Ultimate Guide to a Palawan Vacation (2025)

Palawan Vacation by the beach

Why A Palawan Vacation?

Picture this: You’re kayaking through neon-blue water, limestone cliffs towering above you like something out of Avatar, and at night, you’re feasting on garlic rice and fresh grilled fish under a sky full of stars. That’s Palawan!

This Filipino gem isn’t just pretty—it’s #1 on “World’s Best Islands” lists for a reason. Think of it as the lovechild of Bali’s vibes and the Maldives’ beaches, but with way fewer crowds.

  • El Nido’s Lagoons: Jump into hidden pools like the Secret Lagoon or snorkel at Big Lagoon. If you’ve seen a Palawan post on Instagram, it’s probably here.
  • Coron’s Shipwrecks: Dive WWII wrecks or soak in Kayangan Lake’s crystal-clear waters—it’s like Japan’s Okinawa but wilder.
  • Underground River (Puerto Princesa): A UNESCO site where you’ll boat through caves filled with bats and ancient rock formations.

For DIY travelers, Palawan is a playground. No rigid schedules needed—just rent a motorbike, join a group tour, or island-hop on a bangka (local boat).

When to Go: Ditch the Rain, Chase the Sun

Palawan’s weather is split into two moods: sunshine mode (November–May) and rainy mode (June–October).

  • Peak Season (Dec–Feb): Perfect weather, but prepare for crowds. If you’re coming from snowy Canada or Korea, this is your tropical escape.
  • Shoulder Season (Mar–May): Hotter, but quieter. Great for solo travelers who hate lines.
  • Off-Season (Jun–Oct): Rainy, but cheaper. Pro tip: Coron’s wrecks are epic for diving year-round.

Planning around Japan’s Golden Week or U.S. summer break? Book early—flights fill up fast!

Getting Here: Flights, Ferries, and Tricycles

From the U.S./Canada: Fly to Manila or Cebu (major hubs), then catch a 1-hour flight to El Nido, Coron, or Puerto Princesa. Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific have direct routes from L.A., S.F., or Vancouver.

From Japan/Korea: Direct flights from Tokyo, Osaka, or Seoul to Manila. Budget airlines like AirAsia often have deals.

Ferries: From Coron to El Nido (4–6 hours) or Manila to Puerto Princesa (24+ hours—better to fly).

Once there? Tricycles (motorcycle sidecars) and vans are your best friends. For Filipinos abroad: Tagalog works, but everyone speaks English!

Itineraries: 3 Days to 1 Week of Pure Bliss

3 Days (Weekend Warrior Edition):

  • Day 1: Fly into El Nido. Beach crawl at Nacpan or Las Cabanas.
  • Day 2: Island Hopping Tour A (lagoons + secret beaches).
  • Day 3: Taraw Cliff hike for sunrise, then fly out.

5 Days (Best of Both Worlds):

  • Days 1–3: El Nido (lagoons, beaches).
  • Days 4–5: Ferry to Coron. Dive Barracuda Lake, hit Maquinit Hot Springs.

7 Days (Ultimate Explorer):

  • Days 1–2: Underground River + firefly tour in Puerto Princesa.
  • Days 3–5: El Nido (add Tour C for hidden beaches).
  • Days 6–7: Port Barton—sleepy fishing village with zero crowds.

Where to Stay: Resorts, Hostels, and Beach Huts

  • Luxury: Pangulasian Island Resort (El Nido) – Private villas with infinity pools.
  • Mid-Range: Huni Lio (El Nido) – Chic rooms near the port. Perfect for couples.
  • Budget: Mad Monkey Hostel (Nacpan) – Social vibe, epic rooftop bar. Solo travelers, this is your spot.

Pro Tip: Filipinos abroad—check out Balay Paragua in Port Barton. It’s like your lola’s beach house but with WiFi.

Eat Like a Local: From Street Food to Sunset Dinners

Palawan’s food scene is unreal. Must-tries:

  • Chicken Inasal: Grilled chicken with calamansi. Head to Happiness BBQ in El Nido.
  • Seafood Paluto: Buy fresh fish at the market, then have it cooked your way. D’Bayou in Coron does this best.
  • Tamilok (“Woodworm”): Tastes like oysters. Adventurous eaters, this is your dare.

Craving ramen or kimchi? Puerto Princesa has a Sapporo Ramen spot for homesick Japanese travelers.

Pack Like a Pro: Don’t Forget These!

  • Reef-Safe Sunscreen: Palawan’s coral reefs thank you.
  • Dry Bag: Trust me, island-hopping boats get splashed.
  • Power Bank: Outlets are scarce on beaches.

Travel Tips:

  • Cash is King: ATMs in towns, but not on islands.
  • Sim Cards: Grab a Globe or Smart SIM at the airport.
  • Bargain Politely: Market prices aren’t fixed. A smile goes a long way!

Some YouTube resources you may want to check out for your research

  1. “EL NIDO Island Hopping Tour (Did NOT End Well…) | The Philippines”
  2. “Island Hopping El Nido: Tour A Package”
  3. “El Nido Palawan Philippines – Island Hopping Tour A | S4E7 SE Asia Travel Vlog”
  4. “PERFECTION in the PHILIPPINES ?? (TAO EXPERIENCE) El Nido – Coron”
  5. “Exploring the Hidden Gems of Coron Island, Philippines”

Final Thoughts: Your Palawan Adventure Awaits

Whether you’re a solo traveler from Tokyo craving waterfalls, a couple from Vancouver wanting overwater bungalows, or a Filipino-American reconnecting with roots—Palawan’s got you.

So, what are you waiting for? Throw some flip-flops in your bag, book that flight, and get ready to say, “Ang ganda!” (“It’s beautiful!”) at every turn.

Got questions? Drop them below—we’re all about that DIY travel life. ??✨

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