Destination guidePhilippines
FROMLON
ABOUT 15 HRS ✈️
TOPPS

Holidays in Palawan

Limestone islands, hidden lagoons and white-sand beaches in the Philippines' wild western island province, home to El Nido and Coron. Here's what Palawan is like, when to go and how long to stay.

NIGHTS AWAY10 to 14
BUDGET££
BEST MONTHSDec–Apr
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Tall limestone cliffs covered in jungle rising from a calm turquoise lagoon near El Nido, Palawan

Palawan at a glance

FLIGHT FROM LONDON
ABOUT 15 HRS
TIME DIFFERENCE
7 HRS AHEAD OF THE UK (8 IN WINTER)
CURRENCY
PHILIPPINE PESO (₱)
ENTRY
NO VISA FOR UP TO 30 DAYS
PLUGS
TYPE A / B / C · 220V

You must register with eTravel online within 72 hours before you arrive, and show proof of an onward flight. Check GOV.UK before you book.

Best time to visit Palawan

  1. JAN30°C average daytime highDry, sunny, best time to go
  2. FEB30°C average daytime highDry, calm seas, best time to go
  3. MAR31°C average daytime highDry, hot, best time to go
  4. APR32°C average daytime highHottest, dry, best time to go
  5. MAY32°C average daytime highHot, rains start late, a good time to go
  6. JUN31°C average daytime highWet season, quieter
  7. JUL30°C average daytime highWet, rough seas, quieter
  8. AUG30°C average daytime highWet, rough seas, quieter
  9. SEP30°C average daytime highWettest month, quieter
  10. OCT30°C average daytime highWet, easing, quieter
  11. NOV30°C average daytime highDrying out, a good time to go
  12. DEC30°C average daytime highDry season starts, best time to go

Temperatures are the average daytime high in °C.

December to April is the best time to go, with dry, sunny weather and calm seas for island hopping. March and April are the hottest months. The wet season runs from about June to October, with heavy downpours and rougher seas that can cancel boat trips, and typhoons are possible. November and May are in between and quieter.

Things to do in Palawan

TOUR

El Nido island hopping

Day trips by outrigger boat round the Bacuit archipelago, with lagoons, hidden beaches and snorkelling stops. Tours are labelled A to D.

TOUR

Big and Small Lagoons

Paddle a kayak into still green lagoons ringed by limestone cliffs, on El Nido's most popular tour.

DAY TRIP

Puerto Princesa Underground River

A UNESCO-listed river that runs through a cave under the mountains, seen by paddle boat. Visitor numbers are limited, so book ahead.

TOUR

Coron

An island group to the north with clear lakes, coral reefs and Second World War shipwrecks for snorkelling and diving.

FREE

Nacpan Beach

A long, quiet sweep of golden sand with palm trees, about 45 minutes north of El Nido town.

TOUR

Honda Bay

Easy island hopping and snorkelling from Puerto Princesa, good for a first day.

OUTDOORS

Port Barton

A small, laid-back village between Puerto Princesa and El Nido, with quiet islands and reefs close by.

Palawan: common questions

How do you get to Palawan from the UK?

There are no direct flights. Fly to Manila or another Asian hub and connect to Puerto Princesa, El Nido or Busuanga for Coron.

How do you get from Puerto Princesa to El Nido?

By van or car, usually about five to six hours, or by a short flight from Manila straight to El Nido's small airport.

Is Palawan safe to visit?

Palawan isn't in the areas of the Philippines the FCDO advises against travelling to, but check the latest advice on GOV.UK before you go.

How many days do you need in Palawan?

Allow at least a week for El Nido and the Underground River, and ten days to two weeks to add Coron or Port Barton.

If you like Palawan

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