Palawan has become one of the ultimate destinations for adventurous travelers and nature lovers alike. Known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and towering limestone cliffs, it’s no wonder Palawan has earned the title of “Best Island in the World” multiple times.

And of course it is a YPT favorite that we take in every year! So we feel we are somewhat experts here.

In this Palawan guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about visiting Palawan, including how to get there, must-see spots like El Nido, Coron, Port Barton, and Nacpan, and tips on what to do once you’re there.

About Palawan

Located in the western part of the Philippines, Palawan is an archipelago made up of 1,780 islands and islets. The main island, also called Palawan, stretches over 400 kilometers from the tip of Mindoro to the north of Borneo, making it one of the longest islands in the Philippines. It’s a paradise for adventurers, boasting diverse ecosystems that include mangrove forests, limestone cliffs, coral reefs, and lush jungles teeming with wildlife. From the underground river in Puerto Princesa to the clear lagoons of El Nido, Palawan offers a mix of untouched beauty and off-the-beaten-path destinations.

Palawan Guide – Best Island in the World?

Palawan has consistently been voted as the Best Island in the World by top travel publications such as Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure, and it’s easy to see why. The island’s sheer natural beauty, biodiversity, and the variety of things to do make it stand out. Whether you want to relax on a white sandy beach or explore underwater marine life, Palawan gives you a taste of what paradise truly feels like. And with its increasing popularity, Palawan has become a bucket-list destination for travelers from all over the world, yet it still retains its unspoiled charm.

Palawan Guide – How to get here?

Palawan is remote, but thankfully it’s pretty accessible. Here’s a breakdown of how to get to this tropical paradise:

By Air:

The easiest way to get to Palawan is by flying. There are three main airports you can fly into: Puerto Princesa International Airport (main city), El Nido Airport, and Coron’s Busuanga Airport. Most flights will take you to Puerto Princesa, the capital city of Palawan, with direct flights available from Manila, Cebu, and even international locations like Hong Kong and Seoul.

By Sea:

For the more adventurous traveler, you can take a ferry from Manila or Mindoro to Coron or El Nido. It’s not the fastest option, but you’ll get to experience stunning sea views as you approach the islands.

By Land (for inter-island travel):

Once in Palawan, getting around by land is usually via buses, vans, or motorbikes. For shorter trips, tricycles (local tuk-tuks) are common and cheap.

Palawan Guide to El Nido

El Nido is Palawan’s crown jewel and one of the most famous destinations in the Philippines. Known for its limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, and crystal-clear waters, El Nido is paradise in every sense of the word. It offers incredible island-hopping opportunities, fantastic diving spots, and a lively, yet laid-back, beach town atmosphere.

How to Get to El Nido:

There are a few ways to get to El Nido, depending on your starting point.

• From Manila: You can fly directly to El Nido Airport (Lio Airport), or you can fly into Puerto Princesa and then take a 5-6 hour van or bus ride north to El Nido. Vans are faster but can be a bit cramped, while buses are slower but more comfortable.
• From Coron: You can take a ferry to El Nido, which takes about 4-5 hours and offers stunning views along the way.

Things to Do in El Nido:

1. Island Hopping

Island hopping is the main attraction in El Nido. The Bacuit Archipelago, just off the coast, consists of over 45 islands, each offering something different, from secluded lagoons to towering karst cliffs. Most island-hopping tours are divided into Tour A, Tour B, Tour C, and Tour D, each covering a different set of islands. Tour A and Tour C are the most popular, with stops at places like Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and Hidden Beach.

2. Snorkeling and Diving

El Nido is also a hotspot for snorkeling and diving. Turtle watching, colorful coral gardens, and a variety of fish make the underwater experience just as exciting as the island hopping. Popular snorkeling spots include Seven Commandos Beach and Dilumacad Island (also known as Helicopter Island).

3. Nacpan Beach

Just a 45-minute ride from El Nido town, Nacpan Beach offers one of the most breathtaking sunsets in Palawan. It’s a perfect spot for those looking to escape the crowds and experience pristine, powdery white sand beaches.

4. Taraw Cliff

For a more adventurous activity, hike up Taraw Cliff for panoramic views of El Nido town and Bacuit Bay. It’s a tough climb, but the views are absolutely worth it.

Coron

Coron is a diver’s paradise, known for its WWII shipwrecks, vibrant coral reefs, and clear blue lakes. This quieter island to the north of Palawan offers a more laid-back vibe compared to El Nido, but with just as much adventure.

Click the link to learn about El Nido nightlife

Things to Do in Coron:

• Wreck Diving: Coron is world-renowned for its diving, with Japanese WWII wrecks submerged at varying depths, making it perfect for both beginners and advanced divers.
• Kayangan Lake: Often dubbed the “cleanest lake in Asia,” Kayangan Lake is a must-see. You’ll have to hike a bit to get there, but the turquoise waters surrounded by towering limestone cliffs are a sight to behold.
• Twin Lagoon: Another stunning spot, Twin Lagoon offers a unique experience where saltwater and freshwater meet. You can either swim through a small hole in the rock or take a kayak through during high tide.

Fun fact we nearly bought an island

Port Barton

If you’re looking for a quiet, chilled-out alternative to the busier El Nido, Port Barton is the perfect escape. With less development, fewer crowds, and more laid-back vibes, Port Barton is Palawan’s hidden gem. You won’t find huge resorts here, but you will find a stunning bay, good snorkeling, and fantastic island-hopping.

Things to Do in Port Barton:

• Island Hopping: Like El Nido and Coron, Port Barton offers island-hopping tours. Visit Inaladelan Island, German Island, and Twin Reef to see some stunning coral formations and white sand beaches.
• Snorkeling: The reefs around Port Barton are healthy and teeming with marine life. Expect to see turtles, starfish, and plenty of colorful fish.

Click the link for our Port Barton Guide.

Nacpan Beach

Mentioned earlier, Nacpan Beach deserves its own section. With its 4-kilometer stretch of powdery white sand, Nacpan is the perfect place to relax. Located just outside of El Nido, it’s an ideal day trip or a place to stay for a night or two if you want to escape the busier town.

Things to Do in Nacpan:

• Sunbathing and Swimming: The gentle waves and soft sand make Nacpan perfect for swimming and lounging.
• Trekking: Take a short hike to the viewpoint, where you can see the twin beaches of Nacpan and Calitang.
• Beach Bars and Restaurants: Nacpan has a few chilled-out bars and eateries, perfect for grabbing a drink or snack while enjoying the sunset.

Final Thoughts on the Plan Guide!

While often called not a “classic” YPT destination, we do still feel we do things differently here. Traveling to Palawan with YPT in our minds at least allows us to get off the beaten track, with other cool Pioneers, while also essentially drinking on a boat.

And should you have the right people then the trip can be fairly memorable. We currently offer one Palawan Tour per year, as well as bespoke trips to here and other parts of the Philippines.

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