Palawan Travel Guide (Philippines): El Nido, Coron, the Underground River and How to Plan (2026)

Palawan is a long, narrow island in the western Philippines, with limestone cliffs, turquoise lagoons, wartime shipwrecks and a UNESCO-listed underground river. It is often called the country’s last frontier, and it rewards travelers who plan well. Here is how to approach Palawan travel.

How to get to Palawan

Fly from Manila (or Cebu) to Puerto Princesa in the middle of the island, to El Nido in the north, or to Busuanga for Coron. Flights are short, and domestic airlines serve all three. Overland, Puerto Princesa to El Nido takes roughly five to six hours by van, so most travelers fly directly or break the journey in San Vicente.

The main places to visit

El Nido

Limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons and white beaches: Palawan’s most famous destination. See our guide to El Nido’s best beaches and island-hopping tours.

El Nido’s island-hopping tours: boat tours of Bacuit Bay are sold as Tours A, B, C and D. Tour A visits the Big and Small Lagoons, Tour C has hidden beaches and Matinloc Shrine, and Tours B and D take in caves and quieter beaches. Popular lagoons have visitor limits, so book a day or more ahead in high season. A private boat lets you start early and visit the lagoons before the crowds.

Coron

The base for diving the sunken Japanese warships of the Second World War, plus clear freshwater lakes such as Kayangan Lake and beautiful island beaches. Wreck dives such as Irako, Akitsushima and Olympia Maru are best in the morning when the water is clearest.

Coron highlights: the climb to the viewpoint over Kayangan Lake, swimming in Barracuda Lake, where divers feel the water change temperature at depth, the Twin Lagoon and the beaches of the Calamian Islands. In town, climb the steps of Mount Tapyas at sunset and soak afterwards in the Maquinit hot springs. Coron’s main airport is at Busuanga, about 30 to 40 minutes by road from town.

Puerto Princesa Underground River

A UNESCO World Heritage site where an underground river flows through a cave to the sea. It lies near the village of Sabang, about 80 km north of Puerto Princesa, a one-and-a-half to two-hour drive. A permit is required, and recent guides report fees of roughly 500 pesos for the permit, plus an environmental fee, an audio guide and a boat charge. Book in advance, since daily numbers are limited, and confirm current prices.

In Puerto Princesa itself, an evening boat trip to see the fireflies on the Iwahig River is a gentle and memorable outing, especially with children.

San Vicente and Port Barton

Quiet alternatives on the northwest coast, with the 14-km Long Beach and village-style stays.

Honda Bay and island hopping near Puerto Princesa

Easy day trips from Puerto Princesa, with snorkeling and sandbars.

Balabac and the far south

Palawan’s southern tip, the Balabac islands, has some of the most remote beaches in the country, including sand bars and beaches tinged with pink coral. Access involves long drives and boat trips, and facilities are basic, so it suits adventurous travelers on a longer trip.

Diving

Palawan is among the Philippines’ best dive regions: Coron’s wrecks, the reefs of El Nido and the remote Tubbataha Reefs, accessible only by liveaboard roughly from March to mid-June.

How many days do you need?

• 5 days: El Nido only, or Puerto Princesa and the Underground River.
• 7 to 8 days: Puerto Princesa and El Nido.
• 10 to 12 days: add Coron and a beach stay on San Vicente or Port Barton.

A sample 10-day Palawan route

• Days 1 to 2: Puerto Princesa and the Underground River.
• Days 3 to 6: drive north to El Nido for island hopping, with a stop at Port Barton.
• Days 7 to 10: ferry to Coron for the lakes, wrecks and a final beach day, then fly back to Manila from Busuanga.

The El Nido to Coron ferry takes several hours and depends on sea conditions, so it is best scheduled in the dry season. Fly into one end of the island and out of the other to avoid backtracking.

Where to stay

In El Nido, choose between town hotels, beach resorts on Corong-Corong or Las Cabanas, and private-island resorts for a luxury stay. In Coron, a base near the town or on a quiet island works well.

Practical tips

• Bring enough Philippine pesos: ATMs in El Nido and Coron can run out of cash, and smaller businesses do not accept cards.
• Expect environmental and site fees for island-hopping tours and lakes. Keep the receipts, as some are valid for several days.
• Pack light: domestic flights on small planes have strict baggage limits.
• Register online on the Philippines’ eTravel system before you arrive in the country.

When to go

November to May is the dry season and the best time. March to May is the hottest and best for diving. From June to October, rough seas on the west coast can cancel tours. See our guide to the best time to visit Palawan.

Palawan on a private tour

A specialist handles flights, transfers, boats and permits so you can focus on the scenery. Explore our Philippines tours and places to visit.

Palawan: FAQ

What is Palawan best known for?

El Nido’s lagoons, Coron’s shipwrecks and the Puerto Princesa Underground River.

Is Palawan better than Bali or Thailand?

Different: wilder and less developed, with spectacular limestone scenery.

How do I get to El Nido?

Fly direct to El Nido, or to Puerto Princesa and take a five- to six-hour van ride.

Do I need a permit for the Underground River?

Yes, and it should be booked in advance.

How many days should I spend in Palawan?

Seven to ten days for El Nido, Puerto Princesa and Coron.

Can I combine El Nido and Coron?

Yes. A ferry connects the two in several hours in the dry season, and multi-day boat expeditions also link them.

Is Palawan good for families?

Yes, with some planning. Choose resorts with calm beaches, keep boat days short and include easy outings such as the firefly cruise in Puerto Princesa.

Do I need cash in Palawan?

Yes. Bring enough Philippine pesos for tours, fees and small restaurants, as ATMs can run out and cards are not always accepted.