Welcome to Chill Palawan, where I am sharing with you the Ultimate Palawan Travel Guide 2025. I will discuss the best time to visit Palawan, its itinerary, things to do in Palawan, travel tips, and Palawan on a budget.
How to Go to Palawan by Plane
The fastest and most convenient way to get to Palawan is by air. Palawan has three main airports that connect travelers to different parts of the province:
1. Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS) – Central Palawan
- Best for: Travelers heading to Puerto Princesa, Honda Bay, and the Underground River.
- Flights from: Manila, Cebu, Iloilo, Davao, Clark
- Airlines: Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, AirAsia
- Travel time: 1 hour 15 minutes from Manila
From Puerto Princesa, you can take a van or bus to El Nido (5-6 hours) or to Port Barton (3-4 hours).
2. El Nido Airport (ENI / LIO Airport) – Northern Palawan
- Best for: Direct access to El Nido’s island hopping tours (Tour A, B, C, D)
- Flights from: Manila, Cebu, Bohol (via AirSwift only)
- Travel time: 1 hour 20 minutes from Manila
Note: Flights to El Nido are more expensive but ideal if you want to skip long land travel from Puerto Princesa.
3. Francisco B. Reyes Airport (USU) – Coron, Busuanga
- Best for: Exploring Coron’s famous shipwreck dives and Kayangan Lake
- Flights from: Manila, Cebu, Clark
- Airlines: Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, Sunlight Air
- Travel time: 1 hour from Manila
It’s a 30-45 minute van ride from the airport to Coron town proper.
How to Go to Palawan by Boat or Ferry
If you’re up for an adventure or traveling on a budget, you can reach Palawan by sea. While slower, ferries offer a scenic and relaxed way to arrive.
Manila to Coron (or vice versa)
- Operator: 2GO Travel
- Travel time: Around 11–13 hours (overnight)
- Frequency: Several times a week
- Tip: Book ahead especially during peak season!
El Nido to Coron (and vice versa)
- Operator: Montenegro Lines, Atienza Shipping, Phimal
- Travel time: 4 to 6 hours via fast ferry
- Route: A scenic route that links two of Palawan’s most beautiful destinations
- Tip: Ferries may get canceled due to weather—plan accordingly.
Other Routes
- Though these are less common for tourists, Roro and cargo ferries connect Palawan with other parts of the Philippines, such as Mindoro (San Jose) and Panay.
Top Destinations in Palawan
- El Nido – Home to Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Beach
- Coron – Dive sites, Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon
- Puerto Princesa – Underground River, firefly watching, city tours
- Port Barton – A quieter, off-the-beaten-path tropical escape
- Balabac – Untouched white sand beaches and turquoise waters
Top Things to Do in Palawan
- Island hopping tours in El Nido and Coron
- Visit the UNESCO-listed Underground River
- Snorkel or dive in Siete Pecados or WWII wrecks
- Relax on Nacpan Beach or Long Beach in San Vicente
- See the pink dolphins and turtles in Balabac
Best Time to Visit Palawan Travel Guide 2025
- Dry season: November to May – perfect for beach and tours
- Wet season: June to October – less crowd, but occasional typhoons
READ MORE on: Best Time to Visit Palawan (Weather Guide for Travelers)
Palawan Travel Guide 2025 on a Budget Breakdown (per day)
- Accommodation: ₱500–₱2,000
- Food: ₱200–₱500
- Transportation: ₱150–₱500
- Tours: ₱1,200–₱2,500
- Estimated Daily Budget: ₱2,000–₱5,000
Travel Tips – Palawan Travel Guide 2025
- Book island hopping tours early (especially in El Nido/Coron)
- Bring cash – ATMs are limited in some towns
- Eco-friendly sunscreens are encouraged
- Respect local customs and marine sanctuaries
READ MORE on: 7 Best Palawan Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors
Palawan may feel like a remote escape, but getting there is easier! Whether you fly straight into paradise or enjoy a slow cruise across the islands, your adventure in Chill Palawan starts with the journey.
Related Article:
Chill Palawan: Your Ultimate Palawan Travel Blog
Photos from: iTravelRox
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