Called the “Final Frontier of the Philippines,” Palawan is the ultimate travel goal. It has several beach destinations that can rival the Maldives or Caribbean Islands. If you plan a one-week trip to Palawan, here is a simple itinerary. This Palawan itinerary covers Puerto Princesa, El Nido, and Coron.
One-week Palawan itinerary
Day 1: Puerto Princesa
Puerto Princesa is the biggest city in Palawan, on the main island. It is the usual first stop because most transport hubs are here. As a matter of fact, travelers from Manila, Cebu, Pampanga, and other destinations arrive here through regular flights. Hopefully, you will arrive in the morning, so you can explore the island in one day.
The most famous destination is the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. This natural attraction is an 8-kilometer limestone karst cave system. An otherworldly experience, the limestones glisten as you traverse the cave.
After visiting the underground river in Puerto Princesa, you may linger at Sabang. It is a village outside the tourist spot’s entrance area filled with hole-in-the-wall dining places serving fresh seafood and refreshing cocktails.
Days 2-4: El Nido
Head north to El Nido on your second day in Palawan. El Nido has several tourist attractions, but you need to exert effort — particularly a 5-hour drive, taking in all the challenges that come with going to the island. For instance, you will drive through rough roads. Once you get there, though, you will never want to leave El Nido. The beachfront will surely enchant you.
If you are an adventurer, you should climb the Taraw Cliff. From the summit, you will surely appreciate the panoramic views of the island in all its limestone karst majesty and the sea.
On Day 3, you may go island hopping, which is what El Nido is for. You may book a local boat online ahead of time or on the night of Day 2. Know, however, that boat tours quickly sell out, so you might have to be on the waiting list if you do not plan ahead. Several boat tours are available, and some of the most popular island destinations are here.
- Big Lagoon
- Secret Lagoon
- Shimizu Island
- Seven Commando Beach
- Helicopter Island
- Matinloc Island
- Secret Beach
- Star Beach
- Hidden Beach
Day 4 is also for island hopping, but you may rest in the afternoon and linger on the beachfront to prepare and conserve energy for the evening festivities. Yes, nightlife in El Nido is a must-experience too.
There are several bars to hang out in the evening. Enjoy fresh seafood barbeque that goes perfectly with ice-cold booze.
Days 5-7: Coron
From El Nido, you may head to Coron on a ferry or boat. Ferry rides take up to six hours, while boat rides are four hours long. You may book your tickets ahead of time also or in El Nido. However, ticket prices are likely to increase if there is an influx of tourists.
You may start exploring Coron as soon as you arrive around the afternoon. However, you can only do a little with little time. If you want, you can take a short hike to Mount Tapyas. Sunsets in Coron are best viewed atop the mountain.
This island paradise has two of the most popular destinations in Palawan: Kayangan Lake and Twin Lagoons. Kayanga Lake is the place to be if you want to glimpse Coron’s viewpoint. On the other hand, a limestone cliff where you can swim under separates the Twin Lagoons. You can explore both areas.
On your third day in Coron, you may visit Black Island and Pass Island. Pass Island is smaller than Black Island, which is reminiscent of the island in the movie ‘Cast Away.’ Black Island has a bedrock of limestone, though it has caves, soft sands, and palm trees. Truly the perfect island to cap your Palawan trip!
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