Most folks consider Thailand or Bali for seashores and islands, however should you ask me, Palawan is on one other stage – an underrated journey locations you’ll genuinely fall in love with.
With its lush rainforests, white sand seashores, hidden caves and lagoons, and quite a few unbelievable snorkel- and dive websites, Palawan is without doubt one of the true highlights of the Philippines.
I’ll share the most typical journey route by way of Palawan with suggestions for all key stops alongside the way in which, together with El Nido and Coron.
Destination choices: El Nido or all of Palawan?
Your first choice is whether or not to remain solely in El Nido or to discover a number of locations in Palawan.
El Nido is well essentially the most scenically situated city on the island, nestled between steep limestone peaks and hugging a stunning bay. Boat excursions right here can take you to hidden seashores, coves, and beautiful lagoons. It is normally the primary place folks wish to go.
That mentioned, El Nido can also be the epicenter of tourism in Palawan, and so it may be fairly packed at instances. It’s a bustling backpacker city with quite a few lodges and hostels (and small-scale resorts exterior the city as nicely). The bay is commonly brimming with bangkas, the native catemaran-style boats.
If you could have only a few days, El Nido is a good selection. It may be reached immediately by aircraft from Manila, and you should utilize El Nido as a base for day journeys to close by seashores and waterfalls.
If you could have 10 to 14 days, you possibly can observe my itinerary to get all one of the best of Palawan, together with El Nido. Places like Port Barton and Coron are blissful and my private faves.
10-Day Palawan itinerary
It’s straightforward to independently plan your Philippines journey. All transport may be booked on-line, and native excursions may be booked on-line or in particular person. This 10-day Palawan itinerary takes you thru the must-see islands, with one of the best locations to remain alongside the way in which.
To shorten the journey, you might determine to chop the primary few days and give attention to El Nido and Coron by flying straight to El Nido. But I feel 10 days is the proper minimal time to get essentially the most out of Palawan.
How to get to Palawan
There are not any scheduled ferries to Palawan (and they’d take too lengthy anyway), so that you’ll should fly. You have 3 choices.
- Fly into El Nido: This airport is tiny, so that you’ll arrive by propeller aircraft. You can fly with only one provider, AirSWIFT. This is a really native service, however you possibly can e book your Manila to El Nido flight simply utilizing 12Go Asia. Just take note: with no competitors, ticket costs are a bit increased.
- Fly into Puerto Princesa: The capital has many extra flight connections and with bigger planes. You can verify your flight choices at 12Go. This platform makes a speciality of Asia, so they honestly record all of the choices.
- Fly into Coron: This is one other risk, although I counsel beginning in Puerto Princesa and flying out of Coron.
By the way in which, all flights from Manila to Palawan take roughly 90 minutes, and there are not any direct flights or boats connecting Palawan to Indonesia or Malaysia. You should all the time journey by way of Manila or Cebu City.
Let’s check out the important thing locations in Palawan, from south to north:
Best locations in Palawan
Palawan is an archipelago made up of round 1,780 islands, with Palawan Island being the largest and the guts of all of it. The province of Palawan contains not solely the primary island but in addition a bunch of smaller islands and islets which are a part of its territory.
This record highlights a number of the coolest cities and villages throughout the Palawan province—every one providing one thing distinctive, and collectively they make up the proper 10-day itinerary by way of this tropical paradise…
1. Puerto Princesa
The gateway to Palawan, value a stopover
(Klodien/depositphotos.com)
There isn’t a complete lot to see or do in Palawan’s capital and solely metropolis (inhabitants: round 200,000). Most folks say it’s their least favourite vacation spot alongside this route. However, it’s nonetheless value spending an evening simply to take pleasure in two enjoyable actions.
Firstly, many eating places serve an iconic dish often known as tamilok (or woodworm), a slimy mollusc discovered on mangrove timber. It could not sound precisely interesting, however there’s an important probability you’ll be bullied into tasting it! It doesn’t style unhealthy, only a bit bizarre – like creamy, slimy jelly. Think oyster, solely richer and a bit saltier. Another uncommon factor to strive is croc sisig, which is minced crocodile meat served on a scorching plate.
At night time, contemplate taking a firefly-watching tour to the Iwahig River. You can hire a ship and benefit from the serenity of paddling by way of the darkness till reaching the spot the place the fireflies dance across the mangroves. I don’t typically name journey experiences “magical,” however this one really deserves the label.
However, the island-hopping excursions to Honda Bay will not be actually a should. While the seashores are good and I nonetheless had a enjoyable time, the opposite islands in Palawan will blow these out of the water (so to talk). I really feel these excursions are maybe extra for Puerto Princesa residents who need a enjoyable time out. In the north of Palawan, there are various seashores which are wilder and have vistas with extra karst mountain surroundings.
Canvas Boutique Hotel is completely positioned for sampling these unique native dishes earlier than heading to your firefly tour and past. It’s additionally solely 5 minutes away from the airport, so it’s ultimate to kick issues off earlier than diving into Palawan’s extra epic locations.
- By van/minibus:
- Vans depart from San Jose Terminal in Puerto Princesa to Sabang
- Travel time: 2-3 hours
- Cost: $5.40 to $9.00
- Distance: ~80 km
- Book your experience right here
- By taxi:
- Travel time: 2 hours
- Cost: $27.00 to $45.00
It’s essential to notice that vans sometimes don’t depart after 4 pm, and visiting the Underground River requires permits that must be organized upfront. Many vacationers discover it helpful to keep in a single day in Sabang reasonably than trying a rushed day journey.
2. Sabang & Underground River
A laid-back seaside city subsequent to a World Heritage Site
Millions of years in the past, the Puerto Princesa Underground River snaked its approach beneath the St. Paul Mountain Range and have become one of many few of its sort that flows on to the ocean. It is now a protected space that has been acknowledged by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
The cave boasts 8km of underground channels, about half of which may be explored. You can take a day journey from Puerto Princesa to the river cave, however it’s additionally a pleasant choice to remain within the city of Sabang. More than the creamy sand and the clear waters, I used to be amazed by the seclusion of the place. You can sip recent coconut whereas watching the waves crash on the shore.
In Sabang, you too can go mountaineering, chicken watching, paddling throughout the mangrove forest, and seeing wild animals of their pure habitat. I cherished taking an early morning paddle boat tour of the mangroves and seeing quite a few birds, yellow-banded snakes, and reptiles.
As you stroll alongside the seaside, crabs of various sizes and colours scatter into their holes within the sand. Near the cave entrance had been a number of wild monkeys and big monitor lizards. The space positively felt fairly wild and alive!
It will get quiet after the day trippers have left, and I loved spending a bit of additional time right here, so I feel it may be value staying the night time.
How to go to the underground river
There are two methods to the doorway – taking a 6-kilometer trek by way of wealthy rainforest or taking a 20-minute scenic boat experience overlooking karst mountains. Both start in Sabang. Visitor numbers are restricted by a each day quota, so should you don’t get a tour with a allow included, you’ll have to get your allow in Puerto Princesa a day earlier than. You can e book today journey from Puerto Princesa, however should you’re staying in Sabang, it’s higher to e book domestically.
It’s a brief however eerie and magical 45-minute boat experience by way of the alternating large chambers and slender channels of the cave. Stalagmite and stalactite formations are mentioned to resemble figures starting from Jesus Christ to Hollywood stars. An audio information is offered for many who wish to perceive the cave higher, however possibly you’d a lot reasonably benefit from the sounds of water dripping, swallows chirping, and bats flying above.
The journey from Sabang to Port Barton requires some planning, as they don’t join immediately by highway. Most vacationers want to attach by way of Puerto Princesa, with the entire journey taking 4 – 5 hours to cowl roughly 120 km. Transportation may be organized on-line.
A extra handy however pricier choice is hiring a non-public automobile or constitution for $45.00 to $63.00, lowering journey time to 2-3 hours. Some non-public autos may be booked on-line. Some resorts in Port Barton provide pickup providers from Sabang, so it’s value asking about.
Otherwise, it’s finest to backtrack to Puerto Princesa and change transport there. Vans depart to Port Barton commonly all through the day, costing round 350-600 PHP. Some buses additionally cowl this route, that are cheaper however slower.
3. Port Barton
A quiet and back-to-basics village the place you may be in nature
Get away from all of it and spend your days enthusiastic about nothing. Port Barton is a lesser-known spot that may be reached after a 3 to 4-hour land journey from Puerto Princesa. It’s a very unspoiled and enjoyable place.
Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by a good looking stretch of white sand seaside, framed by swaying palm timber and charming nipa huts. Be certain to ask an area information to take you on a 1.5-hour trek by way of the jungle to Pamuayan Falls, the place you’ll uncover a cool pure basin. There are additionally pristine close by islands simply accessible by boat.
Similar to El Nido, Port Barton provides 4 island-hopping excursions (A, B, C, and D) to discover the crystal-clear waters and gorgeous landscapes.
While this village was once off-grid, it now enjoys 24-hour electrical energy. However, web entry stays restricted, and there are not any ATMs, so be sure you deliver sufficient money. This is the proper vacation spot for a distant escape.
In phrases of lodging, it’s a bit extra fundamental and attracts primarily backpackers and down-to-earth travellers not needing many luxuries, however should you can admire a distant place with a number of pure magnificence, then this would possibly simply be your little slice of paradise.
Consider staying at both Parrots Boutique Resort, the place rustic-chic bamboo cottages provide ocean views and hammock-strewn balconies excellent for sundown cocktails, or Moon Bar Hostel, well-known for its beachfront social scene, weekend bonfires, and budget-friendly dorm rooms.
- Port Barton to El Nido is a well-liked route with common van and minibus providers out there
- Travel time: 4-5 hours
- Distance: ~150 km
- Cost: $10-14 USD
- Vans sometimes depart twice each day, normally at 8 am and 1 pm, with morning departures beneficial. Book your experience right here.
- The simplest way is to go by non-public automobile rent:
- Travel time: 3-4 hours
- Cost: $52-70 USD
Road situation: While the highway is totally paved, it does have winding sections which will have an effect on these liable to movement illness.
4. El Nido
Epic karst landscapes and enchanting lagoons
✔️ Stay – Maremegmeg Beach Club provides an accessible beachfront setting with spectacular sundown views of Bacuit Bay. For one thing extra offbeat, El Gordo, a seaside journey lodge with a spectacular rooftop terrace—ultimate without spending a dime spirits craving distinctive experiences.
✔️ Best excursions – El Nido’s island-hopping excursions, significantly Tours A and C, provide unforgettable adventures by way of the area’s limestone karsts and hidden lagoons
Nestled amongst tall karst cliffs and with two adjoining seashores, El Nido is well some of the scenic areas in Southeast Asia.
Aside from the variety of vacationers, which may generally be a bit overwhelming at a number of the boat tour stops, this city deserves all of the glory. If you arrive in El Nido anticipating it to be overrated, you’ll certainly be blown away by the epic surroundings. I can say it’s some of the lovely locations I’ve visited in Southeast Asia.
The city is altering shortly, nevertheless. It was ‘discovered’ round 2012, and tourism has been rising quickly ever since.
The full of life city is a good place to remain, providing a good looking bay view. For extra seclusion, you possibly can e book lodging alongside the close by Calaan Beach or the extra distant Nacpan Beach, which is a few 25-minute drive north.
You can hike as much as Mount Taraw, the ridge that backs El Nido, for some gorgeous vistas. Up this manner can also be a by way of ferrata cover stroll that makes for a enjoyable and energetic journey.
But the primary points of interest are the close by lagoons and islands. To discover them, the native tourism board organized boat excursions into 5 commonplace choices, known as Tour A, B, C, D, and E. Each tour has its personal set route and locations, in order that customer numbers are managed, and each tour boat follows the identical type of plan.
Based alone experiences and evaluating notes with different travellers, Tour A and Tour C appear to be essentially the most broadly favored. The excursions embrace lunch – freshly caught seafood cooked on an island and served with tropical fruits. You can get a pleasant breakdown of those excursions right here.
One of the highlights for me was the Secret Beach. You might want to bounce off the bangka and swim in direction of a craggy cliffside.
Look carefully and you will note a small gap you possibly can swim by way of; emerge on the opposite facet, you’ll uncover a hidden seaside solely surrounded by pointy rocks as tall as buildings.
Put on a snorkelling masks and you will note fantastic corals with numerous fish beneath… look again up and you might be again on this rockface cathedral.
While this sight can get busy, it is without doubt one of the most memorable as nicely.
From El Nido, it is rather straightforward to go to Busuanga. You can take a ferry from the west facet of El Nido’s principal seaside, which takes about 5 hours to get to Coron Town on Busuanga. Be certain to e book your tickets upfront to make certain you get a seat in your desired day. There are normally simply 1 or 2 ferries per day leaving round noon.
Another choice is to go on a non-public journey that gives you an opportunity to cease on various distant islands alongside the way in which. On a few of these journeys, you possibly can even deliver a hammock and sleep underneath the celebrities! I sadly didn’t have the prospect to do that, however after I return to Palawan, I’ll 100% go on one among these cruises. Check out Tao Expeditions or El Nido Paradise.
5. Busuanga Island & Coron
Breathtaking views, coral gardens, and wealthy historical past
✔️ Stay – The Ridge Coron gives a tranquil hillside retreat providing breathtaking panoramic views of Coron Bay and its iconic limestone formations.
✔️ Best tour – Island Hopping Tour B provides a snorkeling journey on the Skeleton Wreck, a Japanese provide ship submerged simply 5 meters beneath the floor, now a vibrant synthetic reef. Or go on a non-public boat tour across the Coron Island.
Coron provides some comparable points of interest to El Nido, however with tourism improvement a few steps behind it.
I finally favored Coron a bit greater than El Nido. Although Coron Town itself will not be as scenic, the lagoons are gorgeous, and the island’s inside is nice for mountaineering. I loved mountaineering as much as Mount Darala, the island’s highest level, the place you’ll get 360-degree views of the bay.
Busuanga Island is split into two sections, Busuanga and Coron, the latter being the key vacationer cease. Busuanga and close by islands are dwelling to lush rainforests, pure springs, and a complete new world underwater. You received’t discover a variety of seashores right here, however you possibly can spend days exploring the numerous lagoons and dive spots and swimming within the wealthy marine life.
Like elsewhere, there are a number of standardized tour itineraries to select from, labelled from A to C. If you do the Island Hopping Tour B, you’ll cease on the Skeleton Wreck, the stays of a Japanese provide ship. At its shallowest, it’s submerged solely 5 meters beneath the floor, making it excellent for snorkelling.
Coron can also be well-known for wreck diving, because of the variety of Japanese ships that sank in these waters throughout World War 2. Back in 1944, the US Navy launched a coordinated assault on the Imperial Japanese Navy docked in Manila Bay. The fleet tried to flee and conceal in Coron, however they had been tracked and finally gunned down of their supposed shelter. Now, these shipwrecks are lined with colourful corals teeming with many alternative sorts of fish.
And that wraps it up for our highlights of Palawan, a area many contemplate a real paradise! A 90-minute flight from Busuanga Airport will take you straight again to the capital, from the place you possibly can go dwelling or discover different areas of the Philippines.