About Palawan
Palawan is an archipelagic province of the Philippines that is located in the region of Mimaropa. It is the largest province in the country in terms of total area, with 14,649.73 km2 (5,656.29 mi2). The capital and largest city is Puerto Princesa which is geographically grouped with but administered independently from the province. Palawan is known as the Philippines' Last Frontier and as the Philippines' Best Island.
Places to visit in Palawan
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Puerto Princesa Underground River
Park · 13 mi from centreA navigable underground river flowing through a limestone cave directly into the sea, explored by paddle boat. Daily permits are limited, so book through your hotel or a tour operator well in advance.
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El Nido
Neighborhood · 90 mi from centreA town at the northern tip of Palawan that serves as the base for island-hopping among limestone cliffs, lagoons and beaches. The standard boat tours are labeled A to D, so choose based on the lagoons you most want to see.
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Honda Bay
Beach · 8 mi from centreA bay near Puerto Princesa dotted with small islands and sandbars for snorkeling and swimming. Day trips leave from a pier north of the city; bring reef-safe sunscreen and water shoes.
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Port Barton
Beach · 46 mi from centreA laid-back village in San Vicente with quiet beaches, island-hopping trips and nearby Long Beach. It is a good stop between Puerto Princesa and El Nido for travelers who want fewer crowds.
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Nacpan Beach
BeachA long, palm-backed golden beach north of El Nido town. Reach it by tricycle or scooter on a bumpy road, and bring cash, since only small beachside stands operate there.
Top experiences in Palawan
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 13 available.
Full Day Honda Bay Tour - Small Group
From $128 per adult
Puerto Princesa City Tour - Small Group
From $62 per adult
Discover Underground River at Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park - Private Tour
From $153 per adult
Hidden Wonders: Puerto Princesa Underground River Expedition
From $65 per adult
Sun, Sand and Sapphire: The Ultimate Honda Bay Island Hopping Tour
From $51 per adult
A Puerto Princesa Fairytale Firefly Watching and Riverside Dinner
From $46 per adult
The Best of Puerto Princesa: Essential Half-Day City Highlights
From $29 per adult
The Crown Jewel: El Nido, Big Lagoon and Secret Beaches
From $36 per adult
Caves and Crystal Coves El Nido - Small Group Tour
From $37 per adult
The Secret Shores: El Nido, Hidden Beaches and Lagoons
From $40 per adult
El Nido’s Untouched Beauty: Cadlao Lagoon and The Secret Beaches
From $37 per adult
The Best of Coron: Kayangan Lake and Secret Lagoons - Private Tour
From $110 per adult
Where to stay in Palawan
Popular hotels in Palawan, out of 390 properties you can book.
Princesa Garden Island Resort and Spa
From $126 per night
Seda Lio
From $345 per night
Astoria Palawan
From $112 per night
Bacau Bay Resort Coron
From $185 per night
The Funny Lion Coron
From $159 per night
Two Seasons Coron Bayside Hotel
From $125 per night
Blue Lagoon Inn & Suites
From $23 per night
El Nido COCO RESORT
From $109 per night
Cuna Hotel
From $86 per night
Dads Bayview Pension by ZUZU
From $14 per night
Discovery Coron - Formerly Club Paradise Palawan
From $354 per night
Stunning Republic Beach Resort
From $52 per night
Best time to visit Palawan
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Palawan is all year round, when average daytime highs are around 84–89°F and rain falls on about 24 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Palawan weather forecast
- Wed 11 Nov 87° 75° 58%
- Thu 12 Nov 86° 75° 88%
- Fri 13 Nov 88° 76° 80%
- Sat 14 Nov 88° 74° 82%
- Sun 15 Nov 87° 72° 96%
- Mon 16 Nov 86° 71° 75%
- Tue 17 Nov 89° 71° 62%
Know before you go
- Currency
- Philippine peso (PHP)1 US dollar ≈ ₱63.0
- Language
- English
- Calling code
- +63
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- Asia/ManilaUTC+8
- Capital
- Manila
Upcoming public holidays in Philippines
- Bonifacio DayAraw ni Gat Andres Bonifacio
- Feast of the Immaculate Conception of MaryKapistahan ng Immaculada Concepcion
- Christmas Eve
- Christmas DayAraw ng Pasko
- Rizal DayAraw ng Kamatayan ni Dr. Jose Rizal
- Last Day of The YearHuling Araw ng Taon
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Palawan
These are the airports closest to central Palawan. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- PPS Antonio Bautista Air Base19 mi (30 km) from the city centre
- ENI El Nido Airport92 mi (148 km) from the city centre
Getting around Palawan
Cheapest option while getting around is the local jeepney for short distances and buses for long distances. Tricycles are also available within towns. Getting from one island to another is possible; daily boat trips are available. It is also possible to rent a car or van.
Palawan travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Palawan?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Palawan is all year round, when average daytime highs are around 84–89°F and rain falls on about 24 days a month.
What is the weather like in Palawan?
April is usually the warmest month in Palawan, with average highs of 89°F (32°C). September is the coolest, with average lows of 75°F (24°C). The wettest month is typically October, with about 367 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Palawan?
Antonio Bautista Air Base (PPS) is the closest airport, about 19 miles (30 km) from the centre of Palawan. Other nearby airports include El Nido Airport (ENI, 92 mi).
What currency is used in Palawan?
Palawan uses the Philippine peso (PHP). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ ₱63.0.
What time zone is Palawan in?
Palawan uses the Asia/Manila time zone (currently UTC+8). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Palawan?
Cheapest option while getting around is the local jeepney for short distances and buses for long distances. Tricycles are also available within towns. Getting from one island to another is possible; daily boat trips are available. It is also possible to rent a car or van.
What are the best places to visit in Palawan?
Top sights in Palawan include Puerto Princesa Underground River, El Nido, Honda Bay and Port Barton. A navigable underground river flowing through a limestone cave directly into the sea, explored by paddle boat. Daily permits are limited, so book through your hotel or a tour operator well in advance.
What are the top things to do in Palawan?
Popular experiences you can book in Palawan include Full Day Honda Bay Tour - Small Group, Puerto Princesa City Tour - Small Group and Discover Underground River at Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park - Private Tour. Destina Holidays offers 13 tours and activities here.
Where should I stay in Palawan?
Popular areas for hotels in Palawan include Puerto Princesa City, El Nido and Coron. Well-reviewed options include Princesa Garden Island Resort and Spa and Seda Lio.
How many hotels can I book in Palawan?
Destina Holidays currently lists 390 properties in and around Palawan, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
