📍 Philippines

PALAWAN PARADISE: TURQUOISE LAGOONS AND LIMESTONE DREAMS

Limestone towers guarding secret lagoons, wrecks resting in crystal depths, hidden beaches waiting to be discovered. Palawan, island perfection.

≈ 10
Days
1293
Km
5
Stops
📖 5 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Paddle through Coron's lagoons between limestone cliffs and underwater wrecks, then reach El Nido and its hidden beaches at the foot of karst towers. Pause at Port Barton, before exploring Puerto Princesa's underground river and its immense caves. Palawan unfolds an aquatic adventure, alternating turquoise, jungle and silence.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Manila

megacity launches philippine island adventures onward

Manila - Photo 1Manila - Photo 2Manila - Photo 3Manila - Photo 4Manila - Photo 5Manila - Photo 6Manila - Photo 7Manila - Photo 8Manila - Photo 9Manila - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Ferry crossing from Manila to Coron with 2GO Travel company
🎯

Activities

→
Night aboard the ferry heading to Palawan
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 450 km
Travel time:
2
Day

Coron

wwii wrecks sleep beneath kayangan emerald waters

Coron - Photo 1Coron - Photo 2Coron - Photo 3Coron - Photo 4Coron - Photo 5Coron - Photo 6Coron - Photo 7Coron - Photo 8Coron - Photo 9Coron - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Exploration of the port and market of Coron town
2
Discovery of the lively streets of Coron and its local bakeries
🎯

Activities

→
Ascent of Mount Tapyas to admire the sunset over the bay
3
Day

Coron

wwii wrecks sleep beneath kayangan emerald waters

Coron - Photo 1Coron - Photo 2Coron - Photo 3Coron - Photo 4Coron - Photo 5Coron - Photo 6Coron - Photo 7Coron - Photo 8Coron - Photo 9Coron - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Excursion on traditional bangka boat around Coron island
2
Kayangan Lake, panoramic view of the karst cliffs
3
Barracuda Lake, swimming in crystal clear water
4
Coral Garden, snorkeling among the multicolored corals
🎯

Activities

→
Tasting local cashew nuts at Coron market
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 161.5 km
Travel time: 2h01
4
Day

El Nido

karst towers frame bacuit bay secret beaches

El Nido - Photo 1El Nido - Photo 2El Nido - Photo 3El Nido - Photo 4El Nido - Photo 5El Nido - Photo 6El Nido - Photo 7El Nido - Photo 8El Nido - Photo 9El Nido - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Slow boat crossing from Coron to El Nido
2
Walk through the lively streets of El Nido
🎯

Activities

→
Watching the sunset from El Nido beach
🚗
Next stop
⏱️ Long drive (5h+)
Distance: 250 km
Travel time: 7h
5
Day

El Nido

karst towers frame bacuit bay secret beaches

El Nido - Photo 1El Nido - Photo 2El Nido - Photo 3El Nido - Photo 4El Nido - Photo 5El Nido - Photo 6El Nido - Photo 7El Nido - Photo 8El Nido - Photo 9El Nido - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Excursion to Las Cabanas beach, accessible by scooter
2
Relaxing on Nacpan beach, north of El Nido
🎯

Activities

→
Scooter ride through the rice fields and villages of Palawan
→
Watching buffalo and herons in the Philippine countryside
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 25 km
Travel time: 1h
6
Day

Port Barton

hammock villages dot undeveloped coastal calm

Port Barton - Photo 1Port Barton - Photo 2Port Barton - Photo 3Port Barton - Photo 4Port Barton - Photo 5Port Barton - Photo 6Port Barton - Photo 7Port Barton - Photo 8Port Barton - Photo 9
9 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Van journey from El Nido to Port Barton through the Palawan countryside
🎯

Activities

→
Installation and relaxation on the peaceful beach of Port Barton
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 145 km
Travel time: 4h
7
Day

Port Barton

hammock villages dot undeveloped coastal calm

Port Barton - Photo 1Port Barton - Photo 2Port Barton - Photo 3Port Barton - Photo 4Port Barton - Photo 5Port Barton - Photo 6Port Barton - Photo 7Port Barton - Photo 8Port Barton - Photo 9
9 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Bangka boat excursion around the islands of Port Barton
2
Snorkeling to discover clownfish and tropical corals
🎯

Activities

→
Observing starfish on isolated beaches
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 116.9 km
Travel time: 1h57
8
Day

Puerto Princesa

underground river winds through cathedral limestone caves

Puerto Princesa - Photo 1Puerto Princesa - Photo 2Puerto Princesa - Photo 3Puerto Princesa - Photo 4Puerto Princesa - Photo 5Puerto Princesa - Photo 6Puerto Princesa - Photo 7Puerto Princesa - Photo 8Puerto Princesa - Photo 9
9 photos
Day 8
🔍

Discover

1
Journey from Port Barton to Puerto Princesa by minivan
2
Discovery of downtown and visa administrative procedures
🎯

Activities

→
Walk through the streets of Puerto Princesa and tasting of local dishes
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 145 km
Travel time: 4h

🗺️ Itinerary map

🗺️ Nearby itineraries

PHILIPPINES: FROM THE RICE TERRACES OF BATAD TO THE LAGOONS OF PALAWAN

📅 18 days 🛣️ 3040 Km

🛡️ Travel advice - Philippines

Check official recommendations

UK Foreign Travel Advice →

❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Dry Season (December-May): Peak tourist season with minimal rainfall, comfortable temperatures (26-32°C), and excellent conditions for island hopping and beach activities. Highest prices and crowds.

Cool Dry Season (December-February): Most comfortable temperatures and lowest humidity. Perfect weather for all activities, though expect highest accommodation rates and tourist numbers.

Hot Dry Season (March-May): Hottest temperatures but still dry conditions. Good for beach activities, though midday heat can be intense. Shoulder season pricing.

Rainy Season (June-November): Monsoon season with typhoon risk, but lower prices and fewer tourists. Some islands remain accessible, afternoon rains common.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 8 and 12 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in Philippines?

Archipelago paradise with pristine beaches, vibrant culture, and incredible diversity. Experience traditional festivals, beautiful islands, and warm Filipino hospitality. The country offers cultural authenticity with natural beauty and adventure activities. Philippines provides diverse experiences with cultural richness and natural wonders. ⚠️ SAFETY NOTE: The Philippines is generally safe in main tourist areas, though avoid southern Mindanao and Sulu archipelago due to terrorism and kidnapping risks. Stick to established tourist destinations like Luzon, Visayas, and northern Mindanao. Check current government advisories and use reputable transportation and accommodation.