Palawan, located in the Philippines, is a dream destination for many, renowned for its stunning islands and crystal-clear waters. The best way to explore this natural paradise is through island hopping. This guide will help you plan your perfect getaway, whether you’re looking for thrilling adventures, peaceful relaxation, or a mix of both. We’ll explore the most beautiful islands, the best tours available, and offer tips to ensure your Palawan adventure is one you’ll never forget.
Why Choose Palawan for Island Hopping?
Palawan is more than just a pretty place; it’s often recognized as one of the best islands in the world. Imagine yourself surrounded by breathtaking beaches, secret lagoons, vibrant coral reefs, and unique rock formations. It’s like stepping directly into a picture-perfect postcard. Unlike some more crowded tourist destinations, Palawan retains a sense of untouched, natural beauty. And the kindness and hospitality of the local people will make your trip even more special and welcoming.
Choosing Your Base: El Nido vs. Coron
Your first major decision will be choosing where to stay: El Nido or Coron. Both locations offer incredible island hopping experiences, but each has its own distinct atmosphere.
El Nido: If you’re looking for dramatic landscapes, El Nido is the place to be. Picture towering limestone cliffs rising straight out of the sea, secluded beaches hidden in small coves, and a vibrant nightlife scene. El Nido is more developed for tourism, meaning you’ll find a wider variety of restaurants, bars, and tour options. The island hopping tours here are generally labeled as Tours A, B, C, and D, each taking you to a different set of islands and lagoons.
Coron: If you’re a fan of diving or snorkeling, Coron is a paradise waiting to be explored. It’s famous for its World War II shipwrecks, which are now thriving ecosystems teeming with marine life. The scenery is just as impressive, with turquoise lakes framed by rugged limestone peaks. Coron has a more relaxed and laid-back atmosphere compared to El Nido. The island hopping tours here tend to focus on lakes, lagoons, and prime snorkeling locations.
Consider what’s most important to you for your vacation. If you prefer a lively nightlife and iconic, breathtaking scenery, El Nido would be an excellent choice. However, if you are a diving enthusiast or simply want a more calm and relaxing experience, Coron might suit you better.
El Nido Island Hopping Tours: A Deep Dive
El Nido’s popular tours are conveniently categorized as Tour A, B, C, and D, making it easy to choose the perfect adventure for your interests. Here’s a breakdown of what each tour offers:
Tour A: Lagoons and Beaches. This is the most popular tour, and for good reason! It takes you to the amazing Secret Lagoon, a hidden pool you can only reach by swimming through a small opening in the rocks. You’ll also get to visit the Big Lagoon, which is perfect for kayaking in calm, clear waters, and the Small Lagoon, another stunning spot for swimming. Shimizu Island is a great place for snorkeling, and Seven Commando Beach is a beautiful place to simply relax and soak up the warm sunshine. Tour A is an excellent choice for first-timers and anyone who wants to see all the iconic sights of El Nido.
Tour B: Caves and Coves. This tour offers a bit more adventure and exploration. You’ll explore Snake Island, known for its unique sandbar that resembles a snake. Cudugnon Cave offers a look into fascinating ancient history and is said to be the location where locals hid during WWII. You’ll also visit Cathedral Cave, which, as the name suggests, resembles a cathedral on the inside, and Popolkan Island, a scenic location with great photo opportunities. Tour B is a great option for those who enjoy exploration and want something a little different.
Tour C: Hidden Beaches and Shrines. This tour is all about the thrill of discovering hidden gems. Helicopter Island, named for its distinct helicopter-like shape, is a must-see. You’ll also visit Secret Beach, another secluded paradise, Matinloc Shrine, a stunning abandoned shrine with a panoramic view, and Star Beach, famous for its many starfish. Tour C is perfect for travelers seeking a more secluded and less crowded experience.
Tour D: Cadlao Island Adventures. This tour is a less common option, focusing on the beautiful beaches and lagoons surrounding Cadlao Island. You’ll visit Pasandigan Beach, Paradise Beach, and Natnat Beach, all offering pristine sands and incredibly clear waters. It’s the perfect choice for those seeking to escape the crowds and enjoy a more peaceful and relaxing island hopping experience. Keep in mind that Tour D may not always be available, depending on the specific season and overall demand.
Coron Island Hopping: Lakes, Wrecks, and Reefs
Island hopping in Coron is a bit different from El Nido. It centers primarily around unique lakes and lagoons, in addition to the amazing diving and snorkeling sites found in the area.
Kayangan Lake: Often called the cleanest lake in the Philippines, Kayangan Lake is an absolute must-see location. While you’ll need to climb a series of steps to reach the lake itself, the breathtaking view from the top makes it more than worth the effort. The water is incredibly clear and perfect for a refreshing swim. Don’t forget to capture the iconic photo from the scenic viewpoint!
Barracuda Lake: Another truly stunning lake, Barracuda Lake is well-known for its thermoclines, which are distinct layers of varying water temperatures. It’s a favorite spot for divers due to its unique underwater landscape and interesting temperature gradients that create a fascinating diving experience.
Twin Lagoons: As the name suggests, these are two lagoons beautifully connected by a small opening. You can swim through this opening during high tide or carefully climb over the rocks during low tide. Both lagoons offer picturesque scenery and calm, tranquil waters suitable for swimming and relaxation.
Skeleton Wreck: This shallow shipwreck is an ideal spot for snorkelers. The wreck itself is beautifully covered in colorful coral and teeming with vibrant marine life. It’s an amazing experience to swim around and observe this piece of history up close.
Coral Garden: As you might have guessed, this is a vibrant and flourishing coral reef, teeming with colorful fish and a huge variety of other fascinating sea creatures. It’s a fantastic place to snorkel and directly witness the incredible underwater wonders that Coron has to offer.
Crafting Your Perfect Palawan Itinerary
Now, let’s tie everything together and design some personalized sample itineraries for your trip. Remember, these are only suggestions, so feel free to adjust and customize them in order to perfectly match your interests and the amount of time you have available.
The Classic 5-Day Palawan Adventure (El Nido):
- Day 1: Arrive in El Nido, check into your hotel, and take some time to explore the charming El Nido town. Enjoy a relaxing sunset dinner right on the beach.
- Day 2: Experience the beauty of El Nido with Tour A (Lagoons and Beaches).
- Day 3: Discover hidden paradises with El Nido Tour C (Hidden Beaches and Shrines).
- Day 4: Take it easy and relax on Nacpan Beach, a long, scenic stretch of golden sand just north of El Nido.
- Day 5: Depart from El Nido, taking with you beautiful memories of your trip.
The 5-Day Dive & Relax Coron Escape:
- Day 1: Arrive in Coron, check into your hotel, and take some time to explore the local Coron Town.
- Day 2: Experience a Coron Island Hopping Tour (Kayangan Lake, Barracuda Lake, Twin Lagoons).
- Day 3: Enjoy diving or snorkeling at the Skeleton Wreck and the beautiful Coral Garden.
- Day 4: Visit Maquinit Hot Spring, a natural saltwater hot spring that is perfect for relaxation.
- Day 5: Depart from Coron, refreshed by your experience.
The 7-Day Palawan Explorer (El Nido & Coron):
- Day 1: Arrive in El Nido and check into your chosen hotel.
- Day 2: Explore the iconic lagoons and beaches with El Nido Tour A.
- Day 3: Discover the hidden gems with El Nido Tour C.
- Day 4: Take a ferry from El Nido to Coron. Upon arrival, check into your hotel in Coron.
- Day 5: Enjoy a fantastic Coron Island Hopping Tour (Kayangan Lake, Barracuda Lake, Twin Lagoons).
- Day 6: Spend the day diving or snorkeling at the fascinating wrecks around Coron.
- Day 7: Depart from Coron, filled with incredible memories of your Palawan adventure.
Tips for a Smooth Island Hopping Experience
Island hopping in Palawan is an amazing experience, and with a little careful planning, it can be even better.
Book in Advance: Especially during the peak tourist season (November to May), tours and accommodations tend to fill up very quickly. Booking your tours and hotels well in advance is highly recommended to avoid any potential disappointment. Numerous online platforms, such as Viator, offer convenient options for booking tours ahead of time.
Pack Smart: Remember to pack essential items like sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a comfortable swimsuit, and a rash guard to protect yourself from the sun. A reliable dry bag is also essential for safeguarding your electronics and valuables from water damage. And don’t forget to bring along insect repellent to ward off any pesky bugs.
Stay Hydrated: The sun in Palawan can be quite strong, so it’s important to drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay properly hydrated. Most tours will provide water, but it’s always a good idea to bring your own reusable water bottle as well.
Respect the Environment: Palawan is a protected area, so it’s crucial to be mindful of your impact on its delicate ecosystem. Avoid littering, refrain from touching the coral, and opt for reef-safe sunscreen products. Furthermore, choose tour operators who are fully committed to sustainable tourism practices.
Be Prepared for Boat Rides: The boats typically used for island hopping are small outrigger boats. The boat ride can be bumpy at times, particularly if the sea conditions are rough. If you are prone to seasickness, consider taking appropriate medication beforehand to help prevent any discomfort.
Bring Cash: While some establishments in El Nido and Coron do accept credit cards, many smaller local businesses and tour operators prefer to receive payments in cash. There are readily available ATMs in both towns, but it’s a good idea to have enough cash on hand for your expenses.
Learn Some Basic Phrases: Learning a few basic Tagalog phrases can significantly enhance your interactions with the locals. Simple phrases like “Magandang araw” (good day) and “Salamat” (thank you) are always appreciated and can help you connect with the community.
What to Eat in Palawan
Palawan is much more than just breathtaking scenery; it additionally is a fantastic food lover’s paradise! Here are some must-try dishes that you simply have to sample while you’re visiting:
Seafood: Being an island province, Palawan boasts a wide and diverse selection of fresh seafood. Grilled fish, shrimp, and squid are local staples that you’ll find on almost every menu. Be sure to try the kinilaw (Filipino ceviche), which is prepared with fresh raw fish marinated in vinegar, onions, and ginger.
Tamilok: This is a very unique Palawan delicacy that you shouldn’t miss. Tamilok is a type of woodworm that is found inside mangrove trees. It’s most often eaten raw with vinegar and a variety of spices. While it might sound a little odd, the locals highly recommend it and swear that it’s absolutely delicious!
Chicken Inato: This is a flavorful grilled chicken dish that is marinated in annatto oil, which gives it a distinctive reddish color and a smoky flavor. It is often served alongside rice and achara (pickled papaya).
Cashew Nuts: Palawan is famously recognized for its high-quality cashew nuts. You can discover them roasted, salted, or sweetened. They create an excellent snack or make a wonderful souvenir to take back home.
Halo-Halo: This is a tremendously popular Filipino dessert that’s made with shaved ice, sweet beans, a wide assortment of fruits, and creamy leche flan. It is the perfect way to effectively cool down on a hot and sunny day.
Budgeting for Your Palawan Island Hopping Trip
The overall cost of your island hopping trip to Palawan is going to depend on your particular travel style, your accommodation choices, and the activities you choose to participate in. Here’s a general idea of what you can expect to spend to help you better plan:
Accommodation: Budget-friendly guesthouses can cost from about $15 to $30 per night. Mid-range hotels typically range from $50 to $100 per night, while you can expect luxury resorts to cost upwards of $200 or more per night.
Tours: Standard island hopping tours usually cost around $20 to $40 per person, and that price generally includes lunch. Naturally, booking private tours will be more expensive.
Food: You can certainly eat affordably at many local eateries known as “carinderias” for approximately $5 to $10 per meal. Meals at restaurants will tend to cost a bit more, around $15 to $30 per person.
Transportation: Tricycles are the main form of transportation within both El Nido and Coron. Although fares are usually somewhat negotiable, you should expect to pay around $1 to $3 for shorter rides within the city. Ferry services that travel between El Nido and Coron typically cost around $30 to $50.
Other Expenses: Remember to allow for extra potential expenses such as souvenirs, drinks, entrance fees to some attractions, and also tips for services. Planning for a daily budget somewhere in the area of $50 to $100 per person should suffice for a quite comfortable trip.
Best Time to Visit Palawan
The absolute best time to visit the beautiful island of Palawan is during the dry season, which extends from November to May. During this time, the weather is wonderfully sunny and dry, with wonderfully calm seas that are just perfect for exploring all the islands. The peak of the tourist season falls between December and February, so keep in mind that you should definitely anticipate higher accommodation prices and larger crowds during those months. The shoulder months of November and May are excellent because they offer a great balance of favorable weather conditions and fewer tourists.
The rainy season goes from June to October. The weather during this time can be quite unpredictable, and you might experience some occasional typhoons. It’s possible that some tours might be canceled altogether during this season because of inclement weather. However, the plus side is that prices generally tend to be lower, and you’re likely to encounter significantly fewer tourists. If you’re willing to take a chance on the weather, you can still thoroughly enjoy your time in Palawan during the rainy season.
Getting Around Palawan
Getting to Palawan is fairly easy and straightforward. You have the option to fly directly to El Nido Airport (ENI) or to Coron Airport (USU) from Manila and other primary cities located throughout the Philippines. It’s worth noting, however, that flying directly to El Nido tends to be more expensive and have somewhat limited availability of flights. A more common and popular choice is to fly in to Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS) and then simply take either a bus or a van onward to El Nido or Coron.
Once you have reached either El Nido or Coron, tricycles serve as the primary mode of transportation for getting around. You also have the option to rent a scooter if you prefer to drive yourself. To travel between El Nido and Coron, you can take a fast ferry, which usually takes around 3 to 4 hours to make the journey.
Responsible Travel in Palawan
As a visitor to Palawan, it’s very important to be a responsible traveler and contribute to helping preserve its natural beauty and environment. Here are some practical tips to help you do that:
Reduce Your Plastic Use: Bring along your reusable water bottle and avoid using any single-use plastics. Refill the bottle frequently at water stations whenever possible and refuse to use plastic straws and bags.
Support Local Businesses: When eating out, choose local restaurants and eateries. When shopping, buy souvenirs from local artisans as opposed to larger commercial shops. When planning tours, select tour operators who engage local guides and staff.
Respect Local Culture: Dress modestly when you’re visiting religious sites and always be mindful and respectful of local customs and traditions. Be sure to ask permission before you take photos of people going about their daily lives.
Leave No Trace: Pack out absolutely all your trash and dispose of it in the proper receptacles. Avoid touching or disturbing any coral formations or marine life.
FAQ Section
What is the best time to visit Palawan for island hopping?
The best time to go is during the dry season, extending from November to May. The weather is generally sunny, and the seas are calm.
Which is better for island hopping: El Nido or Coron?
It really depends on your own preferences. El Nido features dramatic scenery and distinctive lagoons, while Coron is characterized by beautiful lakes, fascinating shipwrecks, and incredible diving spots.
How much does island hopping in Palawan cost?
Standard island hopping tours generally range in price between $20 to $40 USD per person, with lunch typically included.
What should I pack for island hopping in Palawan?
Be sure to pack sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a swimsuit, a good rash guard, a dry bag, and mosquito or insect repellent.
Is it safe to swim in the lagoons and lakes in Palawan?
Yes, swimming is generally quite safe in the lagoons and lakes. However, it’s always prudent to check with your tour guide about any potential hazards or local advisories.
Do I need to book island hopping tours in advance?
Reserving your tours in advance is something that’s highly recommended, especially during peak season, to guarantee that you get a spot, as they tend to fill up.
What currency is used in Palawan?
The official currency that’s used in Palawan is the Philippine Peso (PHP).
Are there ATMs in El Nido and Coron?
Yes, there are ATMs that you can access in both El Nido and Coron, but it’s always a good idea to have some readily available cash at hand, particularly for smaller businesses and tour operators.
Is Palawan a safe place to travel?
Palawan is considered to be a generally safe place for tourists. However, as usual, it’s always a good idea to be very aware of your surroundings and take the regular precautions against petty theft and other possible issues.
What are some common Filipino phrases I should learn?
Here are a few handy phrases to know: “Magandang araw” (meaning good day), “Salamat” (which means thank you), and “Magkano?” (meaning how much?).
Ready to experience the stunning beauty of Palawan for yourself? Don’t wait any longer! Begin planning your remarkable island hopping adventure without delay. Book your flights, reserve your accommodations, and get all set for an absolutely unforgettable journey to one of the world’s most beautiful destinations. Palawan is waiting for you!
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