Palawan, consistently voted the world’s best island, is synonymous with paradise. But with iconic destinations like Port Barton, El Nido, and Coron each offering distinct experiences, choosing where to go can be daunting. Whether you seek serene solitude, adrenaline-pumping adventures, or vibrant nightlife, this guide breaks down each destination’s vibe, costs, hidden gems, and sustainability efforts to help you pick your perfect Palawan escape. 

1. Vibe & Atmosphere                                  

• Port Barton   

Vibe: Sleepy, authentic fishing village   

Best For: Backpackers, solitude seekers, eco-conscious travelers . 

Scenery: Unpaved roads, limited electricity (loads of blackouts), and a population of friendly locals define this off-grid haven. Expect roosters at dawn and stargazing at night .

• El Nido         

Vibe: Lively, bustling beach town             

Best For: Social travelers, nightlife lovers, luxury seekers . 

Scenery:  A mini-beach city with bustling hostels, beach bars, and full moon parties. Ideal for those who want energy alongside natural beauty .     

• Coron       

Vibe: Adventure-focused dive hub             

Best For: Divers, history buffs, thrill-seekers .             

Scenery: No beaches in town, but world-class diving and rugged landscapes. The town is functional rather than charming, with focus on outdoor activities .

2. Beaches & Natural Beauty 

- El Nido: Famous for Bacuit Bay’s limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, and iconic beaches like Nacpan (a 4km stretch of golden sand) . 

- Coron: Dramatic karst landscapes and pristine lakes like Kayangan Lake, but beaches are only accessible via boat tours . 

- Port Barton: Secluded, powdery beaches like **Coconut Beach** and **White Beach**, with fewer tourists and vibrant coral reefs . 

Unique Insight: Port Barton’s beaches are less crowded but equally stunning, with starfish-dotted sandbars and mangrove forests rarely mentioned in guides . 

3. Activities & Tours

El Nido

- Island Hopping: Tours A-D cover lagoons, snorkeling spots, and shrines. Tour C (hidden beaches) is most popular . 

- Land Adventures: Taraw Cliff hiking, ziplining at Las Cabañas, and motorbiking to Nacpan Beach .

- Nightlife: Reggae bars, fire shows, and beach parties . 

Coron 

- Diving & Snorkeling: WWII shipwrecks, Barracuda Lake, and Coral Garden . 

- Land Treks: Mt. Tapyas (721 steps) and Maquinit Hot Springs . 

- Private Island Resorts: Overwater bungalows at SETIR and Sangat Island Dive Resort . 

Port Barton 

- Affordable Island Hopping: ₱1,500 ($25) tours visit Starfish Sandbar, Turtle Sanctuary, and Paradise Island . 

- Eco-Adventures: Jungle treks to Pamuayan Waterfall and kayaking to hidden coves . 

- Cultural Experiences: Fishing with locals or volunteering at turtle sanctuaries . 

Hidden Gem: Port Barton’s Pamuayan Beach hosts Evio’s restaurant, serving legendary eggplant dishes from a local’s home . 

4. Costs & Budget

Expense                   Port Barton (₱)      El Nido (₱)     Coron (₱)   

 

Hostel Night              336–446             600–800         400         

Island Tour                     1,500                   1,400             600         

Meal                              150–300            300–400       60–150       

Beer                                     80                      120               100         

5. Crowds & Sustainability

- El Nido: Over 1.2 million tourists annually. Tours can feel rushed, with lagoons crowded by 10 AM . 

- Coron: Popular but less congested than El Nido. Shipwreck sites remain pristine due to regulated diving . 

- Port Barton: Receives <10% of El Nido’s visitors. Its "reverse route" tours avoid crowds, and eco-fees (₱50) fund conservation . 

Sustainability Tip: Port Barton’s community-led tourism supports turtle sanctuaries and plastic-free initiatives . 

6. Accessibility & Logistics

- El Nido: Fly to El Nido Airport (via AirSwift) or Puerto Princesa + 5-hour van ride . 

- Coron: Direct flights to Busuanga Airport from Manila . 

- Port Barton: No airport. Accessible via 4-hour vans from Puerto Princesa (₱350) or El Nido (₱650) . 

Pro Tip: Use 12Go Asia to book van transfers. Port Barton’s roads are unpaved—expect bumpy rides!

7. When to Go 

- Dry Season (Nov–May): Ideal for all destinations. 

- Wet Season (Jun–Oct): Port Barton remains accessible, but El Nido/Coron tours may cancel due to waves. 

- Secret Perk: Visit Port Barton in November for sun-drenched days and jungle waterfalls at their fullest . 

Verdict: Who Should Go Where? 

Choose Port Barton if you: 

 - Crave authenticity and digital detox. 

 - Prioritize sustainability and low budgets. 

 - Prefer DIY adventures over structured tours . 

Choose El Nido if you: 

 - Want iconic photos and vibrant nightlife. 

 - Can splurge on luxury resorts or party hostels. 

 - Don’t mind crowds for world-class landscapes . 

Choose Coron if you: 

 - Live for diving and history. 

 - Preepr private island resorts over town beaches. 

 - Seek adventure without El Nido’s prices . 

Final Tips

1. Combine Them! For a 2-week trip, do: Coron (3d) → El Nido (4d) → Port Barton (3d) . 

2. Book Ahead: El Nido’s best hostels (e.g., My Green Hostel) sell out quickly . 

3. Pack Cash: Especially for Port Barton and Coron’s local eateries . 

Ultimate Insight: Port Barton’s new San Vicente Airport (opened October 2024) will offer flights from Clark, making access easier—visit before it booms! . 

Palawan’s magic lies in its diversity. Whether you pick the rustic charm of Port Barton, the dramatic energy of El Nido, or the aquatic thrills of Coron, you’re guaranteed crystalline waters and unforgettable memories. Share your choice in the comments! 🌊✈️