Plan your 2026 Palawan trip with this complete long form guide. Covers El Nido, Coron, Puerto Princesa, Balabac, top attractions, itineraries, hotels, tours, costs, weather, transportation, and updated travel requirements
Best Places to Visit in Palawan
Palawan is a 450‑km stretch of jungle, karst cliffs, coral reefs, and remote islands that has earned global recognition from Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, and National Geographic. In 2026, new flight routes, lagoon entry regulations, and improved eco‑tourism policies make Palawan more accessible and sustainable than ever.
Why Visit Palawan in 2026
Palawan’s appeal lies in its raw, cinematic landscapes and diverse experiences:
- El Nido’s iconic lagoons
- Coron’s WWII shipwrecks
- Puerto Princesa’s Underground River
- Balabac’s untouched sandbars
- San Vicente’s 14‑km Long Beach
- World‑class diving, snorkeling, and eco‑tours
Visitor numbers reached 2,126,434 in 2025, with 48% international travelers—proof of Palawan’s global popularity.
Palawan at a Glance (2026)
- Country: Philippines
- Capital: Puerto Princesa City
- Language: Filipino, English widely spoken
- Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP)
- Best Time to Visit: December–May
- Ideal Trip Length: 5–10 days
- Main Airports: PPS (Puerto Princesa), ENI (El Nido), USU (Coron)
Palawan Provincial Capital in Puerto Princesa by RioHondo
Top Destinations in Palawan (2026)
1. El Nido – Lagoons, Cliffs & Island Hopping
El Nido remains Palawan’s crown jewel, receiving 642,385 visitors in 2025. Famous for the Bacuit Archipelago’s limestone formations and emerald lagoons.
Top Attractions
- Big Lagoon (requires pre‑booked entry slot)
- Small Lagoon
- Secret Beach
- Nacpan Beach
- Shimizu Island
by pinaywise.com
2. Coron – Shipwrecks, Lakes & Diving Capital
Coron is globally known for its WWII Japanese shipwrecks, accessible even to recreational divers.
Top Attractions
- Kayangan Lake
- Twin Lagoon
- Barracuda Lake
- Malcapuya Island
- Coral Garden
by travel-palawan.com
3. Puerto Princesa – UNESCO Underground River
The city is the gateway to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Top Attractions
- Underground River
- Sabang Beach
- Honda Bay
- Firefly Watching at Iwahig
by asiaodysseytravel.com
4. Balabac – Remote Paradise
Balabac offers untouched beaches, pink sand, and crystal‑clear waters.
Top Attractions
- Onuk Island
- Candaraman Sandbar
- Punta Sebaring
- Sicsican Island
Benlen Sandbar by Ervin Malicdem
5. San Vicente – Long Beach
Home to the Philippines’ longest white‑sand beach at 14 kilometers.
by discoverthephilippines.com
Best Things to Do in Palawan (2026)
- Island Hopping Tours – El Nido Tours A, B, C, D; Coron Ultimate Tour
- Shipwreck Diving – Coron’s WWII wrecks
- Kayaking – Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon
- Beach Hopping – Nacpan, Long Beach, Malcapuya
- Eco‑Tours – Underground River, Firefly Watching
- Sandbar Trips – Balabac’s Candaraman & Punta Sebaring
Sample 7‑Day Palawan Itinerary (2026)
Day 1 – Puerto Princesa
Underground River + Sabang Beach
Day 2 – Honda Bay
Starfish Island, Luli Island, Cowrie Island
Day 3 – Travel to El Nido
Town tour + Corong‑Corong sunset
Day 4 – El Nido Tour A
Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Shimizu Island
Day 5 – El Nido Tour C
Secret Beach, Matinloc Shrine
Day 6 – Travel to Coron
Mt. Tapyas + Maquinit Hot Spring
Day 7 – Coron Ultimate Tour
Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon, Barracuda Lake
H2: Best Time to Visit Palawan (2026)
Dry Season (Best): November–May
Clear skies, calm seas.
Peak Months: December, January, April
Book hotels and tours early.
Rainy Season: July–September
Expect occasional storms.
How to Get to Palawan (2026)
By Air
- Puerto Princesa (PPS) – major airport
- El Nido (ENI) – boutique flights via AirSwift
- Busuanga (USU) – Coron airport
By Sea
- Coron ↔ El Nido ferry
- Manila ↔ Puerto Princesa (limited)
Where to Stay in Palawan (2026)
El Nido
- Town Proper – budget
- Corong‑Corong – sunset views
- Lio Estate – premium eco‑resorts
Coron
- Town Proper – budget/mid-range
- Busuanga – luxury eco‑resorts
Puerto Princesa
- City hotels
- Beachfront resorts
Balabac
- Basic island accommodations
- Eco‑friendly camps
Estimated Travel Costs (2026)
Daily Budget
- Budget: ₱1,500–₱3,000
- Mid-range: ₱3,000–₱7,000
- Luxury: ₱7,000–₱20,000+
Island‑Hopping Tours
- El Nido Tour A: ₱1,200–₱1,800
- Coron Ultimate Tour: ₱1,500–₱2,500
- Honda Bay Tour: ₱1,000–₁,500
Food
- Local eateries: ₱150–₱300
- Restaurants: ₱300–₱800
What to Eat in Palawan
- Tamilok
- Fresh seafood
- Grilled fish
- Halo‑halo
- Fruit shakes
Travel Requirements (2026)
- Valid ID
- Confirmed hotel booking
- Environmental fees (varies per destination)
- Lagoon entry reservations (El Nido)
- No COVID‑related requirements as of 2026 (subject to change)
Travel Tips for Palawan
- Book tours early during peak season
- Bring waterproof bags
- Carry cash—ATMs limited in remote areas
- Choose eco‑friendly operators
- Avoid touching corals
- Ferry between El Nido ↔ Coron for convenience