2 Weeks in Palawan: The Complete Route
Palawan is consistently rated one of the best islands in the world. This long, narrow province at the western edge of the Philippines packs in more natural wonders per square kilometer than almost anywhere in Southeast Asia: the UNESCO-listed Underground River, the limestone karst labyrinth of El Nido, the wreck-diving heaven of Coron, and hundreds of beaches that have not appeared on any list yet.
The Route
- Days 1-5: El Nido - all four island-hopping tours
- Days 6-7: Port Barton overland - hidden gem
- Days 8-9: Puerto Princesa - Underground River and Honda Bay
- Days 10-11: Fly to Coron
- Days 12-14: Coron island hopping and wreck diving
Days 1-5: El Nido
Fly direct from Manila to El Nido with AirSWIFT (~1 hour, book early). El Nido has four official island-hopping tours (A, B, C, D), each covering different parts of the Bacuit Archipelago. Each tour costs around 1,200-1,500 PHP including lunch. Day five: Nacpan Beach - a 4-kilometer arc of golden sand with almost no development. Bring your own food.
Days 6-7: Port Barton
Port Barton is a small village halfway between El Nido and Puerto Princesa that most travelers skip - which is exactly why you should go. Van south (3 hours, 350 PHP). The snorkeling here is excellent and unhurried.
Days 8-9: Puerto Princesa
Van to Puerto Princesa (2.5 hours from Port Barton). Day eight: the Underground River - pre-book permits at puertoprincesaundergroundriver.com. The 45-minute paddle through Saint Paul Cave is one of the Philippines' unmissable experiences. Day nine: Honda Bay island hopping, then the BBQ strip on Rizal Avenue for dinner.
Days 10-11: Fly to Coron
Fly Puerto Princesa to Coron (~45 minutes). Day ten: arrive and settle in. Day eleven: the famous Coron island-hopping tour - Kayangan Lake (often called the cleanest lake in Asia), Twin Lagoon, Barracuda Lake, and Siete Pecados coral gardens.
Days 12-14: Wreck Diving
Coron Bay contains over a dozen Japanese WWII warships sunk in 1944. The Irako and Okikawa Maru wrecks are accessible for beginners. A two-tank wreck dive costs 2,500-3,500 PHP with full equipment. Day fourteen: Maquinit Hot Springs (200 PHP entry) - natural saltwater hot springs at 39 degrees, perfect before flying back to Manila.
El Nido to Coron by Boat
The island-hopping boat between El Nido and Coron (3-day journey, ~4,500 PHP all-in) is one of the Philippines' great adventures. You need a flexible schedule - rough weather can delay departures.
Budget for 2 Weeks in Palawan (Per Person)
- Budget: 25,000-35,000 PHP (~$440-620)
- Mid-range: 55,000-75,000 PHP (~$975-1,325)
For Palawan island-hopping tours and packages, compare options on PANA.PH before booking.