Discover the best things to do in Palawan with this 2 week Philippines itinerary. Explore stunning beaches, island hopping tours, marine life and hidden lagoons in Palawan’s top destinations like El Nido, Port Barton, Coron and Puerto Princesa.
Table of Contents
- Ultimate 2 Week Palawan Itinerary Overview
- Day 1–2: Puerto Princesa – The Gateway to Palawan
- Day 3–5: Port Barton – Laid-back Island Vibes
- Day 6–10: El Nido – Iconic Island Hopping and Limestone Cliffs
- Day 11–14: Coron – Wreck Diving and Natural Wonders
- Travel Tips for Palawan
- Summary: 2 Week Palawan Itinerary at a Glance
- Palawan Map
- Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Palawan
- Group Tours in the Philippines
- Plan Your Trip to the Philippines: Useful Travel Resources
Ultimate 2 Week Palawan Itinerary: Best Things to Do in Palawan, Philippines
Palawan is often called the last frontier of the Philippines due to its natural beauty. A tropical paradise packed with stunning beaches, limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons and rich marine life.
Palawan is full of hidden gems for travellers, from the bustling capital of Puerto Princesa to the laid-back charm of Port Barton, the iconic island hopping tours of El Nido and the thrilling wreck dives of Coron.
If you’re planning a trip to this beautiful island province, here’s a detailed 2 week itinerary for Palawan covering the best spots: Puerto Princesa, Port Barton, El Nido and Coron. This itinerary balances adventure and relaxation, guiding you through the best spots for snorkelling, hiking and immersing in local culture.
For my two-week visit I personally flew into Puerto Princesa and flew out of Coron, taking the ferry from El Nido to Coron. I had the best time here and I’m excited to share my 2 week Palawan travel guide. This route lets you experience Palawan’s diversity from serene villages to vibrant island hopping adventures.
You can book your flights and ferries with my trusted partners:
- Flights: Skyscanner
- Ferry & transfers: 12Go
- Save on currency exchange with WISE
Day 1-2: Puerto Princesa – The Gateway to Palawan
Your journey starts in Puerto Princesa, Palawan’s capital city. Although often overlooked on some Palawan backpacking itineraries, it has plenty to offer for your first two days.
Things to Do in Puerto Princesa
- Underground River Tour: Explore the UNESCO-listed Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. It’s one of the world’s longest navigable underground rivers and a must-see natural wonder.
- Honda Bay Island Hopping: Visit nearby islands like Starfish Island, Luli Island and Cowrie Island for swimming, snorkelling and relaxing on pristine white sand beaches.
- City Tour: Explore local markets, try fresh seafood, and visit the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Centre to see the endangered Philippine crocodile.
Puerto Princesa is perfect for acclimatising and gearing up for your Palawan adventure. Flights to Puerto Princesa are frequent and affordable. Check the best deals with Skyscanner.
Tours in Puerto Princesa
Day 3-5: Port Barton – Laid-back Island Vibes
After Puerto Princesa, head to Port Barton for a slower pace. This charming fishing village is growing in popularity but still maintains a tranquil atmosphere. It also happens to have some of the best beaches in Palawan. This is where I came to just relax and unwind – I spent several full days just lying on the beach under the palm trees with my book – absolute paradise!
Things to do in Port Barton:
- Island Hopping: Discover nearby islands like German Island and Exotic Island with clear waters perfect for snorkelling and spotting turtles.
- Waterfalls and Beaches: Visit Pamuayan Falls or simply relax on the quiet stretches of beach like White Beach and Coconut beach away from the crowds.
- Night Market and Local Eats: Sample fresh grilled seafood and local delicacies.
Port Barton is ideal if you want to escape the crowds and enjoy authentic Filipino island life. You can reach Port Barton by bus or van from Puerto Princesa in around 3-4 hours.
Read my more detailed post about what to do in Port Barton.
Day 6-10: El Nido – Iconic Island Hopping and Limestone Cliffs
Next up is El Nido, the most famous destination in Palawan and for good reason. With towering limestone cliffs, crystal-clear lagoons and vibrant marine life, El Nido offers some of the best island hopping in the Philippines.
Best activities in El Nido:
- Island Hopping Tours A, B, C and D: Each tour offers a unique set of lagoons, beaches and snorkelling spots. Highlights include Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Beach and Shimizu Island.
- Nacpan Beach: A stunning 4-kilometre stretch of white sand, perfect for swimming and sunset watching.
- Taraw Cliff Hike: For panoramic views of Bacuit Bay, hike Taraw Cliff early in the morning.
- Snorkelling and Diving: Rich coral reefs and abundant marine life await under the surface.
El Nido town is lively with restaurants, bars and shops, but you can also find quieter spots just outside the centre. From El Nido, I took the ferry to Coron: a scenic 3-4 hour ride across turquoise waters. Book your ferry tickets easily with 12Go.
El Nido Island Hopping Tours
Call of the World recommends Viator as they have an animal welfare policy in place, as requested by World Animal Protection.
Day 11-14: Coron – Wreck Diving and Natural Wonders
Coron is famous for its World War II wreck diving, but it’s much more than that. This island is packed with natural wonders, perfect for the last leg of your Palawan trip.
Things to Do in Coron:
- Island Hopping: Visit Kayangan Lake, Barracuda Lake and Twin Lagoons — some of the cleanest and clearest lakes in Asia.
- Wreck Diving: For certified divers, Coron Bay offers impressive shipwrecks to explore.
- Maquinit Hot Springs: Relax in this natural saltwater hot spring after a day of adventure.
- Mount Tapyas: Hike to the summit for sunset views over Coron town and surrounding islands.
Flights out of Coron airport are available to Manila and other major cities. Check flight options and prices with Skyscanner.
Tours in Coron
Travel Tips for Your Palawan Trip
- Getting Around: Local jeepneys, tricycles and vans are the main transport options. For longer distances, book buses or vans in advance using 12Go.
- Money Matters: ATMs are available in Puerto Princesa, El Nido and Coron but carry some cash for smaller towns. Use WISE to save on international currency exchange fees.
- Best Time to Visit: November to May is dry season and ideal for beach activities and island hopping.
- Packing Essentials: Reef-safe sunscreen, snorkel gear, insect repellent and lightweight clothes.
Plan Your Escape: Flight Deals to Anywhere
Summary of Your 2 Week Palawan Itinerary
| Days | Location | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | Puerto Princesa | Underground River, Honda Bay |
| 3-5 | Port Barton | Island hopping, waterfalls, beaches |
| 6-10 | El Nido | Island hopping tours, Taraw Cliff |
| 11-14 | Coron | Kayangan Lake, wreck diving, hikes |
Palawan truly offers some of the best natural beauty and adventure in the Philippines. With this itinerary, you’ll get a balanced experience of relaxation, exploration and local culture.
Start planning your trip now and book your transport with 12Go and Skyscanner to secure the best prices.
If you want to learn more about getting around Palawan or details on specific places, check out my posts on How Do I Get to Palawan?, Russell Place Port Barton and Port Barton Itinerary.
Planning Your 2 Weeks in Palawan Itinerary: Map
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Palawan, Philippines
Explore stunning island hopping tours around El Nido and Coron, snorkel with colourful marine life, visit the Puerto Princesa Underground River and relax on the white sandy beaches of Port Barton. Don’t miss climbing to Taraw Cliff for panoramic views in El Nido and diving in Coron’s famous WWII shipwrecks.
Travel between Palawan’s main hubs by ferry or local flights. The ferry from El Nido to Coron is a popular route. For airport transfers, I recommend booking reliable rides in advance via 12Go. Local tricycles and vans are common for short distances within towns.
The dry season from November to May offers the best weather for island hopping and outdoor activities. The peak tourist months are December to April. The rainy season runs from June to October, with occasional storms and rough seas.
Yes, flying into Puerto Princesa and flying out of Coron is common and convenient. You can book affordable flights on Skyscanner. This lets you explore Palawan efficiently without backtracking.
Using a low-fee travel money service like WISE helps you save on currency exchange fees. ATMs are available in major towns but carry some cash for smaller vendors and island trips.
Palawan is generally safe for solo travellers, with friendly locals and popular tourist spots. Still, take usual precautions like avoiding isolated areas at night and securing valuables. Joining group tours is a good way to meet other travellers and stay safe.
A 2-week itinerary could include 2-3 days in Port Barton for relaxation, 4-5 days in El Nido for island hopping and adventure, and 3-4 days in Coron for diving and wreck tours. Include travel days between spots to keep the pace comfortable.
Group Tours in the Philippines
Discover the Philippines with G Adventures – join a small group tour to explore paradise islands, epic snorkelling spots, and local culture with expert guides.
Plan Your Trip to the Philippines: Useful Travel Resources
Planning your next trip? These are my ride-or-die travel tools — handpicked, tested, and essential. The smart stuff I actually use to book fast, travel safer, and stress less. I don’t 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 — perfect for multi-country trips.
Accommodation
- Booking.comFree cancellation, last-minute deals — ideal for the flexible traveller.
Transport
- 12GoBuses, trains, ferries across Asia — 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 “CALLOFTHEWORLD”)Unlimited data. 100+ countries. Set it up in 5 minutes.
- Saily (5% off with code “SPECIAL5”)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.
✈️ Pro tip: Set these up before your trip so you can hit the ground running. Travel smarter, not harder.
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