Palawan’s draw is no secret. A 5-day trip covering Puerto Princesa, El Nido, and Coron can cost around ₱17,540 (~$350.80) per person for activities, meals, and transport within the islands — not counting flights and accommodation. That figure comes from a detailed day-by-day breakdown of what a first-time visitor might spend, and it points to something worth noting: a well-planned Palawan itinerary doesn’t have to blow your budget to cover the province’s headline attractions.
Three Regions, One Trip: How Palawan’s Itineraries Break Down
Palawan is long — over 400 kilometers from north to south — so the route you choose determines everything about your trip. Most 5-day itineraries follow one of three patterns: a loop through Puerto Princesa, El Nido, and Coron; a focused stay in Puerto Princesa and Port Barton; or a deep dive into El Nido and its Bacuit Archipelago. Each suits a different kind of traveler, and each has its own cost profile.
Which Route Fits Your Travel Style?
The most common 5-day Palawan route — and the one with the most detailed cost breakdown available — moves from Puerto Princesa to El Nido to Coron. It’s ambitious but doable if you’re comfortable with early starts and a ferry transfer between islands. A second option keeps you in Puerto Princesa and Port Barton, a quieter stretch with island hopping to German Island and a trek to Bigaho Falls. A third option skips Coron entirely and spends all five days in El Nido, with enough time for multiple island-hopping tours and a day at Nacpan Beach.
Which one works depends on how much time you want to spend in transit. The Puerto Princesa → El Nido → Coron loop involves a van ride (about 5–6 hours from Puerto Princesa to El Nido) and a ferry (about 3–4 hours from El Nido to Coron). The Puerto Princesa + Port Barton route shortens travel: a van transfer of about 3.5–4 hours each way. The El Nido-only option eliminates inter-island travel entirely.
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| Route | Days at sea | Main activities | Approx. per-person cost (excl. flights & lodging) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puerto Princesa → El Nido → Coron | 3 | Underground River, island-hopping tours, Kayangan Lake, shipwreck snorkeling | ₱17,540 (~$350) |
| Puerto Princesa + Port Barton | 2–3 | Underground River, German Island, Bigaho Falls, mangrove kayaking | ~₱10,000–₱12,000 (~$200–$240) |
| El Nido only | 3–4 | Multiple island-hopping tours (A, B, C), Nacpan Beach, kayaking | ~₱8,000–₱10,000 (~$160–$200) |
What Catches First-Timers Off Guard
Several things surprise travelers who haven’t been to Palawan before. ATMs are available in Puerto Princesa, El Nido, and Coron, but they can run out of cash on weekends and holidays. Many smaller restaurants, market stalls, and tricycle drivers only take cash. The RichestPH itinerary assumes you’re paying cash for almost everything — meals, tours, entrance fees, and local transport.
Weather is another variable. The dry season runs from November to May, but even within that window, afternoon rain showers are possible. The rainy season (June to October) brings a higher risk of canceled island-hopping tours and rough ferry crossings. Average temperatures hover between 24°C and 34°C year-round, so lightweight, quick-dry clothing is more practical than heavy gear.
Tap water is generally not safe to drink anywhere in Palawan. Bottled water is widely available, but bringing a reusable bottle and buying large jugs at your accommodation cuts down on plastic waste and cost. For snorkeling and island-hopping days, high-SPF sunscreen and reef-safe options are recommended — some tour operators and park rangers remind guests to avoid lotions that can damage coral.
The 5-Day Itinerary: Puerto Princesa → El Nido → Coron
The following day-by-day plan follows the RichestPH breakdown, which is the most complete costed itinerary available for this route. Prices are per person and reflect what you’d pay on the ground in Philippine pesos.
Day 1: Puerto Princesa — Underground River and City Sights
Arrive at Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS). After checking in, head to the Puerto Princesa Underground River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. The guided boat tour takes about two hours inside the 8.2-kilometer subterranean river. Entrance plus boat costs around ₱1,500 (~$30). Pre-booking is strongly recommended.
Breakfast at Badjao Seafront Restaurant (around ₱500) and lunch at Noodle King (around ₱300) are both walkable from the city center. In the afternoon, stroll the Puerto Princesa City Baywalk, then visit the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center — entrance is just ₱40 (less than $1). Dinner at Kalui Restaurant runs about ₱800, and live music at a local bar adds roughly ₱200. Day 1 total: approximately ₱3,440 (~$68.80).
Day 2: El Nido — Island Hopping Tour A
Take an early van from Puerto Princesa to El Nido (about 5–6 hours, fare typically ₱500–₱800 per person). Breakfast at Pancake House (around ₱400) before departure. Once in El Nido, join Tour A, which covers Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and Seven Commandos Beach. The tour costs about ₱1,200 (~$24) and includes lunch.
After returning to town, dinner at El Nido Art Café runs about ₱1,000. Cap the evening at the El Nido night market, where snacks and souvenirs add roughly ₱500. Day 2 total: approximately ₱3,100 (~$62).
Day 3: Coron — Ferry Crossing and Kayangan Lake
Take the morning ferry from El Nido to Coron (around ₱1,200, ~$24, about 3–4 hours). Breakfast at Christina’s Inn (around ₱400). After settling in, head to Kayangan Lake, often called the cleanest lake in Asia — entrance is about ₱300 (~$6). Lunch at Lolo Nonoy’s Food Station (around ₱500).
In the afternoon, a tour of Twin Lagoon and the Skeleton Wreck costs roughly ₱1,000 (~$20). Gelato at Pedro’s Gelato (around ₱200) and dinner at La Sirenetta (around ₱1,200) round out the day. Day 3 total: approximately ₱4,800 (~$96).
Day 4: Coron — Culture, Relaxation, and Malcapuya Island
Breakfast at Coron Village Lodge (around ₱400). Spend the morning exploring Coron Town Proper — shopping for souvenirs runs about ₱500. Lunch at Coron You (around ₱600). In the afternoon, take a tour to Malcapuya Island, a white-sand beach about an hour from Coron town; the tour costs roughly ₱1,000 (~$20).
Dinner at Altitude Coffee (around ₱800) followed by a cultural performance (ticket around ₱200). Day 4 total: approximately ₱3,500 (~$70).
Day 5: Coron — Departure Day with a Massage and Market Run
Breakfast at Karma (around ₱400). A massage at Panglawan Spa costs about ₱800 (~$16) for a two-hour session. Lunch at Abueg Restaurant (around ₱700). Spend the early afternoon at Coron Market picking up souvenirs — budget about ₱500. Transport to Francisco B. Reyes Airport runs roughly ₱300. Day 5 total: approximately ₱2,700 (~$54).
Grand total for the five days: roughly ₱17,540 (~$350.80) per person. This covers all meals, tours, entrance fees, local transport, and incidentals — but not accommodation, flights, or travel insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Palawan? ▾
How much does a 5-day Palawan trip cost? ▾
Do I need to book the Underground River in advance? ▾
Is Palawan safe for solo travelers? ▾
What should I pack for a 5-day Palawan trip? ▾
How do I get between Puerto Princesa, El Nido, and Coron? ▾
Is travel insurance necessary for Palawan? ▾
What local dishes should I try in Palawan? ▾
If this was useful, you might also want to read 5-Day Palawan Itinerary for a Perfect Island Escape.
Sources
Palawan Adventure: A 5-Day Itinerary Guide — RichestPH’s own detailed day-by-day breakdown with per-person costs for Puerto Princesa, El Nido, and Coron.
3-Day Palawan Itinerary for Adventure Seekers — A shorter alternative for travelers with limited time.
Puerto Princesa Underground River official website. Puerto Princesa government, 2025.
El Nido Tourism Office official website. El Nido local government, 2025.
Coron Tourism Office official website. Coron local government, 2025.
