Palawan Solo Travel Itinerary: Island Hopping with Heart in Coron & El Nido

One Week in Paradise as a Solo Female Traveler

There’s a certain thrill that comes with buying a one-way ticket to paradise. For me, that paradise was Palawan—a jagged emerald sliver in the western Philippines where limestone cliffs crash into turquoise water and boats look like they belong in a postcard. This wasn’t just any vacation—it was my first solo trip. And wow, did Palawan deliver.

If you’re a solo female traveler like me (hi, I’m 28), craving a balance between chill beach days, breathtaking adventure, and meeting likeminded people—read on. This itinerary is a blend of practical tips, personal insights, and off-the-beaten-path discoveries from my 7-day island-hopping escape to Coron and El Nido.

Day 1: Fly into Coron – Ease In, Don’t Rush

I landed in Busuanga from Manila with no firm itinerary and just one goal: don’t overplan. Coron is famed for its world-class diving, but since I’m not a diver, I kept my expectations realistic.

I based myself in a laid-back hostel in Coron Town (nothing fancy—just clean, social, and central), and that night I wandered to the Maquinit Hot Springs. Imagine soaking in a steaming pool while the stars blink above and mangroves stretch around you like a fairytale. It was the perfect solo-friendly intro to the island.

Tip: Coron Town itself isn’t pretty, but it’s a great jumping-off point. Book one day-tour that includes Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon, and Barracuda Lake. You don’t need more than a day here if you’re not diving.

Day 2–3: Hidden Gems Around Coron

With limited time, I didn’t dive—but I still managed to make magic happen.

• Hike Mt. Tapyas for sweeping views over the islands. Go at sunrise if you want to feel like you own the world.

• Try to spot dugongs near Mt. Talapay. This eco-tour is run by a small barangay and you’ll need to book in person the day before. It’s super early (think 5 AM), but it’s raw, real, and few tourists know about it.

• Drive through Busuanga Island. Renting a scooter was a highlight—I passed sleepy villages, mangroves near Kingfisher Park, and lush valleys that looked like Jurassic Park.

Day 4–6: Expedition from Coron to El Nido (Highly Recommend!)

Now this is where my trip turned from “vacation” to “unforgettable.”

Instead of taking the regular ferry, I booked a multi-day boat expedition to El Nido. It was everything—remote island camping, fresh-caught fish grilled under the stars, snorkeling in untouched reefs, and the kind of camaraderie that turns strangers into temporary soulmates.

I went with Buhay Isla (mid-range, budget-friendly, and very local), but you can also look into Big Dream Boatman or Tao Expeditions for different styles and budgets.

Tip: These expeditions aren’t cheaper than DIY-ing it, but the value? Off the charts. You arrive in El Nido with tan lines and ten new friends.

Day 6–7: El Nido – 

El Nido felt like the cool cousin of Coron—more beach bars, more backpackers, more options. I spent my last couple of days just soaking it all in.

• Base yourself in a sociable hostel or boutique guesthouse. I met awesome people just hanging out in the common areas.

• Try Island Hopping Tour C (fewer crowds and more dramatic scenery).

• Rent a kayak and head to Papaya or Seven Commandos Beach solo.

• Surfing? You’ll need to head to Nagtabon Beach near Puerto Princesa for that. If you’ve got an extra day or two, it’s worth detouring via Port Barton.

Nightlife note: El Nido’s not wild, but you’ll find chill beach parties with live music and cocktails. I went out two nights, danced barefoot in the sand, and still got my beauty sleep.

Should You Prebook? Tours vs Hostels vs Expeditions

If you’re solo and social:

• Stay in a hostel and book island tours on the spot. It’s flexible, cheaper, and you’ll meet people naturally.

• Expeditions (like Tao, Buhay Isla, etc.) are pricier but include everything and make solo travel feel like a shared adventure. No regrets on this one.

Final Thoughts: Palawan is For You

Palawan is more than just limestone cliffs and Instagrammable lagoons. It’s about slowing down, letting strangers become friends, and realizing that solo travel isn’t about being alone—it’s about discovering who you are when the itinerary is your own.

Whether you’re lounging in El Nido with salt in your hair, snorkeling through Coron’s sunken secrets, or kayaking at sunrise, Palawan whispers a quiet kind of magic that only solo travelers truly hear.

So pack your dry bag, your sense of wonder, and go. 🌴