Your Ultimate Guide to Visiting The Island of Palawan

If you’re planning a trip to the Philippines, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of Palawan. It’s one of the country’s most famous islands, and for a reason.

Picture this: towering limestone cliffs, crystal-clear blue waters, stretches of white sand beaches, and the ultimate tropical vibes. Palawan is the epitome of a picture-perfect island escape.

It’s brimming with beautiful beachside towns, tranquil islands, boat trips, and an atmosphere that’s nothing short of magical. The people are incredibly welcoming, the energy is warm and inviting, and the whole vibe of the island is like nothing else.

Having spent a month traveling through the Philippines, with a good portion of my time spent on the stunning island of Palawan, I’m excited to share the perfect 2-week itinerary to experience the best that this island paradise has to offer.

Trust me, after soaking in all the beauty of Palawan, you’ll understand why it’s one of the best places for both relaxation and adventure.

This itinerary follows a logical flow, but feel free to reverse it if your plans require flexibility. The first and last destinations on the itinerary (Puerto Princesa and Coron) both have airports that connect to Manila and Cebu, so it’s totally up to you which direction you go.

One important tip: book your flights ahead of time! Flights within the Philippines can get expensive, especially if you leave it to the last minute. A little planning goes a long way in saving you both time and stress.

So, without further ado, let’s dive into the perfect itinerary for exploring Palawan, from stunning beaches to vibrant towns and off-the-beaten-path islands.

Day 1-2: Arriving in Puerto Princesa

Your journey begins with a flight from one of the major international airports in the Philippines, such as Manila or Cebu. From there, you’ll hop on a regional flight to Puerto Princesa, Palawan’s bustling capital.

Puerto Princesa is the ideal starting point for your trip, offering a mix of relaxation and exploration. I recommend staying here for just one or two nights, depending on your interests. You can either move on quickly or take a moment to explore the laid-back charm of the city.

Upon arrival, head straight to your accommodation—one of my favorites is La Vida Hostel. The owner is incredibly friendly, and they make sure you feel right at home. It’s a great spot to unwind after your flight. While you’re in Puerto, you have a couple of options.

You could take the typical route and head out the next day to your next destination. However, if you want to slow down a bit, Puerto Princesa offers some quiet beaches and jungles that are worth exploring.

Don’t miss the Underground River—a UNESCO World Heritage site located about 45 minutes away from the city. It’s one of the most unique natural wonders you’ll ever see.

Once you’ve soaked in the beauty of the Underground River, you can catch a bus or van transfer to your next stop: Port Barton.

Day 3-5: Relaxing in Port Barton

Port Barton is a hidden gem of Palawan. While it’s gaining popularity, it still maintains its laid-back charm, making it the perfect place to unwind. The drive from Puerto Princesa to Port Barton is scenic, taking you through lush fields and coconut palm forests.

The moment you arrive, you’ll be greeted by a small but welcoming beach town, where life moves a little slower.

I recommend staying for at least 3 days here—there’s no rush. The beaches are stunning: White Beach, Coconut Beach, and Port Barton Beach are all beautiful and peaceful. You can also sign up for an island-hopping tour to snorkel and explore the area’s remote islands.

This is an absolute must-do! Spend a day out on the water, snorkel with colorful marine life, and enjoy the tranquility of the sea.

During my stay, I stayed at Moon Bar Hostel, which is located up on a hill, offering incredible views of Port Barton Beach. The atmosphere here is quiet and relaxed, making it a perfect place to recharge. The town itself is small and walkable, with charming cafes, restaurants, and beachside bars.

The sunsets here are absolutely breathtaking, and there’s no better place to enjoy a cold drink and take in the beauty around you.

Day 6-9: El Nido – The Heart of Palawan

After soaking up the serenity of Port Barton, it’s time to head to the famous El Nido—Palawan’s most popular beach destination. It’s only a 3-4 hour bus ride north, and while El Nido is a bustling tourist town, it’s worth every second of the journey.

El Nido is known for its dramatic cliffs, vibrant blue water, and abundance of stunning beaches. The town itself is small but packed with restaurants, cafes, and places to relax. There’s so much to do here that you could easily spend a week.

I stayed at Oia Beach Hostel, located just steps from the main El Nido beach where many of the boats come and go. This hostel is one of the best I’ve ever stayed in, with a great vibe and amazing facilities.

There’s so much to explore here: you can visit Las Cabanas Beach and even take a thrilling zipline to a small island, or head to Duli Beach for some surfing. But what El Nido is most famous for are its island-hopping tours (A, B, and C).

These tours are iconic, and they’ll take you to some of the most pristine, uninhabited islands and crystal-clear lagoons in the area. You’ll have the chance to snorkel, swim, and simply enjoy the untouched beauty of Palawan’s islands.

Even though there’s a lot of tourists, I recommend staying at least 4 days in El Nido because there is so much to explore. I honestly wish I had stayed longer because I loved it so much. However, if you’re ready for a new adventure, you can catch a boat expedition from El Nido to Coron.

Day 10-13: Boat Expedition to Coron

If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience, you can’t miss the El Nido to Coron boat expedition. This trip takes 3-4 days (depending on which one you book) and is one of the best adventures I’ve ever had.

I went with Sea Quest—a great company that offers a memorable experience, and I highly recommend booking this trip a few weeks in advance.

On this boat expedition, you’ll spend your days exploring remote islands, snorkeling at hidden spots, and enjoying life on the water. The boat is your home, and you’ll be surrounded by new friends, friendly locals, and stunning views.

The food is incredible (think fresh local dishes served family-style), and there’s plenty of rum and karaoke to keep the fun going into the evening. It’s a relaxed, authentic experience that lets you connect with the true spirit of Palawan.

Trust me, this is an adventure you’ll never forget, and you don’t want to miss it.