The Ultimate 7 Day Palawan Itinerary: Your Complete Guide

Looking for the perfect 7 day Palawan Itinerary?

Having checked out Palawan myself, I can honestly say it’s one of the most amazing places in the Philippines.

With its jaw-dropping limestone cliffs, super clear waters, and gorgeous beaches, Palawan seriously feels like a slice of paradise where nature shines at its best.

What makes Palawan really stand out is its incredible natural beauty and varied landscapes.

From the famous lagoons in El Nido to the hidden underwater caves in Coron, every bit of Palawan has something special to offer.

The islands give off this untouched vibe, and the peace and quiet you experience here is hard to beat.

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Best Time to Visit

I’d say the best time to go is between December and May—the dry season—when the weather is just perfect for hopping between islands, snorkeling, and chilling on the beach.

The cool breeze and sunny skies make it the best time to check out everything Palawan has to offer.

If you’re looking for untouched beauty and a more relaxed feel, Palawan totally needs to be at the top of your list!

How Many Days to Spend in Palawan?

1 Week

If you’re a bit short on time, 7 days is enough to hit up the must-see spots like the lagoons in El Nido and the awesome lakes in Coron.

You’ll get a taste of the island’s beauty with some beach hangs, island-hopping, and snorkeling.

10 Days

With 10 days, you can balance the fun and relaxation.

Dive into Coron’s wreck dives and discover El Nido’s secret beaches, plus enjoy some chill days at places like Port Barton or Puerto Princesa.

2 Weeks

If you’ve got two weeks, you can really dive deep into everything Palawan has to offer.

Spend more time checking out hidden gems, secluded beaches, and remote islands, along with diving, hiking, and just soaking up the relaxed vibe of this tropical paradise.

7 Day Palawan Itinerary

Day 1-2: Coron – Shipwreck Diving & Stunning Lagoons

Day 1

Get to Coron and kick things off with a killer sunset view at Mt. Tapyas to take in the island vibes, then chill out in the hot springs at Maquinit.

Day 2

Time for some island-hopping!

Hit up Kayangan Lake for its super clear waters, swim through the cool Twin Lagoon, and don’t miss Siete Pecados for some awesome snorkeling.

You can choose to dive into some shipwrecks or go snorkeling to check out the underwater scene, or if you feel like it, venture inland to find hidden waterfalls and soak in even more of Coron’s natural beauty.

Day 3-5: El Nido – Dramatic Cliffs & Hidden Lagoons

Day 3

Travel from Coron to El Nido, either by plane or ferry, and get ready to check out one of the most beautiful spots in the Philippines.

Kick back at Nacpan Beach, one of El Nido’s prettiest beaches, then gear up for a hike up Taraw Cliff for a stunning view of the islands.

Day 4

Start your adventure with Island Hopping Tour C, where you’ll hit up the famous Secret Beach, the chill Hidden Beach, and Helicopter Island, known for its cool rock formations and super clear waters.

Day 5

Set off for Island Hopping Tour A and soak in the sights at the Big Lagoon, the peaceful Small Lagoon, and vibrant Shimizu Island, which is great for snorkeling and taking in the beautiful scenery.

Day 6: Port Barton – Off-the-Beaten-Path Paradise

Day 6

Head over to Port Barton and kick back at the chill White Beach.

It’s the perfect spot to relax, swim, and soak in the calm vibes of this quieter place.

Grab your gear and spend the day snorkeling and hopping between islands in Port Barton.

Check out the waters packed with turtles, hang out at the beautiful sandbars, and cool off in the awesome waterfalls nearby.

Day 7: Puerto Princesa – Nature & Culture

Day 7

Head over to Puerto Princesa, the capital of Palawan, and take the day to check out some cool spots like the City Baywalk, Plaza Cuartel, and the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center.

Check out the awesome Underground River Tour in Sabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

You’ll be blown away by the stunning limestone formations and the underground rivers in this amazing natural wonder.

Alternative Itineraries

1 Week Itinerary

Coron (3 days) → El Nido (4 days)

10-Day Itinerary

Coron (3 days) → El Nido (4 days) → Puerto Princesa (3 days)

2-Week Itinerary

Coron (3 days) → El Nido (4 days) → Port Barton (3 days) → Puerto Princesa (2 days)

How to Get to Palawan

Fly into Coron (Busuanga Airport):

This is the easiest way to get to Coron, famous for its awesome shipwreck diving and beautiful lagoons.

Usually, flights connect through Manila.

Fly into Puerto Princesa:

This is your main hub for hitting up Sabang, Port Barton, and El Nido, with plenty of flights from Manila.

Perfect for anyone looking to check out the southern and central parts of Palawan.

Fly into El Nido (Lio Airport):

This gets you right to El Nido’s stunning cliffs and gorgeous islands.

Just a heads up, flights here are a bit less common than those for Coron or Puerto Princesa, but it’s the fastest way to get directly to El Nido.

Getting Around Palawan

Flights vs. Ferries between Islands:

If you want to get around Palawan’s hotspots quickly, flying is the way to go.

But if you’re looking for a cheaper and more picturesque ride, ferries are a great choice, especially for trips between Coron and El Nido, or from Puerto Princesa to other local towns.

Vans & Buses for Overland Travel:

Vans are the go-to option for getting around on land, especially for routes like Puerto Princesa to El Nido or Port Barton.

Buses are also an option, but they run less often and might take a bit longer for some trips.

Renting Motorbikes or Hiring Private Transport:

Renting a motorbike is a fun and flexible way to check out Palawan at your leisure.

If you prefer something more comfortable or are traveling with a group, you can easily arrange for private transport like vans, cars, or tricycles to take you wherever you need to go.

7 Day Palawan Itinerary: Where to Stay

Coron: Budget vs. Luxury Options

If you’re traveling on a budget, you can score some affordable guesthouses and hostels in Coron Town that offer the basics and a fun, local vibe.

On the flip side, if you’re looking to splurge a bit, resorts like Two Seasons Coron Island Resort & Spa have all the fancy amenities and gorgeous private island views, making it perfect for a more lavish getaway.

El Nido: Beachfront Stays & Best Hostels

El Nido has loads of beachfront places to stay, ranging from budget-friendly places like Eco Camp Dos Playa Daracoton El Nido to nicer spots like Lagen Island Resort.

Whether you want something easy on the wallet or a fancy place right by the beach, El Nido’s got you covered.

Port Barton: Eco-Lodges & Budget-Friendly Spots

Port Barton is all about that chill vibe, with a bunch of eco-lodges and budget guesthouses nestled in nature.

Places like Paboreal Boutique Resort and Russell Place are great picks for those who want to enjoy the outdoors without spending a ton.

Puerto Princesa: Convenient City Stays

Puerto Princesa offers a mix of city accommodations that are perfect if you’re just passing through.

From budget hotels in the heart of the city like Deep Forest Garden Hotel to mid-range choices like Canvas Boutique Hotel, you’ll find a comfy spot to base yourself while you explore the city and its nearby attractions.

7 Day Palawan Itinerary: Costs & Budgeting

Daily Budget Breakdown

Budget Traveling: Plan to spend about ₱1,500–₱2,500 a day (that’s roughly $30–$50 USD).

This should cover staying in guesthouses or hostels, grabbing bites at local places, and getting around using public transport or budget van rentals.

Mid-Range: If you want a cozier experience in hotels or cool boutique resorts, aim for around ₱3,500–₱7,000 per day (about $70–$140 USD).

This will take care of meals at nicer restaurants, fun stuff like island hopping, and private rides to make it easier to hit the sights.

Luxury: Going all out with luxury resorts and private tours?

Get ready for a daily budget of ₱8,000–₱15,000+ (around $160–$300+ USD).

This covers nicer stays, personal island hopping trips, fancy dining, and pampering spa sessions.

Hidden Costs

Environmental fees: Don’t forget, there are entrance fees for many must-see spots, like Kayangan Lake in Coron or the Underground River in Sabang.

These can stack up, so it’s smart to plan for them ahead of time (usually around ₱200–₱500 or $4–$10 USD each).

Transportation fees: Sure, flying between islands is easy, but ferries can help you save some cash if you’ve got the time.

For getting around on land, vans and buses usually cost less than private rides, though they might take a while.

Island hopping tours: Most island tours come with lunch, but things like snorkeling gear rentals or extra meals might not be included, so stash some extra cash for those (tours typically run from ₱1,500–₱3,500 or $30–$70 USD).

Money-saving tips:

• Hit up local eateries instead of tourist traps for good food that won’t break the bank.
• Bring cash because many smaller places don’t take cards.
• Think about packing related activities together to cut down on transport costs, like booking a couple of island-hopping tours on the same day.
• Always ask for discounts or package deals, especially when booking tours or renting gear.

7 Day Palawan Itinerary: Packing Tips

Must-Haves for Island Hopping

• Waterproof bag: Keep your stuff safe from water with a compact, waterproof bag or dry bag.
• Snorkel gear: Most tours have gear, but if you bring your own, it’ll be comfy and clean.
• Sunscreen: Go for reef-safe sunscreen to keep your skin and the environment happy.
• Hat & sunglasses: Rock a wide-brimmed hat and UV-protective shades to shield yourself from the sun.
• Water shoes: Perfect for rocky beaches and exploring shallow waters or lagoons.
• Reusable water bottle: Stay hydrated and cut down on plastic waste.

Best Travel Gear for Beaches & Hiking

• Lightweight clothing: Pack breathable, quick-drying clothes for all those beach days and island hopping.
• Swimwear: Don’t forget some extra swimwear for all the water fun.
• Comfortable footwear: For hiking and strolling around towns, grab supportive sandals or lightweight sneakers.
• Hiking gear: If you’re hitting the trails, bring a small daypack, sturdy shoes, and a hat for sun protection.
• Portable charger: Keep your devices charged for photos and navigation, especially in remote spots.
• Insect repellent: Keep the mosquitos at bay, especially in the evenings or while hiking.

7 Day Palawan Itinerary: Final Travel Tips

Safety & Responsible Tourism

• Respect local culture: Keep in mind the local customs and traditions, especially in rural and indigenous areas.
• Marine conservation: When you’re snorkeling or diving, try not to touch or disturb the marine life, and always opt for eco-friendly sunscreen.
• Waste management: Bring along reusable stuff like water bottles and bags to cut down on plastic waste. Be sure to throw away trash properly, especially in remote spots.
• Keep valuables safe: Palawan is pretty safe, but make sure to secure your things in busy areas or when you’re hopping between islands.

Best Apps for Travel & Navigation

• Google Maps: A must-have for getting around Puerto Princesa and those off-the-beaten-path areas.
• Maps.me: Awesome for offline navigation, especially in places with spotty connectivity in Palawan.
• Grab: Super handy for booking rides in bigger towns like Puerto Princesa.

How to Avoid Tourist Traps

• Do your research: Check out reviews and blogs for recommendations from other travelers on real experiences.
• Ask locals: Get insider tips from residents on where to eat and explore beyond the usual tourist trails.
• Avoid overpriced tours: Look for tours through trusted operators or book directly with local businesses to skip the mark-up from agents.
• Skip the crowds: If a place is packed, ask about lesser-known alternatives for a more chill experience.

After seeing the amazing beauty of Palawan up close, I can totally say it’s one of the coolest places I’ve ever been to.

From the super clear waters of Coron’s shipwreck dives to the gorgeous lagoons in El Nido, and the chill vibe of Port Barton, Palawan really has something for everyone.

Whether you’re up for some adventure or just want to kick back on a beautiful beach, this island paradise has got you covered.

I hope this guide helps you make the most of your trip, and I know you’ll love Palawan just like I did!

Have a great time, and remember to keep it clean so we can keep this paradise nice for the next folks!

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