Palawan can be the most popular island to travel to when visiting the Philippines. The island is relatively large and has a lot to offer. To summarize a trip to Palawan, it is the paradise island that comes to my mind. First, you fly to Puerto Princesa, then you should visit Port Barton, and finally, El Nido. I will go through a perfect trip to Palawan here, starting from the beginning.
If it’s your first time traveling to the Philippines, you might want more information on what it’s like to travel in the country. Then read my post about it: Travel to the Philippines – Good to Know
Puerto Princesa
Start your journey in Palawan in Puerto Princesa, a larger city on the island, where you can easily fly from Manila or any other island you have visited before. You don’t need to spend too many days here, but I highly recommend visiting the prison there; it’s a cool experience. The prison is called Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm. I think it’s best to book a tour to get the most out of your visit. In the prison, there is a group that is happy to show off their dances for you.
We stayed at a slightly more luxurious hotel (Canvas Boutique Hotel) in Puerto Princesa. The hotel itself is perfect if you want some comfort for a reasonably cheap price; take advantage when it’s affordable. 😉 There is a pool where you can relax. Their service is extraordinary. They have their own restaurant and bar with extremely delicious food. I liked their Pasta Pesto very much, but they also have other tasty dishes. Additionally, they serve a breakfast buffet that was soooo good and much-needed after traveling with mediocre breakfasts.
On the way from Puerto Princesa, I think you should take a trip to Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. There, you’ll find crystal-clear water, monkeys, and a “cave” considered one of the world’s seven wonders.
Summary of Puerto Princesa
- Visit Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm
- Eat at one of many restaurants
- Stay at Canvas Boutique Hotel and chill by their pool for relaxation
- Visit Puerto Princesa Underground River on the way to the next place
Port barton – Travel to Palawan
After Puerto Princesa, you should spend a few days in Port Barton, one of my favorite places in the Philippines. The definition of paradise if you ask me.
In Port Barton, you can book a bungalow right on a beautiful beach; otherwise, there are some hostels and other hotels to choose from, but it’s always nice to wake up right on the beach.
The highlight in Port Barton is definitely Island Hopping. Island Hopping means you spend a full day traveling by boat between different islands while enjoying sunny weather with a good drink in your hand. During Island Hopping, you also snorkel with a good chance of seeing large turtles.
Port Barton has good restaurants and cafes. Gorgonzola Pizza is a fun restaurant to go to; try to eat a whole pizza there yourself—they are huge, haha. Another cozy experience is going down to the beach in the evening to watch performances by the locals. Port Barton is AMAZING; don’t miss it!
Summary Port Barton
- Eat pizza at Gorgonzola Pizza
- Sleep in beachfront bungalows
- Go on Island Hopping
- Watch performances in the evening by locals
- Eat at some of the cafes
Don´t miss El Nido when you travel to Palawan
After Port Barton, you should, of course, go to the famous El Nido. El Nido is well-known for a reason—wow, what a place.
I highly recommend booking accommodation at Spin Hostel, which is one of the best hostels I’ve stayed in. It’s very clean and fresh, and they also offer a very good breakfast.
Also in El Nido, you should do Island Hopping, a bit of a must when visiting the islands in the Philippines.
Nacpan Beach is one of the finest beaches I’ve ever been to. At Nacpan Beach, you can rent a stand-up paddleboard or kayak, and you can also play volleyball. There is also a restaurant on that beach that serves very delicious burgers. Stay for the sunset; you’ll understand why when you see it…
Another cool experience is to go ziplining between two islands. It doesn’t cost much but gives a lot of butterflies in the stomach.
You can experience being a Filipino for a day. Many sometimes forget to learn about the culture of the place they visit, but in El Nido, you have the chance to really learn everything and then some. Among other things, you get to cook their flagship dish. You get to climb a coconut tree. Meet all the dogs they rescue and play Filipino games. You can read more about this on their website: The Philippine Experience
Of course, you should stroll around the streets in town and why not get a massage when it’s so cheap. Try some of the cafes and restaurants.
If you also want to get a great view of El Nido, you should do a canopy walk for both a beautiful panorama and a fun time on the way up.
Summary of El Nido
- Stay at Spin Hostel
- Island Hopping
- Visit Nacpan Beach
- Zip-line between two islands
- Experience Filipino culture with The Philippine Experience
- Get a massage
- Do a canopy walk
- Try different restaurants and cafes
Palawan is truly amazing, a dream destination!
