The Ultimate Travel Guide to Palawan:

Puerto Princesa, El Nido & Coron

At the mention of Palawan, three specific destinations come to mind, ​Puerto Princesa​, ​Coron
and ​El Nido​. These are the three most iconic tourist attractions in the beautiful archipelagic
province of Palawan, and we all know why. They are filled with natural beauty, from lagoons,
caves, to Palawan's vibrant coral reefs. Palawan's awe-inspiring nature keeps us coming back
for more simply because these natural wonders can't be found anywhere else in the world. Want
to see the best of Palawan? We can give you ideas on where to go!

What to see & do

Puerto Princesa

1. Explore the underground river

Image credit: ​paweesit

As you may already know, Palawan is home to the Underground River National Park, a
UNESCO World Heritage Site in Puerto Princesa. This river is the second longest navigable
subterranean river in the world. To enter the cave, you will ride a small boat with an assigned
guide who will tell you more about the river and its striking stalagmite and stalactite formations.
Audio guides are also available in different languages.
If you book through Klook, they can offer you a package deal of a ​tour of the Underground
River​, plus they'll take you on a trek to Sabang Waterfalls for you to admire the surrounding
nature and swim in the clear pools of water.

2. Chase waterfalls and visit the west coast

Puerto Princesa has beautiful beaches, but it also has hidden gems that we often overlook.
Pupunton Waterfalls​ in Bacungan is one of them. This waterfall is newly-discovered, and you'll
find it by walking through a secluded forest. It's not a hard trek, but be sure to bring your
swimming gear with you. You don't just come here to see the beautiful cascading water, tourists
are also allowed to take a dip in the cool natural pools that come from the fresh and clean
waterfall. If you’ve never experienced bathing under a natural waterfall, then make the first time
the best time in Pupunton Waterfalls!
Nagtabon Beach | Image credit: ​Bounce2007

After enjoying yourselves in Bacungan, it's time for the long-awaited beach trip to the west
coast. ​Talaudyong​ and ​Nagtabon beach​ are go-to beaches in Puerto Princesa because
tourists can go surfing here aside from swimming and picnicking. These beaches are quiet than
most and are good spots to see a breathtaking sunset. Everything about them is picturesque!

To make things easy for you, Klook has a ​package tour of these attractions​, and we recommend
you check it out. This tour already includes hotel pick up and drop off, private tour guide, picnic
lunch and entrance fee.
3. Dive and see the colourful marine life

In the mood to explore the underwater life? Dive in Puerto Princesa City Bay and Turtle Bay to
witness the stunning marine species and vibrantly coloured corals. There are countless marine
species you can encounter whether you snorkel or go deep underwater. These locations are
friendly for beginner divers as well.

Booking with Klook​ will allow you to learn from a Professional PADI Instructor and borrow their
diving equipment and gear. But after diving, don't forget to spend some time at the beach as
well to take in the majestic view of the white sand and vibrant green trees while you relax and
rest your body. It's the perfect finish to an afternoon full of physical activities.
El Nido

1. Explore the famous islands

Island hopping is a must-do in El Nido! We recommend that you see ​Helicopter Island​, which
earned its name because its unique rock formations give the impression that the island is
shaped like a helicopter. The limestone cliffs on this island are quite picturesque and are
surrounded by dark green rainforests. Helicopter Island also features white sand and a tranquil
environment, a perfect place to watch the waves and have a quick lunch.

Other islands to check out are ​Dilumacad​ and ​Matinloc​. If you haven't been here before, you
might have seen them if you've watched the Bourne Legacy. This is where part of the movie
was filmed! You'll also find that Matinloc has more to offer than just the beach when you visit the
Matinloc Shrine. Locals call this location a spiritual oasis; the shrine has a lot of local stories and
history behind it so make sure you get a guide to explain more of the shrine's significance.

Most of all, don't forget to explore ​Talisay Beach​! This is another spot where you can snorkel
and observe the beautiful marine biodiversity in peace and quiet. Here, you'll see sea urchins,
starfish, coral reefs, turtles and many more colourful fish species. It'll give your ocean
experience a whole new meaning!

2. Visit the enchanting lagoons

Do you want to see picturesque or IG-worthy tropical scenery? Of course you do, and El Nido's
lagoons will give you exactly what you need! You'll find what you're looking for in Miniloc Island
which is home to three beautiful lagoons that have the clearest water you've ever laid eyes on.
These three lagoons are called ​Small Lagoon​, ​Big Lagoon​, and ​Hidden Lagoon​.

In these lagoons, you'll find glimmering water, rock formations and peaceful spots where you
can kayak or swim as you take in the inspiring backdrop of nature. The Hidden Lagoon will give
you an other-worldly experience as you enter through a small passageway to reveal a secluded
sanctuary of crystal clear water and interesting rock formations. It's almost as if the lagoon came
straight out of a fairytale.

You can go ​island hopping​ and visit these lagoons in El Nido easily by getting on board Klook's
El Nido tours. ​El Nido Tour A​, in particular, will not only tour you in El Nido's lagoons but will
also bring you to Shimizu Island's white beaches and 7 Commando Beach where you'll be able
to take a refreshing dip in the cool water once more.

Klook also has ​shared van transfers between Puerto Princesa and El Nido​, which is perfect to
accommodate and make your ultimate Palawan trip an experience for the books.
Coron

1. Snorkel in different diving spots

Image credit: ​Travis

One of the most famous places to snorkel in Coron is ​Siete Pecados Marine Park​. This oasis is
a protected area that is home to numerous species of local marine life. Swimming in Siete
Pecados is like submerging yourself in a fancy aquarium decorated in vibrant colours and many
schools of fish. It's considered a "snorkelling haven" by many because few snorkelling sites in
Palawan come to par with Siete Pecados. So if there's one snorkelling spot you can't miss in
Coron, it's this one.

After snorkelling, try swimming a bit deeper. The ​Skeleton Wreck​ is a fascinating thing to see
underwater. It's a Japanese shipwreck and remnant of WWII. Once you dive, you'll immediately
see a ship covered in barnacles and is inhabited by different species of fish. Aside from this
shipwreck site, try going to the ​Malwawey Reef​ and the ​Coral Garden​. These underwater
destinations will let you see more variety of corals that Coron has to offer. Trust us, each of
these spots has such rich marine life that no place is ever like the other.

2. Tour Coron's isles

Image credit: ​Travis

Once you tour Coron's islands, you'll understand why people keep wanting to return to Palawan.
Coron is filled with picture-perfect bodies of water that surround islands of thick and lush
greenery. A testament to this is ​Kayangan Lake​. This lake is dubbed as the cleanest lake in the
Philippines with 70% fresh water and 30% salt water. Kayangan Lake is cradled by beautiful
limestone cliffs which are all maintained by the Tagbanue Tribesmen. This is truly a place where
mother nature thrives, and we're all fortunate that it's open to tourists for snorkelling and
swimming!

We suggest you also visit the ​Twin Lagoons​ where you can experience blue-green waters. Add
the rocky cliff sides and clear blue sky, you've got yourself a perfect backdrop for your family
and group photos. Travelling families and friends are also sure to enjoy the ​Coron Youth Club
Beach​. This is a tiny island where you can stop and take the most beautiful photos as it's
adorned with pristine white sand, rock formations, and even mangrove trees. It's a great place to
just chill and relax in the middle of your island hopping tour; some tourists even stay here long
enough to sunbathe and get a tan. And of course, if you feel like swimming or snorkelling in the
clear blue water, you can!

If you'd like to see all the awesome diving spots and islands in Coron in one day, then you
should check out Klook's ​Coron Ultimate Tour package​. Booking this tour will cover hotel pick
up and drop off, lunch, a private tour guide, as well as a set itinerary for all the Coron
destinations mentioned above.

3. Take a day trip to Malcapuya Island

Image credit: ​Caryl Joan Estrosas

For groups of travellers who are looking for a simple but solid bonding experience, a whole day
in ​Malcapuya Island​ will do the trick! Arguably the most beautiful island in Palawan, tourists are
welcome to do all kinds of beach activities here like swimming, snorkelling, sunbathing,
picnicking, playing games at the beach, etc. The beach is a long stretch of white sand, and in
front of it, is the crystal clear and glistening blue water. A tranquil atmosphere like this will surely
settle you and your friends into a relaxed and content disposition. Disconnect from the outside
world, leave your worries and get lost in what this island has to offer.

To make things more convenient, you can leave the reservations and other accommodations to
Klook by booking their ​Malcapuya Island Day Trip​ activity.

Best time to visit

When you make plans, it’s best to take into consideration the season that will give you the
maximum enjoyment in your destination. In this case, Puerto Princesa’s best months are from
April to June because it’s when the waves are usually calm. El Nido, on the other hand, is its
most beautiful with a pleasant climate specifically on March, April, and May. Coron’s best time to
visit is also on its dry season which runs from October to mid-June. Make sure to book your visit
on these months in advance to avoid a rainy weather and gray clouds.
How to get there

Puerto Princesa

Coming from Manila, you can book a flight either via Cebu Pacific, Philippines Air Asia, or
Philippine Airlines. There are at least 12 flights going to Puerto Princesa City Airport from Manila
per day, and the travel time is an estimate of one hour and 20 minutes. Domestic flights are also
available from Cebu, Davao, Cagayan de Oro and other major cities of the Philippines.

El Nido

From Puerto Princesa, you can actually take a bus going to El Nido, but be ready to spend six to
eight hours of travelling. RoRo buses depart San Jose Terminal in Puerto Princesa with a fare
ranging from ​₱​300-500 depending on the bus type.

If you’re coming from Manila, Airswift provides direct daily flights to El Nido with only an hour of
travel time. You’ll be riding a 50-seater ATR aircraft. When you land in El Nido Lio Airport, you
can take a jeep or a 20-minute tricycle ride going to El Nido town.
You may also book a ​shared van transfer between Puerto Princesa and El Nido​ on Klook if it
makes your vacation more convenient.

Coron

Cebu Pacific has multiple and cheaper flights going to Coron from Manila and Cebu every day.
Cebu Pac’s airfare usually varies between ​₱​1,200-5,000, plus the airport terminal fee which is
₱200. SkyJet also plies this route from Manila. If you want to travel in a ferry, the best shipping
line going to Coron is 2GO Travels. It leaves Manila from Pier 4 on Fridays and arrives on a
Saturday. The travel time usually takes almost 20 hours.

Where to stay

Puerto Princesa

Puerto Princesa has a variety of accommodations. If you’re travelling on a budget, go for inns
such as the Casa Milan Inn or Tropical Sun Inn. For mid-range accommodations, we
recommend Canvas Boutique Hotel. What we love about this hotel is the locally made furniture
and art murals, the 20-metre outdoor lap pool and that it’s only a two-minute drive from the
Puerto Princesa International Airport. Another option for you if the Hue Hotels, which has an
overlooking pool, free airport transfer and complimentary WiFi. If you have the budget for
high-end accommodations, try Astoria Palawan. It has a 30-metre infinity pool, karaoke and
game rooms, plus they serve local and international cuisines.

El Nido

Budget-friendly accommodations in El Nido also consist of inns such as the Biolina Guest
House. This particular inn has great hospitality and they serve free coffee and milo. It costs
₱​2,000/night for four people. Good enough, right? As for mid-range hotels, you can try El Nido
Beach Hotel which overlooks El Nido Bay, casual dining, and a relaxing beachfront. El Nido’s
high-end resorts are its most famous accommodations of course. You can pick among the
accommodations of Apulit Island, Miniloc Island, Lagen Island and Pangulasian Island. Their
prices range from ​₱​18,000 to ​₱​40,000 or more per night.

Coron

Coron has a long list of traveller-friendly accommodations. You can browse Agoda or
Booking.com to find the hotel or inn that suits you and your travelling group the best. The
cheaper notable accommodations include Amphibiko, Apartelle Gabrielle, and Centro Coron
Bed & Breakfast. A high-end hotel we would suggest is Club Paradise Palawan. This resort has
a friendly staff, world-class dining experience, and a well-preserved and tranquil environment!

What to eat
Puerto Princesa

Palawan is rich in seafood cuisine. Puerto Princesa is famous for its Crocodile Sisig, Danggit
Lamayo, and Lato Seaweed. Other notable dishes from Puerto Princesa are Lechon Kawali,
Chicken Inato, and for their dessert, Halo-Halo and Hopia Bread. You may hit up KaLui
Restaurant and Badjao Seafront Restaurant, two notable restaurants that will let you have a
wide range of gastronomic experience in Puerto Princesa.

El Nido

El Nido is also famous for its seafood-driven restaurants. Try the Stuffed Squid and Seafood
Platter in Squidos, or “catch of the day” and fish with butter and herbs in El Nido Corner. A
must-try is the Crab in Sweet and Sour Sauce in Bacuit Grill and Bar Restaurant. This’ll surely
keep your bellies full!

Coron

Like in Puerto Princesa, Danggit Lamayo is pretty famous in Coron, as well as their Cashew
Nuts. Another dish you have to try in Coron is their lobster. We recommend the Lobster King
restaurant where you get to decide how you want your lobster to be cooked. If you want grilled
seafood, head to Sinugba sa Balay. Their food is always fresh and the menu changes
depending on what’s available. Don’t skip this diner because it’s a tourist favourite!

No doubt that Palawan's got a lot of natural beauty and majesty to offer. The question is, are
you ready? Because this island paradise is waiting for you! Make your travels easier, better, and
more fun by seeing what ​Klook​ has to give wanderlust travellers such as you!

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