Palawan — El Nido & Coron, Philippines: things to do, when to go & how long to stay

Overview

Northern Palawan holds two bases: El Nido for the Bacuit archipelago's lagoon tours, and Coron for wreck diving and Kayangan Lake. Both are reached by air plus a road or ferry transfer.

Plan & book

Stays, activities and transport for Palawan — El Nido & Coron will be bookable here soon.

Where to stayComing soon

Curated stays by area and budget will appear here once hotel partners are connected.

Tours & activitiesComing soon

Bookable experiences will appear here once activity partners are connected.

Car rentalComing soon

Rental pickup options will appear here once car partners are connected.

Why go to Palawan — El Nido & Coron

Bacuit archipelago island-hopping tours
Kayangan Lake and Coron's wrecks
Nacpan and hidden beaches
Some of the best snorkelling in Asia

Budget

Palawan — El Nido & Coron is mid-range by Philippines standards. Across Philippines, mid-range travellers typically spend about $55–$105 per person per day.

Country-level planning estimate, excluding flights. See the full Philippines budget breakdown.

Practical information

Tours are sold as lettered day trips (A, B, C, D) with environmental fees
Transfers eat more time than expected — don't over-schedule

When to go to Palawan — El Nido & Coron

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Plan 5–8 days here. Highlighted months are the best fit for most travellers.

Getting around

Domestic flights are the backbone of any multi-island trip and are cheap if booked early
Ferries and fast craft link the Visayan islands; schedules are weather-dependent

Suggested itineraries

Palawan first-timer
10 days
Manila stopover then the lagoons of El Nido and Coron.
Route: Manila → Palawan — El Nido & Coron
Islands and mountains
16 days
Northern rice terraces plus two island bases.
Route: Manila → Banaue & Sagada → Palawan — El Nido & Coron → Cebu & Bohol