How to plan the Perfect Palawan Holiday

Palawan has been named “world’s best island” multiple years in a row by Travel & Leisure, and after spending so much time exploring its limestone cliffs, turquoise waters, hidden lagoons, white-sand beaches and spectacular sunsets, I still haven’t tired of it. If you’re considering visiting, I’d love to help you build a Palawan holiday that suits you — your pace, interests, and budget.

If you’ve landed on this article, I’m guessing I don’t need to convince you to pack your bikini, sunscreen, and sense of adventure for a Palawan holiday. More likely, you’re asking: How do I get to Palawan? What should I do once I’m there? Which beaches are the best? How much should I budget? If that’s you, you’re in exactly the right place.

As the owner of Do You Travel, I spend a lot of time in Palawan (and across the Philippines) creating tailor-made holidays for my clients. I know the ins and outs of getting around, the hidden gems worth seeing, and the little details that make a trip unforgettable.

So you’re in safe hands. Grab a drink, get comfy, and let me take you through everything you need to know to plan your own perfect Palawan holiday.

How to get to Palawan

First things first… “How on earth do you get to this magical Palawan island?” Booking flights from wherever you are to Palawan in one go is not only going to be expensive, but quite exhausting. If you are anything like me, you love to travel, but you hate airports, so I highly recommend getting a flight to Manila and spending a day or two exploring the capital city of the Philippines before heading to the beach.

Either way, once you are in Manila it’s only a short flight to the city of Puerto Princesa, Palawan! There are 3 main Airlines that serve the Philippines, Air Asia, Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines. I recommend jumping on Skyscanner and finding the cheapest ticket from MNL > PPS.

How to get around Palawan

Once you’re in Palawan, it’s pretty easy to get around, but you will need to have some patience. The Filipino culture is extremely laid back, so if a driver says he will be there to pick you up at 11 am, don’t be too surprised or stressed out if he doesn’t arrive on time.. 

Below is a guide to how long places in Palawan take to get to: 

• Puerto Princesa to Sabang: From Puerto Princesa Airport, you can travel to Sabang by private or shared van. The journey takes just under one hour and is a convenient way to reach the famous Underground River.
• Puerto Princesa / Sabang to Port Barton: Shared shuttle vans operate regularly between Puerto Princesa and Port Barton, with travel times of approximately 3–4 hours. However, these shuttles typically wait until all seats are filled before departing, which can result in long delays at the airport. For a smoother and more reliable experience, I recommend booking a private transfer. While it’s more expensive, it offers comfort, flexibility, and gets you on the road right away without unnecessary waiting.
• Puerto Princesa / Sabang to El Nido: If you prefer to skip Port Barton, you can travel directly to El Nido. The drive takes around 5–6 hours by van.
• Port Barton to El Nido: Travel time between Port Barton and El Nido is approximately 3–4 hours. Private van transfers are faster and far more comfortable, making them worth considering if your budget allows.
• To Coron: There are two main options for reaching Coron:
  • A short flight from El Nido (about 45 minutes)
  • A ferry from El Nido (approximately 3.5 hours)
• Local Transport: Within towns, the main form of transport is the tricycle — similar to Thailand’s tuk-tuks. They are inexpensive, quick, and convenient for short distances. However, they are not designed for comfort and are best avoided for longer or bumpier routes.

Budget For Your Palawan Holiday 

The Philippines is generally very affordable. While accommodation prices can vary, food and drinks are exceptionally inexpensive — one of the many reasons travellers love it here. (If you’re curious, check out our blogs on The Ultimate Guide to Food in the Philippines and Nightlife in the Philippines for more details on where to eat and enjoy a night out.)

Getting around is also reasonably priced. Vans, boats, domestic flights, and even guided tours tend to be good value compared to other destinations in Asia.

Of course, your budget will ultimately depend on the type of holiday experience you’re after. To give you a rough idea of daily budget for Palawan (excluding flights and accommodation):

• Budget – from around $25 AUD per day
• Mid-Range – around $45 AUD per day
• High-End – $60 AUD+ per day

This way, you can decide where you’d like to save and where you might want to splurge, depending on your travel style.

Where To Stay on your Palawan holiday 

When I plan a holiday package, I love to mix things up so you get a real taste of everything Palawan has to offer. Accommodation can vary depending on your style and preferences — from charming boutique hotels and cozy guesthouses to beachfront camping or glamping under the stars.

I’ve put together a list of my favourite spots across Palawan, including some luxury resorts in El Nido for those who want to indulge a little during their holiday. This way, your itinerary can be perfectly tailored to your pace, comfort level, and style.

Where to stay in Puerto Princesa City

• Budget – Reef Hostel
• Mid Range – Hue Hotels and Resorts Puerto Princesa

Where to stay in Sabang

• Budget – Dayunan Tourist Inn
• Mid Range – Daluyon Beach and Mountain Resort
• Luxury – Four Points by Sheraton Palawan Puerto Princesa

Where to stay in Port Barton

• Budget – CocoRico Hostel, Port Barton
• Mid Range – Parrots Boutique Resort

Where to stay in El Nido

Peaceful El Nido town is full of beachfront resorts, ranging from the most expensive in the country to cheap hostels and bungalows. 

• Budget – Frendz Hostel
• Mid Range – Sea cocoon
• Luxury – Miniloc Resort

Where to stay in Coron

Coron is a laid back town in the undeveloped island of Busuanga. There are no luxury hotels in town, little fast food joints and no fancy restaurants either

• Budget – Dayon Hostel
• Mid Range – Coron Westown Resort
• High Range – Club Paradise, The Funny Lion

When is the best time to travel to Palawan

The best time to visit Palawan is during the dry season, from November to May. The warmest months are March and April, which is summer in the Philippines—but this is also the busiest time, as locals flock to the islands and beaches.

At Do You Travel, we make sure our guests’ trips are booked well in advance to secure the best spots and experiences. If you’re planning your own adventure, we highly recommend booking ahead to make the most of your Palawan getaway.

Palawan Itinerary

Now the moment you’ve been waiting for, this Palawan itinerary has you covered with the best route to take on your Palawan holiday and all the best things to do and see on the way. Ready to jump in? Let’s go!

Day 1 – Arrive in Puerto Princesa

Once you arrive in Puerto Princesa, you have two equally good choices (although I recommend you make this choice prior to getting on the plane). Find a van and driver at the airport (they are everywhere, I promise) and ask them to take you to your hotel (the one you booked before you got on the plane) in Puerto Princesa City, or Sabang. I personally like Sabang for two reasons 1. It’s beachfront and 2. You are nice and close to the first attraction you are going to want to visit on your Palawan holiday, the Underground River. 

If you took my advice and ended up in Sabang today, after you’ve settled into your room and texted your mum that you made it in one piece, head down or up the beach. Sabang is a quiet fishing village, so there is not really that much to do, but the beaches here are stunning and will give you a little taste of what’s to come. The beach is lined with some hotels, small local stores and a few beachfront bars and restaurants. I highly recommend getting dinner at the Sheridan Resort so you can sit back and take in the sounds of the waves, the live music and watch the fire dancers!

Day 2 – Visit the Underground river

The Puerto Princesa underground river is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, it’s the world’s longest navigable underground river and makes for an exciting experience in one of the Philippines’ most popular islands.

You’ll need to conquer your fears of small, dark spaces (if you have them) however you’ll be treated to the rare sights of waterfalls gushing through the cave walls, a unique 20 million-year-old fossil of a sirenia or manatee, and a tiny rock passage that leads into a vast room, carpeted from floor to ceiling in glimmering crystals. 

Once back on dry land, you again have two choices, jump in a van and head to Port Barton, or enjoy another night in sleepy Sabang and take a morning trip

Day 3 – Port Barton

Port Barton doesn’t usually make it onto many people’s Palawan itinerary, but it really should. Port Barton showcases long stretches of empty beach, an endless trail of palm trees, fiery sunsets and secluded islands that are just waiting to be explored. There are plenty of accommodation options to choose from in Port Barton, but I highly recommend Gilligans Beach House. We stay here on tour and you can either pitch a tent right on the sand or stay inside the beach house. You’ll need to pre-plan this one as you have to get a boat over, but the beach house staff can organise it for you so it’s waiting when you arrive in town.

Day 4 – Port Barton

Today you are either going to want to spend your day sipping on fresh coconuts, listening to reggae tunes as you start to adjust to island life, or, if you are up for some exploring, join in on an island-hopping trip and spend the day chasing sea turtles and exploring the various islands surrounding Port Barton. Coconutz Island hopping tour in Port Barton is great!

For dinner tonight I recommend Reef Cafe. They do some of the best burgers in Palawan, so if you’re fancying a break from Asian cuisine this spot needs to be on your list.

Day 5 – El Nido

Today you’ll head to the real jewel of Palawan, El Nido, and despite the lengths it took to get here, you’ll quickly be assured upon arrival that it’s all very much worth it. To get to El Nido from Port Barton head to the Port Barton Bus Terminus and board a van heading to El Nido. Vans depart the terminal at 8:00, 13:00 and 17:00, and they charge at least 610 PHP ($12) per person. Once you have arrived in El Nido and settled in, jump in a tricycle and head to Panorama Resort Beach for an amazing feed and sunset views to die for!

Day 6 – El Nido Island Hopping

A trip to El Nido just wouldn’t be complete without an Island Hopping day tour. This is the most popular thing to do in El Nido and you will soon see why. 

You may be a little overwhelmed with choices when you see all the different island hopping tours, but don’t fret. The tours are organised into 4 different itineraries  A, B, C, & D (Super creative, I know). Generally, Tour A is known for lagoons and beaches, B for caves and islands, C for great snorkeling and a shrine, and D somewhere in between, featuring island beaches.

Tour A is the most popular and you really cannot go wrong. If you have more time in El Nido I would recommend doing both Tour A and B. 

Hot Tip – If you happen to have a couple of days to spare, I highly recommend joining in a 3 or 4-day island-hopping expedition from El Nido to Coron. This is one of my favourite parts of our tours! You’ll get as close as you could ever get to a true Robinson Crusoe experience! On tour, we camp out in tents on the beach, enjoy Filipino BBQ feasts on board and get to discover all of the Islands between El Nido and Coron, including Linapacan, which has been voted the clearest water in the world.

Day 7 – Nacpan beach

Nacpan Beach is one of my favourite spots in El Nido. You can easily spend an entire day here soaking up the sun, walking along the pristine shoreline, and sipping a refreshing cocktail — honestly, who doesn’t love doing that?

For a more upscale beach experience, I recommend ANGKLA Beach Club & Boutique Resort, located at the northern tip of Nacpan Beach. It offers a stylish, relaxed vibe with a pool, lounge areas, and great cocktails — the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of Palawan.

If you’re after a more casual spot to enjoy a drink while taking in the sunset, Nacpan Beach Bar is another great option. With laid-back vibes, simple cocktails, and a friendly atmosphere right on the sand, it’s ideal for a relaxed afternoon or evening by the water.

Day 8 – Coron

Just a 3 hour ferry ride from El Nido lies the town of Coron, which is located on the largest island in the archipelago, Busuanga Island. Many people are confused with Coron town as there is also a Coron Island, a stunning undeveloped island which most Coron day trips visit. There are two ferry companies that run an El Nido to Coron ferry each once a day. The ferry only takes 4 hours and is one of the fastest ways to travel to Coron. The ferry sells out days in advance so make sure you book ahead, tickets are around 3,000 pesos/$80 AUD

Day 9 – Coron

Another day of island hopping. This breathtaking maze of deep blue water in Coron winds around the tall limestone cliffs and will have you pinching yourself to check that you aren’t dreaming! It’s absolutely stunning!

You can sign up for Island Tours that take you through Coron Bay while stopping at secret inlets, guiding you to the best swim spots, and visiting viewpoints that give you full perspective of the bay.

Day 10 – Flight back to Manila 

On your final day, you’ll take a short van ride from Coron town to the airport for your flight back to Manila. Use this time to soak in the last glimpses of Palawan’s stunning landscapes — from the limestone cliffs to the turquoise waters — and reflect on everything you’ve experienced over the past 10 days.

This marks the end of your Palawan adventure, but the memories you’ve made — relaxing on pristine beaches, island hopping through hidden lagoons, discovering charming towns, and savouring local food and cocktails — will stay with you long after your flight lands.

Final Thoughts

I wouldn’t recommend spending any less than 10 days travelling Palawan as there is just so much to see and do, but I have included all of the absolute musts in my list above to ensure you get the very best out of your Palawan holiday, even if you are short on time!

If you’re looking for inspiration for your own Palawan adventure — or if you’d like to travel independently without having to plan every detail yourself — check out our Independent Palawan Holiday Package. It’s fully customisable, so you can enjoy the best of Palawan at your own pace, stress-free. Fair warning: once you start exploring it, you might find yourself booking that flight!

Why Choose an Independent Philippines Holiday Package?

By now, you’ve probably got a feel for everything Palawan has to offer — from pristine beaches and hidden lagoons to bustling towns and charming local villages. The next question is often: Should I go with a group tour, or create my own private holiday?

Here’s why I recommend an independent, tailor-made package:

• Flexibility: You decide what to see, when to move, and how long to stay in each place. No rigid group schedules.
• Pace: Want lazy beach mornings or early morning hikes? It’s entirely up to you.
• Comfort & style: Prefer to mix luxury resorts with rustic local stays? I can design a balance that suits your taste.
• Personal touches: From photography and food experiences to diving or wellness activities, your interests guide the trip.

I take care of all the logistics — transport, accommodation, permits, and local guides — so you can focus entirely on enjoying the journey.

How I Can Help

With Do You Travel’s custom Palawan holiday packages, we can:

• Plan a full itinerary tailored to your style, pace, and budget
• Arrange private or small group transfers, flights, or ferries
• Book accommodations that match your preferences, from luxury to boutique or simple stays
• Organise local experiences, from island-hopping and snorkeling to cultural visits
• Provide on-the-ground support and advice to make sure everything runs smoothly

If you’re ready to start planning, I’d love to hear what excites you most about Palawan. Let’s build a holiday that’s perfectly yours — unforgettable, effortless, and just the way you want it!