Skip to content

Travel guides

Palawan travel guide

Palawan is the westernmost province of the Philippines: a long main island between the South China Sea and the Sulu Sea, plus the Calamian Islands to the north-east and several smaller groups. Most trips combine Puerto Princesa, the capital, with El Nido near the northern tip and Coron on Busuanga Island, each served by its own airport.

By Hotel Unfiltered · Copy reviewed

Getting there and choosing your base

  • Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS): The province's main gateway, with flights from Manila, Cebu and Iloilo. El Nido is about four to five hours north by van, so an afternoon or evening arrival usually means a night in the city first.
  • El Nido Airport (ENI): Takes only small aircraft, with flights from Manila and Cebu, so fares are higher than to Puerto Princesa. Weigh the cost against a long day on the road from the capital.
  • Francisco B. Reyes Airport (USU), Busuanga: Serves Coron, with shared vans into town taking about half an hour. Coron is also linked to El Nido by passenger boats and to Manila and Puerto Princesa by 2GO ferries a couple of times a week.

Areas to consider

Puerto Princesa

Suits a night or two between flights and a trip to the Underground River, a UNESCO World Heritage site about 50 km north. Ask whether the hotel can arrange the Underground River trip and permit, since visitor numbers are limited.

El Nido town and Corong-Corong

Suits island-hopping tours of Bacuit Bay, with the most budget choice in town and quieter resorts in Corong-Corong a few kilometres away. Rooms in the town centre sit close to tricycle traffic and bars, so ask whether yours faces the street or the water.

Nacpan and Las Cabanas

Suit travellers who want a beach base away from El Nido town. Getting back to town means a tricycle, so ask about the fare or whether the property runs its own shuttle.

Coron town (Busuanga)

Suits wreck divers and day trips to the lakes and lagoons of Coron Island. Check whether dive and tour boats collect you from the hotel or leave from the town pier.

When to go

The dry months, roughly November to May, are the main season, and Holy Week brings a surge of Filipino holidaymakers to El Nido. From about June to October the south-west monsoon brings rain and rougher seas, which can cancel island-hopping trips and boat transfers between Coron and El Nido.

Before choosing a room

  • El Nido charges each visitor an Environmental and Tourism Development Fee, paid in cash and not included in online tour bookings. Set the money aside before you arrive.
  • Some beach accommodation is in simple huts or tents. Check whether a room has air conditioning, hot water and wi-fi rather than assuming it.
  • If you are joining a multi-day boat trip between Coron and El Nido, leave a spare night at the far end in case weather delays the crossing.

Sources and planning resources

Facts checked on . Transport services, taxes and hotel offers can change. Confirm the details for your trip before booking.

Find a stay in Palawan

Set your dates and compare the room offers available for your trip.

Explore hotels

More guides for Philippines

All Philippines guides →