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Palawan

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Palawan Travel Guide

The Philippines' last frontier, repeatedly voted the world's best island. El Nido's limestone cliffs and emerald lagoons, Coron's wreck diving, and the Underground River (UNESCO World Heritage) showcase nature at its finest. Island hopping to secret beaches and snorkelling spots by day, then beach barbecues under a starry sky by night — that is the essence of Palawan. A bucket-list destination for adventurers seeking pristine nature and world-class beaches.

Essential Palawan Travel Info

Best Season

The dry season (December-May) is best, especially January to April. Boat tours may be limited during the wet season (June-November).

Budget

Daily budget around $35-105 (lodging $20-55; food $7-20; island hopping and transport $15-35).

Transport

From Puerto Princesa International Airport, a tricycle reaches the city in about 15 minutes. El Nido is about 5-6 hours by minivan or 1 hour by small domestic flight. Coron uses Busuanga Airport. Tricycles and Grab work on the island. SIM cards available at the airport (about PHP 300-500/week). Cash is the main payment method; only some resorts accept cards.

Visa

Korean passport holders can enter visa-free for up to 30 days.

Safety

Tourist areas are safe, but always wear a life jacket on boats. Avoid travelling to remote areas at night. Medical facilities in El Nido and Coron are limited, so bring basic medicine.

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Must-Visit Places in Palawan

★ 4.9

El Nido Island Hopping

El Nido island hopping departs from El Nido in northern Palawan and offers four tour routes (Tour A-D). The most popular Tour A visits Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, and Secret Beach; Tour C includes Star Beach and snorkelling at Helicopter Island. Kayaking through lagoons and snorkelling in crystal-clear water create scenery matched almost nowhere else on earth. Tour fee about PHP 1,200-1,800 (lunch and snorkelling gear included). Departs from El Nido town.

HoursDaily 09:00-16:00 (weather permitting)

LocationEl Nido, Palawan

TipsTour A and Tour C are the most popular — book as soon as you arrive in El Nido. A waterproof bag and rash guard are handy.

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★ 4.8

Coron Wreck Diving

Coron wreck diving explores about a dozen Japanese warships sunk by US bombing during WWII, making it one of the world's top wreck diving destinations. Key sites include the Irako, Okikawa Maru, and Kogyo Maru, sitting at depths of 10-30 m and accessible to divers of various levels. The wrecks, encrusted with coral and teeming with tropical fish, create a mesmerising underwater landscape. Two-dive trip about PHP 3,500-5,000. Reached by boat from Coron Town.

HoursTours depart 08:00-09:00 daily (weather permitting)

LocationCoron, Palawan

TipsAn Open Water certification lets you explore inside the wrecks. Non-divers can still see shallow wrecks while snorkelling.

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★ 4.6

Puerto Princesa Underground River

The Puerto Princesa Underground River stretches 8.2 km, making it the world's longest navigable underground river and a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. A small boat carries visitors through limestone caves for about 45 minutes, past millions of years' worth of stalactites, stalagmites, and massive dome chambers. The cave entrance sits on a stunning coastline of mangroves and white sand. Admission about PHP 500 (includes boat and guide). About 2 hours by van from Puerto Princesa city.

HoursDaily 08:00-16:00 (advance booking required)

LocationSabang, Puerto Princesa

TipsVisitor numbers are capped, so book online at least 1-2 days ahead. Bring a hat as bats roost inside the cave.

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★ 4.5

Honda Bay

Just 30 minutes by car from Puerto Princesa, Honda Bay is an island-hopping hotspot dotted with small islands like Luli, Cowrie, and Starfish. It's much closer than El Nido or Coron, making it ideal as a family day trip — calm shallow water is perfect for snorkeling with kids. Tours typically include a fresh seafood barbecue lunch. Tour about PHP 1,500-2,500 (lunch included). 30 minutes by car from Puerto Princesa.

HoursTours depart 08:00-09:00 daily

LocationPuerto Princesa, Palawan

TipsEasy day trip from Puerto Princesa — great for short itineraries. Spot live starfish at Starfish Island.

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★ 4.6

Nacpan Beach

About 20 km north of El Nido town, Nacpan Beach is a roughly 4 km stretch of white sand lined with palms — quiet and serene compared to El Nido's busier beaches. The Twin Beach viewpoint where Nacpan meets neighboring Calitang Beach is a famous photo spot. Small guesthouses and beach bars line the shore. Admission about PHP 50. About 1 hour by motorbike from El Nido.

HoursOpen 24 hours

LocationNacpan, El Nido

TipsRenting a motorbike gives the most freedom. Watch sunset with a San Miguel beer at a beach bar.

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★ 4.8

Kayangan Lake (Coron)

Tucked between limestone cliffs on Coron Island, Kayangan Lake is a stunning turquoise freshwater lake widely called 'the cleanest lake in the Philippines.' After landing by boat, visitors climb about 300 steep steps and descend to this hidden gem. The clifftop viewpoint overlooking Coron Bay is one of Palawan's most iconic photo spots. Swimming and snorkeling are allowed, and the lake's bottom is uniquely split — half freshwater, half saltwater. Admission about PHP 300 (tour extra). About 30 minutes by boat from Coron town.

HoursDaily 08:00-16:00

LocationCoron Island, Palawan

TipsEarly morning beats the crowds. Often included in Coron Ultimate Tour packages — verify your itinerary.

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★ 4.7

Twin Lagoon (Coron)

Hidden within Coron Island's limestone cliffs, Twin Lagoon is a pair of lagoons connected by a narrow rock passage or low cave that you swim through to reach the second pool. At high tide, climb over the rocks with ladders; at low tide, swim through the cave. The serene water and surrounding cliffs of the inner lagoon create a cinematic scene. Admission about PHP 200 (tour extra). About 25 minutes by boat from Coron town.

HoursDaily 08:00-16:00

LocationCoron Island, Palawan

TipsLife jackets are required. Usually paired with Kayangan Lake on the Coron Ultimate Tour.

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★ 4.9

El Nido Big Lagoon

Set inside Miniloc Island, Big Lagoon is a vast emerald lagoon ringed by 30 m limestone cliffs in a full 360-degree wall — one of the world's most fantastical scenes. Rent a kayak to glide across the glassy surface, with deeper sections suitable for diving. As the centerpiece of El Nido's Tour A, a single photo here can sum up a whole Palawan trip. Admission about PHP 200 (tour extra). About 20 minutes by boat from El Nido town.

HoursDaily 09:00-16:00

LocationMiniloc Island, El Nido

TipsKayak rental costs extra (PHP 300-500). Visiting via Tour A is the most efficient.

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🧭 Explore Palawan tours & activities

Day tour from Puerto Princesa hopping Luli, Cowrie, and Starfish Islands in Honda Bay. Family-friendly with a fresh seafood BBQ lunch.

Price PHP 1,500-2,500Duration About 6-7 hours

🎟️ Check prices & book →

🍱 Traditional

Mud crab from Palawan's waters cooked in chili-garlic or coconut-cream sauce. About PHP 600-1,200 per crab. Coron seafood restaurants and El Nido beachfront diners are recommended.

Mango Shake

🍵 Drink

A rich, sweet shake made with Philippine carabao mangoes. About PHP 60-120 per glass. Cool down at El Nido beach bars and Coron cafes.

🇰🇷 Tips for Korean Travelers

Practical info for Korean travelers heading to Palawan, Philippines from Seoul (ICN).

Korean Passport · Visa

Check visa rules for Philippines on the Korean MOFA travel advisory site before flying — visa-free, visa-on-arrival or e-visa rules change often. Keep at least 6 months of passport validity.

Flight from Incheon (ICN)

Compare direct and connecting flights from Incheon (ICN) to Palawan on Skyscanner or Google Flights. Early-morning departures from Korea are usually the cheapest option.

KRW ↔ Local Currency

Check the live FX widget above for the latest KRW rate. Korean travel cards like Travel Wallet, Hana EZ and Toss FX offer free local ATM withdrawals and competitive rates.

Korean Community · Korean Food

Many cities have an active Korean community in Palawan with Korean restaurants, mini-marts, and Korean-speaking guides. Search Naver Cafe or KakaoTalk open chats for "Palawan 한인" before you go.

Palawan Travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Palawan?: The dry season (December-May) is best, especially January to April. Boat tours may be limited during the wet season (June-November).
How much does it cost to travel in Palawan?: Daily budget around $35-105 (lodging $20-55; food $7-20; island hopping and transport $15-35).
How do I get around in Palawan?: From Puerto Princesa International Airport, a tricycle reaches the city in about 15 minutes. El Nido is about 5-6 hours by minivan or 1 hour by small domestic flight. Coron uses Busuanga Airport. Tricycles and Grab work on the island. SIM cards available at the airport (about PHP 300-500/week). Cash is the main payment method; only some resorts accept cards.
Do I need a visa to visit Palawan?: Korean passport holders can enter visa-free for up to 30 days.
Is Palawan safe for tourists?: Tourist areas are safe, but always wear a life jacket on boats. Avoid travelling to remote areas at night. Medical facilities in El Nido and Coron are limited, so bring basic medicine.

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