Overview
Palawan is an elongated province in the western Philippines, stretching roughly 450 km from Mindoro in the northeast to Borneo in the southwest. Often described as the Philippines' last ecological frontier, it encompasses a striking range of environments: limestone karst formations, ancient forests, shallow turquoise lagoons, and one of the most biodiverse coral reef systems in the world.
The province is divided into several distinct travel zones. Puerto Princesa, the capital, serves as the main gateway and is home to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To the north, El Nido is the jumping-off point for the Bacuit Archipelago, a collection of dramatic limestone islands and hidden lagoons. Coron, in the northern district of Busuanga, draws divers with its fleet of Japanese WWII shipwrecks and its freshwater Kayangan Lake. The southern areas around Brooke's Point and Balabac remain far less visited and more difficult to access.
Palawan consistently ranks among Asia's top island destinations, and while some areas have seen rapid tourist growth, others retain a genuinely off-the-beaten-track character. Travelers who plan thoughtfully and travel in the shoulder season can still find stretches of coast with very few visitors.
Before You Go
Visas
Visa requirements for the Philippines vary by nationality and are subject to change. For current entry rules, check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official website of the Philippine Bureau of Immigration (immigration.gov.ph).
Health
Consult a travel health clinic or your GP well before departure. Malaria risk exists in parts of Palawan, particularly in rural and forested areas; medical guidance on prophylaxis is recommended. Dengue fever is present year-round. Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date and consider hepatitis A and typhoid cover. Tap water is not considered safe to drink — bottled or filtered water is the standard.
What to Pack
- Reef-safe sunscreen (conventional sunscreen is environmentally harmful and restricted in some marine areas)
- Lightweight, quick-dry clothing and a light rain layer
- Insect repellent with DEET or picaridin
- Snorkeling gear if you have preferences for your own equipment; rentals are widely available but variable in quality
- A dry bag for island-hopping boat trips
- Modest clothing for visiting communities and religious sites
Money
ATMs are available in Puerto Princesa and have improved in El Nido and Coron, but availability can be unreliable in smaller towns. Carrying sufficient Philippine Peso cash before heading to remote areas is strongly advised. Many resorts and tours in El Nido and Coron now accept cards, but small operators typically do not.
Getting There
By Air
Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS) is the main hub, receiving direct flights from Manila and Cebu with several Philippine carriers. El Nido has a small airstrip (Lio Airport) served by light aircraft connecting to Manila; these flights are scenic but weather-dependent and subject to cancellation. Francisco B. Reyes Airport in Busuanga serves Coron and receives flights from Manila. Verify current schedules directly with airlines or a booking platform, as routes and operators change seasonally.
By Sea
Ferry services connect Manila to Puerto Princesa, Coron, and El Nido, operated by companies such as 2GO Travel and FastCat, among others. Journey times are long (typically 12–20 hours or more depending on route and vessel), and schedules shift with seasons and sea conditions. For inter-island travel within Palawan, fast ferries link El Nido and Coron — a popular route for travelers doing a north-to-south or south-to-north itinerary. Always verify current schedules and book ahead during peak season.
Getting Around
Within Puerto Princesa
Tricycles (motorcycle sidecars) are the primary local transport and are metered or negotiated; they are suitable for short distances within the city. Vans and minibuses run to the Subterranean River and other points along the main road. Jeepneys operate on fixed routes through the city.
El Nido and Coron
In both El Nido town and Coron town, the main streets are walkable. Tricycles and habal-habal (motorcycle taxis) serve local trips. Island-hopping is done by bangka (outrigger boats), and tour operators sell A, B, C, and D tour packages covering different island clusters. Private boat hire is possible for more flexibility.
Between Areas
The road between Puerto Princesa and El Nido is long and sometimes rough, served by shared vans and buses; journey times vary but can be six to eight hours or more depending on road conditions — verify locally. The fast ferry between El Nido and Coron is a practical and scenic alternative to backtracking through Puerto Princesa. Domestic flights remain the fastest option between distant points.
Things to See & Do
Puerto Princesa Area
- Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring a navigable underground river through a cave system. Permits are required and quantities are limited; book well in advance through the city tourism office or accredited operators.
- Honda Bay: A cluster of small islands accessible by boat from Puerto Princesa, suitable for snorkeling and a relaxed day trip.
- Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm: A functioning open prison and one of Palawan's more unusual attractions; guided visits give insight into the Philippine penal system and the farm's history.
El Nido and the Bacuit Archipelago
- Island-hopping tours: The region's defining activity. Lagoons (Big and Small Lagoon on Miniloc Island are frequently cited), beaches, and snorkel spots are distributed across the archipelago. Tour packages are the most common format; book with licensed operators.
- Nacpan Beach: A long, relatively undeveloped beach reachable by road from El Nido town, popular for those seeking a quieter alternative to the islands.
- Kayaking and paddleboarding: Conditions in the sheltered lagoons are well suited to these activities.
Coron
- Wreck diving: Coron Bay holds a concentration of Japanese WWII shipwrecks sunk in a 1944 US air raid. Sites such as the Okikawa Maru and Irako are accessible to recreational divers; some are also suitable for advanced or technical divers. Dive operators are based in Coron town.
- Kayangan Lake: A clear freshwater lake set within limestone cliffs on Coron Island, widely regarded as one of the most scenic spots in the Philippines. Entry fees apply; verify current amounts locally.
- Twin Lagoon: A tidal lagoon on Coron Island, accessible by swimming or kayak through a low rock passage.
- Maquinit Hot Springs: Natural saltwater hot springs near Coron town, accessible by tricycle.
Southern Palawan
The areas around Brooke's Point, Bataraza, and the Balabac island group in the far south offer a genuine frontier experience with near-pristine beaches and reefs. Access requires planning, time, and flexibility; infrastructure is limited. Research current access conditions before planning a visit.
Food & Drink
Filipino cuisine forms the backbone of eating in Palawan, with an emphasis on fresh seafood given the province's geography. Grilled fish, prawns, squid, and crab are available at carinderias (local eateries), beachside restaurants, and resort dining rooms alike. Kinilaw — a local ceviche-style dish of raw fish cured in vinegar and citrus — is a regional staple worth trying.
Puerto Princesa has a developed restaurant scene with Filipino, international, and fusion options concentrated along Rizal Avenue and in the Baywalk area. El Nido town's main strip offers everything from local carinderia plates to wood-fired pizza and cocktail bars catering to the backpacker and mid-range traveler market. Coron town has a smaller but growing dining scene, with several restaurants overlooking the waterfront.
Fresh buko (coconut water) served straight from the nut is ubiquitous and refreshing. Halo-halo, a layered shaved-ice dessert with various toppings, is the quintessential Filipino sweet treat. Alcohol is widely available; San Miguel Beer is the dominant local brand. Note that some outlying islands and resorts operate dry policies or limited bar service — verify before booking if this matters to you.
Practical Information
Connectivity
Mobile data coverage (4G) is reasonable in Puerto Princesa and increasingly available in El Nido and Coron town, though it drops off sharply in rural areas and on many smaller islands. Purchasing a local SIM card at the airport is straightforward and generally cost-effective; major providers include Globe and Smart. Wi-Fi is available at most guesthouses and restaurants in the main towns but speed and reliability are inconsistent.
Environmental Fees and Permits
- El Nido charges an Environmental User Fee (EUF); verify the current amount at the tourism office or with your operator.
- Entry to the Subterranean River requires an advance permit; quotas are enforced.
- Some islands in Coron and El Nido charge separate island entrance fees, collected by barangay (village) authorities. Amounts vary and change; budget accordingly.
Power
Electricity runs at 220V/60Hz. Outlets are predominantly Type A (two flat pins) and Type B (two flat pins plus a grounding pin). Power outages occur periodically, particularly on outer islands; many resorts use generators with limited hours.
Responsible Travel
Palawan's ecosystems are under measurable pressure from tourism growth. Avoiding single-use plastics, not touching or standing on coral, not purchasing products made from protected species (shells, corals, sea turtles), and choosing operators with visible environmental practices are all meaningful steps. Several marine protected areas have capacity limits — respect them.
Safety
Palawan is generally considered one of the safer provinces in the Philippines for tourists. That said, standard urban precautions apply in Puerto Princesa: be aware of your surroundings at night, secure valuables, and use established transport rather than accepting unsolicited rides.
Sea safety is the most significant practical concern for most visitors. Island-hopping and inter-island boat trips carry inherent risks — rough sea conditions can develop quickly, particularly outside the dry season. Choose operators whose boats are equipped with life jackets and who appear to follow safety protocols. Avoid travel during typhoon warnings; the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) issues forecasts at pagasa.dost.gov.ph.
For medical emergencies, Puerto Princesa has the best hospital facilities in the province. In El Nido and Coron, medical facilities are limited; serious cases are typically evacuated to Puerto Princesa or Manila. Travel insurance that includes medical evacuation is strongly recommended for all visitors.
For emergencies, the Philippine national emergency hotline is 911. Contact your country's embassy or consulate for consular assistance.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Palawan is home to several indigenous groups, most notably the Tagbanua, Batak, and Palawan peoples, who have inhabited the island for thousands of years. The Tagbanua of Coron Island hold a Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title over parts of the island; certain areas, including Coron Island's interior, are restricted from tourist access out of respect for this — follow guidance from local operators and signage.
The majority of lowland Palawans are Christian, predominantly Roman Catholic, and the rhythms of church life shape local schedules, especially on Sundays and during fiestas. Dress modestly when visiting churches or attending community events. Respectful, unhurried interaction with locals is generally well received; Filipinos are known for hospitality, but this should not be taken for granted or exploited.
Barangay-level governance plays a meaningful role in tourism management across the islands. Some beaches and coves are managed directly by communities, and fees collected fund local development. Paying these fees, rather than avoiding them, directly benefits residents.
