If you are coming to the Philippines, Palawan is on top of the list of places to visit. And if you’re wondering where to go in Palawan, I have chosen my personal favorite destinations so you get an idea of which ones to include on your itinerary.
When you hear of Palawan, the two places that come to mind first are El Nido and Coron, and rightfully so. These two boast some of the most stunning natural landscapes, not just in the Philippines but in the whole wide world.
👉Check transportation from Manila to Coron!👈
We’re talking lagoons, white sand beaches, limestone cliffs, marine ecosystems—you name it. But there’s so much more to Palawan worth exploring beyond El Nido and Coron.
Palawan is the Philippines’ largest province area-wise. It’s facing the West Philippine Sea, hence the moniker Philippines’ ‘Last Frontier.’
Wherever you go in Palawan, it’s best to visit between October and May when there’s less rainfall. Peak travel season in Palawan falls between March and May, when it’s the hottest.
Avoid the months of June, July, and August if you can. I have explored some parts of Palawan in June and July, and I can guarantee it rains every day! My friend and I bought a raincoat as we traveled around El Nido, San Vicente, and Port Barton at one time.
👉Check transportation from Manila to El Nido!👈
After having visited the entirety of Palawan, here are the places I recommend:
1. El Nido
On top of my list (and probably everyone else’s) is El Nido, a town located in the northernmost part of mainland Palawan. Of all the places here, it is the “most touristy,” probably because it’s the most developed for tourism.
When I say “most touristy,” I don’t mean Boracay-touristy. El Nido remains a calm tourist town that has the right mix of nature adventures and nightlife on the weekends.
Top Tourist Attractions in El Nido
Most must-visit attractions in El Nido are accessible through island hopping tours. Choosing a few to recommend to you might be futile, so I’ll just mention some that stood out to me personally.
Small, Big, and Secret Lagoons
These lagoons are probably the most visible if you Google El Nido. Crystal-clear blue water surrounded by massive jagged limestone walls and greenery make them picture-perfect. Be sure to rent a kayak to explore the lagoons.
Small, Big, and Secret Lagoons are part of El Nido Tour A.
Helicopter Island
I love how soft the sand and clear the water are on Helicopter Island. But when we went there, it was jellyfish season.
Among us 8 on a private boat, I was one who got blotches of jellyfish sting on my body. It was itchy for a few minutes but then went away later on. But I would LOVE to revisit Helicopter Island in another season.
Helicopter Island is part of El Nido Tour C.
But even without island-hopping, you will enjoy El Nido. Some of my favorites are Nacpan Beach (don’t miss it!), Taraw Cliff (giving you an unobstructed view of Bacuit Bay), and Marimegmeg Beach (where sunsets are insanely spectacular!).
How to Get to El Nido
From Manila, there are direct flights and ferries to El Nido. Ferries, however, are fairly limited and long and tedious. Check out the Manila to El Nido Ferry Schedule!
From Cebu, there are also direct flights to El Nido.
For most people, El Nido is reached via Coron. Check out the Coron to El Nido Ferry Schedule.
You can also take a flight or ferry from Manila to Puerto Princesa and then take a 5-hour van ride to El Nido. Check out the Manila to Puerto Princesa Ferry Schedule!
👉Book van transfer to El Nido from Puerto Princesa!👈
Check out our range of El Nido travel guides:
- Best Things to Do in El Nido
- Top El Nido Tourist Spots
- El Nido to Coron Ferry Schedule
- Manila to El Nido Ferry Schedule
2. Coron
Coron has the same features as El Nido, except it’s calmer and less developed. Located in Busuanga Island, which is the northernmost part of Palawan, it’s worth adding to your adventure if you like endless white-sand beaches, lagoons, lakes, and islands. And if you are into freediving or scuba diving, Coron is fantastic!
👉Check transportation from Manila to Coron!👈
Top Tourist Attractions in Coron
A lot of the most spectacular attractions in Coron are seen only through island hopping tours. But it’s going to be worth every penny. Here are some of my personal favorites:
Barracuda Lake
Barracuda Lake might not seem interesting at first glance. But this brackish lake has thermocline and halocline water, making it a unique dive site. Even when you’re just freediving, the rocky walls underwater look magnificent.
From the surface, the temperature sits around 27 degrees Celsius. And as you go 45 feet down, the temperature rises to over 37 degrees Celsius.
There are no more barracudas sighted here if you ask.
👉Book Coron Tour B (with Barracuda Lake)!👈
Twin Lagoon
As one of the most picturesque attractions in Coron, Twin Lagoon is expected to be flooded with tourists, either swimming or kayaking. Don’t worry, it’s spacious enough to accommodate many tourists.
👉Book Coron Super Ultimate Tour!👈
Mt. Tapyas
Mt. Tapyas is one of the few inland tourist spots in Coron worth visiting. Climb it before sunset to appreciate the Busuanga Island’s landscapes even more.
Although the way going up the mountain is concrete steps, the climb can be exhausting. Make sure to bring a bottle of water.
How to Get to Coron
From Manila, you can fly directly to Coron. There are also direct ferries. Check out our Manila to Coron Ferry Schedule!
From Cebu, there are direct flights to Coron.
If you’re coming from El Nido, just catch a ferry to Coron. Check out the El Nido to Coron Ferry Schedule!
👉Book van transfer from Coron Airport to your hotel!👈
Check out our range of Coron travel guides:
- Best Things to Do in Coron
- Top Coron Tourist Spots
- Coron to El Nido Ferry Schedule
- Puerto Princesa to Coron Ferry Schedule
- Manila to Coron Ferry Schedule
3. San Vicente
My sentimental favorite part of Palawan is San Vicente, home to Long Beach, the longest white sand beach in the Philippines (though I see it as cream sand). Despite its beauty, San Vicente remains off people’s radar.
The sleeping tourist town is currently devoid of big-name resorts. However, this is about to change in the next few years, as the Long Beach area was recently selected as the first one for the government’s sustainable tourism development program.
I always say that 50 years from now, San Vicente will become what Boracay is today. So visit it now while it’s still in its pristine state.
👉Book bus/van transfer to San Vicente from Puerto Princesa!👈
Top Tourist Attractions in San Vicente
San Vicente does not have the limestone cliffs of Coron and El Nido, but it does have tons of cream-sand beaches.
Long Beach
Stretching for over 14 kilometers, it’s hard to miss Long Beach. San Vicente’s tourism emblem, and rightfully so. The last time I visited Long Beach was in June 2023, and I can tell you I was the only one enjoying the long stretch of beach, at least as far as my eye could see.
Bato Ni Ningning
This iconic mountain view shows Long Beach in all of its glory. Located on top of a mountain, the climb is easy. From sunrise to sundown, it does not disappoint. However, if you’re visiting during the hottest months of March, April, and May, it might not be a good idea, as the grasses could be burnt due to extremely hot weather.
Boayan Island
As San Vicente’s largest island, you can find various nature spots, including white sand beaches and lush forests. If you wish to snorkel, you won’t be disappointed.
👉Find hotel deals in San Vicente!👈
How to Get to San Vicente
There are no direct flights to San Vicente from Manila and Cebu. The best option is via Puerto Princesa.
If you’re coming from Puerto Princesa, there are vans and buses to San Vicente. But I highly recommend taking a van so you can be picked up from the airport or at your hotel. The travel time is 4-5 hours, and the rate is 400 PHP.
👉Book van transfer to San Vicente from El Nido!👈
From El Nido, there’s no direct bus/van to San Vicente as of now. You need to charter a van. If you don’t mind the commute, you can take a bus/van to Alimanguan, San Vicente and tell the driver/conductor to drop you off at the intersection (see map) going to New Agutaya, San Vicente. From there, you can flag down a van/bus going to New Agutaya or wherever you are staying in San Vicente town.
From Port Barton, you can charter a motorized bangka (outrigger boat) to San Vicente town. Alternatively, you may drive a motorbike to San Vicente town through an unpaved path that can only accommodate two-wheeled vehicles.
👉Book van transfer to San Vicente from El Nido!👈
Do note that van transfers are hard to come by. Don’t make the same mistake as I did the first time I went to San Vicente.
I did not pre-book my transfer and just showed up at the bus/van terminal, thinking there would be tons of vehicles waiting for passengers. Nope!
I was the only passenger going to San Vicente, so I was forced to charter the entire van. Take that in mind.
👉Book bus/van transfer to San Vicente from Puerto Princesa!👈
4. Port Barton
Contrary to common tourist assumptions, Port Barton is actually part of San Vicente. However, it is more touristy than San Vicente’s town.
If you find accommodations in San Vicente, a lot of the properties in Port Barton would come up. It’s because Port Barton is more developed, with more restaurants and resorts.
Compared to El Nido, Port Barton is more laid-back, perfect for those who prefer to unwind in peace with a coconut in one hand, just enjoying the breeze. If you’re into snorkeling, Port Barton is teeming with marine life, usually accessible through island hopping tours.
👉Book Port Barton island hopping tour from San Vicente!👈
Top Tourist Attractions in Port Barton
In Port Barton, there are several attractions you can visit. Here are some remarkable ones:
Port Barton Beach
Most accommodations in Port Barton are found along or near Port Barton Beach, a long stretch of white sand beach, so it’s hard to miss. Before sundown, the beach offers an exquisite view of sunsets, one of the best in the Philippines, as it faces the great Sulu Sea.
Starfish Island
Not an island per se but more of a sandbar, Starfish Island is home to—well, as the name suggests—many starfishes of different colors. It’s typically accessible through island hopping tours but can also be kayaked since it’s just off the coast of Port Barton Beach. Be a responsible tourist—avoid touching or holding any starfish!
👉Book Port Barton island hopping tour from San Vicente!👈
How to Get to Port Barton
From Puerto Princesa, take a bus/van bound for Port Barton. It costs 400 PHP and the travel time is 4 hours.
👉Book van transfer to Port Barton from Puerto Princesa!👈
From El Nido, take a van going to Port Barton. It costs 600 PHP and the travel time is 5 hours.
👉Book van transfer to Port Barton from El Nido!👈
There are no direct flights from Manila or Cebu to Port Barton. You need to take the Puerto Princesa, El Nido, or San Vicente routes.
From San Vicente town, you can charter a motorized bangka (outrigger boat) to Port Barton. Alternatively, you may drive a motorbike to Port Barton through an unpaved path (for most of it) that can only accommodate two-wheeled vehicles.
👉Book Port Barton island hopping tour from San Vicente!👈
5. Balabac
I would have put Balabac at the top of the list if it weren’t for the messy logistics of getting here. Located on the southernmost tip of Palawan, about 6 hours away from Puerto Princesa, Balabac remains elusive to most tourists for a lot of reasons. It’s quite far and less developed compared to El Nido and Coron, and mostly because it’s so expensive to get here.
Nevertheless, it’s only a matter of time before Balabac becomes more tourist-friendly with an easier mode of transportation. For now, tourists are recommended to take a guided tour to explore the islands.
👉Book Balabac island-hopping tour!👈
A DIY trip would cost you 5 times as much. But if you have the budget to charter an entire boat to take you around, then why not?
There are about 31 to 36 islands in Balabac, depending on the tide. Most of these islands are uninhabited—just white patches of powdery sand and a few greenery. This part of Palawan is far from luxurious, but once you get here, you’ll understand why the land and sea travel time is all worth it.
👉Book Balabac island-hopping tour!👈
Top Tourist Attractions in Balabac
If you’re looking for the most dreamy islands in the Philippines, no doubt Balabac takes the cake! Here are some of my favorites:
Onok Island
Arguably the most stunning island in the Philippines, Onok Island is one of the main highlights of all Balabac island hopping tours. The fine white sand, the sandbar, the crystal-clear water—everything is picture-perfect! Whatever description I would write about this island, it’s just not going to bring justice.
Mansalangan Sandbar
We have so many pretty sandbars across the Philippines, but this has got to be one of the prettiest, clearest, and finest. Mansalangan Sandbar will always have a place in my heart when it comes to the best sandbars in the Philippines.
👉Book Balabac island-hopping tour!👈
How to Get to Balabac
From Puerto Princesa, your tour guide usually picks you up from the airport or hotel at 3-4 AM. You will then head to Buliluyan Port in Bataraza, which takes 6-7 hours to reach.
Note that most travel guides suggest getting to Rio Tuba Pier. This is outdated information. Boats bound for Balabac now dock at Buliluyan Port, not Rio Tuba Pier.
I don’t recommend DIYing your trip to Balabac since there are no set schedules for boats from Bataraza to Balabac. This could cost you more if you miss the boat or get to the wrong destination.
👉Book Balabac island-hopping tour!👈
6. Puerto Princesa
If you are landing in Puerto Princesa, you might as well explore the city while you are here. Whether you are looking for fine beaches and adventures, Palawan’s capital is more than just an airport stopover. The city itself offers both picturesque landscapes and rich marine life.
Puerto Princesa is home to the Puerto Princesa Underground River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999 and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature.
👉Check transportation from Manila to Puerto Princesa!👈
Top Tourist Attractions in Puerto Princesa
While most tourists skip Puerto Princesa for other places, it does have quite a few places worth visiting. Here are some of my favorites:
Puerto Princesa Underground River
Also known as the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, PPUR is carefully tucked in the gorgeous mountains 20 minutes away from Sabang Port and is only accessible by ferry. The spellbinding charm of the huge cave opening, the cold and crystal clear waters, and the white sand lining the karst mountains—there’s simply no other place like it.
The river is the longest navigable underground river in the world. It can only be visited through a 45-minute tour.
Lit by large flashlights, you’ll enjoy the majestic rock formations inside the cave, along with informational and witty stories from the guides. To conclude the tour, all lights will be turned off, and you’ll get to experience the underground river in pitch black.
👉Book Puerto Princesa Underground River tour!👈
Honda Bay
Honda Bay is a group of tiny islands on the eastern side of Puerto Princesa and is famous for its white sand, turquoise clear waters, and islands home to a few upscale resorts.
👉Book Honda Bay island hopping tour!👈
Ugong Rock
This hillside tourist attraction near PPUR offers a zip-line ride and cave tour. The trail is easy, and children and the elderly are welcome to explore the cave. You can even do it in flip-flops!
👉Book Ugong Rock and Puerto Princesa Underground River tour!👈
How to Get to Puerto Princesa
From Manila, there are direct flights daily and a weekly ferry trip to Puerto Princesa. From Cebu, only direct flights are available.
If you are coming from El Nido, Port Barton, or San Vicente, you can take a bus/van to Puerto Princesa.
👉Check transportation from Manila to Puerto Princesa!👈
Check out our range of Puerto Princesa travel guides:
7. Cuyo
As Palawan’s oldest town, which has been around for more than 350 years, you can expect history and nature to come together in Cuyo. If you like windsurfing and kiteboarding, Cuyo is the perfect place, being one of Asia’s best.
Despite its awe-inspiring natural beauty, Cuyo remains one of the least visited destinations in Palawan due to its geographic location. It is located in the Sulu Sea near Boracay and Iloilo (there are, in fact, regular ferry trips from Iloilo to Cuyo and vice versa).
Don’t be confused—Cuyo Island is only one of about 45 islands that make up the so-called Cuyo Islands.
👉Book your Puerto Princesa to Cuyo ferry ticket!👈
Top Tourist Attractions in Cuyo
Cuyo Islands is home to Amanpulo, a luxury resort visited by several Hollywood celebrities. But there’s more to Cuyo. Here are some of my favorites:
Cuyo Island
The island itself has several white-sand beaches and historical landmarks, including Cuyo Town Beach, Capusan Beach, and St. Augustine’s Church.
Pamalican Island
North of Cuyo Island is Pamalican Island, home to Amanpulo. For 100,000 pesos per night, you can feel what an ultimate luxury vacation is. Note that this is a different Pamalican Island from the one in Coron.
Manamoc Island
This island village is home to about 3,000 people and is located a few kilometers south of Pamalican Island. The water is crystal clear, and the sand is fine.
👉Book your Iloilo to Cuyo ferry ticket!👈
How to Get to Cuyo
From Puerto Princesa, you can take a 19-hour ferry to Cuyo. This trip costs around 2,300 PHP.
👉Book your Puerto Princesa to Cuyo ferry ticket!👈
From Iloilo City, there’s a 12-hour ferry to Cuyo. This trip costs 1,500 PHP.
👉Book your Iloilo to Cuyo ferry ticket!👈
There are no direct ferries or flights to Cuyo from Manila or Cebu. There are private planes to Pamalican Island exclusive for Amanpulo guests.
Your Ultimate Palawan Travel Guide
Palawan is such a mysterious province for me. It’s so big yet so less populated for the most part.
I believe there is more to explore throughout Palawan outside the ones mentioned on this list. And I can’t wait for Mother Nature to reveal itself.
Got more questions about traveling to Palawan? Drop them in the comments! I’ll get back to you ASAP.
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