Most people think of Thailand or Bali for beaches and islands, but if you ask me, Palawan is on another level – an underrated travel destinations you’ll genuinely fall in love with.

With its lush rainforests, white sand beaches, hidden caves and lagoons, and numerous incredible snorkel- and dive sites, Palawan is one of the true highlights of the Philippines.

I’ll share the most common travel route through Palawan with tips for all key stops along the way, including El Nido and Coron.

A first glimpse of El Nido — turquoise bays, limestone cliffs, and endless island adventures.

Destination decisions: El Nido or all of Palawan?

Your first decision is whether to stay only in El Nido or to explore several destinations in Palawan.

El Nido is easily the most scenically located town on the island, nestled between steep limestone peaks and hugging a gorgeous bay. Boat tours here can take you to hidden beaches, coves, and gorgeous lagoons. It is usually the main place people want to go.

That said, El Nido is also the epicenter of tourism in Palawan, and so it can be quite packed at times. It’s a bustling backpacker town with numerous lodges and hostels (and small-scale resorts outside the town as well). The bay is often brimming with bangkas, the local catemaran-style boats.

If you have just a few days, El Nido is a great choice. It can be reached directly by plane from Manila, and you can use El Nido as a base for day trips to nearby beaches and waterfalls.

If you have 10 to 14 days, you can follow my itinerary to get all the best of Palawan, including El Nido. Places like Port Barton and Coron are blissful and my personal faves.

10-Day Palawan itinerary

It’s easy to independently plan your Philippines trip. All transport can be booked online, and local tours can be booked online or in person. This 10-day Palawan itinerary takes you through the must-see islands, with the best places to stay along the way.

To shorten the trip, you could decide to cut the first few days and focus on El Nido and Coron by flying straight to El Nido. But I think 10 days is the perfect minimum time to get the most out of Palawan.

How to get to Palawan

There are no scheduled ferries to Palawan (and they would take too long anyway), so you’ll have to fly. You have 3 options.

• Fly into El Nido: This airport is tiny, so you’ll arrive by propeller plane. You can fly with just one carrier, AirSWIFT. This is a very local service, but you can book your Manila to El Nido flight easily using 12Go Asia. Just keep in mind: with no competition, ticket prices are a bit higher.
• Fly into Puerto Princesa: The capital has many more flight connections and with larger planes. You can check your flight options at 12Go. This platform specializes in Asia, so they truly list all the options.
• Fly into Coron: This is another possibility, though I suggest starting in Puerto Princesa and flying out of Coron.

By the way, all flights from Manila to Palawan take roughly 90 minutes, and there are no direct flights or boats connecting Palawan to Indonesia or Malaysia. You must always travel via Manila or Cebu City.

Let’s take a look at the key destinations in Palawan, from south to north:

Best destinations in Palawan

Palawan is an archipelago made up of around 1,780 islands, with Palawan Island being the biggest and the heart of it all. The province of Palawan includes not only the main island but also a bunch of smaller islands and islets that are part of its territory.

This list highlights some of the coolest towns and villages within the Palawan province—each one offering something unique, and together they make up the perfect 10-day itinerary through this tropical paradise…

1. Puerto Princesa

The gateway to Palawan, worth a stopover

Street scenes in Puerto Princesa (Klodien/depositphotos.com)

There isn’t a whole lot to see or do in Palawan’s capital and only city (population: around 200,000). Most people say it’s their least favorite destination along this route. However, it’s still worth spending a night just to enjoy two fun activities.

 

Firstly, many restaurants serve an iconic dish known as tamilok (or woodworm), a slimy mollusc found on mangrove trees. It may not sound exactly appealing, but there’s a great chance you’ll be bullied into tasting it! It doesn’t taste bad, just a bit weird – like creamy, slimy jelly. Think oyster, only richer and a bit saltier. Another unusual thing to try is croc sisig, which is minced crocodile meat served on a sizzling plate.

At night, consider taking a firefly-watching tour to the Iwahig River. You can rent a boat and enjoy the serenity of paddling through the darkness until reaching the spot where the fireflies dance around the mangroves. I don’t often call travel experiences “magical,” but this one truly deserves the label.

Honda Bay is actually quite lovely… … and it’s only because of the even prettier beaches later on that you may wish to skip it.

However, the island-hopping tours to Honda Bay are not really a must. While the beaches are nice and I still had a fun time, the other islands in Palawan will blow these out of the water (so to speak). I feel these tours are perhaps more for Puerto Princesa residents who want a fun day out. In the north of Palawan, there are many beaches that are wilder and have vistas with more karst mountain scenery.

Canvas Boutique Hotel is perfectly positioned for sampling those exotic local dishes before heading to your firefly tour and beyond. It’s also only 5 minutes away from the airport, so it’s ideal to kick things off before diving into Palawan’s more epic destinations.

• 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 ride here
• By taxi:
  • Travel time: 2 hours
  • Cost: $27.00 to $45.00

It’s important to note that vans typically don’t depart after 4 pm, and visiting the Underground River requires permits that should be arranged in advance. Many travelers find it beneficial to stay overnight in Sabang rather than attempting a rushed day trip.

2. Sabang & Underground River

A laid-back beach town next to a World Heritage Site

Millions of years ago, the Puerto Princesa Underground River snaked its way underneath the St. Paul Mountain Range and became one of the few of its kind that flows directly to the sea. It is now a protected area that has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

The view from the road The view that makes the ride worth it

The cave boasts 8km of underground channels, about half of which can be explored. You can take a day trip from Puerto Princesa to the river cave, but it’s also a nice option to stay in the town of Sabang. More than the creamy sand and the clear waters, I was amazed by the seclusion of the place. You can sip fresh coconut while watching the waves crash on the shore.

In Sabang, you can also go hiking, bird watching, paddling across the mangrove forest, and seeing wild animals in their natural habitat. I loved taking an early morning paddle boat tour of the mangroves and seeing numerous birds, yellow-banded snakes, and reptiles.

 

As you walk along the beach, crabs of different sizes and colors scatter into their holes in the sand. Near the cave entrance were several wild monkeys and giant monitor lizards. The area definitely felt quite wild and alive!

It gets quiet after the day trippers have left, and I enjoyed spending a bit of extra time here, so I think it can be worth staying the night.

How to visit the underground river

There are two ways to the entrance – taking a 6-kilometer trek through rich rainforest or taking a 20-minute scenic boat ride overlooking karst mountains. Both begin in Sabang. Visitor numbers are restricted by a daily quota, so if you don’t get a tour with a permit included, you’ll need to get your permit in Puerto Princesa a day before. You can book this day trip from Puerto Princesa, but if you’re staying in Sabang, it’s better to book locally.

It’s a short but eerie and magical 45-minute boat ride through the alternating huge chambers and narrow channels of the cave. Stalagmite and stalactite formations are said to resemble figures ranging from Jesus Christ to Hollywood stars. An audio guide is available for those who want to understand the cave better, but maybe you’d much rather enjoy the sounds of water dripping, swallows chirping, and bats flying above.

It’s a river cave that gives you an eerie, otherworldly feeling – and you’ll love every minute of it.

The journey from Sabang to Port Barton requires some planning, as they don’t connect directly by road. Most travelers need to connect through Puerto Princesa, with the total journey taking 4 – 5 hours to cover approximately 120 km. Transportation can be arranged online.

A more convenient but pricier option is hiring a private vehicle or charter for $45.00 to $63.00, reducing travel time to 2-3 hours. Some private vehicles can be booked online. Some resorts in Port Barton offer pickup services from Sabang, so it’s worth asking about.

Otherwise, it’s best to backtrack to Puerto Princesa and switch transport there. Vans depart to Port Barton regularly throughout the day, costing around 350-600 PHP. Some buses also cover this route, which are cheaper but slower.

book your transport to port barton

3. Port Barton

A quiet and back-to-basics village where you can be in nature

Palm-lined shores, a cozy beach hut, and crystal-clear waters… Surrounded by local life in Port Barton

Get away from it all and spend your days thinking about nothing. Port Barton is a lesser-known spot that can be reached after a 3 to 4-hour land travel from Puerto Princesa. It’s a truly unspoiled and relaxing place.

Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by a beautiful stretch of white sand beach, framed by swaying palm trees and charming nipa huts. Be sure to ask a local guide to take you on a 1.5-hour trek through the jungle to Pamuayan Falls, where you’ll discover a cool natural basin. There are also pristine nearby islands easily accessible by boat.

Similar to El Nido, Port Barton offers 4 island-hopping tours (A, B, C, and D) to explore the crystal-clear waters and stunning landscapes.

 

While this village used to be off-grid, it now enjoys 24-hour electricity. However, internet access remains limited, and there are no ATMs, so be sure to bring enough cash. This is the perfect destination for a remote escape.

In terms of accommodation, it’s a bit more basic and attracts mainly backpackers and down-to-earth travellers not needing many luxuries, but if you can appreciate a remote place with lots of natural beauty, then this might just be your little slice of paradise.

Consider staying at either Parrots Boutique Resort, where rustic-chic bamboo cottages offer ocean views and hammock-strewn balconies perfect for sunset cocktails, or Moon Bar Hostel, famous for its beachfront social scene, weekend bonfires, and budget-friendly dorm rooms.

• Port Barton to El Nido is a popular route with regular van and minibus services available
  • Travel time: 4-5 hours
  • Distance: ~150 km
  • Cost: $10-14 USD
  • Vans typically depart twice daily, usually at 8 am and 1 pm, with morning departures recommended. Book your ride here.
• The easiest way is to go by private car hire:
  • Travel time: 3-4 hours
  • Cost: $52-70 USD

Road condition: While the road is fully paved, it does have winding sections that may affect those prone to motion sickness.

book your bus ride now

4. El Nido

Epic karst landscapes and enchanting lagoons

️ Stay – Maremegmeg Beach Club offers an accessible beachfront setting with spectacular sunset views of Bacuit Bay. For something more offbeat, El Gordo, a seaside adventure lodge with a spectacular rooftop terrace—ideal for free spirits craving unique experiences.

️ Best tours – El Nido’s island-hopping tours, particularly Tours A and C, offer unforgettable adventures through the region’s limestone karsts and hidden lagoons

The kind of calm you’ll experience in El Nido Northeast view from the Taraw Cliff observation deck, overlooking central El Nido

Nestled among tall karst cliffs and with two adjacent beaches, El Nido is easily one of the most scenic locations in Southeast Asia.

Aside from the number of tourists, which can sometimes be a bit overwhelming at some of the boat tour stops, this town deserves all the glory. If you arrive in El Nido expecting it to be overrated, you will surely be blown away by the epic scenery. I can say it’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve visited in Southeast Asia.

The town is changing quickly, however. It was ‘discovered’ around 2012, and tourism has been growing rapidly ever since.

The lively town is a great place to stay, offering a beautiful bay view. For more seclusion, you can book accommodation along the nearby Calaan Beach or the more distant Nacpan Beach, which is about a 25-minute drive north.

 

You can hike up to Mount Taraw, the ridge that backs El Nido, for some stunning vistas. Up this way is also a via ferrata canopy walk that makes for a fun and active adventure.

But the main attractions are the nearby lagoons and islands. To explore them, the local tourism board organized boat tours into 5 standard options, called Tour A, B, C, D, and E. Each tour has its own set route and destinations, so that visitor numbers are controlled, and every tour boat follows the same kind of plan.

Based on my own experiences and comparing notes with other travellers, Tour A and Tour C seem to be the most widely favored. The tours include lunch – freshly caught seafood cooked on an island and served with tropical fruits. You can get a nice breakdown of these tours here.

El Nido’s Secret Beach, hidden behind towering limestone cliffs

One of the highlights for me was the Secret Beach. You will need to jump off the bangka and swim towards a craggy cliffside.

Look closely and you will see a small hole you can swim through; emerge on the other side, you will discover a hidden beach entirely surrounded by pointy rocks as tall as buildings.

Put on a snorkelling mask and you will see wonderful corals with countless fish below… look back up and you are back in this rockface cathedral.

While this sight can get busy, it is one of the most memorable as well.

From El Nido, it is very easy to go to Busuanga. You can take a ferry from the west side of El Nido’s main beach, which takes about 5 hours to get to Coron Town on Busuanga. Be sure to book your tickets in advance to make sure you get a seat on your desired day. There are usually just 1 or 2 ferries per day leaving around midday.

Another option is to go on a private trip that will give you a chance to stop on a number of remote islands along the way. On some of these trips, you can even bring a hammock and sleep under the stars! I sadly didn’t have the chance to do this, but when I return to Palawan, I will 100% go on one of these cruises. Check out Tao Expeditions or El Nido Paradise.

5. Busuanga Island & Coron

Breathtaking views, coral gardens, and rich history

️ Stay – The Ridge Coron provides a tranquil hillside retreat offering breathtaking panoramic views of Coron Bay and its iconic limestone formations.

️ Best tour – Island Hopping Tour B offers a snorkeling adventure at the Skeleton Wreck, a Japanese supply ship submerged just 5 meters below the surface, now a vibrant artificial reef. Or go on a private boat tour around the Coron Island.

Coron offers some similar attractions to El Nido, but with tourism development a couple of steps behind it.

I ultimately liked Coron a bit more than El Nido. Although Coron Town itself is not as scenic, the lagoons are stunning, and the island’s interior is great for hiking. I enjoyed hiking up to Mount Darala, the island’s highest point, where you will get 360-degree views of the bay.

Busuanga Island is divided into two sections, Busuanga and Coron, the latter being the major tourist stop. Busuanga and nearby islands are home to lush rainforests, natural springs, and a whole new world underwater. You won’t find a lot of beaches here, but you can spend days exploring the many lagoons and dive spots and swimming in the rich marine life.

 

Like elsewhere, there are several standardized tour itineraries to choose from, labelled from A to C. If you do the Island Hopping Tour B, you’ll stop at the Skeleton Wreck, the remains of a Japanese supply ship. At its shallowest, it’s submerged only 5 meters below the surface, making it perfect for snorkelling.

Coron is also famous for wreck diving, thanks to the number of Japanese ships that sank in these waters during World War 2. Back in 1944, the US Navy launched a coordinated attack on the Imperial Japanese Navy docked in Manila Bay. The fleet tried to escape and hide in Coron, but they were tracked and eventually gunned down in their supposed shelter. Now, these shipwrecks are covered with colorful corals teeming with many different kinds of fish.

And that wraps it up for our highlights of Palawan, a region many consider a true paradise!  A 90-minute flight from Busuanga Airport will take you straight back to the capital, from where you can go home or explore other regions of the Philippines.

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