawan?
You're probably here because you're planning to go to Palawan, which I highly recommend, it was one of the most stunning destinations on our trip with its unique landscape. Read below to find out how to get there, where to stay, and what to do.
If you’re curious about other destinations in the Philippines, check out our articles on Bohol, Moalboal, Siquijor, and Siargao.
Table of Contents
Why Visit Palawan?
Palawan is a beautiful group of islands offering breathtaking views, amazing snorkeling, incredible diving spots and a very relax vibe. With popular spots like Coron and El Nido, it’s the perfect place to meet fellow travelers and enjoy unforgettable days exploring together.
How to go and get around Palawan ?
If you are following our Itinerary, you must coming from Siargao / Cebu. The easiest way to get to Palawan is by flying to either Coron or Puerto Princesa. The flights we took were :
Cebu to Coron : 3080 PHP per person (52.3 USD)
Puerto Princesa to Cebu : 3025 PHP per person (51.3 USD)
TIP: If you are travelling with bags heavier than 7kg, make sure to buy the extra checked bag or carry on luggage before your check in online, it will be cheaper than buying at the airport and Yes they weight and check the dimensions of your bags !
To travel between Islands, we took ferries :
Coron to El Nido : 3025 PHP per person (51.3 USD)
TIP: The ferry from Coron to El Nido can definitely make you feel seasick. Fellow travelers warned us that the ride was very rocky, and they weren’t exaggerating. Be sure to bring anti-nausea medication and avoid eating too much before boarding. You can also take a flight instead !
And group vans to visit all the main town on the islands :
El Nido to Port Barton : 1150 PHP per person (19.5 USD)
Port Barton to Puerto Princesa : 625 PHP per person (10.6 USD)
In Coron and El Nido, you can rent a scooter or take a tricycle, as most activities are close to the ports. In Port Barton, everything is within walking distance.
Where to Stay in Palawan
Coron: Harbour Bliss Hotel
This hotel is on the pricier side but is definitely a great place to unwind after a long day. It’s conveniently located near the main attractions, making it a perfect base for exploring the area.
Accommodation fee : 8237 PHP (140 USD) for 2 nights, two people
El Nido: Frendz Hostel
This was our favorite hostel in the Philippines, featuring a rooftop infinity pool, nightly activities, and a central location near the port. The hostel also offers pool tables, ping pong/beer pong tables, and a restaurant where we enjoyed some delicious meals. In addition, near the lobby you can find information about group activities and even reserve your shuttle for your next destination !
Accommodation fee : 5395 PHP (92USD) for 2 nights, two people
Port Barton: CocoRico Hostel
A fantastic hostel and the place to be in Port Barton, especially from 7:00 to 7:30 PM when they offer free drinks at the bar for everyone. It’s a great spot to meet people and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Accommodation fee : 2345 PHP (40 USD) for 1 night, two people
What to Do in Palawan
We’ve put together a map summarizing all the activities and sights we experienced. We condensed everything into five days due to our travel style, but if you prefer a more relaxed pace, you can extend your stay and spread the activities over additional days.
Day 1 - Arriving in Coron
Once you arrive at Coron airport, you start your day by paying an environmental fee of 200 PHP / person, so make sure to bring cash with you ! Then you will have to take a shared Van that will drop you at your accommodation (I am not sure if you are allowed to enter the island without having an accommodation reserved)
Van price : 500 PHP (9 USD) for two people
On your first day in Coron, you’ll likely miss out the island hopping tour since they start early to mid-morning, but don’t worry—there’s plenty to do! First, we suggest hiking up Mt. Tapyas. With 721 steps to the top, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning panoramic view of the region. It only takes about 10-15 minutes to reach the top, making it totally worth the effort. Best of all, the entrance is free!
Next we suggest going to Maquinit Hot Springs, located about 20-25 minutes by tricycle from town. We recommend visiting at sunset, as it's a great place to relax in the hot waters while enjoying a beautiful view.
Maquinit Hot Springs Entrance Fee: 300 PHP per person (5.1 USD)
Day 2 - Coron island hopping
If you're heading to Coron, island hopping is a must! Most tours leave Coron town between 8-10 AM, so be on time! This activity is great for those comfortable in the water. We did the Ultimate tour, which included seven stops:
Kayangan Lake :
Kayangan Lake felt like stepping into a postcard, with its turquoise waters and towering cliffs. After a short walk to the viewpoint, you can swim and snorkel in the crystal-clear water, surrounded by stone islets. It’s one of the cleanest lakes in Southeast Asia and a must-see for snorkeling. This destination is a picturesque world wide spot so expect to have a lot of tourists there.
Barracuda Lake
Barracuda Lake is tucked between impressive rock formations and is named after a barracuda skeleton found here. We didn’t spot the big one, but the underwater rock formations and schools of fish made it a cool, unique spot.
Twin Lagoons
The Twin Lagoons are two stunning lagoons you can reach by walking through water. Some tours will have crystal clear canoe to rent so you can explore more of this place in a scenic way. This is also the spot of many where you will find locals in canoes trying to sell you some refreshments and snacks !
Beach 91
We stopped for lunch at Beach 91. It's a small wooden structure / patio, where the boat will stop and the tour guide will prepare food. The food itself was mid, specially after witnessing how they prepared it. Let's say it is not the most hygienic way to do it and it might have been the reason why we got sick for the rest of our Palawan trip !
Skeleton Point
Skeleton Point is a snorkeling spot, featuring a Japanese WWII shipwreck surrounded by vibrant schools of fish. While it’s not as rewarding as the shipwreck diving experiences in Aruba or Tobermory, it added a nice touch of diversity to our trip. The highlight was challenging ourselves to see who could hold their breath the longest to dive down and explore the ruins.
Siete Pecados
Siete Pecados (Coral Garden) was another snorkeling spot, with lots of fish, corals, and starfish. It was one of the few preserved living coral reefs. Most of the people stayed in the boat because of fatigue at this point.
CYC Beach
CYC Beach was our last spot, and the highlight was the stunning view on the way back. It’s something we’ll always remember !
Island Hopping Fee (including lunch) : 1900 PHP per person without snorkel or fins (about 32.3 USD).
TIP: Bring your snorkel and fins if you're heading to the Philippines. It’ll save you money and ensure you have gear you can trust. We used ours almost every day, especially while island hopping. If you forget, you can rent them at the start of the tour. Also, don’t forget to pack aquatic shoes or sandals—they’re not provided. And be sure to bring your own water, as it’s not included on the trip (only soft drinks are served with lunch). Spending the whole day in the sun will make you thirsty!
Day 3 - Ferry to El Nido
We bought our tickets the night before at a local shop near the restaurants. After a super rocky ferry ride from Coron, we were ready to relax, so we headed straight to Nacpan Beach. The white sand and clear water were exactly what we needed, and the sunset over the dramatic rock formations was unforgettable.
El Nido itself is such a chill little town. It wasn't too crowded, so we had a great time walking around, checking out the restaurants, and grabbing drinks at the beachside bars. The vibe was laid-back, the food was awesome, and the views were incredible.
Day 4 - Sick Day
While in El Nido, we recommend doing at least one island hopping tour. There are several options available, but Tours A and C are the most popular, offering the best of El Nido’s breathtaking lagoons and beaches.
Unfortunately, we had to skip the tours due to falling ill probably after eating food on the Coron island hopping tour — Typhoid, to be precise. Instead, we chose to rest on the beach, stay well-hydrated, and remain close to a clinic in case our condition worsened.
Eventually, we visited a hospital for treatment and antibiotics. If you're planning a trip to the Philippines, I strongly recommend drinking only bottled water and avoiding tap water altogether and avoiding eating meat/poultry and fruits/vegetables from questionable restaurants. It’s a simple precaution that can save you a lot of trouble.
We weren’t too disappointed about missing the island hopping tours in El Nido, especially after experiencing similar tours in Siargao and Coron. By this point, the views felt somewhat repetitive, and we were content with simply relaxing and taking care of ourselves.
Day 5 - Port Barton
Port Barton was a fantastic stop on our way back to Puerto Princesa to catch our flight, and we highly recommend it. The town has a unique charm—it's much more laid-back and less touristy than places like Coron or El Nido. The best part is that it's small enough to explore on foot, making everything easily accessible and giving it a relaxed vibe, with far fewer crowds.
If you’re looking for something to do, snorkeling is definitely a highlight. There are plenty of boat tours that take you to various spots around the area, where you can swim with sea turtles or visit the stunning starfish sandbar. There’s also diving if you’re into it, with options for all levels—whether you're a beginner or more experienced.
Island hopping tours (including lunch): 1200 PHP per person (20.7 USD)
Another must-visit is Coconut Beach and White Beach. You can walk to Coconut Beach in about 40 minutes, and from there, it's just another 10 minutes to White Beach or just take a ferry ride. The entire walk is through the jungle, making it a fun and scenic adventure. Alternatively, you can take a 15-minute ferry ride straight to White Beach and walk from there. Both beaches are stunning, with powdery white sand and crystal-clear water. At Coconut Beach, you might even run into a group of pigs hanging out on the sand!
Ferry fee for a round trip to White Beach: 300 PHP per person (5.2 USD)
White Beach entrance fee: 50 PHP per person (0.85 USD)
Budget
Type | Total (PHP) |
Accommodation | 15974 |
Transportation (flight, tricycle, scooter, gaz..) | 11000 |
Activities - Entrance fee | 7000 |
Food | 5350 |
Total | 39 325 (670 USD) for two people |
Conclusion
Palawan truly lives up to its reputation as a slice of paradise. From its stunning beaches and lagoons to the unique charm of its towns, every stop offered something memorable. Despite a few hiccups along the way, including a bout of illness, this adventure was one for the books. Whether you’re seeking breathtaking landscapes, incredible snorkeling and diving, or simply a place to relax and connect with nature, Palawan has it all.
As with any trip, it’s essential to take precautions, like staying hydrated, avoiding tap water, and carrying travel essentials to ensure a smooth journey. But don’t let minor setbacks discourage you—Palawan’s beauty and unique experiences are well worth it.
I hope this guide inspires your own adventure to the Philippines’ crown jewel. And if Palawan is already on your list, rest assured that it’s a destination you’ll never forget. Safe travels, and happy exploring!
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