Palawan, Philippines: Palawan Philippines El Nido limestone underground river

Philippines

Palawan

Best Time
November to May (dry season)
Daily Budget
$60-250 USD
Language
Filipino, Cuyonon, Tagbanwa and English
Timezone
UTC+8 (Philippine Standard Time)

About

Discover Palawan

Palawan is the Philippines' westernmost province — a long, narrow island stretching about 450 km from north to south between the South China Sea and the Sulu Sea, with hundreds of smaller islands and islets within its boundaries. It is consistently voted one of the world's best island destinations and was declared the Philippines' last ecological frontier due to its extraordinary biodiversity: the province is home to five UNESCO-listed or Man and Biosphere Reserve sites.

For most international visitors, Palawan is synonymous with two distinct destinations: El Nido in the north and Puerto Princesa in the centre-south. El Nido is the gateway to the Bacuit Archipelago, a cluster of about 50 limestone karst islands and outcrops rising dramatically from the Bacuit Bay. The area's hidden lagoons, pristine beaches, and extraordinary marine biodiversity make it a dream destination for snorkellers, divers, and island-hopping enthusiasts. El Nido town itself is a small, unpretentious place with a growing selection of beachfront restaurants and accommodation ranging from basic guesthouses to high-end island resorts.

Puerto Princesa is the provincial capital and a UNESCO-designated city. Its most famous attraction is the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature — featuring a navigable underground river that flows through a spectacular cave system for about 8.2 kilometres before emptying into the sea. The underground river is visited by permit, with tour operators in the city organising day trips that include a boat ride through the cave interior.

Coron, in the northern part of Palawan province on Busuanga Island, is a third major destination and one of the world's premier wreck diving locations. The bay contains several Japanese warships sunk during a US air attack in 1944, now colonised by corals and teeming with marine life. Coron's lakes — particularly Kayangan Lake, often cited as the Philippines' cleanest lake — are also a major draw for snorkellers.

The wildlife of Palawan is distinctive: the island chain has its own endemic fauna including the Palawan bearcat, the Philippine pangolin, and the Palawan peacock-pheasant. Turtle Islands in the southern province supports one of the largest nesting populations of green sea turtles in Asia. The Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Sulu Sea, is accessible only by liveaboard dive vessels from Puerto Princesa and represents some of the most pristine coral reef ecosystems in the world.

The best time to visit Palawan is from November to May during the dry season, when seas are calm enough for island-hopping and the weather is consistently sunny. The wet season from June to October brings rough seas that can ground island-hopping boats for days at a time, though Puerto Princesa remains accessible year-round.

When to Go

Best Time to Visit Palawan

Palawan is a 450-km archipelago stretching from Mindoro almost to Borneo, and its two main hubs — El Nido in the north and Coron across the channel — share the same dry/wet rhythm. The dry season from November to May is the best time: calm turquoise water for island-hopping, clear skies and reliable ferry and flight schedules. The wet season (June to October) brings hot, humid weather, afternoon storms and occasional typhoons that can disrupt boats and flights — but prices drop and the landscapes are lush.

  • Nov–MayDry season — peak. Calm seas, the best island-hopping and lagoon tours. Busiest Dec–Apr and Easter; book tours and accommodation weeks ahead.
  • Mar–MayHottest and driest — the clearest water for snorkelling and diving, but also peak crowds in El Nido. Go early to beat the boat tours.
  • Jun–OctWet season — hot, humid, with storms possible. Lowest prices and fewest tourists, but island-hopping can be cancelled if the swell is up.

Attractions

Things to Do in Palawan

Palawan is regularly voted the world's most beautiful island — towering limestone karst, hidden lagoons, shipwreck dives and jungle rivers. Most travellers split a week between El Nido and Coron, with Puerto Princesa as the gateway. Allow 8–10 days to do it justice.

El Nido Island-Hopping (Tours A–D)

The signature experience — four set boat tours through the Bacuit Archipelago's karst cliffs and lagoons. Tour A covers Big and Secret Lagoon and Shimizu Island; Tour C the hidden and secret beaches. Tour A and C are the classics. Snorkel, kayak and lunch on the beach.

Tours from ~1,200–1,500 PHP ($21–26)/person incl. lunch and snorkel gear. Rent a kayak to escape the crowds.

Nacpan Beach

A 4-km crescent of golden sand and coconut palms 45 minutes north of El Nido — one of the Philippines' most beautiful beaches and gloriously uncrowded compared to the town beaches. Hire a scooter or tricycle for a half-day; stay for sunset at the hilltop viewpoint over the “twin beach”.

Entry 100 PHP ($1.75); ~400 PHP ($7) tricycle return.

Coron Shipwreck Diving

Coron is one of Asia's premier wreck-diving destinations — a fleet of WWII Japanese supply ships sunk in 1944 sit in 10–40 m of clear water, encrusted with coral and buzzing with fish. Suitable for advanced divers; also snorkel sites like the twin lagoons and Kayangan Lake (the cleanest lake in the country).

2-dive trips ~2,500–3,500 PHP ($44–61); snorkel tours ~1,500 PHP ($26).

Puerto Princesa Underground River

A UNESCO World Heritage site and New 7 Wonder of Nature — an 8-km navigable underground river flowing through a cave full of stalactites, stalagmites and bat chambers, emptying straight into the sea. A paddle-boat tour takes you deep inside. The Palawan capital is the usual gateway.

Permit + boat ~1,500–2,000 PHP ($26–35); book a day ahead via a licensed tour. 2-hr drive from Puerto Princesa.

Kayangan Lake & Twin Lagoons (Coron)

Coron's Coron Island tour packs in Kayangan Lake (crystal clear, framed by sheer cliffs), the Twin Lagoons (swim through a narrow gap between hidden pools), Beach 91 and the Skeleton Wreck snorkel. The most photogenic day in Palawan.

Long-Stay in El Nido or Port Barton

For slow travel, base in El Nido's Corong Corong or out at Nacpan, or the laid-back fishing village of Port Barton further south — hammock time, cheap beach huts and a slower pace than the headline spots.

Transport

How to Get Around Palawan

Palawan is vast and the hubs are far apart — getting around is half the adventure. The two airports (Puerto Princesa PPS and the newer El Nido ENI) sit 5–6 hours' drive apart, and Coron is reached by ferry or a short flight. Planes, ferries, vans and tricycles all feature.

  • By airFly into El Nido (Lio Airport, ENI) direct from Manila or Cebu, or cheaper into Puerto Princesa (PPS) then a 5-hr van north. Coron (USU) has direct flights from Manila and Cebu.
  • Van between hubsThe Puerto Princesa–El Nido shuttle van is ~5–6 hrs / 500–700 PHP ($9–12). Book a day ahead; the road is now mostly paved. Buses are cheaper but slower.
  • El Nido–Coron ferryThe iconic island-hopper ferry links El Nido and Coron in ~3.5–5 hrs (2,000–2,500 PHP / $35–44) — the prettiest boat ride in the country, but cancelled in rough seas.
  • Tricycle & scooterIn-town tricycles cost 50–150 PHP ($1–3) per ride; a scooter rental (~400–500 PHP / $7–9) is the best way to reach Nacpan, the waterfalls and hidden beaches around El Nido.
  • Boat toursThe island-hopping tours (El Nido A–D, Coron island tours) are the main way to see the lagoons and beaches — you can't reach them independently without a permit.

Accommodation

Where to Stay in Palawan

Palawan accommodation ranges from $10 beach dorms to $500 overwater villas at the new resorts. Pick your town first — each has a distinct character.

El Nido Town — best for first-timers & nightlife

Walking distance to the tour boats, bars and restaurants. Lively and convenient but the town beach is ordinary — the lagoons are a boat ride away. Hostels from $10, mid-range $40–80.

Corong Corong & Caalan — best for sunsets & quiet

Just west of El Nido town — sunset-view beachfront stays and boutique guesthouses away from the noise. The romantic, relaxed pick; $40–120.

Nacpan & northern beaches — best for castaway luxury

New eco-resorts and glamping at Nacpan and Duli — empty golden sand and a digital-detox vibe. $80–300; you'll eat at your hotel.

Coron Town — best for divers

The dive-centre base on Busuanga Island — guesthouses, dive shops and the wreck-jetty. Functional and friendly; hostels from $12, mid-range $35–70.

Puerto Princesa — best for transit & the underground river

The capital and flight gateway — useful for one night on arrival and the underground-river tour. Cheap city hotels; not a beach base.

Eat & Drink

What & Where to Eat in Palawan

Palawan's food is fresh seafood-led, with strong influences from the Visayan and Tagalog kitchens and a growing international scene in El Nido. Eat where the locals eat and you'll feast for $2–5.

  • Fresh seafoodGrilled fish, prawns and crab at the El Nido beachfront and Coron market — pick your catch and they grill it. A whole fish from ~300–600 PHP ($5–10).
  • KinilawThe Filipino ceviche — raw fish cured in vinegar, calamansi, onion and chilli. The freshest thing you'll eat; order it beachside.
  • Halo-halo & tropical fruitThe iconic shaved-ice dessert with ube, beans, jackfruit and leche flan — the perfect post-beach treat. Plus fresh mango, lanzones and coconut.
  • El Nido internationalThe town's expat scene means great wood-fired pizza, burgers and vegan bowls alongside the Filipino classics — for $5–15 a plate.
  • San Miguel & rumIce-cold San Miguel beer (~60 PHP/$1) and Tanduay rum at sunset happy hours — the El Nido and Coron evening ritual.

Itinerary

5 Days in Palawan: The Classic Route

The definitive Palawan loop runs Puerto Princesa → El Nido → Coron over five days and four nights. Fly into Puerto Princesa (PPS) and out of Busuanga/Coron (USU) to avoid backtracking — if you must round-trip from the same airport, add a travel day. November to May is the sweet spot for calm water and reliable ferries; budget $250–$350 backpacker or $500–$750 mid-range all-in.

Day 1 — Puerto Princesa & the Underground River

Land in Puerto Princesa, drop your bags and head straight out to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River — a UNESCO World Heritage cave system you tour by paddleboat (~45 min underground). It's a 2-hr van ride each way, so book a package (permit + boat + lunch, ~$20–30). Permits are capped at 900 visitors/day; reserve ahead in peak season. Back in town for dinner at Ka Lui or Badjao Seafront ($8–15). Day total ~$40.

Day 2 — Van to El Nido & Nacpan Beach

A 5–6 hr shuttle van ($15–20) carries you north to El Nido — sit on the left for the coastal finale. Arrive around lunch, check in, then ride a tricycle (45 min, $3–5) out to Nacpan Beach: 4 km of empty gold sand and palms. Swim, walk to the twin-beach viewpoint for sunset and grab grilled seafood from a beach stall. This is the Palawan of the postcards.

Day 3 — El Nido Island-Hopping (Tour A)

The headline day. Tour A ($20–35 incl. lunch) covers the Big and Secret Lagoons, Shimizu Island and 7 Commando Beach — kayak into the hidden lagoons and snorkel the coral gardens. Tours launch at 9 AM and return by 4 PM; book the evening before. Spend your last El Nido night on the beachfront for sunset and San Miguel.

Day 4 — El Nido to Coron by Fastcraft

Take the iconic island-hopper ferry to Coron (~3.5–5 hrs, 2,000–2,500 PHP / $35–44) — arguably the prettiest boat ride in the country, cancelled only in rough seas. Arrive mid-afternoon, hike up Mt Tapyas for the sunset panorama over the islands, then soothe the journey in the Maquinit hot springs.

Day 5 — Coron Island Tour & Departure

A half-day Coron Island tour ($20–30) packs in Kayangan Lake (the country's cleanest), the Twin Lagoons, Beach 91 and a snorkel over the Skeleton Wreck. Divers can swap this for a WWII wreck dive instead. After lunch, fly out of Busuanga (USU) to Manila or Cebu. With more time, add a second El Nido tour (Tour C) or a Coron liveaboard.

Short on time? You can do Puerto Princesa + El Nido in 3 days, or focus purely on Coron for wreck diving. For the full breakdown of where to stay each night, see El Nido and Coron, and read our El Nido vs Coron comparison.

Plan Your Trip

Practical Tips & Budget for Palawan

Most Western passport holders get 30 days visa-free in the Philippines. The currency is the peso (PHP); ATMs are unreliable outside Puerto Princesa and Coron town — carry plenty of cash (El Nido ATMs frequently run dry). English is universally spoken. Tap water is not drinkable; bring a filter bottle or buy sealed water.

Cash & connectivity

Withdraw pesos in Manila or Puerto Princesa before heading north — El Nido's ATMs have long queues and low limits. Many places now accept cards and GCash. Buy a Smart or Globe tourist SIM/eSIM for data; signal is patchy on the outer islands.

Ocean & eco safety

Boat tours are cancelled when the wind or swell is up — respect the red-flag warnings and wear the life vests provided. Use reef-safe sunscreen and don't touch the coral or the turtles. The lagoons are protected; follow guide instructions and carry out all rubbish.

Budget tiers (per day)

Backpacker ($25–45): beach dorm, local meals and one shared island-hopping tour a day. Mid-range ($60–130): a private beachfront cottage, all four El Nido tours and seafood dinners. Luxury ($200+): an overwater or cliffside villa at the new eco-resorts, private boat charters and diving packages. A 10-day El Nido + Coron trip averages $500–900 all-in excluding flights.

Booking tips

Book the Puerto Princesa–El Nido van and the El Nido–Coron ferry at least a day ahead in peak season. The underground river requires a permit — arrange through a licensed tour. Internal flights (AirSwift, Philippine Airlines) fill up; reserve early.

Pair Palawan with Boracay and Cebu for the classic Philippines island loop, and see our El Nido vs Coron comparison for more.

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Where to Stay

Stays in Palawan

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Luxury

El Nido Resorts Lagen Island
· Lagen Island, Bacuit Bay, El Nido

El Nido Resorts Lagen Island

El Nido Resorts Lagen Island is a luxury eco-resort built within a rainforest-covered island in Bacuit Bay, featuring 50 rooms and water cottages on stilts over the lagoon. The resort operates on solar energy, has its own marine sanctuary, and offers outstanding snorkelling directly from its jetty with rays, turtles, and reef fish visible in the crystal-clear lagoon. Its island-only exclusivity and pristine natural setting make it one of the Philippines' most distinctive luxury addresses.

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El Nido Resorts Miniloc Island
· Miniloc Island, Bacuit Bay, El Nido

El Nido Resorts Miniloc Island

El Nido Resorts Miniloc Island is the original El Nido Resorts property, opened in the 1980s and set on a small island with a protected cove. Its 51 rooms include beach cottages and water cottages positioned directly over the sea, and the resort's house reef provides snorkelling with outstanding visibility and biodiversity. The Big and Small Lagoons of Tour A fame are a short boat ride away and Miniloc guests have priority access.

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Discovery Coron (formerly Club Paradise Palawan)
· Dimakya Island, Calamianes

Discovery Coron (formerly Club Paradise Palawan)

Discovery Coron — formerly Club Paradise — is a beachfront resort occupying its own private island (Dimakya Island) in the Calamianes Group north of El Nido. The resort offers 48 rooms set along a white sand beach fringing a house reef accessible by steps from the beach, with sea turtles a regular sighting. Its remote location and private island setting make it one of Palawan's most sought-after eco-luxury properties.

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Dos Palmas Island Resort and Spa
· Arreceffi Island, Honda Bay

Dos Palmas Island Resort and Spa

Dos Palmas Island Resort occupies Arreceffi Island in Honda Bay, about 30 minutes by boat from Puerto Princesa. The resort's 72 rooms and villas are set on a palm-fringed island with house reef snorkelling, mangrove kayaking, and a full-service spa. It is an affordable island resort experience within easy reach of Puerto Princesa's mainland attractions including the underground river and Iwahig Firefly Watching.

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Maremegmeg Beach Club
· Maremegmeg Beach, El Nido

Maremegmeg Beach Club

Maremegmeg Beach Club (also known as Las Cabanas Beach) is a boutique resort on the Taytay–El Nido National Highway, about 4 km south of El Nido town on a quieter beach with a long strip of white sand. The resort offers accommodation alongside its beach club facilities, and the zipline from a clifftop to a small offshore platform is one of the most photographed activities in the El Nido area.

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Two Seasons Coron Island Resort
· Bulalacao Island, Coron

Two Seasons Coron Island Resort

Two Seasons Coron Island Resort is a beachfront property on Bulalacao Island near Coron town, offering overwater bungalows and beach villas in a serene island setting. The resort is well positioned for Coron's wreck dives and the Kayangan Lake snorkelling circuit, and its dive centre is one of the best-equipped in the area. The resort's commitment to marine conservation includes reef restoration programmes.

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Boutique

Cauayan Island Resort
· Cauayan Island, Bacuit Bay, El Nido

Cauayan Island Resort

Cauayan Island Resort occupies a private island in Bacuit Bay, offering 10 villas with individual private pools and panoramic views of the surrounding limestone karst formations. The resort's emphasis on exclusivity and privacy — with a maximum of 20 guests at any time — makes it one of the most intimate luxury experiences in Palawan. Kayaking, snorkelling, and sunset cocktails at the clifftop bar are standard activities.

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· Huma Island, Busuanga

Huma Island Resort and Spa

Huma Island Resort is a boutique eco-resort on a private island in Busuanga Bay, near Coron. The resort's 55 water villas and beach suites feature sustainable construction using bamboo, wood, and native materials, and the island's house reef hosts sea turtles and diverse reef fish. The proximity to Coron's famous wreck dive sites and Kayangan Lake makes it an excellent base for divers and nature travellers.

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· Corong Corong Beach, El Nido

El Nido Mahogany Beach Resort

El Nido Mahogany Beach Resort is a small boutique property on Corong Corong Beach, about 3 km south of El Nido town on a quieter stretch of coastline. The resort's elevated restaurant and bar has become a popular spot for sunset viewing over the bay, and the beach below is significantly less crowded than the main El Nido town beach. Boat tours to the Bacuit Archipelago can be arranged directly from the resort.

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Mid-Range

El Nido Garden Resort
· El Nido Town

El Nido Garden Resort

El Nido Garden Resort is a mid-range property in the town of El Nido, offering 56 rooms set among tropical gardens a short walk from the beach and the island-hopping booking desks. The resort's outdoor pool, restaurant, and attentive service provide good value for a Palawan mid-range property, and the gardens are well maintained. It is a practical base for day tours into the Bacuit Archipelago.

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Microtel by Wyndham Puerto Princesa
· San Manuel, Puerto Princesa

Microtel by Wyndham Puerto Princesa

Microtel by Wyndham is one of the best-known mid-range hotels in Puerto Princesa, located in San Manuel on the city's main highway. The hotel provides clean, standardised rooms, a small pool, and a restaurant at predictable Wyndham-brand quality. It is well positioned for accessing both the underground river tours and the Honda Bay island trips, and is a reliable choice for travellers spending a night or two in the city.

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Holiday Suites Puerto Princesa
· San Manuel, Puerto Princesa

Holiday Suites Puerto Princesa

Holiday Suites is a three-star hotel on the North National Highway in Puerto Princesa, offering suite-style rooms with kitchenettes at prices competitive for the Puerto Princesa market. The hotel's pool, restaurant, and proximity to commercial areas make it a comfortable base for city exploration and underground river day tours. It is a popular choice for budget-conscious travellers wanting slightly more space than a standard hotel room.

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Ipil Suites Puerto Princesa
· Rizal Avenue, Puerto Princesa

Ipil Suites Puerto Princesa

Ipil Suites is a three-star property on Rizal Avenue in Puerto Princesa, conveniently located in the commercial heart of the city near the port area and major tour operators. The hotel offers clean, practical rooms and is a good starting point for organising underground river permits, Honda Bay boat trips, and other Palawan excursions through the city's tour operator network.

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Budget

Hotel Centro Puerto Princesa
· National Highway, Puerto Princesa

Hotel Centro Puerto Princesa

Hotel Centro Puerto Princesa is a three-star budget-to-mid-range property on the National Highway in Puerto Princesa offering functional accommodation with consistent standards. The hotel provides easy access to minivan transport north to El Nido and to the tour operator cluster on Rizal Avenue. It is a practical overnight stop for travellers passing through Puerto Princesa rather than staying for more than a day or two.

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El Nido Viewdeck Cottages
· El Nido Town

El Nido Viewdeck Cottages

El Nido Viewdeck Cottages is a budget guesthouse in El Nido town offering basic but clean fan and air-conditioned rooms at prices well below the island's resort properties. The property's elevated position provides views over El Nido Bay and the surrounding limestone formations. It is a long-standing backpacker favourite and well suited to travellers who spend most of their time on island-hopping tours.

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Sunlight Guest Hotel Puerto Princesa
· Tagumpay, Puerto Princesa

Sunlight Guest Hotel Puerto Princesa

Sunlight Guest Hotel is a three-star property on Malvar Street in Puerto Princesa, offering clean rooms in a quiet residential-area location. The hotel's restaurant serves good Filipino breakfast and the staff are well-practised at assisting with underground river tour bookings and other Palawan excursions. It is a consistently well-reviewed budget-to-mid option in Puerto Princesa.

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· Coron Town, Busuanga

Coron Wrecks and Reefs Resort

A small dedicated dive resort near Coron town on Busuanga Island, offering basic but comfortable rooms oriented entirely toward the diving community. The resort's dive centre runs regular excursions to the WWII Japanese wrecks (Okikawa Maru, Kogyo Maru, and others) and to Barracuda Lake and Kayangan Lake. It is a straightforward, no-frills operation favoured by experienced divers who want maximum time underwater.

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Experiences

Things to do in Palawan

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natureFull day

El Nido Island Hopping Tour A — Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon

Tour A is the most popular of El Nido's four official island-hopping routes, visiting the Big Lagoon (navigable by kayak or bangka), the Small Lagoon (accessible only by kayak through a narrow cave entrance), Secret Beach (a hidden cove inside a limestone rock), and Shimizu Island snorkelling spot. The Big Lagoon's reflective turquoise water framed by dramatic limestone walls is one of the Philippines' most photographed landscapes.

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natureFull day

Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature — an 8.2 km underground river flowing through a cave complex before reaching the sea. Tours paddle visitors by paddle boat through the illuminated cave interior, passing enormous stalactite and stalagmite formations, nesting swiftlets, and chambers of extraordinary scale. A permit is required and must be arranged through an accredited operator.

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adventureFull day

Private Underground River Tour with Ugong Rock Cave and Zip Line

This private tour combines the Puerto Princesa Underground River with the Ugong Rock Cave and Adventure Park, where visitors can cave-climb through limestone formations and then zip-line back down. The private format provides a more flexible and personalised experience than group tours. The tour includes hotel transfers, permits, and the boat ride into the UNESCO cave system.

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natureFull day

El Nido Island Hopping Tour C — Hidden Beach and Matinloc Island

Tour C covers different destinations to Tour A, visiting the Cathedral Cave (a wide sea cave with dramatic light shafts), Hidden Beach (reachable only through a cave or by swimming), the Helicopter Island snorkelling reef, and the sandy shores of Matinloc Island. Many experienced El Nido visitors rate Tour C's destinations as more impressive than Tour A's, though it is slightly less well-known among first-time visitors.

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adventureFull day

Coron Wreck Diving

Coron Bay in Busuanga contains more than a dozen Japanese warships sunk in September 1944, now transformed into some of the world's most famous wreck dive sites. The wrecks — ranging from the 160-metre tanker Okikawa Maru to the supply ship Kogyo Maru — are festooned with soft corals and inhabited by enormous schools of glass fish, barracuda, and batfish. Several PADI dive centres in Coron town offer guided dives for all certification levels.

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natureFull day

Kayangan Lake and Barracuda Lake Snorkelling

Kayangan Lake, frequently cited as the Philippines' cleanest lake, sits inside a limestone karst island accessible via a short hike through jungle from the Coron Bay shoreline. The lake's crystal-clear water over a rocky bottom is ideal for snorkelling and free diving. Nearby Barracuda Lake has a unique thermocline where warm and cold water layers meet, creating surreal visibility effects and a halocline effect popular with underwater photographers.

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beachFull day

Honda Bay Island Hopping

Honda Bay, 15 km from Puerto Princesa city, contains a cluster of small islands with white sand beaches and coral gardens accessible by 15–30 minute outrigger boat rides. The most visited islands include Cowrie Island, Starfish Island, and Luli Island (which disappears at high tide). The snorkelling around Starfish Island is particularly rewarding, with large sea stars, turtles, and colourful reef fish visible in shallow water.

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nature2-3 hours

Iwahig Firefly Watching River Cruise

The Iwahig River, 15 km south of Puerto Princesa, hosts one of the Philippines' most accessible firefly watching experiences. Silent electric boats carry small groups along the mangrove-lined river after dark, when the trees flicker with thousands of synchronised fireflies (Pteroptyx tener) in a dazzling bioluminescent display. Tours depart after sunset and the 45-minute cruise requires no hiking or physical exertion.

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adventure2-3 days

El Nido to Coron Island Hopping Ferry

The multi-day inter-island boat journey between El Nido and Coron is one of the Philippines' most scenic boat experiences, stopping at remote beaches including Port Barton, Flower Island, and various uninhabited sandbanks along the way. The journey takes 2–3 days depending on the operator, with overnight accommodation in simple beach cottages or aboard the boat. It is the most scenic way to travel between the two destinations.

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cultureFull day

Puerto Princesa City Tour and Heritage Museum

A private guided city tour of Puerto Princesa covers the Palawan Museum (housing exhibits on tribal cultures and natural history), the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Centre (crocodile farm), the provincial capitol grounds, and the Rizal Avenue food and souvenir strip. The tour is a good introduction to Palawan's cultural and natural heritage before heading to El Nido or Coron.

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adventure4-7 days

Tubbataha Reefs Liveaboard Dive Trip

The Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Sulu Sea, accessible only by liveaboard dive vessel from Puerto Princesa during the open season from March to June. The reefs support extraordinary marine biodiversity including reef sharks, hammerheads, manta rays, whale sharks, and vast colonies of pristine coral. Liveaboard trips typically last 4–7 nights and are aimed at experienced divers seeking one of the world's premier dive destinations.

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adventure3-6 hours

El Nido Kayaking Through the Lagoons

Rent a kayak in El Nido town or hire one through an island-hopping tour and independently explore the network of sea caves, lagoons, and hidden beaches in the Bacuit Archipelago at your own pace. The Small Lagoon on Tour A is navigable only by kayak, and several other formations require low-profile craft to enter through narrow cave passages. Guided kayaking tours can also be arranged for groups seeking instruction and safety support.

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Information

Good to know

What is the best time to visit Palawan?
The dry season from November to May is by far the best time to visit Palawan. Calm seas from November to April are essential for island-hopping around El Nido and Coron. The wet season from June to October brings strong winds and heavy rain that can halt boat activities for days at a time. Puerto Princesa's underground river can be visited year-round, though tours are suspended during particularly rough weather.
How do I get to El Nido?
El Nido has its own small airport (ENI), served by direct flights from Manila and Cebu operated by Air Juan and other small carriers. The flight from Manila takes about 75 minutes. Alternatively, fly to Puerto Princesa (PPS) and take a 5–6 hour bus ride to El Nido — a cheaper but tiring option. Some travellers combine a Puerto Princesa visit with an overland journey north to El Nido.
What are the El Nido island-hopping tours?
El Nido offers four designated island-hopping routes (Tour A, B, C, and D), each visiting different combinations of beaches, lagoons, snorkelling spots, and caves in the Bacuit Archipelago. Tour A is most popular, covering the Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, and Shimizu Island. Tours are operated by licensed bangka boats and typically include a packed lunch. All tours require a permit purchased at the El Nido Eco-Tourism Office.
Is a permit required to visit the Puerto Princesa Underground River?
Yes. Entry to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park requires a permit, which must be arranged in advance through a licensed tour operator or directly at the city tourism office. The permit limits daily visitor numbers to protect the cave ecosystem. Tour packages from Puerto Princesa typically include the permit, boat transfer to the park, and a 45-minute boat ride inside the cave.
What is the difference between El Nido and Coron?
El Nido and Coron are both in Palawan province but cater to different interests. El Nido's Bacuit Archipelago is best known for lagoons, beaches, and limestone scenery explored by island-hopping day tours. Coron on Busuanga Island is primarily a wreck diving destination, with Japanese WWII shipwrecks and lakes like Kayangan Lake. Both have excellent snorkelling, but divers tend to prefer Coron while beach and lagoon seekers often rate El Nido higher.
Can I island-hop from El Nido to Coron?
Yes. An inter-island boat called the El Nido to Coron ferry (operated by several companies) runs a multi-day passage between the two destinations, stopping at beaches along the way. The journey typically takes 2–3 days with overnight stays on small islands. It is one of the most scenic inter-island routes in the Philippines and is popular with travellers wanting to see multiple Palawan locations without backtracking to Manila.
Do I need a visa to visit the Philippines?
Citizens of many countries receive a 30-day visa-free entry upon arrival at Philippine international airports, including Puerto Princesa. This can often be extended at the Bureau of Immigration. Always confirm the current visa requirements for your nationality with the Philippine Embassy before travel.
What wildlife can I see in Palawan?
Palawan's waters host sea turtles, whale sharks (around Tubbataha and Honda Bay), diverse reef fish, and dugongs (sea cows) in the Malampaya Sound. On land and in forests, the endemic Palawan bearcat (binturong), Philippine pangolin, and Palawan peacock-pheasant are among the most sought-after wildlife sightings. Firefly watching tours on Iwahig River near Puerto Princesa are a popular evening activity.

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