Question 1

How many days do I need in Palawan?

Accepted Answer

5-7 days minimum. Palawan has three distinct visitor areas: Puerto Princesa in the south (Underground River UNESCO, Honda Bay), El Nido in the north (Big and Small Lagoon island hopping, Hidden Beach), and Coron further north (WWII Japanese shipwrecks, Twin Lagoon, Kayangan Lake). All three need 7+ days; El Nido + Coron alone needs 4-5 days; Puerto Princesa-only express trips work in 3 days.

Question 2

When is the best time to visit Palawan?

Accepted Answer

November to May is the dry season (26-30°C, sunny) — the right time for boat tours and island hopping. June to October is the wet season with daily afternoon thunderstorms and habagat (southwest monsoon) waves that can cancel boat tours in July-September. Hotels are 20-30% cheaper in the wet season. Palawan was ranked World's Best Island multiple years by Travel + Leisure.

Question 3

Is Palawan safe?

Accepted Answer

Generally safe — tourist scams are rare, violent crime is uncommon in the tourist areas. The main practical concerns: wet-season boat cancellations (July-September monsoon waves), reef-safe sunscreen requirements at many beaches, and basic medical infrastructure (serious medical issues require a flight back to Manila). Solo female travelers report no issues. Tagalog is the local language; English is universal.

Question 4

Do I need to speak Tagalog?

Accepted Answer

No — English is one of the two official languages and is spoken everywhere in the tourism sector. Hotels, restaurants and tour operators are fluent. A few Tagalog words go a long way: 'Salamat' (thank you), 'Magandang araw' (good day), 'Kumusta' (hello).

Question 5

What should I prepare before flying?

Accepted Answer

Visa-free 30 days for Korea, Japan, US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, NZ. Travel insurance with medical evacuation (essential — major medical needs require Manila flight). Reef-safe SPF 50+ sunscreen. Cash PHP — cards work at major hotels only; El Nido and Coron are mostly cash. Type A/B/C plug, 220V. From most countries, a Manila layover is required (no direct international flights to El Nido or Coron).

Question 6

What's the currency situation?

Accepted Answer

Philippine Peso (PHP). PHP 56 ≈ $1 (May 2026). Cash is essential in El Nido and Coron — cards work only at hotels and a few mid-range restaurants. ATMs are available in Puerto Princesa, El Nido town and Coron town; bring extra PHP to remote islands. USD is not widely accepted for daily payments.

Question 7

Palawan vs Boracay vs Cebu?

Accepted Answer

Palawan: ranked World's Best Island multiple years, El Nido and Coron lagoons, Underground River UNESCO, the most-recognized Philippine destination internationally. More expensive and remote — $50-300/day. Boracay: beach party scene, dramatic sunsets, easier access, cheaper — $40-200/day. Cebu: most accessible (direct international flights), diverse (Chocolate Hills, whale sharks), good for first-timers — $40-200/day. Palawan is the bucket-list pick; Cebu is the easier first Philippine trip.

Question 8

How much does Palawan cost per day?

Accepted Answer

Budget: $50/day (Puerto Princesa hostel, carinderia meals, tricycle, free beaches). Mid-range: $120/day (3-star hotel, island hopping tour, sit-down restaurants). Luxury: $300+/day (El Nido Resorts Pangulasian or Lagen, private boat, fine dining). Palawan is more expensive than Cebu or Boracay because of the remote location and reliance on boat transport.

Question 9

How much are hotels?

Accepted Answer

Hostels: $15-40/night (Puerto Princesa, El Nido, Coron town). 3-star: $50-150 (El Nido and Coron town centers). 4-star: $150-400 (El Nido Resorts Miniloc, Two Seasons Coron). 5-star: $500-2,000+ (El Nido Resorts Pangulasian and Lagen). Ultra-luxury: Amanpulo ($2,500-7,000/night, private island) and Banwa Private Island ($5,000-15,000).

Question 10

How much are tours?

Accepted Answer

Underground River UNESCO day tour from Puerto Princesa: PHP 1,500 ($28, includes permit + boat + lunch). Honda Bay 3-island hopping: PHP 1,400 ($25). El Nido Tour A (Big + Small Lagoon): PHP 1,400-2,000 ($25-40). El Nido Tour C (Helicopter Island + Hidden Beach): same range. Coron Twin Lagoon + Kayangan Lake day tour: PHP 1,800-3,500 ($35-65). Pre-book through Klook for 15-20% off.

Question 11

Are tips expected?

Accepted Answer

Tipping is appreciated. 10% at sit-down restaurants if service charge isn't included. Hotel bellhop PHP 50-100 ($1-2). Island hopping boat crew PHP 100-200 per person ($2-4) for a day tour. Tour guides PHP 200-500 per day ($4-10). Cash PHP preferred.

Question 12

What hidden costs should I expect?

Accepted Answer

Underground River permits have a strict daily quota — book 1+ weeks ahead through Manohara Tours or Klook. El Nido environmental fee PHP 200 ($4, valid 10 days, separate from tour cost). Coron lake entry fees PHP 200-300 ($4-6, separate from boat tour). AirSWIFT direct flights to El Nido book up — alternative is the 6-hour van shuttle from Puerto Princesa. Often need an overnight in Manila on the way in or out.

Question 13

How do I get to Palawan?

Accepted Answer

Three Palawan airports: Puerto Princesa (PPS) for the south, with domestic flights from Manila (1.5h, $60-250) and Cebu (1h, $100-300). El Nido (ENI) for the north — AirSWIFT private operates direct from Manila (1.5h, $200-500). Coron Busuanga (USU) for the north — domestic flights from Manila (1h, $80-300). From Korea: Seoul-Manila (4 hours) then domestic. Direct international flights to El Nido or Coron don't exist.

Question 14

What's the best way to get around?

Accepted Answer

Tricycles (motorbike with sidecar) for short trips within towns — PHP 100-300, negotiate before getting in. Van shuttles between Puerto Princesa and El Nido (6 hours, PHP 600 / $12). Boats for island hopping (always part of an organized tour). No metered taxis in Palawan; Grab is limited to Puerto Princesa only.

Question 15

Are Grab and ride apps available?

Accepted Answer

Grab operates in Puerto Princesa with limited coverage; not available in El Nido or Coron. Tricycles are the main option — negotiate the fare before getting in. Van shuttles between cities are scheduled and pre-booked.

Question 16

How do I get to El Nido?

Accepted Answer

AirSWIFT direct from Manila ($200-500, 1.5 hours, 2-3 flights daily) is the most popular option. Van shuttle from Puerto Princesa (6 hours, PHP 600 / $12) is cheaper but tiring. Pre-book either option through Klook for 15-20% off. Most travelers fly into Puerto Princesa, spend 2 days there, then van to El Nido — saves on AirSWIFT cost.

Question 17

How do I get to Coron?

Accepted Answer

Domestic flight from Manila to Busuanga Airport ($80-300, 1 hour). Then a van from Busuanga to Coron Town (45 minutes, PHP 150). The ferry between El Nido and Coron runs daily (4-6 hours, $50-80) and is the standard way to connect the two in a Palawan circuit.

Question 18

What food is Palawan famous for?

Accepted Answer

Tamilok — mangrove worm eaten raw with vinegar, the Palawan delicacy (PHP 100-300, mainly at Kinabuchs in Puerto Princesa). Crocodile sisig — sizzling crocodile meat, Puerto Princesa specialty (PHP 250-450). Kinilaw — Filipino ceviche with fresh local fish (PHP 200-400). Inihaw — grilled fish or chicken (PHP 200-500). Halo-halo — Filipino shaved ice with sweet beans, ube and fruits (PHP 100-250). San Miguel beer (PHP 60-120).

Question 19

Where to eat at Puerto Princesa?

Accepted Answer

KaLui Restaurant — the iconic Puerto Princesa heritage seafood spot (no shoes inside, set Filipino seafood dinner, PHP 400-1,500). Kinabuchs Grill & Bar — Palawan classics including tamilok and crocodile sisig (PHP 250-1,000). Badjao Seafront — seafood with East Philippine Sea sunset views (PHP 400-1,500).

Question 20

Where to eat at El Nido?

Accepted Answer

Trattoria Altrove — the standard El Nido Italian (wood-fired pizza, PHP 350-1,200). Maremegmeg Beach Club — sunset cocktails and casual Filipino dishes (PHP 400-1,200). Republica Sunset Bar — El Nido town sunset spot (PHP 400-1,200). El Nido Resorts (Pangulasian, Lagen, Miniloc) for luxury dinners at $40-150 per person.

Question 21

Where to eat at Coron?

Accepted Answer

Lobster Coron Restaurant — fresh lobster and Filipino seafood (PHP 800-2,500). Altrove Pizzeria Coron — wood-fired pizza (PHP 350-1,000). Sea Cucumber Coron Restaurant — Filipino seafood with Coron specialties (PHP 400-1,500). Coron Town has 20+ small restaurants within walking distance.

Question 22

What's the food cost?

Accepted Answer

Carinderia (Filipino diner): PHP 80-200 per meal ($2-4). Mid-range: PHP 400-1,000 per meal ($8-20). Luxury: PHP 1,500-3,000 ($30-60). El Nido Resorts fine dining: $40-150 per person. San Miguel beer PHP 60-120. Tamilok and crocodile are the adventurous Palawan delicacies — try at Kinabuchs in Puerto Princesa.

Question 23

Where should I stay in Palawan?

Accepted Answer

Puerto Princesa for the south (Underground River, Honda Bay, cheaper hotels, $30-200/night). El Nido for the island hopping core (Big and Small Lagoon, Hidden Beach, $80-2,000). Coron for WWII wrecks and Twin Lagoon ($50-800). San Vicente's Long Beach (Philippines' longest beach at 14.7 km) for travelers wanting a quieter alternative ($80-500).

Question 24

What are the iconic luxury hotels?

Accepted Answer

El Nido Resorts Pangulasian Island — Premier, 42 villas on a private island ($700-1,500/night). Lagen Island Resort — 50 villas on a private lagoon ($500-1,200). Miniloc Island Resort — 50 cottages, more accessible price ($300-700). Two Seasons Coron Island Resort — Bulalacao Island private resort ($300-800). Ultra-luxury: Amanpulo on Pamalican Island ($2,500-7,000) and Banwa Private Island ($5,000-15,000).

Question 25

Is Airbnb legal?

Accepted Answer

Yes — the Philippines allows short-term rentals. Puerto Princesa, El Nido and Coron all have apartments and villa listings on Booking.com, Airbnb and Agoda. For first-time visitors, hotels are more convenient because of the tour pickup arrangements; apartments suit longer stays.

Question 26

What about hostels?

Accepted Answer

Outpost Beach Hostel El Nido ($15-30, beachfront, popular backpacker spot). Frendz Resort Coron Town ($15-30, social, dive-shop arrangement). Hop Hostel Puerto Princesa ($15-25, central). The Palawan backpacker scene is well-developed across all three main areas.

Question 27

When should I book?

Accepted Answer

Christmas-New Year (peak): 2-3 months ahead. Korean Lunar New Year and Korean summer (July-August): 1-2 months. Easter: 1-2 months. El Nido Resorts Pangulasian and Lagen: 2-3 months ahead. Ultra-luxury (Amanpulo, Banwa): 6+ months ahead. AirSWIFT El Nido flights book out faster than the hotels.

Question 28

Filipino dining etiquette?

Accepted Answer

Use fork and spoon (Filipinos use the spoon for cutting, not a knife). Cash culture in most places outside major hotels. Service charge of 10% is sometimes included on the bill — check before tipping extra. Sharing dishes Filipino family-style is common; ordering a whole grilled fish or chicken to share is standard.

Question 29

Beach and reef etiquette?

Accepted Answer

Modest dress in town areas (covered shoulders and longer shorts). Bikinis are fine at beaches and resort beaches. Reef-safe SPF 50+ sunscreen is mandatory at most reefs and is enforced at El Nido tour stops. Don't touch coral. Don't feed marine life. Don't take shells, sand or coral off the islands — it's strictly enforced.

Question 30

Island hopping etiquette?

Accepted Answer

Pre-book tours through your hotel or Klook for the 15-20% discount. Most tours include environmental fees ($4-6) at the beach and lagoon entries — confirm what's included. Lunch is included at most tours (BBQ on the boat). Bring a waterproof phone case and reef-safe sunscreen. Tip the boat crew PHP 100-200 per person.

Question 31

Any cultural quirks?

Accepted Answer

'Filipino time' — meetings and pickups can run 15-30 minutes late; build buffer time. Cash is essential outside hotels — ATM fees are high ($3-5 foreign). Christmas season starts in September in the Philippines, with Christmas decorations and music in malls from September. Karaoke is universal — most beach bars have it.

Question 32

Tipping in Palawan?

Accepted Answer

10% at restaurants if service charge isn't included. Hotel bellhop PHP 50-100 ($1-2). Island hopping boat crew PHP 100-200 per person ($2-4) for a day tour. Tour guide PHP 200-500 ($4-10) per day. Cash PHP preferred.

Question 33

Baragatan Festival Puerto Princesa (June)?

Accepted Answer

Puerto Princesa's annual cultural festival — street parades, food, Palawan tribal performances. Last 2 weeks of June. A useful local cultural addition if your dates overlap.

Question 34

Whale shark and dive seasons?

Accepted Answer

Whale sharks are seasonal at El Nido and Donsol (December-May, north Palawan area). Tubbataha Reef UNESCO is open for liveaboard diving May-September only — one of the world's top dive sites for serious divers (4-day trips $1,500-3,000 from Puerto Princesa).

Question 35

Christmas-New Year peak?

Accepted Answer

December 20 to January 5 is peak season — Korean, European and Filipino domestic tourists all overlap. Hotels run 1.3-1.5× standard. El Nido Resorts and AirSWIFT flights book out 2-3 months ahead. The Christmas season starts in September culturally.

Question 36

Easter Holy Week (March-April)?

Accepted Answer

Maundy Thursday and Good Friday are Filipino national holidays — many local businesses close for the long weekend. Tourism services keep running, but expect tour offices to be on reduced hours. Manila domestic flights also fill up for Holy Week travel.

Question 37

What's the weather like?

Accepted Answer

Tropical — 26-32°C year-round. November-May is dry (90% sunny). June-October is the wet season with daily afternoon thunderstorms; the habagat (southwest monsoon) is heaviest August-September. Sea is cooler January-April (26°C) and warm year-round otherwise. UV is 11-12 (extreme) — reef-safe SPF 50+ sunscreen is non-negotiable.

Question 38

What should I pack?

Accepted Answer

Reef-safe SPF 50+ sunscreen (mandatory at most reefs). Light cotton + swimwear + cover-up + dry bag for boat tours. Modest dress for town areas. Snorkel gear (rentals $5-20/day if you prefer). Cash PHP — cards are limited outside hotels. Type A/B/C plug, 220V. Travel insurance with medical evacuation. Reef shoes for rocky beaches.

Question 39

Is Palawan accessible?

Accepted Answer

Limited — most island hopping requires boat boarding from beaches with rocks and shallow surf. Major hotels (El Nido Resorts, Two Seasons Coron) are wheelchair accessible at the room level but beach access varies. Underground River cave entry requires walking and bending. Pre-confirm specific accessibility needs with hotels and tour operators.

Question 40

Where can I store luggage?

Accepted Answer

Puerto Princesa Airport has paid storage (PHP 100/24h). Most hotels store luggage free of charge between island hopping days. Tour operators usually arrange luggage storage at the starting hotel for multi-day El Nido or Coron circuits.

Question 41

Pharmacies and medical care?

Accepted Answer

Mercury Drug Store branches are widespread in Puerto Princesa, El Nido and Coron. Puerto Princesa General Hospital is the main public hospital; El Nido and Coron have basic clinics only. Serious medical issues require a flight back to Manila — travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is essential. Emergency numbers: 911 and 117.

Palawan Travel FAQ