Palawan, Philippines: Your Complete Travel Guide (2026)

Palawan, Philippines, is an island province in the western Philippines known for its limestone cliffs, turquoise lagoons, white sand beaches, and diverse marine life. Made up of more than 1,700 islands and islets, the province is home to well-known destinations including El Nido, Coron, Puerto Princesa, and San Vicente. If you are planning an island-hopping adventure, a diving holiday, or a relaxing coastal escape, Palawan offers a variety of experiences across its islands.

In this guide, you'll read more about the main areas of Palawan Island, the best time to visit based on Palawan weather, top things to do, the best Palawan beach spots, how to get there, and practical tips to help you plan your visit.

What Is Palawan, Philippines?

Palawan, Philippines, is a province in the western Philippines made up of more than 1,700 islands and islets. It is the westernmost province of the country and stretches between the South China Sea and the Sulu Sea. The province includes four main visitor destinations: Puerto Princesa, El Nido, Coron, and San Vicente.

Puerto Princesa serves as the provincial capital and the main gateway for many visitors, with access to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. El Nido is known for its island-hopping routes and limestone formations, while Coron is popular for its lakes, diving sites, and nearby islands. San Vicente is home to Long Beach, one of the longest stretches of coastline in the Philippines, offering a quieter coastal experience. 

What Are the Main Areas of Palawan Island?

Here is what you need to know about each of the four areas before deciding where to base yourself.

El Nido

El Nido is at the northern tip of the province and is known for its karst landscapes, lagoons, and island-hopping in Bacuit Bay. Tours are labelled A, B, C, and D, each covering different lagoons and beach stops. Tour A, the most popular, includes Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, and Secret Lagoon. You can fly to Lio Airport via AirSwift from Manila (approximately 1 hour 20 minutes) or take a van from Puerto Princesa (5 to 6 hours).

Puerto Princesa

Puerto Princesa is the capital of Palawan, Philippines, and home to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999. The underground river stretches 8.2 kilometres, with around 4.3 kilometres navigable by paddle boat. Daily visits are capped, and advance booking through the City Tourism Office is required. Flights from Manila take just over one hour.

Coron

Coron sits on Busuanga Island, to the northeast of the province's mainland. It is known for WWII Japanese shipwreck diving and Kayangan Lake, known for its exceptionally clear water. Fly into Francisco B. Reyes Airport from Manila in approximately one hour.

San Vicente

San Vicente is the quietest of the four and home to Long Beach, approximately 14 kilometres long and one of the longest beaches in the Philippines.

What Is the Best Time to Visit Based on Palawan Weather?

Palawan weather follows two seasons: the dry season (late November to May) and the wet season (June to October). The dry season brings cooler temperatures, little rainfall, and calm seas, with averages between 24°C and 29°C. Daytime temperatures can reach around 33°C in March and April.

The high season runs from mid-December to mid-April. If travelling during Christmas, New Year, or Easter, book accommodation several months in advance. February and March are the driest months and the best time for island hopping and time on any Palawan beach.

The wet season brings heavier rain between July and September. Palawan experiences fewer direct typhoon impacts than many other parts of the Philippines, although heavy rain and rough seas can still affect travel during the wet season. Palawan weather also varies by location: El Nido and Coron in the north experience more open-sea conditions, while Puerto Princesa in the south is more sheltered.

What Are the Best Things to Do in Palawan, Philippines?

Palawan, Philippines, offers a range of activities across its four main areas. Here are some of the top experiences across the province.

Island Hopping in El Nido

Tours A through D cover different lagoons, caves, and beach stops across Bacuit Bay. Tour A, covering Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, and Secret Lagoon, is the most visited. Tours depart in the morning and return by late afternoon. Group and private boat options are available.

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River

Visitors travel by paddle boat through the cave system to see stalactites, stalagmites, and large natural chambers. The boat journey inside the cave lasts about an hour, while most guided excursions take half a day or longer, including transfers. Walk-in visits are not allowed; permits must be booked in advance through the City Tourism Office.

Diving and Snorkelling in Coron

Coron has world-class wreck diving, including the Skeleton Wreck and the Okikawa Maru. For snorkelling, Honda Bay near Puerto Princesa offers coral and giant clams at Pambato Reef in shallow water.

Kayangan Lake

It can be reached by boat from Coron town, followed by a short hike. The lake is known for exceptionally clear water, with visibility reaching up to around 10 metres. Swimming and snorkelling are the main activities.

Hiking in El Nido

The Taraw Cliff hike gives views over Bacuit Bay. The Nagkalit-kalit Waterfall is a short walk from El Nido town. Both are best in the dry season.

Which Palawan Beach Spots Should You Visit?

Every Palawan beach offers a different experience, from secluded coves to long stretches of white sand. Here are five worth adding to your itinerary.

• Nacpan Beach, El Nido: A twin-beach stretch roughly 45 minutes from El Nido town, about 4 kilometres long. It connects to Calitang Beach at low tide.
• Corong Corong Beach, El Nido: A short tricycle ride from El Nido town. Known for sunset views and good swimming conditions.
• Long Beach, San Vicente: Approximately 14 kilometres of coastline. Still undeveloped compared to the more visited areas of Palawan, Philippines.
• Ocam Ocam Beach, Coron: A white sand beach near Coron town, often included on boat tour routes with clear, shallow water.
• Honda Bay Beaches, Puerto Princesa: About 10 kilometres north of Puerto Princesa. Day tours include stops at Pandan Island and Cowrie Island, both with good beach areas for swimming and snorkelling.

How Do You Get to Palawan, Philippines?

The fastest way to reach Palawan, Philippines, is by air. Puerto Princesa International Airport (IATA: PPS) is the main entry point and typically the fastest way in from Manila. Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and AirSwift all serve this route, with additional connections from Cebu, Clark, Iloilo, and Davao.

AirSwift operates daily flights from Manila to Lio Airport in El Nido (IATA: ENI). Flight duration is typically over an hour; confirm current schedules and timing directly with AirSwift. Coron's Francisco B. Reyes Airport (IATA: USU) is served by Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific from Manila. 

Puerto Princesa to El Nido by shared or private van takes 5 to 6 hours. In towns, tricycles and jeepneys are the standard modes of transport. El Nido to Coron by speedboat or ferry takes 3 to 4 hours, depending on sea conditions.

What Should You Know Before Visiting Palawan Island?

Before arriving, here are six things to sort out.

• Visa: Nationals from over 150 countries can enter the Philippines visa-free for up to 30 days. Indian passport holders get 14 days visa-free; those holding a valid current US, UK, Australian, Canadian, Schengen, Singapore, or Japanese visa qualify for an extended 30-day visa-free stay instead. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your stay. Check the current rules at the official website.
• eTravel Registration: Complete the eTravel form at etravel.gov.ph within 72 hours before arrival. You will receive a QR code to present at the airport.
• Onward Travel: Proof of a return ticket or onward flight is required at entry.
• Cash: ATMs are widely available in Puerto Princesa, while options are more limited in El Nido and smaller towns. Carry enough Philippine Pesos (PHP) before travelling to remote areas.
• Advance Bookings: Underground River permits must be booked through the City Tourism Office. Peak season accommodation in El Nido and Coron fills up quickly.
• Environmental Fees: El Nido, Coron, and the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River all charge environmental user fees, collected on-site and managed by the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD). Confirm rates with your tour operator before visiting.

Final Takeaway

Palawan, Philippines, offers a mix of beaches, islands, nature, and marine experiences that appeal to a wide range of travellers. From the lagoons of El Nido and the diving sites of Coron to the underground river in Puerto Princesa and the long coastline of San Vicente, each destination brings something different to your holiday.

If you are planning a short island break or a longer coastal getaway, Palawan Island has enough variety to suit different travel styles and interests.

Ready to experience Palawan, Philippines? Check out Holiday Tribe's Philippines tour packages and let our travel experts create a personalised island getaway tailored to your interests.