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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