Palawan, Philippines: Travel Guide & Tips

Highlights
Perfect day
Map & getting there
Where to stay
When to go
Mistakes to avoid
Quick answers

Water this blue shouldn't be real

Picture jungle-covered limestone cliffs dropping straight into turquoise water. Now hide a lagoon behind them that you can only reach by kayak, or by swimming through a gap in the rock. That's Palawan.

From the air the water goes from deep blue to a turquoise that looks edited. It isn't.

And there's more. Near Puerto Princesa, a river runs for kilometres through a cave before flowing straight out into the sea. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature.

Boats anchored off a white beach below limestone cliffs

Aerial view of a lagoon with traditional bangka boats

The spots you can't miss

Turquoise water, limestone cliffs and boats at Coron — Coron's lagoons from above.

Kayangan Lake, Coron: a short, steep climb to the famous viewpoint, then a swim in some of the clearest water you'll ever see.
Twin Lagoon, Coron: two lagoons split by a rock wall. Low tide? Swim through a gap under the rock. High tide? Climb the ladder over it.
Big and Small Lagoon, El Nido: paddle in by kayak between towering cliffs. Small Lagoon's entrance is barely wider than a boat.
The Underground River, Puerto Princesa: a paddle boat glides into the cave in near darkness, past bats and giant rock formations.
Island hopping: the classic way to see it all. Boats leave in the morning and hop between beaches, reefs and lagoons all day.

Don't try to squeeze in all three bases. Pick El Nido or Coron, or do both if you have a week. Add Puerto Princesa only if the underground river is a must.

The perfect day in El Nido

Plan at least three nights in El Nido or Coron: one day for a boat tour, one for a different tour, and one spare in case the weather turns.

Kayakers paddling between limestone cliffs in El Nido — Kayaking into the lagoons.

Aerial view of many boats in a turquoise lagoon — The lagoons by midday. Go early.

Early morningBreakfast, then be at the pier before 8. The first boats into the lagoons get them almost empty.
MorningKayak into Big or Small Lagoon on Tour A before the crowds arrive.
MiddayLunch on a beach. Your boat crew grills fresh fish while you snorkel.
AfternoonMore islands, more reefs, more turquoise. Most tours are back by late afternoon.
SunsetTake a tricycle to Las Cabanas beach for sunset drinks.

Where it is and how to get there

Palawan is the long island in the far west of the Philippines, between the South China Sea and the Sulu Sea.

Map of the Philippines with a pin on El Nido in northern Palawan, west of Manila — Open in Google Maps →

By air Flights from Manila reach El Nido, Coron (Busuanga) and Puerto Princesa in about an hour to an hour and a half.
By road From Puerto Princesa, vans to El Nido take about 5 to 6 hours.
By ferry Fast ferries link El Nido and Coron in about 3.5 to 4 hours. They leave in the morning and can be cancelled in rough seas.

Traditional bangka boats at a wooden pier in El Nido — Bangka boats waiting at the pier in El Nido.

Fees: El Nido charges a one-time eco fee of 400 pesos, valid for 10 days, plus extra fees for some lagoons. Coron charges at each site. Carry small notes.

Where to stay: El Nido or Coron?

El Nido

A busy beach town with lots of hotels, bars and restaurants, and the famous Tours A to D. Stay just outside town in Corong-Corong for quieter nights and sunsets.

Best for: lagoons, kayaking and nightlife

Coron

Smaller and more laid-back, with the clearest lakes and some of the best wreck diving in the world.

Best for: swimming, snorkelling and divers

When to go

A calm turquoise sea off a white beach in Palawan — Calm sea, clear water: dry season at its best.

Dry December to May. Calm seas and sunny days. March to May is the hottest.
Peak Christmas, New Year and Easter. Book boats and rooms early.
Wet June to November. Cheaper and greener, but rough seas can cancel tours and ferries, and storms are possible.

Our tips for Palawan

A kayaker paddling between limestone cliffs, seen from behind

Take the first boat out. The lagoons are magical when you're alone and chaotic an hour later.
Book the underground river ahead. Permits are limited per day. Book at least two weeks ahead, and a month or more in peak season.
Bring cash. ATMs in El Nido and Coron are few and sometimes run dry. Fees and small boats are cash only.
Pack a dry bag and reef-safe sunscreen. You'll be in and out of boats all day.
See both if you can. El Nido and Coron each have lagoons the other doesn't.

Don't make these mistakes

Picking the wrong tour. In El Nido, Tour A has the famous lagoons and Tour C the hidden beaches. Read what each one covers before you book.
Booking a big party boat. Smaller groups get into the lagoons faster. Ask how many people will be on board.
Touching or standing on coral. It's fragile and protected. Look, don't touch.
Flying out the day after your last boat. Weather can cancel tours and ferries. Leave a spare day.
Coming in the wet season without a plan B. It can be lovely, but keep your plans flexible.

Quick answers

El Nido or Coron?

El Nido for kayaking into lagoons and a lively town. Coron for crystal-clear lakes, wrecks and a quieter base. With a week, do both.

How many days do I need?

Three nights in one base is the minimum. A week covers El Nido and Coron, with a spare day for the weather.

Do I need to book tours in advance?

In peak season, yes, a few days ahead. Otherwise you can book in town the day before.

Is it safe to swim in the lagoons?

Yes, they're calm, and tours hand out life jackets. Wear one if you're not a strong swimmer.

A note on prices: fees, opening hours and timetables change, and we update them every year. The details in this guide were checked in autumn 2026 and may be different by the time you travel, so please confirm them on the official website before you book.

Palawan