Suggested itinerary and travel plans for Palawan

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Synopsis

best islands in asia The Palawan area of the Philippines is the nicest, most natural, safe and devoid-of-typhoons area in the country. And the Puerto Princesa > El Nido > Coron to Manila corridor is rapidly growing as a favourite tourist route.

If you are short of time, such as 12 days or less, and you like pristine beaches and off-the-beaten-path places, I would suggest to fly instead to El Nido and skip the south, since you tend to lose way too much time in a crammed van going from place to place. The underwater river tour is not so spectacular to make it an absolute must see and you will spend most of the day waiting with the flood of other tourists. Port Barton and Sabang are nice off-the-beaten-path places, but there are better or as good places between El Nido and Coron. In any case, if you do want to check out the south, below you will find lots of info on places to stay and a good way to go about it.

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If you would like to limit your tour from El Nido to Coron and like off the beaten path places in nature, you can check out my suggested places to stay along this route. Beach hop your way along the north peninsula with a maximum 30-60 minute van ride each day, until you get to the nice archaeological village of Sibaltan, from where you can start a multi-day Palawan boat tour to Coron and check out the beautiful Linapacan area half way in between, surrounded by 52 other islands. Many of them deserted if you’d like to camp out on some just yourselves. Check out these videos for an idea of what this wonderful area offers.

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After that you can continue on to Coron, see some more sites along the way, including some of the most popular lagoons to see around Coron. If you are on a tight budget and cannot join a boat tour, you can check out the public ferries and save on inexpensive accommodation available in the Linapacan area, or take less expensive local day tours (reformulated as a 10 day all-inclusive Manila-Palawan package for 10,000pesos). Or get totally off the beaten path and visit our little nature camp on a small, nearby island.

If you plan to stay longer, visa extensions are really easy in this country.

Manila

As explained on the Manila page, if you are limited for time, best to just move on straight to paradise and enjoy your vacation on the beach. If you do have time, the page has some suggestions where you can stay and what to do.

Manila Ocean Park
Manila Ocean Park

Puerto Princesa

Fly to Puerto Princesa, although you can also take a long ferry there. Hopefully your plane will land by 6pm so that can go directly to one of the two travel agencies located to the left as you leave the building. There you can book a van which will pick you up the next morning to take you to the Underground River Tour (in Sabang, below), designated as one of the seven wonders of the world.

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If on the other hand you’d like a private tour or a more native experience, you can try my friend Joseph. [Note that this above picture can be rather misleading. The only lighting they have is from flashlights on the boats waving around in random directions. The boats are constant, one after the other, in both directions, inching along to a recording of what the different rock formations supposedly look like (penises, cucumbers and so forth). It has become totally over-commercialised and you waste an entire day just to get there and back, constantly waiting in line.]

As explained on the Princesa page above (where you will also find info on vans and buses, or to book the river tour in advance), not so much to see there, so one night should be plenty.

Balabac

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If you have time you can go on a 4-5 day tour of this pristine and so far not very developed group of islands to the south of Puerto Princesa. Apparently a resort is currently being built, but until then you may have to suffer tenting on gorgeous white sand beaches.

Sabang

The next morning the van will pick you up from your hotel. Make sure to take all your stuff with you, so that you can continue heading north after exploring the underwater river tour. The agent on the right offered a 200p tour of the Mangrove Paddle Boat Tour, while waiting in the long line for the underground river tour, which I thought was better than the local zipline, as I feel the one in El Nido is better. Aside from the busy mayhem during the day, Sabang is a nice peaceful town and I heard a good place to stay overnight, if you have the time. I’ve been told there is a good and active couchsurfing community there.

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credit: Marc Anderson

When your or other van takes you back to Puerto Princesa, you can ask them to drop you off at the highway junction so that you can take another one continuing north.

Port Barton

If you have the time, Port Barton is another quaint and peaceful town off the beaten path. They recently completed the paved highway there, so who knows how long that will last, but well worth the visit if your schedule permits it. You can also ask around and take a private boat to El Nido, for a greater adventure, as the van ride is not so interesting.

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If you decide to take the land journey continuing north, there are many vans to catch, but I found the public buses better. Not only are they less expensive, but much more spacious. If you are limited for time, you can take the night bus which leaves around 11pm from Princesa and arrives in El Nido around 5am. The vans, although about one hour faster, can be quite crammed and uncomfortable.

If you do stay in Port Barton and don’t mind tenting, I heard good things about Thelma and Toby’s Island Camping Adventure.

El Nido

Like Princesa, El Nido also has a good live music scene, but if you are a musician, it is much easier to find a venue where you can jam with others. Three long beaches for romantic strollers, a great zipline, beautiful lagoons to explore, or you can rent a kayak and explore some of the nearby islands. There are also nice lagoons in Coron, so depending on what you want to see, one to two days should suffice for this town.

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How many places you see in the Palawan area depends on how much vacation time you have. With a seven day trip, I would suggest the underwater tour in Sabang, El Nido, Coron, and to squeeze in at least one other place. You need some time to enjoy and relax and not constantly rushing to the next place. On this page, Sabang, Port Barton, Sibaltan and Linapacan are good places to relax. El Nido and Coron or more high strung but offer special sites and a good night life. I would consider Manila and Puerto Princesa only a quick pitstop.

To see the most, a private boat tour is the best, so that you are not dependent on the schedules of the public ferries between El Nido and Coron. The private boat can pick you up from Sibaltan, take you to Pical, tent on a deserted island, snorkel on the way, see the caves of Linapacan, and check out some of the lagoons around Coron before they drop you off there. This can easily work out cheaper than if you tried everything separately.

secret-lagoon-el-nido-palawan
Secret Lagoon near El Nido

From El Nido you can take a 1.5 hour van ride to Sibaltan, 20 minutes north of which is the port of San Fernando, from where you can catch Marphye’s big banca ferry heading north towards Coron. But the ferry is a grueling 7+ hours, so if you have the time, better to stop halfway in Linapacan.

The Philippines has a landmass the size of Italy, but broken up into 7,107 islands. Logistically it is better to choose a certain area and focus on that so that you can also rest and enjoy the sites. Come back another year to see other parts of the country.

Sibaltan

This is a nice archeological town about 1.5 hours by van ride east of El Nido. You will find a big banca boat builder and an old wooden ship acting as a museum. The town aspires to maintain its historical flavour, it has a very long and beautiful stretch of beach, along a small section of which you will find some great resorts.

sibaltan-palawan-philippines

About 20 minutes to the north is San Fernando, from where a lot of the ferries head north to Coron. Some leave from El Nido, as explained on that page. But if you have some more time, the following is a worthwhile visit.

Pical on Iloc Island

island-hopping-philippines-pical-210320152503

A 30 minute boat ride from Sibaltan, this is a great stop if you have the time. Or is part of our regular island hopping tours if you’d like that option on your way to Coron. If you instead prefer the public ferries (big banca boats) leaving from San Fernando, it will cost you roughly 1,000p each way to get on and off the island from Sibaltan, but with its endless, beautiful beach and warm hospitality of the locals, well worth a visit. The lodging owner can also organise a local day boat tour for some excellent snorkeling in the area. He also collects the daily catch from all the local fishermen before sending it off to Manila, and loves to cook, so expect the best of fresh seafood. You can check out some reviews at its airbnb listing.

Boats and Public Ferries between El Nido and Coron

island-hopping-philippines-linapacan-big2 You will find the latest information about this on our page here, as it often changes.

From El Nido, most of the ferries leave from San Fernando, which is about 1 hour van ride east of El Nido.

Once you get to Linapacan, you can take a local, one day tour for as little as 1,500p total for a five person boat.

Although the fast craft ferry can get you to Coron in 3.5 hours, you cannot go up on deck but must stay strapped in on the bottom floor, just above the water line, where you can barely see any of the beautiful sites along the way through those scratched up, plastic windows. In which case…

Private or Group Multiday Boat Tour

If you have the time and budget, it is highly advisable to see the beautiful and remote area between El Nido and Coron with an expedition through the 82 islands along the way. White sand beaches, deserted islands to camp on (otherwise bamboo beach huts and hotel space are a plenty), turtles, manta rays, crystal clear waters unstirred by the tourist masses, cliff jumping into the sea and so much more.

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Here is a video of some of the larger towns in the Linapacan area (not on the island of Linapacan), for a feasibility study by a power company proposing to set up solar power stations there:

YouTube video

Possible Boat Tour Itinerary between El Nido and Coron


Possible interest points.
So many islands, so many options. With a private tour you have a say where exactly you want to go and enjoy the sites at your own pace.

Time permitting, visit this archaeological village of Sibaltan east of El Nido. Would recommend you stay there for one or two nights. Accommodation on the beach varies from 300p for tent to 1200p for nice cabin.

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Our boat operator can pick you up from there and take you to a rural, authentic village on a small island. 300p per night for small bed in small room, but worth a visit for a day. For 300p you can also hire a local guide to take you to an even smaller community, through the jungle to the other side of the island.

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Then you can camp out on your own deserted island, such as Takling, (next two pictures), or some other deserted islands in the vicinity (last three pictures immediately below – click to zoom in).

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island-hopping-boat-tours-takling_DCIM100GOPRO

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Food is provided either on open campfire or on charcoal on the boat for 100p per meal. Usually seafood, rice and veggies, but if you want something more exotic, we will tell you where you can stock up on the way and you can even cook it yourself right on the boat!

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Then it is off to San Miguel in Linapacan, with 52 islands in the area, mostly deserted or sparsely populated for excellent snorkeling (or camping out on) in the clearest waters in the world. There are also caves to explore, trekking in the jungle, kitesurfing at our own resort, diving with hired gear at two sunken shipwrecks, or even stay on your own island overnight. You can combine snorkeling with fishing, or borrow our own fishing equipment, or go on excursions with local fishermen. Learn how to build with bamboo and coconut leaves, or for avid climbers, there are many islands along the way with vertical cliffs plunging deep into the ocean in this interesting post-volcanic terrain. And there is the old Spanish fortress on Linapacan. Lots to see!

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Senora caves near San Miguel.

Along the entire journey you can sleep for free on the boat, in tent for 300p per tent or 400p if two people in one tent, or stay in the home or a local for 300p per night. Sheets and snorkeling gear can be provided or hired. Meals are 100p each, and you can stock up on your own booze and snacks.

Once you are satisfied with soaking in the paradise and have truly relaxed on your vacation, you can continue on to Coron, exploring some of its beautiful lagoons before disembarking from your fantastic journey. Time permitting, you can even explore the beautiful and secluded area and islands around Culion on the way.

book-tour-now

 

Coron

There are eight sunken shipwrecks around Coron, if you are an avid diver, after which we would recommend you take the overnight sleeper ferry to Manila. 1,500p, good live entertainment in the evening, and arrive in Manila early enough in the morning for a quick tour before boarding your flight. We can help you with local Coron tours. But if you still have some time…

Boracay

More on the expensive end, but Boracay is considered the country’s primo resort island. Lots to see there, and we feel the best way to see the most is by renting a motorcycle, as we documented on that page with video drones of all the hidden beaches. And if culinary treats are part and parcel of your travel experience, your taste buds will be wonderfully satisfied from what this island has to offer.

Easy to get to with a simple flight from Coron, and from Boracay another flight to Manila. However, if you STILL have more time, you will now find yourself next to the island of Panay, a whole new frontier to explore.

Mindoro

Otherwise, you can dillydally your way towards Manila by checking out Mindoro, a larger island stop on your way north and which you can easily get to by ferry from Coron (or even Boracay, if you choose to take that diversion).

Of course you can also take the trip backwards, but a little harder to see the underground river tour that way.

Enjoy your trip!

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Home » Palawan » Various » Suggested itinerary and travel plans for Palawan

hotel luci del farohotel luci del faro
08:13 31 Jan 24
We booked the 3 day 2 night expedition, from Coron to Sibaltan.First of all the booking part was really simple. I organized this trip to the Philippines last minute for my family (my parents and my uncles) but Karel answered all my questions very quickly and really made everything easier for me. It was an incredible experience. Albert, our tour leader, is a wonderful guy, always smiling and ready to help us. They assisted us in everything and really took care of making everything go smoothly. The accommodation on the islands is as spartan as you expect but the location of each hut alone is worth the trip. The wonder of nature was then added to the goodness of cuisine. It's really difficult to argue how you can cook all that goodness on a boat.If you are looking for an authentic experience, in contact with nature, off the beaten track, this company's private expedition is certainly for you.
Kate BrownKate Brown
00:22 27 Oct 23
What an unforgettable experience! We did a two night (3 day) island hopping tour from Sibaltan to Coron. Everything was so well organized and the boat crew were amazing and really made sure we had a great time. The accommodation was rustic, but added to the authentic experience of the Philippines. Karel always responded to any queries we had promptly. Our boatman, Albert, was the most amazing chef and we enjoyed every meal. The crew taught the kids how to fish with a line which was their highlight of the trip. They took us to the most unbelievable snorkelling spots along the way. Would highly recommend this trip.
Ian PascualIan Pascual
02:43 10 Aug 23
One of the most amazing, unforgettable things you can do in your life
Lou PrataliLou Pratali
11:04 25 Jul 23
This is a must to do!!Super ultimate tour is the best with Kayangan and barracuda lake, twin lagoons (my favorite), coral garden (blue fabulous coral) were the best. It’s really worth it to pay for private tour (3500 to 4000 PHP). You will also have to pay for entrance fees (150 to 200PHP by location) and eventually shopping at the market - must do (count 300 for 2 for fish, pork, fruits and vegetables, water).
Gérard BENOITGérard BENOIT
16:11 07 Feb 23
I was looking for a personalized excursion to the stunning Bacuit Gulf.Based on the comments, I contacted Mel.Very responsive, very efficient and perfect organization.The on-board staff were very friendly and very helpful.And I'm not even talking about the meal on board...a marvel.In all fairness, this excursion will remain an excellent memory and I cannot recommend Mel and his team highly enough.A big thank-you.
Alyse TarbottonAlyse Tarbotton
23:48 30 Aug 22
This tour went well above all our expectations! I couldn't recommend this enough! The boat crew, captain and tour guide were nothing but amazing, everyone was so kind, helpful and friendly. The crew knew the best spots to visit that weren't overcrowded with tourists, 3 times we were lucky enough to have whole islands to ourselves! It was my partner's birthday while away and everything went above and beyond, bonfire, cake, birthday card, singing and celebrating with us.If you love camping this is definitely a tout you should do, it has been the highlight of our trip!!
Danish KayaniDanish Kayani
10:24 31 Oct 19
Coron is the best place i have ever seen.. picturesque. Beautiful. Peaceful
We booked a 4 days/3 nights private boat trip from Coron to Sibaltan. The organization went very well from the beginning, the owner answered to all my questions, and we were able to choose which islands to visit and where to sleep. The first night we slept in a bungalow in Banana Island, the second we camped in Araw beach and the last we slept in a seafront bungalow builded on a tree in Pical on Iloc Island.The islands in that area are the most beautiful islands I have ever seen, with clear water, lots of coral reef and fishes to see, white sand and almost deserted. The crew was very friendly and polite and they organize every single meal and for camping they give you a tent which was just perfect! This was our highlight in our 2 weeks in the Philippines and I wish I had booked a longer trip. A private trip gives you the freedom to decide where and when to go.
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Gérard Benoit
Gérard Benoit
2023-02-08
recommends
I was looking for a personalized excursion to the beautiful bay of Bacuit. Seeing the comments, I contacted Mel. Very responsive, very efficient and perfect organization. The crew were very friendly and very helpful. And I'm not even talking about the meal on board...a marvel. In all fairness, this excursion will remain an excellent memory and I can recommend Mel and his team highly enough. A big thank-you.
André Mardoñal
André Mardoñal
2019-10-22
recommends
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The island world of Linapacan between Coron and El Nido with the clearest waters in the world is truly a dream for itself! Without a boat you won't be able to see it! But what this boat trips makes so amazing is the crew! Once you come on board they might be shy in the beginning but will make you feel welcome and home from the first moment. Not only that they are looking that you sit comfortable all the time, they will prepare fresh and delicious food what the buy from local markets. They know the best spots and most beautiful islands and will bring you to places where you get this "Robinson Cruisoe feeling". Every day you visit 3 to 5 spots for snorkeling, enjoying a beach or exploring a little island. The accommodation we had was good and simple. We slept in bungalows and tents right at the beach. Sheets and towels were always provided and sometimes towels. After a while you feel like a family on board. We loved living the boat life didn't wanna leave! If you doubt take a longer than shorter trip! For any questions please message me.
Sarah Uhan
Sarah Uhan
2019-01-31
recommends
All in all it was a really great experience. It's a once in a lifetime thing to do and you won't get more authentic and basic Philippino experiences anywhere else. We were not so lucky with the wind and waves so we couldn't do all the stops we wanted to unfortunately. So be aware that especially the months from January to May can be very rough on water. But we still saw some great places Benji took us. Benji and his family was very nice and they did everything they could. The food was amazing - always freshly made in authentic Philippino style and way too much for the 2 of us. Make sure to bring enough cash - many of the islands cost extra (entrance fee) and be aware that any kind of accommodation and food (200php per meal) is not included in the boat fee. Also the deposit and commission fee for the agency are a little over the top, especially since the crew does not get any of it. The costs all in all are rather high for phillipino circumstances especially given the basicness of it all. However if you think about that all 5 boat people (in our case) live off of the boat fee alone, you spent the money willingly. Be aware though that accommodation and sanataries are very basic if even existant. So you gotta have the right mindset. Bring tissue, sanatiszer and earplugs to get some better sleep. Another feedback I have concerning the size of the boat. I don't think it is sufficient for more than 4 people. If the weather is like it was these days, you always have to sit on top and it was already a little squeezy with us 2 and 5 boat people. So I guess 4 guests can be fine but more than that won't have the space. There is different boat sizes but make sure to talk about that with Karel in advance. Other than that it was really worth it and we got to see so many great beaches and reefs which we could have never been able to visit without the tour.
Eric Liu
Eric Liu
2018-03-15
recommends
It was scary to book a 5 day trip with no places to stay confirmed or a strong itinerary. And in the Philippines, communication is difficult. But that is part of changing mindsets to a rural island mindset. In the end, everything worked out. We had some tough moments with bugs. But we also had some amazingly beautiful secluded beaches, the best snorkeling in the world, relaxing on the beach, and freshly made food on the boat while docked at beautiful places (better than being on land). Note, we went with Benji. Recommendations: - you must get a local SIM when you arrive to make sure pickup and everything works out - some islands have bugs - use bug spray! Pros: - a fraction of the cost - away from the crowds - can customize what you want - just ask! - a truly local experience - saw a REAL rural town Cons: - locals aren't really polished tour guides - if you don't ask for it, you won't get it, need to be pretty proactive - pretty simple "activities" - no frills like bathrooms or kayaks etc.
Ángela Deand
Ángela Deand
2017-04-26
recommends
We can't be more grateful to have had the opportunity of experience the peace in Patoyo Kitesurfing Camping! Spending two weeks in Dimancal Island, gave us the chance to experiment the rural and traditional way of life, in touch with the nature and people. We have learnt how to cook with fire, how to open a coconut and how to survive in an environment where for a time we forget about unnecessary needs, just to focus on enjoy the small details and pleasures of life. Mentioning too the amazing snorkeling and beautiful islands around this place, which make it unique​ and special. It is a lovely option if you are running away from tourists and overcrowded places in the Philippines. You will find yourself in the middle of virgin beaches and nature, surrounding​ by charming people. We will definitely come back!
Caroline Danielle
Caroline Danielle
2017-02-13
recommends
We haven't done a Tao tour, but I would suspect that this is a cheaper version of the same thing. Our boat operator (Benji) and the entire crew were were fun, friendly and made an effort to ensure we had a good time. If you get a large group of people together it can be a really inexpensive alternative to other Coron-El Nino and vice versa island hopping tours. The food was good, but more expensive than as advertised by Karl. The price quote we got was 100 php a meal, but the boat charged us 200. Since the food was good we didn't mind the extra expense, but it is important to keep in mind if you're on a budget. Definitely plan for some incidental spending. Our boat did have some mechanical issues and as a result we ended up being stuck in the same place for longer than we wanted to be. That being said, little could have been done about it and the trip was fun nonetheless.
Hauk Are Fjeld
Hauk Are Fjeld
2017-01-01
recommends
If you believe that doing the touristic tours in El Nido and going to "The hidden beach" takes you off the beaten path, you are wrong. There are lots of beautiful places in Palawan, but few of these places are without any other tourists. If you want to spend some extra effort on getting away from the tourist places, and don't mind a little "primitive" living, Island Hopping in the Philippines is definitely something you should check out
Arnold Cabiguen
Arnold Cabiguen
2015-05-08
recommends
The snorkeling in this area is phenomenal. Clearest waters in the world. I guess it's because there is relatively such lower tourist traffic through here, and the locals really protect the reefs!
Karel Kosman
Karel Kosman
2015-05-08
recommends
Love it so much, just had to say it twice!

We are a family operation managing private custom boat tours in the beautiful Palawan area, and are happy to help travelers with their plans through the country, having traveled a lot of it ourselves and planning to visit it all.

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23 thoughts on “Suggested itinerary and travel plans for Palawan”

  1. we are a family of 4, two kids 4 and 9. visiting palawan in dec 2018 and ave 7 days n the island, we love swimming and sight seeing but not sure how to spilt days between coron, el nido and PP.

    Reply
  2. Hi
    We are going to the Phillipines in November and want to do the island hopping for 3 or 4 days.
    We are thinking of doing Manila – Coron – El Nido and them explore a little bit the island.
    Do you think that is a good itinerary or we should do the opposite, do the island hopping from el Nido to Coron ( because of the waves in the sea, for instance…)

    Reply
    • Hello Ismenia, as stated on this page, I personally prefer the opposite direction. The waves are the same, but I just like the idea of ending the vacation by a nice slow boat back to Manila rather than flying back from El Nido, as I find that flights always tend to be a little stressful.

      Reply
  3. Hi Sam,
    Amazing page! Me and my partner are going to Palawan end of January. After reading your post, I’ve decided to skip the Underground River and go straight to El Nido then Coron. If I do the private boat tour between El Nido to Coron, do you think I should do the separate tour in Coron? such as the Ultimate Coron Island Tour and the Malcapuya Island Loop Tour.
    Look forward to your reply.

    Thanks,
    Linda

    Reply
    • Hi Linda, our private boats can do Coron as well, although a local tour could be cheaper if you want to see a lot of places there. Generally, our tours always include Kayangan Lake and Twin Lagoons, which are the most popular and on the way to Coron. Coron is more of a place if you are into diving. The other places to see are not as interesting as what you will come across on the way from El Nido. Some 80 islands along the way, fantastic snorkeling in amazingly clear waters. The water around Coron is somewhat cloudy. More info at
      https://www.islandhoppinginthephilippines.com/palawan/boat-tours/

      Reply
      • Thanks for the very quick and prompt response Sam. I’m still choosing between a ferry to Coron then take local tour or take private boat tour from El Nido to Coron and skip the tour in town altogether. We’re not big on diving but love snorkeling.

        Reply
  4. HI May i know how much will that cost to complete the above suggested itinenary? what is the best recommended time & duration of travel?

    Reply
  5. Hi Sam,
    I and my friend intend to stay in Sibaltan for a couple of nights. I just wonder if there is any daily tour from Sibaltan to Linacapan? How much is it and its initially? Im just so in love with the idea of snorkling in the clearest waters in the world.
    Thank you for your advice in advance.

    Reply
  6. is there any thing we can do between Puerto princesa and el nido? can we get off the bus and explore? or is there nothing entertaining between the bus ride?

    Reply
  7. We will stay in coron for 3 days from Sept 3-5. Linacapan wasnt initially in our itinerary but after reading your post it got me to think that its better to visit that paradise too before going to El nido. How far is it from Coron Sir?

    I’m just wondering how much will it cost to have a day trip there, or do an overnight stay as your post suggest? It’s really okay for us to be mixed in a group too.

    I wonder if there are boat going from Linacapan to El nido as well?

    Thanks for this post. ^_^

    Reply
    • Linapacan is half way between El Nido and Coron and about 3.5 hours for each leg, depending on the size of the waves. Details on the ferries here. Accommodation is generally inexpensive in this area, around 500p per room. Ferries can continue on to El Nido as well.

      Reply
  8. Lots of interesting new destination options on here thanks for sharing! Unfortunately we didn’t have enough time (and didn’t know a lot about Linapacan) when we visited El Nido a year ago, so now we have a good excuse to arrange a return to beautiful palawan! 🙂

    Reply
  9. hi Sam,
    Wish I would have come across this page sooner…
    I frequently visit Manila for work and of late I have been taking a weeks’ leave each time I go there so I can explore the many island. Started with the tourist attractions and now getting more confident and looking at the more remote places. I am scheduled to do El Nido in April this year after spending a week in Coron last year (less the 2 days I stayed on Banana Is.) that was awesome, I was the only tourist to stay overnight.

    I have penciled in Linapacan for visit.

    I will touch base when I am closer to booking.

    Reply
  10. Some friends are coming for a visit and, after doing a lot of research, proposed the following itinerary. Just throwing in more ideas!

    28.1. hotel in Manila!!!
    29.1. fly Manila->Puerto Princesa!!!
    29.1. night in hotel in Puerto Princesa!!!
    29.1. on arrival register in a travel agency for the underground river tour (with transport to Sabang)
    30.1. departure with the travel agency to Sabang and underground river tour
    30.1. in Sabangu find a boat to Port Barton

    (from the net: Hiring the whole boat will cost from 4,000 to 5,500 pesos, depending on your haggling ability. If there is a boat already departing (a possibility in peak season), a ticket should run you 1,200 pesos. Go to the booking shed at Green Verde restaurant on Sabang beach to arrange a boat from Sabang to Port Barton. )

    30.1. night in hotel / on the beach in Sabang
    31.1. Sabang -> Port Barton by boat
    31.1. in Port Barton find a boat to El Nido, goes each day from 8am to 1pm at the intersection across from Ayette’s Bamboo House or from Recaro terminal. Tickets are 800p if they are reserved through Recaro.
    31.1. one night hotel / on the beach in Port Barton
    1.2. Port Barton
    1.2. one hotel / on the beach in Port Barton?????
    2.?? Port Barton -> El Nido by bus
    2??. night in hotel in El Nido
    3.???? – public ferry or private tour to Linapacan (where I am)
    14.2. Coron -> Manila by ferry (directly to Manila)

    OR

    2] boat Coron -> Mindoro, San Jose (double check if can work)

    https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g729733-i12570-k6204167-Coron_to_San_Jose_Mindoro_via_Bunso_Boat_Budget_Option-Coron_Busuanga_Island_Palawan_Provi.html

    Mindoro, San Jose -> Mindoro, Calapan ?????
    Mindoro, Calapan -> Manila (boat+bus)
    https://www.rome2rio.com/s/Manila/Mindoro

    … and the rest is history

    Reply
  11. Your site here very informative and definitely has my interest.
    Once I have finalized some travel arrangement holes this type island hopping would be awesome! But first.. my ultimate goal is to find dependable transportation either from El Nido to Linapacan, or Coron down to Linapacan.. It seems I might have to arrive at San Miguel landing.. then make arrangements to get on to Linapacan from there.
    The people I am to meet up with are in Linapacan.
    Any up to date info from you would be much appreciated. Salamat! “Happy New Year”!
    MJ Martin Sr.. Mobile, Alabama USA

    Reply
  12. Hi the family wants to come to the Philippines as my husband has been working there (ortigas). 5 adults and 4 children. 4 rooms children ages 1-5. We would need aircon for the rooms but would like to know what you would suggest for a multi site holiday experience. Dates 2 weeks end of march and first week in April. Looking for quality budget accommodation.

    Reply
    • Aircon would be a problem because it requires electricity and only places like Coron, El Nido and Puerto Princesa have electricity 24/7. The smaller towns usually only from noon till midnight or even just 6-10pm in the evenings. The more expensive resorts have their own generators, which they turn on when they have enough paying guests. Perhaps I could at least recommend some things to do during the day only? I tend to specialise in off-the-beaten track places. Or I can recommend some accommodation I liked in the bigger tourist venues. For me a fan alone is always sufficient. Keep in mind also that you can easily catch colds because of aircon, in these tropical climates, as they harbour certain bacteria, which just circulates around the room, and you can easily wake up with a major sore throat.

      Reply

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