5 Days in Palawan — The Ultimate Itinerary (El Nido & Coron)
This Palawan itinerary 5 days takes you through the three crown jewels of the Philippines' last frontier: the Puerto Princesa Underground River, the jaw-dropping lagoons of El Nido, and the crystal-clear lakes and wreck dives of Coron. We've optimized every connection, every tour, and every meal so you don't waste a single minute — or peso.
Whether you're a budget backpacker or looking for a mid-range escape, this Palawan travel itinerary has you covered. Expect to spend $50–$150/day depending on your style, and plan to visit between November and May for the best weather.
Table of Contents
- Quick Overview
- Day 1: Arrive in Puerto Princesa & Underground River
- Day 2: Travel to El Nido & Nacpan Beach
- Day 3: El Nido Island Hopping Tour A
- Day 4: El Nido to Coron via Fastcraft
- Day 5: Coron Island Hopping & Departure
- Palawan Budget Breakdown
- Where to Stay
- Transport Tips
- What to Pack
- Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Overview
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Route | Puerto Princesa → El Nido → Coron |
| Duration | 5 days / 4 nights |
| Best time | November – May (dry season) |
| Budget | $250–$350 total |
| Mid-range | $500–$750 total |
| Luxury | $1,500+ total |
| Main activities | Underground River, Tour A island hopping, Nacpan Beach, Coron lake tours |
| Flights in/out | Puerto Princesa (PPS) in, Busuanga (USU) out |
Tip: This itinerary works best flying into Puerto Princesa and out of Busuanga (Coron). If you need to do a round-trip from the same airport, budget an extra travel day — see our Palawan Travel Guide for alternative routing options.
Day 1: Arrive in Puerto Princesa & Underground River
Your Palawan adventure starts in Puerto Princesa, the gateway to one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. The Underground River alone is worth the trip.
Morning: Arrive at PPS Airport
Most domestic flights arrive from Manila (Cebu Pacific, AirAsia, Philippine Airlines — 1.5 hours, $30–80/₱1,700–4,500). Grab a tricycle from the airport to your hotel for about $3 (₱150) — it's a 10–15 minute ride into the city center.
Drop your bags, change into light clothes, and have a quick breakfast at your hotel or a local panciteria (noodle house). Aim to leave the city by 8:30 AM.
Afternoon: Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour
The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the longest navigable underground rivers in the world. The river winds through a massive limestone cave system for 4.3 kilometers, filled with towering stalactites, stalagmites, and thousands of bats.
What to expect:
- Tour cost: $20–30 (₱1,100–1,700) per person, including the environmental fee, boat transfer, and permit
- Book in advance: Reserve through Klook — permits are limited to 900 visitors per day and sell out during peak season
- Travel time: 2 hours each way by shared van from Puerto Princesa (included in most tour packages)
- Duration at the river: ~45 minutes inside the cave by paddleboat, plus waiting time
- Bring: A light jacket (it's cool inside), a waterproof phone case, and insect repellent
The paddleboat guides will point out rock formations that look like everything from the Virgin Mary to a dinosaur. The ceiling of the cave is alive — literally. Thousands of bats and swiftlets nest in the upper chambers. Don't look up with your mouth open.
After the tour, most packages include a stop at Sabang Beach for a late lunch (included in the tour price). The grilled fish and pork belly here are simple but satisfying.
Evening: Dinner in Puerto Princesa
Back in the city by 5:00–6:00 PM. Two standout restaurants:
- Ka Lui Restaurant — Filipino-fusion served in a breezy open-air setting. The grilled tuna belly and seafood kare-kare are excellent. $10–15 (₱550–850) per meal. Reservations recommended during high season.
- Badjao Seafront — Right over the water with fresh seafood platters and a laid-back atmosphere. Great for watching the sunset. $8–15 (₱450–850) per meal.
Day 1 Budget
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tricycle to hotel | $3 (₱150) |
| Underground River tour | $25 (₱1,400) |
| Dinner | $12 (₱680) |
| Day 1 total | $40 (₱2,230) |
Day 2: Travel to El Nido & Nacpan Beach
Today is a travel day, but the reward at the end makes every bumpy kilometer worth it. El Nido is where those impossibly turquoise lagoons and dramatic limestone cliffs you've seen all over Instagram actually live.
Morning: Van to El Nido
The drive from Puerto Princesa to El Nido takes 5–6 hours on a winding but fully paved road. It's scenic — you'll pass through rural villages, rice paddies, and forested hills.
Van transfer details:
- Cost: $15–20 (₱800–1,100) per person
- Book via: Klook, Cherry Bus, or Lexxus Shuttle — all reliable operators
- Departure times: 5:00 AM, 7:00 AM, 9:00 AM (pick the 7:00 AM for a good balance)
- Book in advance: Seats fill up fast, especially December–February
Pro tip: Sit on the left side of the van for ocean views during the last hour approaching El Nido. The road hugs the coast and the views are stunning.
Arrive in El Nido around 1:00–2:00 PM. Check into your hotel, grab a quick lunch, and head straight to the beach.
Afternoon: Nacpan Beach
Nacpan Beach is a 4-kilometer stretch of golden sand lined with coconut palms, widely considered the most beautiful beach in mainland Palawan. It's everything White Beach in Boracay was 20 years ago — uncrowded, undeveloped, and breathtaking.
How to get there:
- Tricycle: 45 minutes from El Nido town, $3–5 (₱150–280) each way. Haggle and agree on the price before setting off.
- Motorbike rental: $8–12 (₱450–680) per day. The road is unpaved for the last stretch — doable but dusty.
- Hire a tricycle to wait: ~$10–12 (₱550–680) roundtrip, they'll wait 2–3 hours
What to do at Nacpan:
- Swim and sunbathe — the water is calm and warm year-round
- Walk to the viewpoint at the north end of the beach (20 min hike, free) for panoramic shots of the twin beaches
- Grab fresh coconut juice and grilled seafood from the small local stalls
- Stay for sunset — the sky turns pink and orange over the South China Sea
Evening: Dinner in El Nido
Back in town by 6:30 PM. Two favorite dinner spots:
- The Alternative — Fresh seafood with a local twist. The grilled squid and garlic butter shrimp are consistently excellent. $8–12 (₱450–680) per meal.
- Trattoria Altrove — Unexpectedly good Italian food in a cozy courtyard. Their brick-oven pizza and seafood pasta are the best non-Filipino meal you'll find in El Nido. $8–15 (₱450–850). Arrive early — the wait can be 30+ minutes during peak season.
Day 2 Budget
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Van transfer to El Nido | $18 (₱1,000) |
| Lunch | $5 (₱280) |
| Tricycle to Nacpan Beach | $5 (₱280) |
| Dinner | $10 (₱560) |
| Day 2 total | $38 (₱2,120) |
Day 3: El Nido Island Hopping Tour A
This is the day you've been waiting for. Tour A is the most popular island-hopping tour in El Nido, and for good reason — it hits the iconic lagoons, hidden beaches, and crystal-clear snorkeling spots that put Palawan on the map.
Tour A: Small Lagoon, Big Lagoon & More
Tour A itinerary:
- Small Lagoon — Kayak through a narrow opening in the limestone cliffs into a hidden lagoon surrounded by towering rock walls. The water is so clear you can see fish darting beneath your kayak. Kayak rental is ~$5 (₱280) extra.
- Big Lagoon — A massive enclosed lagoon with emerald-green water. The paddle through the entrance, flanked by sheer limestone on both sides, is one of the most photographed spots in the Philippines.
- Secret Lagoon — Accessible through a tiny hole in the rock wall at low tide. Inside, a small hidden beach surrounded by cliffs. Less crowded than the other lagoons.
- Shimizu Island — A small island with a white sand beach and excellent snorkeling. Look for clownfish in the coral gardens just off the beach.
- 7 Commando Beach — A long white sand beach with palm trees, perfect for the final stop. BBQ lunch is served here.
Tour details:
- Cost: $25–40 (₱1,400–2,250) per person, including lunch, boat, guide, and life jacket
- Book via: Klook for guaranteed departures, or local tour operators along the beachfront for potentially lower prices
- Departure: ~8:30–9:00 AM from El Nido town pier
- Return: ~4:00–4:30 PM
- What's included: Boat, guide, lunch (usually grilled fish, chicken, pork, rice, fruit), life jacket
- Extra costs: Kayak rental at Small Lagoon ($5/₱280), environmental fee ($3/₱170), snorkel rental ($3/₱170) if you don't bring your own
Tips for Tour A:
- Arrive early at the pier to get a good seat on the boat
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen — regular sunscreen damages the coral (and rangers may check)
- Bring a dry bag for your phone and camera — boats can get splashed
- Go during low tide if possible — the lagoons are more accessible and the colors are more vivid
- Pack motion sickness meds if you're prone — the boat ride to Big Lagoon can be choppy
Evening: Sunset in El Nido
After a full day on the water, unwind with sunset drinks:
- Happiness Beach Bar — Right on the beach in El Nido town. Great cocktails, reggae music, and a mellow vibe. $5–8 (₱280–450) for a cocktail.
- The Nest — Perched on a hill at Las Cabanas Beach with panoramic sunset views over the ocean. The zipline from the cliff starts nearby if you're feeling adventurous. Cocktails $6–10 (₱340–560).
Grab dinner at one of the many beachfront restaurants — try Squidos for grilled squid or Republica Sunset Bar for Filipino bar food and live music.
Day 3 Budget
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tour A island hopping | $32 (₱1,800) |
| Kayak rental | $5 (₱280) |
| Environmental fee | $3 (₱170) |
| Dinner + drinks | $15 (₱850) |
| Day 3 total | $55 (₱3,100) |
Day 4: El Nido to Coron via Fastcraft
Today you make the spectacular crossing from El Nido to Coron — arguably the most scenic ferry route in the Philippines. The fastcraft cuts through the Bacuit Archipelago and open ocean between two of Palawan's most stunning destinations.
Morning: Fastcraft to Coron
Montalvan Fastcraft (the main operator for this route):
- Cost: $25–35 (₱1,400–2,000) per person
- Duration: 3–4 hours depending on sea conditions
- Departure: 6:00 AM from El Nido port (be there by 5:30 AM)
- Book: Online at montalvanfastcraft.com or through travel agencies in El Nido town — book 1–2 days in advance, especially during high season
- Seating: Open-air upper deck (best views but windy) or enclosed cabin
What to bring: Motion sickness tablets (the open ocean stretch can be rough), a jacket, snacks (they sell light refreshments on board but options are limited), and your camera — the views of the limestone islands during departure are spectacular.
Arrive at Coron port by 9:30–10:00 AM. Take a tricycle to your hotel ($2–3 / ₱100–170).
Afternoon: Mt Tapyas Climb & Coron Town
After checking in and grabbing lunch, head out to explore Coron.
Mt Tapyas is the hill that dominates Coron's skyline, and the 710-step climb to the summit is the best free activity in town.
- Cost: Free
- Time: 30–45 minutes up, 15–20 minutes down
- Best time: Late afternoon, arriving at the summit 30 minutes before sunset
- What you'll see: A massive concrete cross at the top, panoramic 360-degree views of Coron Bay, the surrounding islands, and the town below. At sunset, the whole bay turns gold.
- Bring: Water (buy at the base), a flashlight for the walk down if you're cutting it close to dark
The steps are well-maintained concrete with handrails and resting points. It's a workout, but anyone with reasonable fitness can do it. Go slowly and enjoy it.
Evening: Dinner in Coron
Coron has a smaller but excellent dining scene:
- La Sirenetta Seafood Restaurant — Built on stilts over the water, this is Coron's most iconic restaurant. The seafood platter (grilled fish, prawns, squid, crab) is the signature dish. $8–15 (₱450–850) per meal.
- Kawayanan Grill — A bamboo-themed grill house with excellent Filipino BBQ, grilled tuna belly, and crispy pata (deep-fried pork knuckle). More affordable and popular with locals. $5–10 (₱280–560).
End the evening at Noah's Bar or one of the dive bar rooftops for a quiet drink with a view of the bay.
Day 4 Budget
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Fastcraft El Nido → Coron | $30 (₱1,700) |
| Tricycle to hotel | $2 (₱120) |
| Lunch | $5 (₱280) |
| Dinner | $10 (₱560) |
| Day 4 total | $47 (₱2,660) |
Day 5: Coron Island Hopping & Departure
Your final day in Palawan brings you to Coron's signature attraction — the impossibly clear lakes and lagoons of Coron Island. Even if your flight isn't until the afternoon, you can fit in a half-day tour.
Option A: Full-Day Coron Island Tour
The standard Coron island hopping tour covers the highlights:
- Kayangan Lake — The cleanest lake in the Philippines (and arguably Asia). Crystal-clear water with visibility exceeding 20 meters. A short 10-minute climb up limestone steps leads to a viewpoint overlooking the lake before you descend to swim. Entry: $5 (₱280)
- Twin Lagoon — Two lagoons connected by a narrow passage that you swim (or kayak) through. At low tide, the gap is tight enough that you have to swim sideways. The water alternates between warm surface water and icy cold thermoclines below. Kayak rental: $5 (₱280)
- Siete Pecados Marine Park — Seven small islands surrounded by vibrant coral reefs. Excellent snorkeling with clownfish, parrotfish, and sea turtles. Entry: $3 (₱170)
- Skeleton Wreck — A shallow WWII Japanese shipwreck in 5–15 meters of water, visible from the surface. Great for snorkeling or introductory dives.
Tour details:
- Cost: $20–35 (₱1,100–2,000) per person via Klook or local operators
- Duration: Full day, ~8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
- Includes: Boat, guide, lunch, life jacket
Option B: Half-Day ULTRA Tour (for afternoon flights)
If you're flying out of Busuanga Airport (USU) in the afternoon, the Coron ULTRA Tour is your best bet:
- Duration: 4 hours, ~7:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- Cost: $20 (₱1,100) per person
- Covers: Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon, and one beach stop
- Gets you back in town by 11:30 AM, plenty of time for a quick lunch and a tricycle to the airport (30 minutes, $5/₱280)
This is the most efficient way to see Coron's top two spots without missing your flight.
Getting to Busuanga Airport (USU)
- Tricycle from Coron town: 30 minutes, $5–8 (₱280–450)
- Van transfer: Available through hotels and tour operators, $5 (₱280)
- Departure buffer: Allow at least 1.5 hours before domestic flight time — the airport is small but the road can be slow
Day 5 Budget
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Coron island tour (full day) | $28 (₱1,600) |
| Tricycle to airport | $6 (₱340) |
| Lunch | $5 (₱280) |
| Day 5 total | $39 (₱2,220) |
Palawan Budget Breakdown
Here's what the full 5-day Palawan itinerary costs at three different travel styles:
Budget Traveler ($250–$350 total)
| Day | Activities | Accommodation | Food | Transport | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1: Puerto Princesa | $25 | $15 | $12 | $8 | $60 |
| Day 2: El Nido | $5 | $12 | $15 | $23 | $55 |
| Day 3: Tour A | $37 | $12 | $15 | $3 | $67 |
| Day 4: Coron | $0 | $10 | $17 | $37 | $64 |
| Day 5: Departure | $28 | $0 | $5 | $11 | $44 |
| Total | $95 | $49 | $74 | $82 | $290 |
Budget tips:
- Stay in dorm beds at hostels ($8–15/night)
- Eat at local carinderias (₱80–150 per meal)
- Book tours with local operators rather than through Klook for potential savings
- Travel light to avoid extra fees on small planes
Mid-Range Traveler ($500–$750 total)
| Day | Activities | Accommodation | Food | Transport | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1: Puerto Princesa | $25 | $50 | $25 | $12 | $112 |
| Day 2: El Nido | $5 | $60 | $30 | $23 | $118 |
| Day 3: Tour A | $40 | $60 | $35 | $5 | $140 |
| Day 4: Coron | $0 | $50 | $35 | $37 | $122 |
| Day 5: Departure | $35 | $0 | $20 | $11 | $66 |
| Total | $105 | $220 | $145 | $88 | $558 |
Luxury Traveler ($1,500+ total)
For luxury, expect $200–500/night for premium resorts like Two Seasons Coron, El Nido Resorts Lagen Island, or Club Paradise Palawan. Private boat charters run $150–300/day. Budget $1,500–2,500 total for a comfortable 5-day luxury Palawan trip.
Where to Stay
Puerto Princesa (1 night)
| Hotel | Style | Price/Night |
|---|---|---|
| Aziza Paradise Hotel | Mid-range, pool, near airport | $50–80 (₱2,800–4,500) |
| Sheebang Hostel | Budget, dorm beds, social | $8–15 (₱450–850) |
| Hue Hotels & Resorts | Upper mid-range, modern | $80–120 (₱4,500–6,800) |
El Nido (2 nights)
| Hotel | Style | Price/Night | Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outpost Beach Hostel | Budget, beachfront dorms, social vibe | $12–20 (₱680–1,100) | El Nido Town |
| The Gypsys Lair | Budget, relaxed garden setting | $15–25 (₱850–1,400) | El Nido Town |
| Harmony Beach Resort | Mid-range, beachfront, pool | $60–100 (₱3,400–5,600) | Caalan Beach |
| El Nido Resorts Lagen Island | Luxury, all-inclusive island resort | $300–500 (₱17,000–28,000) | Private Island |
Coron (1 night)
| Hotel | Style | Price/Night |
|---|---|---|
| Kangaroo Hostel | Budget, clean, rooftop view | $8–15 (₱450–850) |
| Two Seasons Coron | Luxury, beachfront, pool, dive center | $120–200 (₱6,800–11,300) |
| Hannahs Place | Mid-range, bay views, friendly staff | $40–70 (₱2,250–3,950) |
| Where 2 Next Hostel | Budget, social, great common area | $8–12 (₱450–680) |
Transport Tips
Flights
- Puerto Princesa (PPS): Fly in from Manila, Cebu, or Clark. Cebu Pacific and AirAsia offer the cheapest fares — book early for $30–50 (₱1,700–2,800). Philippine Airlines is pricier but more reliable with baggage.
- Busuanga (USU): Fly out to Manila via Cebu Pacific or Philippine Airlines. Budget $30–60 (₱1,700–3,400).
- El Nido (ENI): AirSwift flies direct from Manila, Cebu, and Clark. More expensive ($80–150) but saves the 5–6 hour van ride. Best for short trips or luxury travelers.
Van Transfers (Puerto Princesa ↔ El Nido)
- Operators: Cherry Bus, Lexxus Shuttle, Eulen Joy
- Book via: Klook, your hotel, or directly at the van terminal
- Cost: $15–20 (₱800–1,100) per person
- Duration: 5–6 hours
- Departures: Multiple daily from 5:00 AM to 1:00 PM
- Book 1–2 days in advance during peak season
Fastcraft (El Nido ↔ Coron)
- Operator: Montalvan Fastcraft
- Cost: $25–35 (₱1,400–2,000)
- Duration: 3–4 hours
- Schedule: Typically departs El Nido at 6:00 AM, departs Coron at 8:00 AM
- Book: montalvanfastcraft.com or at booking offices in both towns
- Can be rough: Take motion sickness medication 30 minutes before departure
Getting Around Town
- Tricycles: The main transport everywhere. Short rides in town $1–2 (₱50–120). Longer rides (Nacpan, Mt Tapyas viewpoint) $3–5 (₱150–280). Always agree on the price before getting in.
- Motorbike rental: $8–12 (₱450–680) per day. Available in El Nido and Coron. You'll need a valid license and to leave your passport as deposit.
- Grab: Available in Puerto Princesa only. Limited or unavailable in El Nido and Coron.
What to Pack
Palawan is tropical and casual — you don't need much. Here's what actually matters:
Essentials:
- Reef-safe sunscreen (non-negotiable — regular sunscreen kills coral and some tour operators will refuse entry)
- Dry bag — protects your phone and camera during boat tours ($5–10, buy at any tour shop)
- Water shoes — the limestone shores are sharp and slippery
- Snorkel mask — rental masks are often low quality; bring your own for a much better experience
- Light, quick-dry clothing — you'll be in and out of the water constantly
- Power bank — power outages are common in El Nido and Coron
- Insect repellent — mosquitoes are heavy at dawn and dusk
- Small daypack — for island hopping tours (keep your hands free)
Nice to have:
- Waterproof phone case for underwater photos
- Lightweight rash guard for sun protection while snorkeling
- Motion sickness tablets for the fastcraft and open-water boat rides
- A small first-aid kit with band-aids and antiseptic (coral cuts are common)
- Flip-flops for the beach + sneakers for Mt Tapyas and the Underground River
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 5 days enough for Palawan?
Five days lets you hit the three main highlights — Underground River, El Nido, and Coron — but it's tight. If you have 7–10 days, add a rest day in El Nido and explore Tour C (hidden beaches and shrines) or visit Port Barton for a quieter beach experience.
Do I need to book tours in advance?
Yes, especially during peak season (December–February). The Underground River has a daily visitor limit, and fastcraft seats between El Nido and Coron sell out. Book tours via Klook or Viator at least 2–3 days ahead.
Is the El Nido to Coron fastcraft safe?
The fastcraft is generally safe and well-operated, but the open ocean crossing can be rough — especially from June to October. Take motion sickness medication, sit in the enclosed cabin (not the open deck), and check the weather forecast before booking. The route is sometimes cancelled during bad weather.
Can I do this itinerary on a budget?
Absolutely. The budget version of this itinerary comes to roughly $290 total (excluding flights). Stay in hostels, eat at local eateries, and book tours with local operators to keep costs down.
What's the best time to do this Palawan itinerary?
November through May is the dry season and the best time to visit. December–February is the coolest and busiest period. March–May is warmer with fewer crowds but higher humidity. Avoid June–October when typhoons can disrupt boat tours and fastcraft schedules.
Do I need a visa for the Philippines?
Most nationalities get 30 days visa-free on arrival, extendable to 59 days at the immigration office in Puerto Princesa. Check the Philippine Bureau of Immigration website for your specific nationality.
Should I go to El Nido or Coron?
Both are incredible but different. El Nido has the dramatic lagoons and island-hopping scene. Coron has the clearest lakes, WWII wreck dives, and a more laid-back vibe. This itinerary gives you the best of both — if you only have time for one, read our El Nido vs Coron guide for a detailed comparison.
Is Palawan safe?
Yes. Palawan is one of the safest provinces in the Philippines for tourists. The main towns are accustomed to visitors, and violent crime against tourists is extremely rare. Use normal precautions — lock your valuables, don't flash expensive items, and be mindful of your drinks at night.
Can I drink tap water in Palawan?
No. Stick to bottled or filtered water. Most hotels and restaurants serve purified water. A 1.5-liter bottle costs about $0.50 (₱30) from convenience stores.
What currency is used in Palawan?
The Philippine Peso (PHP). As of 2026, the exchange rate is approximately $1 USD = ₱56 PHP. ATMs are available in Puerto Princesa, El Nido, and Coron, but they sometimes run out of cash during peak season. Bring enough cash (₱10,000–15,000 for a 5-day trip) or withdraw in Manila before heading to Palawan.
This Palawan itinerary 5 days was last updated in April 2026. Prices and schedules are subject to change — always confirm with operators before booking.
More Waddat guides for your Philippines trip:
- Palawan Travel Guide — Everything you need to know before you go
- El Nido vs Coron — Which Palawan destination is right for you?
- Davao Travel Guide — The Philippines' most livable city
- Bali Travel Guide — Another top SE Asia island destination
- Southeast Asia 1-Month Itinerary — The ultimate regional adventure
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Palawan Travel Guide
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