Palawan Itinerary: The ultimate one week guide to El Nido and beyond

Palawan isn’t just photogenic – it’s absurdly, almost unfairly good-looking. Think jagged karst cliffs, lagoons that seem Photoshopped, and water so clear you’ll start believing in mermaids. But beyond the postcard views, there’s a wild, untamed energy here that rewards those who go beyond the usual beach flop.

This 7-day Palawan itinerary isn’t about rushing through selfie spots. It’s about doing the place right: kayaking through El Nido’s secret lagoons, swimming in Coron’s mountain-ringed lakes, and hitting the inland trails if you’re game. You won’t see it all – Palawan’s too big for that – but you’ll see the best of it. And you’ll leave salty, sun-kissed, and very smug.

Why visit Palawan?

Palawan isn’t just another pretty island – it’s the Philippines’ headline act. This is where the drone footage gets filmed: jagged limestone cliffs rising from turquoise seas, hidden lagoons you paddle into in silence, and shipwreck dives straight out of a Bond film.

But it’s not just about the views. Palawan’s got range. One day you’re snorkeling through WWII wrecks in Coron, the next you’re kayaking through El Nido’s Big Lagoon or chasing waterfalls inland. Want to do nothing? Grab a hammock on a beach with no signal. Want to do everything? Rent a motorbike and see what you find around the next bend.

What makes Palawan stand out isn’t just the scenery – it’s the feeling that you’ve landed somewhere that still keeps a few secrets. It’s regularly named one of the best islands in the Philippines, and it earns it: quieter coves, island-hopping tours where you actually hop between wild, untouched spots, and local joints serving more than just generic beach grub.

And yeah, the logistics can take some planning – boats don’t run like clockwork, and distances can be deceiving – but that’s part of the charm. Palawan makes you work for it a little. But when you’re floating in a hidden cove, just you and the fish, you’ll know why it’s one of the best.

How many days do you need?

Give it seven days. That’s enough to island-hop through El Nido’s Bacuit Bay, snorkel coral reefs in Coron, swim in lakes ringed by cliffs, and squeeze in some downtime too.

Short on time? Focus on either El Nido or Coron – they’ve each got enough to fill several days. Just know you’ll miss out on what makes Palawan so rewarding: the mix of inland and island, busy and remote.

If you’ve got longer, head south to Port Barton for a slower, sandier vibe, or all the way down to Puerto Princesa for caves, river tours, and city comforts.

Less than a week? You can still get a taste – but be warned, you’ll leave wanting more.

Things to see in Palawan

Palawan doesn’t do subtle. It’s all dramatic cliffs, secret lagoons, and shipwrecks rusting under warm, clear seas. The landscapes feel almost unreal – and yet they’re very real, and ridiculously easy to fall for. It’s no surprise Palawan ranks high among the best places to visit in the Philippines.

If you're mapping out the top things to do on Palawan, these spots should be on your radar. Some are iconic, some are harder to reach – but all of them deliver.

• Big Lagoon, El Nido – A glassy, emerald lagoon hemmed in by sheer limestone. Rent a kayak and go early before the crowds.
• Kayangan Lake, Coron – Often called the cleanest lake in the country. Surrounded by cliffs, and best seen just after sunrise.
• Twin Lagoon, Coron – A surreal mix of fresh and saltwater. Swim through the rock arch (or under, at high tide) to reach the second lagoon.
• Nacpan Beach, El Nido – Four kilometers of quiet sand, palm trees, and just enough beach bars to keep you happy.
• Puerto Princesa Subterranean River – Yes, it’s touristy – but also a UNESCO-listed underground river that snakes through limestone caves.
• Maquinit Hot Springs, Coron – One of the few saltwater hot springs in the world. Go around sunset and soak with a sea breeze.
• Secret Beach, El Nido – Hidden behind sharp cliffs and only accessible by swimming through a crack in the rocks. It’s small, but the entrance is the fun part.
• Mt. Tapyas, Coron – A 700-step stair climb to a sweeping viewpoint over town and sea. Best tackled late afternoon with cold water in hand.

Palawan and El Nido travel itinerary

If you’re building a bigger Philippines itinerary, Palawan’s a must. It’s the showstopper: jagged karst cliffs, electric-blue lagoons, and dive sites that double as underwater museums. Getting here takes a little planning, but once you’re in, the rewards come fast.

This 7-day Palawan itinerary hits the highlights without rushing. You’ll get the best of El Nido and Coron, with space to snorkel, explore, and still make it to that hammock for golden hour. It works as a standalone trip or slotted into a wider route with Cebu, Bohol, or Siargao.

Here’s how to make it count.

Day 1: Land in El Nido and get your bearings

Touch down in El Nido – either via direct flight or a van from Puerto Princesa – and ease into island life. Town itself is small, a bit chaotic, but has everything you need: trikes, tour operators, beach bars, and cold beer.

Spend your first afternoon walking the beach, booking your island-hopping tours (Tour A is the must-do), and grabbing a meal at Artcafe or Tambok’s. Catch sunset from Las Cabañas Beach or hike to the top of Taraw Cliff if you’re feeling brave.

• Getting around: Tricycles are the go-to. For longer rides (like Nacpan Beach), rent a scooter.
• Stay: Base yourself near El Nido town or Corong Corong for easy access to both tours and the beach.

Day 2: El Nido’s lagoons and limestone playgrounds

Time to hit the water. Tour A takes you through the stars of Bacuit Bay: Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and Seven Commandos Beach. Think cliff-lined channels, snorkeling stops, and water so clear it’s basically liquid glass.

Bring reef shoes, cash for the eco-fee, and a waterproof bag – everything’s going to get wet.

Back in town, dry off and head to Happiness Beach Bar for cocktails and falafel. It’s touristy, but it hits the spot.

• Getting around: Your tour includes everything – just show up and float.

Day 3: Quieter coves or inland adventures

If you need more island time, go for Tour C – more remote, better coral, fewer crowds. Prefer to stay on land? Rent a scooter and ride out to Nacpan Beach: long, golden, and way less built up than town. It’s a solid contender for one of the best beaches in the Philippines, especially if you like your sand wide and your sunsets quiet. Bring snacks and sunscreen – there’s not much out there, which is exactly the point.

Another inland option: head to Nagkalit-kalit Falls, a short jungle hike and a refreshing swim spot. It’s not massive, but it’s uncrowded and worth the walk.

• Getting around: Scooters give you freedom, but be careful on muddy roads after rain.

Day 4: Travel from El Nido to Coron

Today’s a travel day. The fast ferry from El Nido to Coron takes around 4-5 hours, depending on sea conditions. It’s bumpy, so grab seats near the middle and bring motion sickness meds if you’re prone.

Arrive in Coron town mid-afternoon. It’s scruffier than El Nido, but still buzzing. Check into your guesthouse, grab a halo-halo or mango shake, and wander the waterfront.

If you’ve got energy, hike up Mt. Tapyas for sweeping views at sunset. It’s 700+ steps – but it’s a rite of passage.

• Getting around: Everything in town is walkable or a short trike ride away.

Day 5: Coron’s lakes, lagoons, and shipwrecks

Island-hopping in Coron is non-negotiable. Book a group or private tour that includes Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon, Siete Pecados, and Skeleton Wreck for snorkeling.

Kayangan’s got the iconic view, but Twin Lagoon’s swim-through passage is the real stunner. Pack a dry bag, cash for entrance fees, and your underwater camera.

Wrap up the day with a soak at Maquinit Hot Springs, surrounded by mangroves and open sea.

• Getting around: Tours handle transport. Trikes get you to Maquinit in about 20 minutes.

Day 6: Dive deeper – or take it slow

Coron’s famous for wreck diving – so if you’re certified, this is your day. World War II wrecks sit in warm, shallow water, perfect for beginners and experienced divers alike. Not diving? You can snorkel many sites too.

Rather chill? Hop a motorbike to Marcilla Beach or Concepcion Falls – both low-key, local, and good for escaping tour crowds.

• Getting around: Dive shops include transport. For land exploring, rent a scooter or hire a guide.

Day 7: Wind down and head out

On the final day of your Palawan itinerary, keep things mellow. Shop for souvenirs, walk the pier, or squeeze in one last mango shake. Flights out of Coron go via Busuanga Airport – budget at least 1.5 hours door to gate.

If you’ve got a late flight, grab breakfast at Coffee Kong and one last view from the rooftop bar at Epic. You’ve earned it.

Heading elsewhere? Coron connects easily to Manila, Cebu, or back to El Nido by boat (but you’ve already done that leg). If you’ve got time, extend your trip to Port Barton or Puerto Princesa – both slower, sandier, and less developed than the big two.

How to get to Palawan

Palawan’s not the easiest place to reach – but that’s part of why it still feels wild. There’s no international airport (yet), but direct domestic flights make getting here straightforward once you’re in the Philippines.

Most travelers land in either Puerto Princesa, El Nido, or Coron (Busuanga):

• Puerto Princesa International Airport handles regular flights from Manila, Cebu, and Clark. It’s your best bet if you’re headed to central Palawan or Port Barton.
• El Nido Airport (Lio) is small but handy. AirSwift flies direct from Manila and Cebu. It’s pricier but saves you a long drive.
• Francisco B. Reyes Airport (Busuanga) serves Coron, with daily flights from Manila and Cebu. From the airport, it’s about a 30-45-minute ride to Coron town.

Coming from Manila? Flights are short and frequent. Ferries also connect Manila to Coron, but it’s a 12-15 hour ride and delays are common. From El Nido to Coron, fast ferries run daily – expect 4-5 hours, bumpy seas, and killer views.

Once you’re on the island, expect a mix of trikes, vans, and boats. Grab doesn’t work here, so be ready to haggle a bit or pre-book transfers if you like things smooth.