
Air Travel to Palawan
Can you fly direct to Palawan?
Yes, you can fly direct to Palawan from major Philippine cities. There are three main airports: Puerto Princesa (PPS), El Nido (ENI) and Busuanga/Coron (USU). Most international travellers fly into Manila, Cebu or Clark, then take a domestic flight to Palawan.
Which airlines fly to Palawan?
Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific and AirAsia all fly to Puerto Princesa and Busuanga. AirSwift offers direct flights to El Nido. Use Skyscanner to find and compare the best routes and prices.
When should I book my flight to Palawan?
Flights during peak season (December to April) can sell out early, so book 2 to 3 months in advance. Use tools like Skyscanner to set price alerts and track deals.
Is there a direct flight from Manila to Coron?
Yes, direct flights from Manila to Busuanga Airport (USU) take around 1 hour. This is the fastest and most convenient way to reach Coron from Manila.
Is there a direct flight from Manila to El Nido?
Yes, AirSwift operates direct flights from Manila to El Nido. The flight takes around 1 hour and lands at El Nido Airport (ENI). Flights are limited so itโs a good idea to book early.
Plan Your Escape: Flight Deals to Anywhere

Ferry Travel to and Around Palawan
Can you take a ferry from Manila to Palawan?
Yes. 2GO Travel operates ferries from Manila to Puerto Princesa, usually once or twice a week. The journey takes about 24 hours. You can check updated ferry schedules and book online with 12Go.
Is there a ferry from Manila to Coron?
Yes. 2GO Travel also runs ferries from Manila to Coron. The journey takes around 11 to 13 hours. You can book in advance via 12Go.
Can you take a ferry from El Nido to Coron?
Yes. Fast ferries operate daily between El Nido and Coron, with a journey time of 3.5 to 4.5 hours depending on sea conditions. Companies include Montenegro Lines and Phimal Fast Ferry. Book ahead using 12Go.
How many hours travel from Coron to El Nido?
The ferry takes around 3.5 to 4.5 hours depending on the weather. Always check with the operator for up-to-date schedules, and try to travel in the morning when the sea is calmer.
Are ferry tickets easy to get?
Tickets for popular routes like El Nido to Coron often sell out, especially in high season. Booking in advance through 12Go or your accommodation is the safest option.

Road Travel Around Palawan
How do you travel between Puerto Princesa and El Nido?
You can take a shared van, a public bus or book a private transfer. Shared vans are the most common and take 5 to 6 hours. You can book in advance through 12Go. Buses are cheaper but slower and less frequent.
How do you get from El Nido to Port Barton?
You can take a shared van or private transfer. The journey takes around 4 to 5 hours depending on road conditions. Vans run daily and can be booked at travel agencies or online through 12Go. Roads are winding and sometimes bumpy, so be prepared if you’re prone to motion sickness.
How do you get from Puerto Princesa to Port Barton?
Shared vans and private transfers are the main options. The trip takes about 3 to 4 hours. Vans leave regularly from Puerto Princesa Airport and city terminals. You can book your seat in advance on 12Go to guarantee a spot, especially during peak travel months.
Read: What to do in Port Barton: Philippines Itinerary

General Questions
Should I pre-book transport in Palawan?
Yes. Vans, ferries and even local flights can fill up quickly. Booking ahead on 12Go or Skyscanner saves time and stress. Paying in pesos with WISE can also help you avoid currency exchange fees.
Can I use ride-sharing apps in Palawan?
Not usually. Most areas in Palawan do not support Grab or other ride-hailing apps. Youโll need to use local tricycles or book private drivers. Consider getting a travel eSIM from Airalo to stay connected and communicate with drivers or accommodation.



๐ GROUP TOURS ๐
Unsure about travelling to the Philippines by yourself? Join a group tour with G Adventures and have someone else look after all the planning and safety concerns while you have a fabulous time!
๐ฟ Best of the Philippines: (10 days, Manila to El Nido). A tour around the diverse landscapes of the Philippines, from jungle waterfalls to white sand beaches and everything in between. Focuses on Manila and then the island of Palawan. BOOK: G Adventures: Best of the Philippines
โต Epic Philippines: Island Hopping Adventure: (13 days, Manila to Coron; “Roamies”). Exactly what it says on the tin. An epic island hopping adventure! BOOK: G Adventures: Epic Philippines: Island Hopping Adventure
By using the above links, you can support Call of the World at no additional cost to yourself
Practical Information for Visiting the Philippines
As well as this How Do I Get to Palawan, Philippines post, Iโve also included some practical guidance for visiting the Philippines below:
Money in the Philippines: (PHP)
If youโre visiting the Philippines youโll need Philippine pesos (PHP). To get PHP at the best rates, I highly recommend getting a WISE card before you go. This allows you to convert money into Philippine pesos (or any other currency!) at the best rates and then spend on your Wise card as though it were a local bank card or withdraw cash in the Philippines without hidden fees. Wise is a UK-based financial services company (available in most countries worldwide) and is highly regulated in the various regions it operates in (in the UK it is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority).
Note that almost all businesses in the Philippines are cash only. There are plenty of ATMs but almost all of them charge a pretty hefty fee. Consider bringing cash with you to the Philippines.
Get your WISE card here.
Best Travel Insurance Providers for the Philippines
As well as planning What to do in Port Barton: Philippines Itinerary, you should also make sure you have travel insurance for the duration of the trip. Here are two excellent travel insurance providers that I highly recommend for solo travelers or families visiting the Philippines:
1. Heymondo Travel Insurance
I personally use Heymondo for all my trips, and itโs one of the easiest and most reliable travel insurance options Iโve found. Their app is incredibly user-friendly, allowing you to access your policy, make claims, and contact support directly from your phone. Heymondo offers excellent coverage, including medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost baggage, and more. I highly recommend it for anyone planning to visit the Philippines.
Why choose Heymondo?
- Comprehensive coverage: Offers medical, cancellation, and baggage coverage.
- User-friendly app: Manage your policy easily from anywhere.
- Global assistance: 24/7 emergency assistance available.
๐ Purchase Heymondo travel insurance here.

2. SafetyWing Nomad Insurance
For digital nomads, long-term travelers, or those planning an extended stay in the Philippines, SafetyWing Nomad Insurance is an excellent choice. Itโs specifically designed for globally mobile individuals, and their flexible plans can be tailored to suit your travel style. SafetyWing covers medical expenses, emergency evacuation, trip interruptions, and even COVID-19-related issuesโmaking it ideal for travelers who need long-term protection.
Why choose SafetyWing?
- Flexible plans: Ideal for long-term travelers or digital nomads.
- COVID-19 coverage: Includes coverage for COVID-19-related disruptions.
- Affordable pricing: Competitive rates for extended travel coverage.
๐ Find Out More About SafetyWing Nomad Insurance
Plan Your Trip to the Philippines: Useful Travel Resource Links
Planning your next trip? These are my ride-or-die travel tools โ handpicked, tested, and essential. The smart stuff I actually use to book fast, travel safer, and stress less. I donโt gatekeep when it comes to travel!
Travel Insurance
- SafetyWingNomad-friendly, low-cost, and claim-friendly. Built for long-term travellers.
- Heymondo (5% off)Great app. Fast claims. Reader discount included.
Flights
- SkyscannerThe only tool I trust to find the cheapest flights in seconds.
Money & Banking
- WiseNo hidden fees, epic exchange rates โ perfect for multi-country trips.
Accommodation
- Booking.comFree cancellation, last-minute deals โ ideal for the flexible traveller.
Transport
- 12GoBuses, trains, ferries across Asia โ easy, fast, and reliable.
- Welcome PickupsPrivate airport pickups with friendly local drivers. Book in advance and relax.
Tours & Tickets
- ViatorSkip the queue, book activities last-minute, cancel for free.
- G AdventuresSmall-group tours, ethical operators, great for solo travel.
eSIMs & Data
- AiraloDigital SIM cards you can activate instantly. No roaming bills, ever.
- Holafly (5% off with code โCALLOFTHEWORLDโ)Unlimited data. 100+ countries. Set it up in 5 minutes.
- Saily (5% off with code โSPECIAL5โ)Affordable eSIMs that just work, especially in Southeast Asia.
Stay Secure
- NordVPNBrowse safely on public Wi-Fi, access content globally, and stay private.
- ExpressVPNFast, reliable, and works in countries with heavy censorship.
โ๏ธ Pro tip: Set these up before your trip so you can hit the ground running. Travel smarter, not harder.
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