Palawan is a 450km island province in the western Philippines, consistently ranked among the world’s best islands. The main entry point is Puerto Princesa Airport (PPS) with daily 1-hour flights from Manila. Key destinations: Puerto Princesa (whale sharks, Underground River), Port Barton (island hopping, sea turtles), El Nido (limestone lagoons). The optimal visiting period is November through April.
Where Is Palawan?
Palawan is a long, narrow island province in the western Philippines, stretching from the Sulu Sea to the South China Sea. Puerto Princesa serves as the capital and primary entry point via daily direct flights from Manila, Cebu, and Clark. The province encompasses over 1,750 islands and islets.
Most visited areas:
- Puerto Princesa — gateway city, Underground River, whale shark tours; compare what to do in Puerto Princesa by season and travel style
- Port Barton — quiet, uncrowded, wild sea turtles, exceptional snorkelling
- El Nido — dramatic limestone karsts, busiest tourist area in northern Palawan
- Coron — world-class wreck diving, freshwater lakes
Best Time to Visit Palawan
| Season | Months | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Season | Nov–Apr | ✅ Island hopping, diving, all activities |
| Shoulder | May, Oct | ✅ Best value — good conditions, fewer crowds |
| Wet Season | Jun–Sept | ⚠️ Tours operate; some weather-related variability |
Whale shark season in Puerto Princesa runs April–October — peak sightings June–August. Port Barton island hopping runs year-round with best conditions December–April.
How to Get to Palawan
By Air — Puerto Princesa Airport (PPS)
Multiple daily flights from Manila (1h10m), Cebu (1h), and Clark. Cebu Pacific, AirAsia, and Philippine Airlines operate these routes. No scheduled direct international flights — overseas visitors connect through Manila or Cebu.
From Puerto Princesa to Port Barton
Shared van: 2–3 hours, ₱600 per person. Departs approximately 7:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 3:00 PM from the transport terminal. The 7:00 AM departure gives you a full afternoon in Port Barton.
From Puerto Princesa to El Nido
Shared van: 5–6 hours, ₱700–900. Many travellers break the journey overnight in Port Barton — it sits halfway and is worth visiting independently.
Cash tip: Withdraw sufficient pesos in Puerto Princesa. ATMs in Port Barton charge high fees and frequently run dry during peak season. Most establishments north of Puerto Princesa are cash-only.
Top Experiences in Palawan
1. Swim with Wild Whale Sharks — Puerto Princesa
Puerto Princesa offers one of the most ethical whale shark encounters in Southeast Asia — wild open-ocean, no feeding, in the open ocean. Tour Z’s 30ft speedboat reaches the wildlife zone in 20 minutes and uses aerial drone spotting to locate sharks without chasing. Season runs April–October. ₱3,500 all-inclusive →
2. Island Hopping in Port Barton
Port Barton island hopping commonly includes Turtle Point, reef stops, sandbars and beach time. Use the Port Barton island hopping guide for route planning and questions to ask local operators.
3. Puerto Princesa Underground River
A UNESCO World Heritage Site — one of the world’s longest navigable underground rivers. Daily entry is capped — book permits weeks ahead during peak season (December–April). ₱1,500–2,500 for full packages including transfer.
4. El Nido Lagoon Tours
El Nido’s four island hopping routes cover different lagoons, beaches, and snorkelling spots. Tour A (Big and Small Lagoon) is most popular. El Nido is significantly more crowded than Port Barton — advance booking is essential.
Practical Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Currency | Philippine Peso (PHP). Cash essential outside Puerto Princesa. |
| Language | English widely spoken throughout Palawan. |
| Visa | Most nationalities: 30-day visa-free entry. Check Philippines Bureau of Immigration. |
| Eco-Tax | PHP 200/person for many Port Barton boat tours. Ask whether your operator includes it or collects it separately. |
| Sunscreen | Reef-safe only (zinc oxide / titanium dioxide). Standard sunscreen damages coral. |
What to Pack for Palawan
- Reef-safe sunscreen — regular sunscreen causes documented coral reef damage
- Reusable water bottle — single-use plastic is discouraged across Palawan
- Quick-dry rash guard — all-day sun on open water is intense
- Waterproof phone pouch — essential for boat tours
- Cash in pesos — sufficient for your entire stay north of Puerto Princesa
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit Palawan?
November to April for dry season conditions. For whale sharks specifically: April–October (Puerto Princesa). For value: May and October.
Do I need a visa to visit Palawan?
Most nationalities receive 30 days visa-free entry to the Philippines. Palawan is accessible once you’re in the country. Check the Philippines Bureau of Immigration for current requirements.
How many days should I spend in Palawan?
Seven days covers Puerto Princesa, Port Barton, and El Nido comfortably. Ten days is better — more time in Port Barton and an extra El Nido route. Minimum 4 days for just Puerto Princesa + Port Barton.
Whale Shark Tour - PHP 3,500 · Port Barton island hopping guide · 7-Day Palawan Itinerary
