Palawan travel guide

An overview of Palawan

This long, slender province along the western edge of the Philippines was sparsely populated until the 1970s, with dense jungles, clear rivers and thriving coral reefs.

Since then, settlers from the Visayas (the central islands of the Philippines) have made Palawan their home, drawn by its rich fishing grounds and unspoilt beauty. Today, Palawan is celebrated as one of the last natural frontiers of the Philippines. Many of its islands remain intact, offering travellers a rare glimpse of the country's wild heart – from the limestone cliffs of El Nido to the coral gardens of Coron.

The regions of Palawan

In the far north, Coron Town is famous for its vibrant reefs and the 17 Japanese shipwrecks sunk here during WWII. It's also the gateway to Coron Island, known for its turquoise lagoons and lakes. To reach Coron, book a flight to Busuanga Airport (USU). South of Coron, Culion and Linapacan Islands are among the most remote in the province. Their isolation makes them best explored with an experienced expedition crew, perfect for travellers joining a Tao journey.

El Nido is home to the breathtaking Bacuit Bay, perhaps the most iconic destination in Palawan. Towering limestone cliffs, secret lagoons and white sand beaches make it a must-see – though it can be busy in peak season. South of El Nido, Port Barton offers a slower pace and a glimpse of what El Nido was like decades ago. San Vicente, with its long stretch of untouched beach, is another relaxed alternative. Midway down the island, Puerto Princesa is Palawan's main hub with regular flights across the Philippines. It's a convenient starting or ending point for your adventures.

Planning your Palawan itinerary

Palawan is remote and best enjoyed unrushed. We recommend a minimum of seven days – including your Tao experience – but 10-14 days allows time to explore El Nido, Coron and between, with some flexibility for weather or travel delays. The archipelago's long, linear shape makes it ideal for travelling from north to south (Coron to El Nido) or south to north (El Nido to Coron). Either direction works beautifully, revealing Palawan's magic in its own way.

El Nido and Coron – before and after your trip

These are entry and exit points to the islands. They can be lively, crowded and full of energy. Fun for a night or two, but not where Palawan's real magic lies. In Coron, explore the WWII wreck dives and healthy reefs. Kayangan Lake and the Twin Lagoon are must-sees, but for a more peaceful experience, join a local boat tour to the outer reefs. In El Nido, spend a day or two island-hopping in Bacuit Bay. For quieter beaches, rent a motorbike and head north to explore Nacpan, Duli and the hidden coves beyond. You can stay for a night at our Taran Beach Club at Duli Beach. Don't cut your Tao trip short to spend extra days in town, you won't be missing out!

Which route should I take?

It doesn't really matter as both routes are unforgettable. If you travel El Nido to Coron, the coral life gets richer and more diverse as you head north. If you travel Coron to El Nido, the scenery grows more dramatic, with the limestone islands unfolding one by one. If you'd like to relax after your trip, finish in El Nido. If you're planning to dive afterwards, end in Coron.

Travelling to Puerto Princesa

If you have extra time, continue south from El Nido by road. The four-hour drive is beautiful, passing rice fields, mountains and jungle. Port Barton is a laid-back coastal town popular with backpackers and ideal for relaxed island-hopping. San Vicente is two hours south of El Nido with cheaper domestic flights, and Puerto Princesa is the provincial capital and main transport hub with the widest range of onward flights in Palawan.