Everything you need to plan your trip to the Philippines' last frontier.
Updated March 2026
Download the App →Consistently voted one of the world's best islands, Palawan combines pristine nature, adventure, and Filipino hospitality.
From El Nido's hidden lagoons to San Vicente's 14-km Long Beach, Palawan has some of the most stunning coastline in Southeast Asia.
Home to the Puerto Princesa Underground River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature.
Coron's WWII wreck diving, Tubbataha Reef's pristine coral, and El Nido's reef systems attract divers from around the world.
Protected by the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development, the province prioritizes conservation and eco-friendly tourism.
Budget travelers can enjoy Palawan on as little as ₱2,000/day (USD 36). Even premium experiences are a fraction of other tropical destinations.
Palaweños are known for their friendliness. English is widely spoken, making Palawan very accessible for international visitors.
Palawan enjoys a tropical climate. The dry season (November–May) offers the best conditions for travel and outdoor activities.
26–31°C
Peak26–32°C
Peak27–33°C
Peak27–34°C
Peak27–33°C
Good26–32°C
Wet26–31°C
Wet26–31°C
Wet26–31°C
Typhoon26–31°C
Typhoon26–31°C
Good26–31°C
PeakClear skies, calm seas, ideal for island hopping and diving. Peak tourist season is Dec–Apr. Book accommodation and tours in advance. Best diving visibility Mar–Jun.
Intermittent rain, possible typhoons (Sep–Oct). Fewer tourists and lower prices. Some boat tours may be cancelled due to rough seas. Palawan is less affected than other Philippine regions.
Two main airports serve Palawan: Puerto Princesa (PPS) for the south and Busuanga (USU) for Coron.
Direct flights from Manila (1.5 hrs), Cebu (1.5 hrs), and Clark. Airlines: Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, AirAsia. The main gateway to El Nido, Port Barton, San Vicente, and the Underground River.
Direct flights from Manila (1 hr) and Cebu. Busuanga Airport is 30 minutes from Coron town by van. The fastest way to reach Coron's dive sites and island tours.
2GO Travel operates ferries from Manila to Puerto Princesa and Coron. The journey takes 24+ hours. A budget option that also lets you bring a vehicle.
Van transfers connect Puerto Princesa to El Nido (5–6 hrs), Port Barton (3–4 hrs), and San Vicente (3–4 hrs). Book via Palawan.bz Transport. Ferries connect El Nido to Coron (3–4 hrs).
Sample itineraries for different trip lengths. All can be customized through the Palawan.bz app.
Arrive at PPS airport. Take morning van to El Nido (5–6 hrs). Check in and explore El Nido town. Sunset drinks at a beachfront bar on Corong-Corong beach.
Full-day island hopping: Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, 7 Commando Beach. Includes lunch, snorkeling gear, and boat. The quintessential Palawan experience.
Morning Tour C: Hidden Beach, Matinloc Shrine, Secret Beach. Afternoon van back to Puerto Princesa for evening flight, or stay overnight in El Nido.
Arrive at PPS airport. Explore the city: Baker's Hill, Mitra's Ranch, Puerto Princesa Baywalk for dinner. Overnight in Puerto Princesa.
Full-day Underground River tour: van transfer to Sabang (2 hrs), boat ride through the cave system, optional Ugong Rock zipline. Return to Puerto Princesa.
Early morning van to El Nido (5–6 hrs). Afternoon free to explore Nacpan Beach (twin beaches, 45 min from town) or Las Cabanas beach for sunset.
Full-day Tour A: Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, 7 Commando Beach. Snorkeling, kayaking, and beach picnic lunch.
Morning Tour C: Hidden Beach, Matinloc Shrine, Secret Beach. Afternoon van to PPS for evening flight. Or add extra days for Coron or Port Barton.
Arrive at PPS. City tour: Palawan Wildlife Rescue Center (crocodile farm), Baker's Hill, Baywalk sunset dinner.
Full-day Underground River tour with optional Ugong Rock zipline and Sabang mangrove paddle.
Van to Port Barton (3–4 hrs). Relax on the beach, snorkel offshore reefs. A quieter alternative to El Nido with a backpacker vibe.
Island hopping to Exotic Island, German Island, Starfish Island. Snorkeling, pristine beaches, and sea turtle spotting.
Van from Port Barton to El Nido (3 hrs). Afternoon at Nacpan Beach or explore El Nido town.
Full-day combo or choose Tour A (Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon) in the morning. Alternatively, do Tour A today and Tour C tomorrow.
Morning kayak or Taraw Cliff climb. Optional Tour C if not done yesterday. Afternoon van to PPS for evening flight. Or continue to Coron by ferry.
Palawan offers great value at every budget level. Here is what to expect per person per day.
Essential details to help you prepare for your Palawan trip.
ATMs available in Puerto Princesa and El Nido town (BDO, Landbank). Limited in Port Barton and rural areas. Bring cash as backup. Credit cards accepted at upscale hotels only.
Globe and Smart SIM cards available at the airport. 4G coverage in Puerto Princesa and El Nido town. Spotty in Port Barton and rural areas. Buy a tourist SIM (₱300–500 for 7 days).
Tropical climate, 26–34°C year-round. Dry season Nov–May, wet season Jun–Oct. Always carry sunscreen (SPF 50+), a hat, and a rain jacket.
Reef-safe sunscreen, waterproof bag, water shoes, mosquito repellent, light rain jacket, snorkel mask (optional), underwater camera, prescription meds.
220V, Type A/B plugs (same as US/Japan). Power outages can occur in remote areas. Bring a portable charger for island hopping days.
Filipino (Tagalog) and English are widely spoken. Some locals speak Cuyonon or other Palawan dialects. You will have no language barrier as a tourist.
Palawan is one of the safest destinations in the Philippines. Petty theft can occur in tourist areas; use hotel safes, watch your belongings on boats, and avoid displaying expensive items.
Always wear a life jacket on boats (required by law). Be cautious of currents when snorkeling. Do not touch coral or marine life. Check jellyfish warnings during wet season.
Drink bottled or purified water only. Apply insect repellent at dawn/dusk (dengue risk). Bring basic medicines. Nearest hospitals are in Puerto Princesa. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Use licensed operators for van transfers and boat tours. Agree on prices before riding tricycles. Wear helmets on motorbikes. Roads are paved but winding; motion sickness medication recommended for long drives.
Five distinct destinations, each with its own character and attractions.
The provincial capital and main gateway. Home to the Underground River, Honda Bay island hopping, and the best dining and nightlife on the island. Most visitors start their Palawan journey here.
Palawan's crown jewel. Dramatic limestone karst cliffs, hidden lagoons, and some of the most photographed beaches in the world. Island hopping Tours A–D are unmissable.
World-famous for WWII wreck diving and crystal-clear freshwater lakes. Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoons, and Barracuda Lake are bucket-list destinations. Reached by direct flight to Busuanga or ferry from El Nido.
A laid-back beach village halfway between Puerto Princesa and El Nido. Excellent snorkeling, uncrowded beaches, sea turtle encounters, and a genuine backpacker atmosphere.
Home to Long Beach, a 14-km stretch of white sand — the longest beach in the Philippines. A rapidly developing destination that still feels untouched. New airport makes access easier.