The first time I saw Palawan from above, I thought the plane window had been painted — turquoise water, jagged limestone cliffs, and white sandbars glowing under the sun. But it was real. Palawan doesn’t just look like paradise; it feels like it. Every island, every cove, and every coral reef tells a story of nature untouched and time slowed. In this Palawan travel guide, I’ll take you through my own journey across El Nido, Coron, and Puerto Princesa — three corners of this province that together make up the heart of the Philippines’ wild beauty.
Getting There and Getting Around
Palawan stretches long and narrow along the country’s western edge, so choosing where to start matters. Puerto Princesa is the main gateway, with regular flights from Manila, Cebu, and Clark. From there, vans and buses connect you to El Nido in about 5–6 hours. If you’re flying directly to Coron, you’ll land at Busuanga Airport, a short drive from Coron town proper.
For inter-island travel, ferries run between El Nido and Coron daily — about 4 hours by fast boat. If time isn’t an issue, this ride is worth it; the views of the islands drifting by are hypnotic. Within towns, tricycles, motorbikes, and rented scooters make it easy to explore at your own pace.
El Nido: Lagoons and Limestone Dreams
El Nido feels like the world was built differently here — cliffs rise like cathedrals, water glows like liquid crystal, and life moves to the rhythm of waves. My first morning began with an island-hopping tour, the heart of any Palawan travel guide. Local operators organize routes labeled A, B, C, and D, each one revealing different faces of paradise.
Tour A took me to the famous Small Lagoon, Big Lagoon, and Secret Lagoon. I kayaked through turquoise waters framed by limestone cliffs, the sunlight dancing beneath my paddle. In Big Lagoon, the water shimmered in a dozen shades of blue — deep sapphire near the rocks, aquamarine near the shallows. I floated there for a while, feeling suspended between sea and sky.
At Shimizu Island, we stopped for grilled fish and mangoes under coconut trees. The sand was so white it almost hurt the eyes. Between bites, I chatted with the boatmen, who told stories about how the islands are protected under strict eco-tourism rules — a reminder that paradise only stays that way if we care for it.
Tour C is for adventurers — hidden beaches, snorkeling spots, and Matinloc Shrine, an old Spanish-era ruin overlooking the sea. The climb to its limestone peak is steep, but the view is pure magic: endless islands floating on glass-clear water. As I stood there, the wind tugging at my hair, I thought — if there’s a place where the world still breathes freely, this must be it.
Coron: Wrecks, Reefs, and Crystal Lakes
After El Nido, I took the ferry north to Coron, where the landscape feels sharper, more dramatic. The town itself is simple and laid-back, but the adventures waiting offshore are unforgettable. Coron is best known for its World War II shipwreck dives — haunting underwater relics now home to coral and fish. Even as a beginner, I found snorkeling above them mesmerizing; the shadows of the ships beneath looked like ghosts of history resting peacefully in the sea.
Then there are the lakes — Kayangan and Barracuda — both hidden among cliffs. A short hike up to the Kayangan viewpoint rewarded me with that famous postcard view: limestone peaks cradling a lagoon so clear it reflected the sky. Swimming there felt surreal, like being part of the landscape itself. The water shifted from warm to cool as I moved deeper, fresh and salt blending into one seamless calm.
In the afternoons, I wandered through Coron town’s narrow streets lined with cafés and dive shops. My favorite was Altrove, serving wood-fired pizza with views of the bay. At sunset, I hiked up Mount Tapyas — 700 steps of determination — and watched the sun dip behind the islands. The horizon blazed orange and gold, and for a moment, everyone at the top went quiet, united by wonder.
Puerto Princesa: Underground and Untamed
Back south in Puerto Princesa, the energy shifts again — calmer, greener, grounded. Most visitors come for the Underground River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. The boat ride into its mouth is eerie and breathtaking. Stalactites hang like chandeliers, and the cave walls glisten under flashlight beams. The air is cool, the echoes haunting. It’s nature’s cathedral, carved by water and time.
After the river, I spent a slow afternoon at Baker’s Hill, sampling pastries and buying souvenirs, then visited the Baywalk for grilled seafood by the water. As night fell, the scent of the ocean mixed with charcoal smoke, and the city felt alive in its own gentle rhythm.
For those staying longer, the nearby Honda Bay island-hopping tours offer smaller islands perfect for swimming and snorkeling — Pandan, Luli, and Starfish Island. Each one has a character of its own, but they all share that Palawan signature — clear water, white sand, and a sense of stillness that stays with you long after you’ve left.
Choosing Your Base: Where to Stay
Palawan caters to every kind of traveler. In El Nido, luxury resorts like Lagen Island and Miniloc Island offer seclusion and world-class views, while town-based options like Spin Hostel or Sea Cocoon Hotel suit backpackers. In Coron, Two Seasons Coron Bayside and Hop Hostel provide stunning bay views and easy access to dive shops. For a rustic retreat, Paolyn Floating Houses sits right on the water — a sustainable stay that lets you wake up surrounded by fish and sunrise reflections.
In Puerto Princesa, cozy eco-lodges like Daluyon Beach and Mountain Resort combine comfort with conservation, sitting right by Sabang Beach. No matter where you stay, consider booking eco-certified tours and minimizing plastic use — Palawan’s beauty thrives when travelers tread lightly.
Sustainable Travel in Paradise
Palawan has faced its share of challenges — over-tourism, coral damage, and waste issues — but it’s also one of the country’s leaders in sustainable tourism. Local boatmen now use reusable lunch packs, and tour groups limit numbers in fragile lagoons. As visitors, we play a role in keeping the islands pristine. Simple choices — bringing your own refillable bottle, using reef-safe sunscreen, and supporting community-run tours — help preserve the magic that drew us here in the first place.
One of my most memorable moments came not from the famous lagoons, but from a quiet cove where our boat anchored for lunch. A fisherman’s family invited us to share grilled fish and rice under a palm hut. We laughed, traded stories, and swam in water so clear I could see the sand ripple beneath my toes. It was a reminder that Palawan’s real beauty lies not only in its scenery, but in its people — kind, grounded, and deeply connected to the sea.
Why Palawan Feels Like the Philippines’ Purest Paradise
As I flew home, watching the islands fade into clouds, I thought about what makes Palawan different. It’s not just the lagoons or the beaches — it’s how everything feels untouched yet alive. It’s the quiet between waves, the shimmer of fish under your kayak, the laughter of guides who’ve known the sea all their lives. Palawan feels like the Philippines as it once was — wild, free, and full of grace.
This Palawan travel guide is an invitation to experience that purity — to explore, to protect, and to remember. Because paradise isn’t just a destination. It’s a feeling that follows you home, salt on your skin and peace in your heart.
For more island inspiration, check out our 33 Best Things to Do in Manila guide for urban adventures before your flight, or plan your eco-friendly Palawan experience through Klook for certified island-hopping and diving tours.
Palawan doesn’t ask much from you — only that you come with open eyes, travel gently, and leave nothing but footprints on its soft, shining shores.
Frequently Asked Questions About Traveling to Palawan
What is the best time to visit Palawan?
The best time to visit Palawan is from November to May, when the weather is dry and ideal for island-hopping and snorkeling.
How many days do you need in Palawan?
Spend at least 5 to 7 days to explore El Nido, Coron, and Puerto Princesa comfortably.
