Ultimate Travel Guide to Palawan: Discover Paradise in the Philippines

Your Essential Travel Guide to Discovering Palawan's Beauty

Ah, Palawan. Just saying that name makes me daydream about soft white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and those iconic limestone rock formations—seriously, it feels like paradise on Earth. If you’re planning a trip there (and you totally should), I’m here to give you the lowdown on everything you need to know to make the most of your journey.

Getting to Palawan

First things first, let’s talk about how to get to this tropical gem. If you’re flying in from Manila or Cebu, you’ve got a couple of options. El Nido and Coron are super popular spots, both of which have their own airports, while Puerto Princesa is the bustling capital of Palawan. From there, it’s a short hop on a domestic flight. Book your tickets ahead of time—like two to three months out—especially if you’re traveling during peak season. Airlines like Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific usually have pretty good deals, so keep an eye out.

Now, a fun fact: Palawan tends to have less humidity compared to other provinces in the country. Don’t get me wrong; it’s still warm, but it feels a bit less sticky, making your adventures even more enjoyable.

Exploring Coron

Let’s kick things off in Coron. I landed here and was immediately struck by the towering rock formations and the gleaming turquoise waters. If you’ve got a few nights in Coron, you’ve got to dive into some island-hopping tours. Trust me, those tours take you to some of the most awe-inspiring spots you'll ever see!

You can visit Barracuda Lake, Twin Lagoon, and the famous Kayangan Lake, where you can soak in breathtaking views that’ll make you want to pull out your camera and snap a million pictures. On tour days, I’d suggest waking up early so you can maximize your time exploring. So just grab breakfast, put on your sunscreen, and get ready for the day of your life.

I was lucky enough to stay in Coron Town for two nights. The vibe is laid-back, and the locals are friendly, which made me feel right at home. You can find a range of accommodations—from budget-friendly hostels to fancy resorts, depending on your style.

Island Hopping in El Nido

Next up is El Nido, and wow, it’s a favorite for good reason! The moment you arrive, you’ll understand why it’s a hotspot for travelers. I hopped on a van from Puerto Princesa that took about five to six hours, and honestly, every bump in the road was worth it.

In El Nido, you can choose from several tours—Tour A and Tour B are the most popular, and for good reason. You’ll hit up amazing places like Seven Commandos Beach and the Big Lagoon. The beaches? They’re enormous, and the scenery is downright postcard-worthy.

One night, I found myself chilling at the Friends Hostel, which felt more like a cozy retreat than a typical hostel. The staff treated us like family, and I met some incredible fellow travelers who I still keep in touch with. If you're looking for something swankier and have the budget, definitely check out the luxurious Kawayan Island Resort. I mean, it’s five-star with private huts—talk about living the dream!

Adventures in Puerto Princesa

Now, let’s move on to Puerto Princesa, the big city of Palawan with a vibe all its own. Flying into Puerto Princesa is pretty straightforward. It's only about an hour from Cebu, which makes getting here a breeze. One of the highlights is the Underground River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that you won’t want to miss. The river winds through a cave and you can see all sorts of wildlife—just be prepared for a cooler temperature when you’re inside!

Puerto Princesa is also known for its lively restaurant scene. I tried a place that served crocodile meat—yeah, you read that right! It was delicious, surprisingly enough.

If you’re looking for a quiet escape, I stumbled upon a fantastic Airbnb about 45 minutes outside the city. It felt like I was in the middle of nowhere, but in the best way. Think peaceful huts, calm waters for kayaking, and some of the most stunning sunsets I’ve ever experienced.

The Hidden Gem: Balabac

Now, for the grand finale—Balabac! This place is still a bit off the radar, and that’s part of what makes it so special. To get here, you’ll travel by van from Puerto Princesa and then hop onto a boat, which might sound like a trek, but trust me, it’s worth every second.

Balabac is incredibly remote, and that means breathtaking beauty without the tourist crowds. We booked a three-day, two-night tour, and while accommodations can be sparse, they do offer options for sleeping on the islands—super glamping vibes! Just remember, bring cash, because ATMs are scarce in this part of the world.

I can still picture one of the islands we visited—Tandarumen Island. The white sand was so soft, and the water? Clearer than anything I’d ever seen. The locals here are incredibly warm and welcoming, making you feel like part of the community right away.

Travel Tips for Palawan

Alright, let’s wrap things up with some quick tips to make your trip to Palawan as smooth as possible. First, bring breathable clothing. It’s hot, but also think about packing light. Trust me, you don’t want to lug around heavy bags when you’re hopping from one stunning beach to another.

And for those island-hopping adventures, a water-resistant bag is worth its weight in gold. You’ll thank me when those waves start splashing!

Also, if you’ve got valuable items, consider getting an AirTag or tracker. It’s always nice to have peace of mind when navigating a new place.

Finally, prepare for cash-only situations in the more remote areas, especially in Balabac where ATMs are almost non-existent. If you can, stock up before heading out of the city.

I hope this guide helps you plan an unforgettable trip to Palawan. The beauty of this place is just surreal, and I can pretty much guarantee you’ll leave with memories that will last a lifetime. Happy travels!