When it comes to beaches and islands, most folks immediately think of Thailand or Bali, right? But let me tell you, Palawan takes it up a notch! This place is a gem with its lush rainforests, pristine white sand beaches, hidden caves, stunning lagoons, and amazing snorkeling and diving spots. It’s like a paradise within The Philippines.
Let’s talk about the typical travel route through Palawan and share some tips for key stops like El Nido and Coron. First off, you need to decide if you want to stick to just El Nido or explore more of Palawan. El Nido is hands down the most scenic town on the island, nestled among towering limestone cliffs and overlooking a beautiful bay. The boat tours from here will take you to secluded beaches, hidden coves, and breathtaking lagoons. It’s a must-visit spot for many travelers.
However, keep in mind that El Nido is a hotspot for tourism in Palawan, so it can get pretty crowded. It’s a lively backpacker hub with plenty of accommodations and boat activities. If you only have a few days, El Nido is a fantastic choice. You can fly directly from Manila and use it as a base for day trips to nearby attractions. But if you have more time, like 10 to 14 days, you can follow a recommended itinerary to explore all the best of Palawan, including places like Port Barton and Coron, which are absolute gems in my book.
Now, let’s dive into how to plan your Palawan adventure. You can easily organize your trip independently by booking transport online and arranging local tours either online or in person. Here’s a sample 10-day itinerary you might consider:
- Day 1: Firefly watching in Puerto Princesa
- Day 2: Underground River exploration in Sabang
- Days 3-4: Beach relaxation in Port Barton
- Days 5-7: Island hopping and activities in El Nido
- Days 8-10: Discovering Coron’s wrecks and lagoons
You can always customize this plan to suit your preferences. To get to Palawan, you’ll need to fly in as there are no scheduled ferries to the island. You have three main options: flying into El Nido, Puerto Princesa, or Coron, with flights from Manila taking around 90 minutes. Keep in mind that there are no direct flights or boats connecting Palawan to Indonesia or Malaysia; you’ll have to transit through Manila or Cebu City.
Let’s now explore the key destinations in Palawan from south to north:
- Puerto Princesa: The gateway to Palawan, offering unique experiences like trying tamilok and croc sisig, as well as magical firefly-watching tours.
- Sabang & Underground River: A laid-back beach town near the famous Underground River, where you can enjoy nature and wildlife.
- Port Barton: A quiet village perfect for nature lovers, with waterfalls and pristine islands to explore.
- El Nido: Known for its epic karst landscapes and enchanting lagoons, a must-visit spot despite the tourist crowds.
- Busuanga Island & Coron: Offering breathtaking views, coral gardens, and rich history, including stunning lagoons and world-class diving spots.
Palawan truly is a paradise that shouldn’t be missed. After your adventures, a short flight from Busuanga Airport will take you back to the capital, where you can head home or continue exploring other parts of the Philippines. Enjoy your journey through this stunning region!
