The Ultimate Palawan Itinerary: 12 Days of Endless Adventure

Often referred to as the “Last Frontier” of the Philippines, Palawan is a stunning tropical paradise – one that offers fewer crowds and endless opportunities for adventures.

Here, you’ll find everything from pristine beaches to vibrant coral reefs, crystal-clear lagoons, dramatic limestone cliffs, and lush outer islands.

In fact, the region is so beautiful and so diverse that it’s become (hands-down) my favorite place to visit in the Philippines! 

I mean, I’ve already been there twice – and am currently planning a third trip back! 

There’s just so much to do and see here! Palawan is, after all, home to more than 1,700 islands – so, the opportunities are literally endless. 

Chances are, however, you won’t have time to explore it all. And that’s okay – with 12 days you’ll still be able to hit up some of Palawan’s most iconic spots.

This itinerary will take you from the islands of Coron and El Nido to the beaches and natural wonders of Port Barton and Puerto Princesa.

Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to uncover extraordinary landscapes, remote hidden gems, and unforgettable cultural encounters.

That being said, let’s dive right in and plan out the perfect Palawan itinerary. 

Around this time of the year, you’re likely to encounter warm weather with clear skies and sunny days.

That being said, the dry season is also peak travel season for the Philippines. So, you should come prepared for larger crowds and higher prices.

If you wish to avoid this, consider traveling to Palawan during the shoulder season, in early May or late November.

While you may experience a few rain showers here or there, the weather during both of these months is usually pleasant with fewer crowds and more affordable prices.

And finally, there’s the rainy season, which occurs between June and November.

Although this time of year does bring with it heavy periods of rain, winds, and storms, the sun still comes out and it’s still possible to have an enjoyable time. 

In fact, I’ve traveled to the Philippines a few times during the rainy season. And while I did experience a couple storms, they were short-lived. So, my trips were largely unaffected.

The important thing during this time of the year is to remain flexible and have a few backup plans in place, just in case.

🌟Still not sure when to visit Palawan? Be sure to check out my detailed month-by-month guide to weather in the Philippines!

Although the province is home to more than 1,700 islands, there are only three airports that offer direct service to and from Manila. 

These include: Francisco B. Reyes Airport in Coron, El Nido Airport in El Nido, and the Puerto Princesa International Airport in the capital city of Puerto Princesa.

Aside from this, it’s also possible to travel by ferry over to Palawan. However, the journey can be quite long and inconvenient, albeit very affordable. 

For the purposes of this Palawan itinerary, we’ll begin our travels in Coron. So, I recommend flying into Francisco B. Reyes Airport (USU), which is located on the main island of Busuanga.

In fact, it seems to be easier now than it was when I first visited back in 2019 – so they’re definitely working on it!

When traveling between islands, you’ll have the option to fly to a limited number of destinations. However, most of the time, your best bet will be to use ferries and boat tours. 

Unfortunately, local airports are few and far between, so boat travel really is your best (and sometimes only) option. 

Meanwhile, for travel on land, you’ll have the option to choose between tricycles, vans, buses, and jeepneys (which are old military jeeps turned into mini-buses).

Generally speaking, you’ll use tricycles to get around cities and to nearby destinations. While, jeepneys, vans, and buses can be used for longer distances, say between El Nido and Port Barton. 

It’s also possible to rent a car or moped and drive yourself around. However, I only recommend doing so, if you’re comfortable driving in off-road conditions. 

Unfortunately, roads in Palawan aren’t well-maintained, so you’re likely to run into several potholes and rugged terrain.

While island hopping is, of course, one of the top things to do here, the region also boasts plenty of inland attractions and activities.

And thankfully, you have three days to experience it all!

To get a feel for both land and sea, I recommend spending your first day exploring the main island of Busuanga. Then you can set off for a few days of adventure on the water!

Direct flights are offered daily from Manila, Cebu, and Clark City – all of which are home to major international airports. 

Once you land, you’ll need to catch a ride into Coron Town, which lies about 30-40 minutes away.

Many hotels and resorts offer complimentary shuttle service, so it’s best to check with them first before arranging any transportation.

If your hotel doesn’t offer this service, there are plenty of vans available for hire upon arrival – or you can pre-book a transfer online.

• Join an Island Hopping Tour: Coron offers a wide variety of island hopping tours for you to choose from. While exact destinations vary, a few of the most famous stops include Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon, Barracuda Lake, Twin Peaks Coral Garden, and Skeleton Wreck. 
• Discover Coron’s Beaches: The islands of Coron feature a number of incredible beaches that are just waiting to be explored. Some of the most popular include Banul Beach, Atwayan Beach, CYC Beach, and those found on Malcapuya Island.
• Go Shipwreck Diving: Coron is home to so many shipwrecks that it’s known as the wreck diving capital of the Philippines. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, these wrecks (most of which are from World War II) offer exceptional diving opportunities.
• Partake in Watersport Activities: In addition to diving, Coron offers a wealth of other watersport activities, such as kayaking, snorkeling, wakeboarding, and parasailing. These activities can be enjoyed at your hotel or at the Royal Island Watersports complex.
• Explore Coron Town: The town of Coron may be small, but it does offer a few notable attractions. These include Mount Tapyas, Maquinit Hot Springs, Lualhati Park, and San Agustin Parish Church. If you’d like to experience them all in one go, you can do so on a Coron Town Tour.

Generally speaking, it’s the most convenient option, as it offers easy access to a variety of amenities and businesses. 

This includes everything from restaurants to bars, shops, and local markets, as well as a wide array of accommodation options.

In addition to this, Coron Town is home to the local port where most island hopping tours depart. So, it’s a great choice, if you plan to spend lots of time out on the water.

Encompassing the famous town of El Nido and its nearby outer islands, the area is renowned for its towering limestone cliffs, hidden beaches, blue-green waters, and thriving coral reefs.

Although there’s a lot to do here, you only have four days, so it’s important to make every moment count.

For this itinerary, I recommend spending a day in town, two days out on the water, and a day exploring the jungles of El Nido.

Non-stop flights to El Nido Airport are offered exclusively via AirSwift. They depart twice a day with flight times of about 40 minutes.

The fast ferry, on the other hand, takes about five hours in total. So, it is a bit longer – but it’s typically more affordable and offers stunning views along the way.

No matter which mode of transportation you choose, it’s a good idea to book your reservations in advance. Flights and ferries are both known to fill up quickly – especially during peak season.

Upon arrival in El Nido, you can easily hire a taxi or tricycle to take you into town. Or, you can check with your hotel to see if they offer a shuttle service.

• Join an Island Hopping Tour: Like Coron, El Nido also offers a wide variety of island hopping tours. While destinations vary, some popular stops include Big Lagoon, Secret Beach, Seven Commandos Beach, Secret Lagoon, and Small Lagoon.
• Explore El Nido’s Beaches: Near the main town of El Nido, there are a variety of stunning white sand beaches for you to enjoy. Some of the most famous include Nacpan Beach, Calitang Beach, Lio Beach, and Las Cabanas Beach.
• Hike Taraw Cliff: Set about 750 feet above sea level, Taraw Cliff offers incredible views overlooking El Nido and the surrounding bay. Just be prepared to put in some work – the path to the top includes several hanging bridges and steep cliffs!
• Discover El Nido’s Waterfalls: El Nido is home to a number of beautiful cascading waterfalls. Some of the most notable include Kuyawyaw Falls, Bulalacao Falls, and Nagkalit-Kalit Falls.
• Enjoy the Town’s Nightlife: The town of El Nido is known for its vibrant nightlife. Here, you’ll find a number of laid-back beach bars that offer cheap drinks, live music, and entertaining karaoke nights.

Here, you’ll find a variety of accommodation options, as well as several restaurants, bars, shops, and tour operations.

In addition to this, many island hopping and diving tours depart from El Nido Town, so it’s a very convenient location in that sense.

Here, you’ll find stunning white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, incredible natural scenery, and untouched outer islands.

It truly is a tropical paradise  – and with three days to explore, you’ll have just enough time to fully immerse yourself in its wonders.

For this itinerary, I recommend spending your first day exploring the town, followed by a day of island hopping. Then on your third day, you can head out to discover the area’s incredible beaches and waterfalls.

There are both private and shared vans available for you to choose from. 

These can either be pre-booked online or reserved once in El Nido. Although, it is best to secure your bookings in advance if you plan to travel during peak season.

In total, the van ride typically takes about 4 hours – give or take, depending on traffic.

Pro Tip: The roads in Palawan are very windy, curvy, and bumpy. So, if you experience motion sickness, it’s best to take medicine before heading out!

• Join an Island Hopping Tour: Port Barton offers an array of laid-back, less-touristy island hopping tours. While exact stops vary, some popular destinations on these tours include Twin Reef, Turtle Sanctuary, Maxima Island, Starfish Sandbar, and Fantastic Reef. 
• Discover Port Barton’s Beaches: The town of Port Barton is home to a variety of incredible beaches. Some of the most famous include White Beach, Coconut Beach, Port Barton Beach (aka Itaytay Beach), and Pamuayan Beach.
• Go Scuba Diving: Just off the shores of Port Barton lie several stunning coral dive sites that are teeming with marine life. These sites vary from beginner to advanced, so divers of all skills can be accommodated. 
• Kayak Along the Shore: There are numerous vendors that offer kayak rentals along the beaches in Port Barton. This is a great way to not only get out into the water but to also take in the views of the town’s stunning shoreline.
• Explore Port Barton’s Waterfalls: Port Barton is home to some beautiful waterfalls. Two of the most notable are Pamuayan Falls and Bigaho Falls – both of which are accessible via a short hike.

Here, you’ll find a variety of waterfront accommodations, as well as a few restaurants, cafes, and bars.

This is also where many of the island hopping tours depart from, so it’s a great location if you plan to spend lots of time out on the water.

Famous for its UNESCO-listed underground river, Puerto Princesa is also home to beautiful beaches, lush mangrove forests, stunning lagoons, and unique cultural attractions.

Needless to say, there’s quite a lot to do here – and with two days, you’ll have just enough time to get a glimpse of the highlights.

To make the most of your trip, I recommend spending your first day explore the city. Then, on your last and final day in Palawan, you can venture out to the Subterranean River National Park.

Both private and shared vans are available. They can either be pre-booked online or reserved upon arrival in Port Barton (typically through your hotel).

That being said, I do recommend booking in advance, if you plan to travel during the peak season.

The total travel time from Port Barton to Puerto Princesa is typically around 4 hours – give or take, depending on traffic.

• Visit the Subterranean River National Park: Located in the nearby village of Sabang, the Subterranean River National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Home to one of the world’s longest navigable underground rivers, the park is a popular day trip destination from Puerto Princesa.
• Discover the Village of Sabang: While Sabang is most famous for its iconic underground river, there’s actually a lot more to discover here. In fact, the area is known for its pristine beaches, incredible hiking trails, and fun outdoor activities – like zip lining! 
• Go Island Hopping in Honda Bay: Similar to the other stops on our Palawan itinerary, Puerto Princesa also offers island hopping tours. The most popular destination for this is Honda Bay, which is known for its picturesque islands and white sandy beaches.
• Explore Puerto Princesa City: As the capital city, Puerto Princesa offers a wealth of historical and cultural attractions – many of which can be experienced on a city tour. Popular stops on this tour include the Plaza Cuartel, Puerto Princesa City Baywalk, Baker’s Hill, and the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center.
• Glimpse the Fireflies of Puerto Princesa: Puerto Princesa is surrounded by several mangrove forests, which are home to thriving populations of local fireflies. A guided boat tour through the serene waterways of this habitat offers a chance to glimpse these glowing creatures up close.

Not only will you find a wide array of accommodations here, but there are also several restaurants, cafes, and bars located in the area. 

There are even a few notable historical attractions nearby, including the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, the Plaza Cuartel, and the Puerto Princesa City Baywalk.

• Boating Expedition from Coron to El Nido: Extend your stay in northern Palawan by setting out on a boating expedition from Coron to El Nido. Ranging from 3 to 5 days, these expeditions travel from island to island as they make their way down to the main island of Palawan. 
• San Vicente: Swing by San Vicente on your way to Port Barton. Here, you’ll find Long Beach, which is the longest white sand beach in the Philippines and the second longest in Southeast Asia!
• Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park: If you’re a certified scuba diver, consider heading out to sea to visit Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park. Accessible only by liveaboard, this park is the largest marine protected area in the Philippines – and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  
• Balabac: Head down to southern Palawan and explore the lesser-known islands of Balabac. While the trip to get here is long and cumbersome, the islands are said to be some of the most beautiful in all of Palawan.

🌟Looking to explore beyond Palawan? Be sure to check out my 10 day Philippines itinerary! These two itineraries can be combined for a longer stay in the Philippines!