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El Nido
El Nido, tucked into the northern tip of Palawan. It's often called the crown jewel of Palawan. Travel + Leisure magazine consistently ranks it among the world's best islands, and many visitors say it's the highlight of their Philippines trip.
No.1 Island Hopping (Tour A & C are the best)
El Nido's island-hopping tours are legendary. Tour A takes you to the Big Lagoon, where you paddle through an emerald-green cove surrounded by cliffs, and the Secret Lagoon, a hidden pool only accessible through a small crack in the rocks.
Tour C is all about dramatic scenery—Hidden Beach, only reachable by swimming through a narrow passage, and Secret Beach, a secluded cove straight out of The Beach movie.
Which El Nido Tour Is the Best: A, B, C or D, How to Choose? (2025)
No.2 Nacpan Beach
Nacpan Beach offers a different kind of beauty. This 4-kilometer white sand provides a perfect contrast to the lagoons. The northern end offers great sunset views, and local beachside restaurants serve fresh seafood. Many visitors rent motorbikes from El Nido town to reach this beach, making it a great day trip.
No.3 Snake Island
Snake Island, named for its unique S-shaped sandbar, becomes visible during low tide. Visitors recommend timing your visit accordingly to walk the natural sand bridge between two islands. This as one of many travelers favorite Instagram spots.
No.4 Diving and Snorkeling Around El Nido
Popular spots in El Nido include Dilumacad Island (Helicopter Island) and South Miniloc. Recent divers report seeing turtles, reef sharks, and colorful tropical fish. Both beginners and experienced divers find suitable sites here.
10 Best Things to Do in Coron: Places to Visit & Travel Tips
Coron
While El Nido steals headlines for beaches, Coron wins hearts with raw, rugged adventures both above and below the water. Known for its dramatic limestone cliffs, crystal-clear lakes, and WWII shipwrecks. National Geographic calls it "Asia's Most Fascinating Wreck Dive Site", but there's so much more beyond diving.
No.5 Island Hopping Tour(Tour A and Reef & Wreck Tour Are the Best)
Island-hopping is Coron's bread and butter. Most people spend around 6-8 hours on each tour.
Tour A (Lagoons & Lakes) is the classic choice. swimming in Kayangan Lake's unreal blue water, squeezing through Twin Lagoon's hidden tunnel, and snorkeling above the Skeleton Wreck, a WWII ship so shallow you can almost touch it.
The Reef & Wreck Tour dives deeper into history. Snorkel or dive over sunken Japanese warships like the Olympia Maru and East Tangat Wreck, now covered in corals and home to schools of fish. It's like flipping through a WWII time capsule underwater.
Coron Island Tour A,B,C,D – 6 Best Island Hopping Tours in Coron
No.6 Kayangan Lake's Crystal Waters
Kayangan Lake, often called “Asia's Cleanest Lake.” It's a stunner—turquoise water so clear you can see fish darting 20 meters below. A short climb rewards you with that iconic Coron shot of jagged cliffs and emerald coves.
No.7 Twin Lagoon's Hidden Swim
Twin Lagoon. At low tide, you'll squeeze through a tiny limestone tunnel into a hidden lagoon. At high tide, you float over it. Either way, it's like swimming into a secret world.
No.8 Barracuda Lake's Temperature Game
Barracuda Lake is the star. Dive here and you'll experience thermoclines - sudden temperature shifts from 28°C to 38°C at different depths. Descending feels like dipping into a jacuzzi, then a freezer, then back.
No.9 Dive/Snorkel the Japanese Wrecks
The Irako Maru (a 147m refrigeration ship) sits perfectly upright at 30m depth - advanced divers can explore its engine room. For beginners, the Skeleton Wreck lies in just 5-10m of water - even snorkelers see its coral-covered structure clearly.
10 Best Things to Do in Coron: Places to Visit & Travel Tips
Puerto Princesa
While everyone rushes to the northern islands, Puerto Princesa holds its own with two UNESCO-recognized sites: The Underground River (New7Wonders of Nature) and The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (World Heritage Site). But there's more beyond the famous cave…
No.10 Paddle Through the Underground River
The Underground River, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is Puerto Princesa's crown jewel. Glide through a 24km cave system adorned with stalactites, bats, and eerie rock formations. The river flows directly into the sea, creating a unique ecosystem.
The boat journey through dark limestone caves reveals stunning formations, and guides point out shapes resembling various objects and animals.
No.11 Explore Honda Bay Island-Hopping
For easy, family-friendly fun. The calm waters and white sand are perfect for beginners. Honda Bay Island Hopping provides a different flavor of Palawan's beauty. Luli Island, Cowrie Island, and Starfish Island are the main stops. Check more Philippines Family Tour Packages Tour >>
- Starfish Island (shallow waters filled with giant starfish)
- Cowrie Island (perfect sandbar for Instagram)
- Luli Island (disappears at high tide)
No.12 Visit the Crocodile Farm
In Palawan Wildlife Rescue Center you can meet rescued Philippine crocodiles, pawikans (sea turtles), and the iconic but critically endangered Palawan peacock-pheasant. This conservation center breeds endangered Philippine crocodiles and rescued sea turtles. The highlight? Holding a baby croc (don't worry, its mouth is taped!).
Port Barton
Port Barton - the quiet little brother to El Nido that travelers fall in love with. Port Barton is "Palawan like it used to be"—no ATMs, minimal Wi-Fi, and dirt roads leading to coconut-fringed coves. It's a haven for backpackers, yogis, and anyone craving raw, unfiltered island life. The vibe? Flip-flops, hammocks, and sunsets that melt into the Sulu Sea.
No.13 Island Hopping in Port Barton
sland Hopping in Port Barton has a different feel from other parts of Palawan. The tours are more intimate, with smaller groups and fewer boats.
Here, you'll glide to spots like Exotic Island and Paradise Beach, where powdery sand and turquoise water are all yours. Snorkel in Coral Garden, a rainbow of fish and corals so close you can almost touch them.
No.14 Bigaho Waterfalls
Bigaho Waterfall offers a shorter, easier hike than Pamuayan, making it perfect for families. Recent visitors enjoy the peaceful forest setting and the cool, fresh water. Many combine this with a visit to nearby rice fields, where local farmers often welcome visitors to observe their traditional farming methods.
No.15 German Island
When the sun dips, join a sunset cruise to German Island. Sail on a wooden bangka, snorkel with turtles, then watch the sky turn pink over the Sulu Sea.
No.16 Kayaking around the Bay
Kayaking around the bay has become increasingly popular. Recent visitors enjoy exploring the mangrove areas and small, hidden beaches accessible only by water. Many recommend early morning kayaking when the water is calmest and the heat less intense. Local shops rent quality kayaks at reasonable rates.
Plan a customized Philippines tour to See Port Barton? Just use Asia Odyssey Travel!
Other Activities In Palawan, Philippines
Palawan still has surprises up its sleeve. Think secret lagoons, tribal villages, and dive spots even seasoned travelers miss. Here's how to dig deeper into the island's magic without following the usual scripts.
No.17 Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park
Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is the holy grail. This UNESCO site, accessible only by liveaboard boats from March to June, is a marine wonderland. You can meet sharks, manta rays, and vast coral gardens. Marine biologists often praise it as one of the world's best-preserved reef systems.
No.18 Balabac Islands (South Palawan)
Balabac Islands, way down south, are Palawan's final frontier. Think pink sand beaches, bioluminescent plankton, and saltwater crocodiles (from a safe distance!). It's remote: no ATMs, sporadic electricity.
But travelers rave about Onuk Island, a private paradise with water in fifty shades of blue. You'll need a local guide and patience for bumpy boat rides, but the payoff? Bragging rights for life.
No.19 Taytay (North Palawan)
Up north, Taytay offers a slice of Spanish colonial history. Explore Fuerte de Santa Isabel, a 17th-century fortress overlooking the sea, then snorkel at Apulit Island Resort's house reef. It's quieter here, perfect for avoiding the El Nido crowds.
No.20 Marufinas Beach (San Vincente)
Secret beaches? San Vicente's Long Beach, stretching 14 kilometers, is developing as a new tourism destination. Recent visitors praise its relatively undeveloped state and excellent surfing conditions during the southwest monsoon.
Palawan Map (2025): Travel & Tourist Map of Palawan Island
How Many Days to Spend in Palawan? Palawan Itineraries
The ideal time to explore this beautiful island is between 7-12 days, but let's break down what you can do with different time frames.
Short Trip (1-3 Days) – Just a Taste
With only a few days, you're limited to one main area. Most people pick El Nido for its iconic lagoons and beaches—it's the "must-see" if you're short on time. Divers might prefer Coron instead for its world-class wreck diving. Puerto Princesa works if you're just transiting but want to see the Underground River (though honestly, it deserves more than a rushed day trip).
| Day | Destinations | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | El Nido | Arrival |
| 2 | El Nido Tour A | Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, 7 Commando Beach, Shimizu Island, Payong-Payong Beach |
| 3 | El Nido | Departure |
How Many Days in Coron: Coron Itinerary 1,2,3,4 & 5 Days [2025]
El Nido Itinerary: 4 DIY Ideas for 3-5 Days Trip to El Nido
Decent Trip (5-7 Days) - Two Key Spots
Now we're talking. A week lets you pair El Nido + Coron—the classic combo. Spend 3 days in El Nido (lagoons, beaches, Taraw Cliff), ferry to Coron (3.5-4 hrs), then 3 days there (wrecks, Kayangan Lake, hot springs).
Another good mix? El Nido + Port Barton if you prefer chill vibes over diving. Or Coron + Busuanga for more offbeat adventures (safari, remote islands).
| Day | Destinations | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | El Nido | Arrival |
| 2 | El Nido Tour A | Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, 7 Commando Beach, Shimizu Island, Payong-Payong Beach |
| 3 | El Nido Tour C | Helicopter Island, Tapiutan Island, Hidden Beach, Secret Beach |
| 4 | El Nido to Coron | El Nido to Coron by Ferry |
| 5 | Coron Island Hopping Tour A | Kayangan Lake, Green Lagoon, Quin Reef, Atwayan Beach, CYC Beach, Las Isla De Coral |
| 6 | Coron Reef and Wrecks Tour | Pass Island, Lusong Coral Garden, Lusong Gunboat, Eact Tangat Wreck |
| 7 | Coron | Departure |
The Dream Trip (9-12 Days) - Go Deep
Now, if you have 9-12 days, you're in for a treat! You can really see the best of Palawan. Most people start in Puerto Princesa, then head to El Nido, and finish in Coron. With 12 days, you can even add Port Barton to your trip. It's this lovely, laid-back beach town that feels like old-school Philippines - much quieter than the other spots.
| Day | Destinations | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Puerto Princesa | Arrival |
| 2 | Puerto Princesa | Honda Bay Island Hopping to Starfish Island, Cowrie Island, Luli Island |
| 3 | Puerto Princesa | Underground River National Park |
| 4 | Port Barton | Transfer to Port Barton |
| 5 | Port Barton | Island Hopping A to Twin Reef, Exotic Island, Turtle Spot, Paradise Island, Fantastic Reef, Sand Bar |
| 6 | El Nido | Port Barton to El Nido |
| 7 | El Nido Tour A | Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, 7 Commando Beach, Shimizu Island, Payong-Payong Beach |
| 8 | El Nido Tour C | Helicopter Island, Tapiutan Island, Hidden Beach, Secret Beach |
| 9 | El Nido to Coron | El Nido to Coron by Ferry |
| 10 | Coron Island Hopping Tour A | Kayangan Lake, Green Lagoon, Quin Reef, Atwayan Beach, CYC Beach, Las Isla De Coral |
| 11 | Coron Reef and Wrecks Tour | Pass Island, Lusong Coral Garden, Lusong Gunboat, Eact Tangat Wreck |
| 12 | Coron | Departure |
Explore Palawan, Philippines with Asia Odyssey Travel
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