Explore the ultimate 2025 guide to island hopping in Palawan, Philippines. Includes El Nido tours, Coron expeditions, Puerto Princesa tips, and a realistic 6-day itinerary with hidden gems.

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If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring limestone cliffs, turquoise lagoons, untouched islands, and private beach resorts, Palawan in the Philippines should be on your list. After my 6-day trip (and honestly, wishing I stayed for 16), I realized that Palawan is a place where time slows down, but adventure never stops.

Here’s the guide I wish I had before I went: a mix of tips, a practical route, and real talk from someone who’s just been there.

📌 Quick Overview
Base cities: Puerto Princesa, El Nido, Coron

Best for: Island hopping, snorkeling, private getaways, firefly watching, and UNESCO cave tours

Ideal trip length: At least 10 days, but you can do a solid 6-day highlight route

Travel flow suggestion:
Puerto Princesa → El Nido → Expedition Tour → Coron (fly out)

🧭 My Recommended 6-Day Palawan Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Puerto Princesa
Land in Puerto Princesa and rest up. This city isn’t a hotspot for adventure, but it’s a good entry point to Palawan. If you have a few hours:

Take a firefly watching tour

Try a sunset cruise

Visit the Underground River (a UNESCO World Heritage Site)

💡 Staying at Astoria Palawan? Note: it’s 1.5 hours to both Port Barton and Honda Bay.

Day 2: Van Transfer to El Nido (5-6 Hours)
The next morning, take a shared or private van from Puerto Princesa to El Nido. It’s a long but scenic ride through villages and tropical hillsides. Once in El Nido, check into your stay near the town proper—the jumping-off point for island hopping.

🚐 Vans are frequent. Book through your hotel or a local transport agency. The cost is $12-15.

Day 3: El Nido Island Hopping (Tour A or C)
You’ll find countless operators in town offering Island Hopping Tours A–D, but if you’re tight on time, Tour A is the classic must-do. It includes:

Big Lagoon

Small Lagoon

Secret Lagoon

Shimizu Island

7 Commando Beach

Optional Accommodation Splurge: Stay at Cauayan Island Resort or Miniloc Island Resort for a luxe, private island vibe. Some resorts even offer candlelit dinners on the beach.

Day 4–6: 3D2N El Nido to Coron Expedition
This was the highlight of my trip. Instead of taking the usual ferry to Coron, join a multi-day island expedition tour. For 3 days and 2 nights, you’ll camp or stay in island huts while exploring the remote, lesser-known islands between El Nido and Coron.

You’ll get:

Fresh grilled seafood and island barbecues

Paddleboarding and snorkeling in secret coves

Sleeping under the stars on remote beaches

🔖 Book your expedition tour in El Nido town. Prices range from $250–$350, depending on boat type and amenities.

Day 6 (Evening): Arrive in Coron & Fly Out
Arrive in Coron Town, grab a shower, and get a well-deserved meal. Flights out of Busuanga Airport (USU) to Manila or Cebu are frequent.

If you have more time, spend a couple of days in Coron visiting:

Kayangan Lake

Twin Lagoon

Shipwreck dive spots

Malcapuya & Banana Islands

🧘 Coron has a quieter, more chill vibe compared to El Nido. Great for honeymooners or those needing space.

💬 Real Traveler Tips
“10 days wasn’t even enough!” – I agree. If you want to soak in El Nido and Coron, give yourself more time.

“El Nido over Coron?” – Personally, yes. El Nido had more diverse landscapes, dramatic cliffs, and a wider array of beaches. Coron was peaceful, but El Nido had the wow factor.

Off-grid mindset – There’s limited Wi-Fi and mobile data on expeditions and even at some resorts. Download offline maps and prep your playlists.

🏝️ Bonus Options (if you extend your trip)
Port Barton: Quieter than El Nido, but takes effort to reach. Great for introverts and digital detox.

Amanpulo: Ultra-private, ultra-luxe, and best booked months ahead. But privacy isn’t the only vibe—you’ll want to check if it suits your pace.

Southern Leyte: A hidden gem where you can swim with whale sharks in a WWF-approved ethical environment.

✈️ How to Get In and Out
Route Time Notes
Manila → Puerto Princesa 1.5 hrs (flight) Best entry point to Palawan
Puerto Princesa → El Nido 5–6 hrs (van) Daily shared vans available
El Nido → Coron 3D2N Expedition Best way to explore remote islands
Coron → Manila/Cebu 1 hr (flight) Easy domestic connection

📸 Instagram-Worthy Spots
Big Lagoon (El Nido)

Secret Beach (Tour C)

Kayangan Lake (Coron)

Snake Island (sandbar magic)

A private dinner setup at Cauayan Resort