Introduction: In this 2024 Palawan travel guide, we will share everything we have experienced from our recent trip to this magical place in the Philippines. With its largely unspoiled natural beauty, pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and lush landscapes, it is no wonder why adventurers and nature lovers alike are lured to Palawan – the last frontier of the Philippines.
If you are a nature lover yourself, then why not? Palawan will satiate your hunger for islands, beaches, snorkeling, diving, food, tropical fruits, and beautiful sunsets! It is a place that offers a perfect blend of natural wonders and fewer crowds as compared to more commercialized destinations. And the best of all, the smiles of Filipino people. They are probably the most friendly people on Earth.
Best Time to Visit Palawan
We traveled in May 2024, and the weather was just perfect! As per locals, the best time to visit Palawan or the Philippines in general is from December to May. The weather during this period is ideal for island hopping and beach activities.
June to November on the other hand is the country’s monsoon season. You can expect some cancellations of activities during this period due to heavy rains. However, the landscapes are lush, less tourists, and possibly, you can find some great deals during this off-peak season.
Airports in Palawan
There are several options to get into Palawan depending on where you want to start your exploration. Puerto Princesa, El Nido, and Coron in Palawan are served by local airlines with several schedules daily. In our case, we flew into Puerto Princesa to jump-start our ultimate Palawan tour.
How to travel to Puerto Princesa:
- Manila / Cebu – Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific and Air Asia
- Iloilo – Cebu Pacific
How to travel to El Nido:
AirSwift is the sole airline serving El Nido airport. You can get into El Nido from Busuanga (Coron), Caticlan (Boracay), Cebu, Clark, Manila, and Tagbilaran (Bohol) through this airline.
How to travel to Coron:
- Manila – Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and AirSwift
- Cebu – Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and Sunlight Air
- Clark – Philippine Airlines and Sunlight Air
- El Nido – AirSwift
Getting around Palawan
Transferring between the top tourist spots in Palawan is easy. Vans are regularly available and you can easily reserve a seat through your hotel. Boats are also available for transfers between El Nido and Coron. The trip usually takes around 3.5 hours. You can book your tickets through your hotel.
Local transport called tricycles is the main mode of transport in each town. This is a good means of transport for short-distance trips. Or you can rent a motorbike to go around the places in Palawan. The roads in Palawan are paved and you won’t worry about any traffic.
Palawan Travel Guide Itinerary: Coron to Balabac or vice-versa
An ultimate Palawan travel itinerary would start in Coron and end in Puerto Princesa.
- Book a one-way ticket to Coron from Manila
- Travel by boat from Coron to El Nido
- Travel by van to Port Barton
- Travel by van to Puerto Princesa (as a stopover for Balabac)
- Travel by van to Balabac
- Travel by van to Puerto Princesa
- Book a one-way ticket to Manila from Puerto Princesa
You can also opt to start in Puerto Princesa to do the reverse depending on the place you want to visit first.
- Must-Do: Island hopping tours (A, B, C, D)
- Don’t Miss: Kayaking in Small and Big Lagoons
Puerto Princesa: Gateway to Palawan's Natural Wonders.
- Highlight: UNESCO World Heritage Site Puerto Princesa Underground River
- Don’t Miss: Firefly watching
Coron: Palawan's Lake and Lagoon Paradise.
- Dive Sites: Sunken Japanese WWII ships
- Above Water: Kayangan Lake, often called the cleanest lake in Asia
- Highlight: Twin and Wide Reefs (part of island hopping)
- Don’t Miss: Visit San Vicente viewpoint, Long Beach, and 100 steps viewpoint
Balabac: Palawan's Best-Kept Secret.
- Highlight: Swimming with turtles at Onok Island
- Don’t Miss: Sunsets
Natural Wonders You Cannot Miss
- Puerto Princesa Underground River: One of the New 7 Wonders of Nature
- El Nido’s Limestone Cliffs: Towering giants guarding hidden lagoons
- Coron’s Twin Lagoon: A mesmerizing mix of saltwater and freshwater
Where to Stay: Accommodations for Every Budget
All types of accommodations are available in Palawan – from the most luxurious to hostel-types of accommodations that cater to different travelers. Whether you are in Coron or Puerto Princesa, there are options to choose from.
Tasting Palawan: A Culinary Journey
As Palawan welcomes more and more tourists, several Western cuisines are now available in major spots in Palawan. However, you do not travel to another country to eat Western foods. As we were on the islands of Palawan, seafood is aplenty.
- Must-Try Dishes:
- Tamilok (woodworm): A daring delicacy
- Lato (seaweed salad): Refreshing and nutritious
- Top Eats: Ka Lui Restaurant, Puerto Princesa: Fresh seafood in an artsy setting
Responsible Tourism: Preserving Palawan's Beauty
Before our trip to Palawan, we read stories about the lack of water pressure in El Nido and Port Barton due to the dry season. While we did not experience this in our trip, it shows how fragile Palawan’s ecosystem is. As a tourist, we must consider this no matter where we go.
We can help the environment in our little way by closing taps or showers when not in use, patronizing eco-certified accommodations, saying no to single-use plastics, and simply respecting nature in the places we visit.
Essential Travel Tips for a Smooth Trip
Our trip to Palawan was very smooth. We did not experience any hiccups with our tours and van transfers. Whether in Puerto Princesa or El Nido, the people at our accommodations are always willing to answer our questions. English is widely spoken so there is no problem with communication plus Filipino people are very hospitable and are always willing to help.
Safety: We did not experience any safety issues during our trip. We always see the locals giving their big smiles whenever they see tourists in their town. But like everywhere else, always apply precautions wherever you are.
ATMs / Credit Cards: ATMs are widely available in Puerto Princesa, Port Barton, El Nido, and Coron. Balabac on the other hand is a remote island so ATMs are non-existent so it is recommended to bring extra cash with you.
Most of the establishments in the big areas also accept credit cards.
Etiquette: Like everywhere in the world, respect goes a long way.
Conclusion: Palawan is not just a destination; it is an experience that stays with you. From the awe-inspiring Underground River to the serene lagoons of El Nido and Coron, Palawan offers a 2024 adventure like no other. It is an enchanting and memorable experience! So book those tickets now – Palawan awaits!
If you have questions to help you out in crafting your Palawan trip, please get in touch with us.
