Palawan

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

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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Things to Do in Palawan

Adventure

El Nido Island Hopping

Boat tour from El Nido visiting Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, and Secret Beach. Kayak through lagoons and snorkel in crystal-clear waters.

Price PHP 1,200-1,800 (lunch and gear included)Duration About 6-7 hours

Nature

Underground River Boat Tour

A 45-minute boat ride through the UNESCO-listed Puerto Princesa Underground River. Marvel at millions-year-old stalactites and massive cave chambers.

Price PHP 500 (boat and guide included)Duration About 4-5 hours (including transport)

Adventure

Nacpan Beach Motorbike Tour

Ride a motorbike from El Nido to the 4km-long Nacpan Beach. Relax, swim, and sunbathe on a palm-lined white sand beach.

Price Motorbike rental PHP 500-700/day + PHP 50 entryDuration Half day to full day

Must-Try Food in Palawan

Crocodile Sisig

🍱 Traditional

A Palawan-exclusive dish of crocodile meat — light and similar in texture to chicken. About PHP 200-350 per serving. Ka Inane restaurant in Puerto Princesa is well known.

Seafood BBQ

🍢 Street Food

Freshly caught shrimp, squid, and fish grilled over charcoal right on the beach. Seafood sets about PHP 500-1,000. Beach restaurants in El Nido and market stalls in Coron are popular.

Fresh Coconut & Buko Pie

🍰 Dessert

Fresh coconut juice and pie made with young coconut meat. A coconut about PHP 30-50; a slice of buko pie about PHP 50-80. Available at stalls and bakeries throughout Palawan.

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 KRW 50,000-150,000 (lodging 30,000-80,000; food 10,000-30,000; island hopping and transport 20,000-50,000).

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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