Palawan is consistently voted one of the best islands in the world — and it is easy to see why. A long, narrow island running northeast to southwest in the western Philippines, Palawan is fringed with limestone karsts, sheltered lagoons, and coral reefs that together make up some of the finest coastal scenery on earth. Island hopping is the primary way to explore it, and whether you base yourself in El Nido, Coron, or the quieter Port Barton, the experience is one of the most memorable in Southeast Asia.
El Nido — Lagoons, Limestone, and Island Hopping
El Nido in northern Palawan is the island-hopping capital of the Philippines. The town sits at the foot of sheer limestone cliffs dropping into Bacuit Bay, a scatter of islands, hidden lagoons, and white sand beaches that tour operators divide into four standard routes — A, B, C, and D — each visiting a different set of islands by bangka (outrigger boat). Tour A is the classic: Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, and Shimizu Island. The Big Lagoon, entered through a narrow gap in the limestone, opens into a cathedral of still turquoise water surrounded by vertical cliffs — it’s one of those landscapes that doesn’t look real until you’re inside it.
El Nido has grown rapidly but still retains some of its fishing-village character in the older parts of town. Accommodation ranges from budget guesthouses to luxury resorts on private islands nearby. The town’s main drag has good restaurants, dive shops, and tour operators. Book island-hopping tours direct with local operators rather than through hotel desks — you’ll pay less and often get a smaller group.
Coron — Wrecks, Lakes, and a Different Kind of Palawan
Coron, reached by ferry or fly-and-ferry from Puerto Princesa, offers a completely different experience. The town sits on Busuanga Island and the surrounding bay holds some of the finest wreck diving in the world — a fleet of Japanese supply ships sunk during a US Navy air raid in September 1944 now rest on the seafloor, encrusted with coral and inhabited by thousands of fish. The Okikawa Maru, Irako, and Olympia Maru are among the most celebrated of the dozen-plus diveable wrecks.
Above the waterline, Coron has its own island-hopping circuit — Kayangan Lake (one of the clearest freshwater lakes in Asia), Twin Lagoon, Skeleton Wreck, and the coral gardens of CYC Beach. The combination of wreck diving and lake snorkelling makes Coron a genuinely unique destination that rewards multi-day exploration.
Port Barton — The Quiet Alternative
Port Barton is what El Nido was fifteen years ago — a quiet fishing village with a handful of guesthouses, a dozen islands within easy reach, and the kind of relaxed pace that makes it easy to stay longer than planned. The coral reefs here are in excellent condition and the island-hopping boats carry far fewer passengers than those further north. If you want Palawan without the crowds, Port Barton is the answer. Getting there involves a jeepney or van from Puerto Princesa, which takes around three hours on a road that’s scenic but sometimes rough.
Practical Information
The best time to visit Palawan is November to May, when the Sulu Sea is calm and the weather is dry. The southwest monsoon (June to October) brings rough seas that can ground boats for days at a time, making island hopping impossible and long ferry crossings uncomfortable. Flights from Manila to El Nido and Puerto Princesa run multiple times daily. The Underground River near Puerto Princesa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visited attractions in the Philippines — book permits well in advance if this is on your list.
Planning your island-hopping route? Browse our Palawan beach listings, including Kalayaan Beach, Bon Bon Beach, Puting Buhangin Beach, and Hartman Beach — each with access details, photos, and practical tips for visitors.
Planning your Palawan trip? Browse our guides to diving in the Philippines, best beaches, and surfing spots. For more island destinations across the archipelago, explore our full range of outdoor adventure guides.
