Palawan Philippines: for many travelers the most beautiful place in the whole country. Limestone cliffs, turquoise lagoons, shipwrecks and endless beaches. On our honeymoon we visited the best spots on Palawan. In this Palawan Philippines guide you’ll read what you shouldn’t miss, where we slept and which tips matter if you add Palawan to your trip through the Philippines. Especially if you’re visiting the Philippines for the first time. A true ‘Let Us Stay For A Day’ recommendation…

Want a complete route right away? Then read our 2 to 3 week Palawan itinerary.

From the US you can fly to Manila or Cebu in the Philippines. In our opinion a stopover is necessary, since we found no direct flights (from the Netherlands). Do you want to go to Palawan in the Philippines? Then Manila is the most logical place to start your Palawan Philippines trip.

Manila Philippines (1 day)

Once in Manila, take a Grab (the Uber of the Philippines) to your hotel in the Makati district. Depending on traffic the ride takes half an hour to an hour. Especially after sunset, have yourself dropped off right at your accommodation. You’ve probably read about it already, but this city in the Philippines isn’t listed as the safest place on earth ;-). During the day you can easily visit the popular sights or shopping malls, though. In the evening we advise you to be careful, and to use your common sense and intuition. In Manila we slept at The Peninsula Manila. A fantastic place, with a brilliant breakfast and a big pool. And close to the shopping malls for some more shopping! Highly recommended. By the way, we found the other options below on the recommendation of good friends who recently visited the Philippines.

Coron Philippines (2 or 3 days)

From Manila you book a domestic flight to Busuanga Airport. A small airport in the Coron area in the province of Palawan. Palawan is the western part of the Philippines. It is also famous for its unspoiled nature, crystal-clear water, impressive mountains and beautiful dive spots. Coron town may not be all that special or pretty, but the various tours from here guarantee unforgettable moments of happiness. So definitely book excursions while you’re staying here… Between Coron and El Nido many adventurous travelers book an expedition with Tao Philippines (check current availability), for example. A few days exploring remote islands on a sailboat. This trip usually takes 3 or 4 days. Booking in advance is wise, because these trips are often full. During our trip we decided to go for private day trips on Palawan. And in the evening we slept in a bit more luxury ;-).

Our accommodations in Coron Philippines

At the top of our list is definitely the Funny Lion. A beautiful pool, spacious rooms and two rooftop jacuzzis overlooking the sun setting over this incredibly beautiful bay. We were so impressed that we wanted to book a few extra days. What do you think? Completely booked. So we booked the hotel next door. Same view, but the cheaper option, a lovely pool and a nice restaurant. The perfect solution when the Funny Lion is fully booked again…

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The best excursions in Coron, Palawan

Coron is definitely one of the most beautiful places to explore in Palawan Philippines, and there are countless excursions you shouldn’t miss. Whether you love adventure, nature or relaxation, Coron offers a wide range of activities that will make your trip unforgettable. Here are the best excursions you can do in Coron:

1. Island Hopping Tour

This is the classic way to explore Coron and an absolute must-do. Most tour operators offer island-hopping excursions that take you to some of the most beautiful islands in the area. The popular stops include:

• Kayangan Lake: This is perhaps the most famous lake in the Philippines. The clear, turquoise water is surrounded by steep limestone cliffs. You can swim, kayak or simply enjoy the breathtaking view.
• Twin Lagoon: These two lagoons are connected by an underwater tunnel that you can explore at low tide. The lagoons have a surreal, mysterious feel, especially when the water has just the right color and the sunlight shines through.
• Malcapuya Island: This island is known for its white sand beaches and crystal-clear water. It’s also a great place to swim, sunbathe and snorkel.
• Banul Beach: A small, remote island with beautiful white sand and calm water, ideal for relaxing.
• Siete Pecados Marine Park: This is one of the best places to snorkel in Coron. Here you can explore the colorful coral reef and an abundance of tropical fish.

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2. Wreck Diving – Diving the WWII Ships

Coron has become world-famous for the underwater world of Palawan, mainly thanks to the Japanese warships that sank during World War II. There are dozens of wrecks around Coron, and they offer an incredible diving experience. The best known are:

• Irako Wreck: This is one of the largest and best-preserved shipwrecks in Coron, and it’s suitable for both beginners and advanced divers. The wreck lies at about 66 feet deep, and you can dive through the various sections of the ship, including the engine room and the bridge.
• Akitsushima Wreck: This wreck lies a bit deeper and is often a choice for more experienced divers. It also offers a fascinating look into a warship that is now home to lots of fish species.
• Olympia Maru: Another iconic wreck that divers love. It lies at only 33 feet deep and offers an excellent chance to explore both the structure and the surrounding marine life.
• Lusong Gunboat: This wreck is not only an interesting dive site, but also a great place to snorkel. It isn’t deep and is one of the few wrecks accessible to non-certified divers.

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3. Hike up Mount Tapyas for a panoramic view

Want the most beautiful views over Coron and the surrounding islands of Palawan? Then the hike up Mount Tapyas is a must. It is the highest mountain in Coron and the top offers a spectacular 360-degree view over the island, the sea and the surrounding nature. It is a relatively easy climb of 700 steps, though, and you’re best off going early in the morning or at sunset for the most beautiful colors in the sky.

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4. Maquinit Hot Springs

After a long day of island hopping or diving you can relax in the Maquinit Hot Springs. This natural hot spring complex lies along the coast of Palawan and offers a relaxing experience with a view of the sea. The water is of volcanic origin and has a pleasant temperature, ideal for soothing your muscles after an active day.

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5. Snorkeling at Siete Pecados Marine Park

If you love snorkeling, Siete Pecados is a fantastic place to explore the colorful coral reef and the rich underwater flora and fauna of Coron. The marine park has crystal-clear water and you can see a wide range of tropical fish and other sea creatures. It’s a perfect spot for both beginner and advanced snorkelers.

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6. Kayangan Lake and Barracuda Lake

Besides Kayangan Lake, which you can already visit during the island-hopping tour, Barracuda Lake is another famous water attraction in Coron. This lake has a unique mix of fresh and salt water, which makes it an interesting dive site. The water has a mysterious blue color and is surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs.

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7. Coron Town Tour

If you want to relax for a day and soak up some culture, you can take a city tour of Coron. Visit the Coron Catholic Church, stroll through the local markets and taste the delicious local dishes, including fresh seafood and tropical fruit. You can also visit the Coron Town Plaza, where you have a nice view over the harbor and the surrounding islands.

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8. Lusong Coral Garden & Wreck

This is a great place to snorkel and dive. It’s also one of the less-visited locations in Coron. It is known for its colorful coral reefs and the wreck of a small ship that you can explore while snorkeling. It’s also a quieter and more remote location compared to other, more popular snorkeling spots.

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9. Sunset Cruise

After a day full of adventure you can end the day with a sunset cruise around the islands of Coron. This is a perfect way to enjoy the view of the sun setting over the sea and the surrounding mountains. Many cruises also offer a quiet, romantic atmosphere with the option to have a cold drink and enjoy the beautiful view.

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Summary of Coron Philippines

Coron offers so many beautiful excursions and activities that it’s almost impossible to do everything in one trip. As far as we’re concerned, Coron is one of the most beautiful places on Palawan and in the Philippines. From breathtaking nature, historic wrecks and serene lakes to active adventures such as hiking and diving – Coron has something unique for every traveler. Don’t forget to always hire a local guide for the best experience, especially for dive excursions and exploring remote islands!

El Nido Philippines (3 or 4 days)

From Coron you take the ferry to El Nido in about four hours. Or you choose an island expedition of a few days. El Nido is what you come to the Philippines for: limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons and beaches you can only reach by bangka. There are four island-hopping tours: A, B, C and D. Tour A (with the Big and Small Lagoon) and tour C (with the hidden beaches) are the best known. Also plan a beach day at Nacpan Beach and a cocktail with a view at sunset.

👉 Island hopping in El Nido:

Port Barton Philippines (3 days)

You take a van from El Nido to Port Barton in about four hours. Port Barton is the quietest stretch of Palawan Philippines we’ve seen. This is what El Nido looked like twenty years ago: a small village, dirt roads and lots of calm. Go island hopping to the turtle spot, for example, snorkel among the starfish and watch the sunset behind the bangkas in the evening. We had to ‘survive’ here for a bit, with backpackers, bedbugs and lukewarm beer. But the sunsets made up for everything.

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👉 Island hopping in Port Barton:

Puerto Princesa Philippines (2 days)

From Port Barton you drive to Puerto Princesa, the capital of Palawan, in about three hours. So here you end your Palawan Philippines trip in a relaxed way. Visit the Puerto Princesa Underground River, for example, an underground river on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The number of visitors per day is limited, so book a tour or permit in advance. You can also go island hopping in Honda Bay. From Puerto Princesa you fly back to Manila or Cebu.

👉 The underground river:

More El Nido hotspots from our Google Maps

In our Google Maps we keep a list of all our favorite places in El Nido. Click a name to open the place directly in Google Maps.

• Las Cabañas Beach – beach south of El Nido, popular at sunset.
• Sip Sunset Lounge & Bar – cocktail bar.
• Trattoria Altrove – Italian.
• Bella Vita – Italian.
• Holy Smoke Mediterranean Food House – Mediterranean.
• Taas Restaurant – restaurant.
• El Nido Boutique Artcafe – restaurant.
• Taste El Nido – fully plant-based café.
• Hama Coffee – coffee bar.

Important tips for Palawan Philippines

• Best time to go to Palawan Philippines: the dry season from December through May. June through November is the rainy season, with a chance of typhoons.
• Book domestic flights early. Flights to Coron (Busuanga), El Nido and Puerto Princesa fill up quickly.
• Bring enough cash. In Coron and Port Barton you can’t use a card in many places.
• Expect environmental fees. For the tours in El Nido and Coron you usually pay a small eco or environmental fee.
• Fill in the eTravel form at etravel.gov.ph, within 72 hours before arrival. Many passports, including US and Dutch ones, allow you to stay 30 days without a visa; always check the current rules.
• Bring a dry bag and reef-safe sunscreen. You spend a lot of time on boats and the coral reefs are fragile.
• Plan in buffers. In bad weather boats and flights are sometimes canceled.

Frequently asked questions about Palawan Philippines

Mabuhay, Palawan!

Palawan is what you come to the Philippines for. Want to know how to combine everything most cleverly? Then check our Palawan itinerary, our Visayas and Siargao itinerary or the ultimate 4-week tour. Mabuhay!

Want to see more of our trip through the Philippines? Check out our stories and videos in the highlights on Instagram.

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