Palawan
The long, wild island province of limestone lagoons, coral reefs and quiet beach towns. Here is how to fit it together.
Quick answer
- Main bases: Puerto Princesa (the capital), El Nido in the north, and Coron town on Busuanga Island.
- Airports: Puerto Princesa, El Nido (Lio) and Busuanga (for Coron). There are no direct flights between El Nido and Coron.
- Between El Nido and Coron: fast ferries take roughly 3.5 to 4 hours, or join a multi-day island-hopping expedition.
- How long: one week for two bases, 10 to 14 days to see three without rushing.
- Best time: the dry season, roughly November to May.
Palawan is a long, thin island province stretching southwest from Mindoro towards Borneo. Its north is the Philippines most people picture: limestone cliffs rising from turquoise water, hidden lagoons and white beaches. The middle and south are quieter, with long empty coastlines, mangroves and small fishing towns.
Most first-time visitors pick two of three bases: Puerto Princesa, the capital, for the Underground River; El Nido, for the lagoons of Bacuit Bay; and Coron, for lakes, reefs and wreck diving.
Top things to do
- Kayak into El Nido’s lagoons. See our guide to the Big and Small Lagoons.
- Climb to Kayangan Lake on Coron Island. See our Kayangan Lake guide.
- Ride a boat into the Underground River near Puerto Princesa. See our Underground River guide.
- Dive the Second World War wrecks around Coron and Busuanga.
- Slow down in Port Barton, a small beach town between Puerto Princesa and El Nido.
- Dive Tubbataha on a liveaboard, if you are a diver and it is the season. See our Tubbataha guide.
Areas to know
| Area | Why go |
|---|---|
| El Nido | Lagoons, island-hopping tours A to D, the busiest restaurant and nightlife scene |
| Coron | Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon, reefs and Second World War wrecks |
| Puerto Princesa | The airport hub, the Underground River and Honda Bay |
| Port Barton | A quiet, slow beach town with island hopping |
When to go
The dry season, roughly November to May, brings the calmest seas for island hopping and ferries. March to May is hottest. From June to October, the southwest monsoon brings rain and rough seas, and boat trips are often cancelled. See our guide to the best time to visit.
Getting there and around
Palawan has three main airports: Puerto Princesa, El Nido (Lio) and Busuanga for Coron. Flights come mainly from Manila, with some routes from Cebu and Clark. There are no direct flights between El Nido and Coron: take the fast ferry (about 3.5 to 4 hours), or join a multi-day boat expedition between them. Between Puerto Princesa and El Nido, shared vans take around 5 to 6 hours. See our guide to getting around the Philippines.
Where to stay
Stay in El Nido town or nearby Corong-Corong for the lagoon tours, in Coron town for island hopping and diving, and in Puerto Princesa for a night or two around the Underground River. Book ahead in December, Holy Week and April to May.
What to eat
- Fresh grilled fish and seafood straight off the boats
- Tamilok, the woodworm (shipworm) of the mangroves, for the adventurous
- Cashew nuts from Palawan as a snack or souvenir
Day trips and next stops
From El Nido, visit Nacpan Beach in the north. From Coron, take a boat to Malcapuya and Banana Island. Fly onward from Busuanga or Puerto Princesa to Manila or Cebu.
Prices, fees and ferry schedules change often. Check with your operator or the local tourism office before you travel.
Photo gallery
Frequently asked questions
Should I choose El Nido or Coron?
El Nido has the most dramatic lagoons and the busiest town. Coron is better for diving, especially wrecks, and for Kayangan Lake. With a week, do both and connect them by ferry.
How do I get from Puerto Princesa to El Nido?
By shared or private van, around 5 to 6 hours, or a slower bus. There are also short flights.
Can I fly between El Nido and Coron?
Not directly. Take the fast ferry, or fly back through a hub like Manila.
Is there an ATM in El Nido and Coron?
There are some, but they run out of cash at busy times. Bring enough pesos for tours, fees and boats.
Is Palawan good in the rainy season?
It can be lovely and quiet, but island-hopping tours and ferries are cancelled when seas are rough, so leave buffer days.
We checked this guide against the 3 sources listed below. Last updated 14 November 2026. Basis: researched from official sources. Written and edited by Delfin, with AI-assisted research (how we work). Prices, hours and rules change, so confirm before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
