Palawan Itinerary: The Perfect 7 Days

One week in the Philippines' best island province

Palawan is regularly voted one of the world's most beautiful islands, and seven days is enough to see its highlights without rushing. This itinerary combines the lagoons and beaches of El Nido with the lakes and wrecks of Coron, connected by a scenic ferry or expedition boat. Adjust the pace to your style, but this framework hits the essentials.

Days 1-3: El Nido

Fly into Puerto Princesa or El Nido and make your way to El Nido town. Spend your first afternoon settling in and watching the sunset over Bacuit Bay. On day two, take Tour A or C for the famous Big and Small Lagoons and hidden beaches. On day three, choose Tour D for the southern beaches or a private kayak trip into the Big Lagoon for a quieter experience. Evenings are for beachfront dinners and cold drinks in town.

Days 4-5: the crossing and Coron

Take the fast ferry (or a multi-day expedition boat) from El Nido to Coron. If you have the time and spirit for adventure, the expedition - camping on remote beaches through the Linapacan islands - is unforgettable. Arrive in Coron and relax, then spend a full day on the classic Coron loop: Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon, coral gardens and a shallow shipwreck.

Days 6-7: Coron and departure

Use day six for more of Coron - a reef-and-wreck snorkelling trip, a dip in the warm Maquinit hot springs, or a viewpoint hike up Mount Tapyas for sunset. On day seven, fly out from Busuanga airport, or extend your stay if the islands have worked their magic (they usually do).

Alternative: add Puerto Princesa

If you would rather not backtrack, start in Puerto Princesa with the Underground River (a UNESCO World Heritage site) and Honda Bay island hopping before heading north to El Nido, then finishing in Coron. This linear route avoids repeating the long van transfer and suits travellers who want to tick off Palawan's third big draw.

Practical tips

Travel in the dry season (November to May) for the calmest seas. Carry enough cash, as ATMs are limited and can run dry. Book ferries and popular tours ahead in peak months, and always keep a buffer day in case weather reshuffles a boat trip.

Frequently asked questions

Is 7 days enough for Palawan?

Yes - a week is ideal for combining El Nido and Coron, the two must-see destinations of northern Palawan, with time for their signature island-hopping tours plus the ferry or expedition between them. If you want to add Puerto Princesa and the Underground River, or slow the pace right down, ten days is even better.

What is the best way to travel around Palawan?

Within towns, tricycles and vans handle short hops, while El Nido and Coron are linked by fast ferries and expedition boats. The long Puerto Princesa-to-El Nido leg is a five-to-six-hour van ride. Domestic flights connect Manila and Cebu to Puerto Princesa, El Nido and Busuanga (Coron).

How much should I budget for a week in Palawan?

Costs vary widely with your style, but the biggest items are flights, accommodation, island-hopping tours and ferries. Joining shared tours, staying in guesthouses and eating at local eateries keeps things affordable, while private boats and resorts push the budget up. Carry cash for tours, fees and places without card facilities.

Should I do the El Nido to Coron expedition?

If you have the time and enjoy adventure, yes - the multi-day expedition through the remote Linapacan islands, camping on deserted beaches and snorkelling untouched reefs, is a highlight in itself. If you prefer comfort or are short on time, the fast ferry covers the same route in a few hours.

When is the best time to visit Palawan?

The dry season from late November to May offers the calmest seas, clearest water and most reliable boat trips - ideal for island hopping. March and April are especially good. The wet season (June to October) is quieter and cheaper but brings rougher seas and occasional trip cancellations.

Do I need to book Palawan tours in advance?

In peak season (December to May) yes - popular El Nido and Coron tours and the fast ferries between them can sell out, and boat numbers on the best routes are capped for conservation. Booking a few days ahead secures your spot and lets you compare timings and inclusions rather than scrambling on arrival.

Is Palawan good for a honeymoon?

Palawan is one of the Philippines' most romantic destinations, with private island resorts, secluded beaches, sunset cruises and dramatic lagoon scenery. El Nido and Coron both offer intimate stays and private boat tours ideal for couples, and a few nights at a quiet island resort makes a memorable honeymoon base away from the crowds.

Are there ATMs in Palawan?

ATMs exist in Puerto Princesa, El Nido and Coron towns but can be limited, run out of cash, or charge fees, and they are scarce once you leave the main towns. Withdraw enough before island-hopping days and carry sufficient cash for tours, fees, meals and tips, as many small operators and eateries do not accept cards.

Plan your trip with PANA.PH

Ready to turn Palawan into a real itinerary? Browse our tours and activities for guided island hopping, canyoneering, diving and day trips, compare places to stay, and read more destination guides on the PANA.PH blog. Ready to lock in the lagoons and wrecks? Our El Nido and Coron tours slot straight into this itinerary.

The best Philippine trips come together when the big pieces are booked early - flights between islands, the headline tours, and rooms in peak season - while the small pleasures are left to discover on the ground. Travel in the dry season (roughly late November to May) for the calmest seas and clearest skies, carry enough cash for island fees and local eateries, and always keep a buffer day in case the weather reshuffles a boat trip. A little planning around the seasons and the logistics turns a good holiday into a great one.

PANA.PH gathers the best of the Philippines in one place - handpicked tours from trusted local operators, honest guides written to help rather than sell, and practical tips drawn from real island travel - so you can spend less time organising and more time actually exploring. Whether you are chasing beaches, reefs, waterfalls, food or culture, use the links above to shape your route, then book with confidence and let the islands take care of the rest.