Palawan guide: El Nido and Coron
Every fact links to its source. Schedules, fees and prices change, so confirm with the linked operator or official site before you book. Last checked: Oct 17, 2026.
When to go
- The Philippines has a dry season and a wet season; the winter monsoon (amihan) brings cooler air from November to February, and May is usually the warmest month. Wikipedia
- Most typhoons hit between July and November, but they can happen any time. Boats and flights are cancelled in bad weather, so leave buffer days and follow PAGASA. State Dept
- Island-hopping boats depend on sea conditions, so build flexibility into any wet-season trip.
Getting there from the US
- From the US, fly into Manila (NAIA) or Mactan–Cebu (CEB). Philippine Airlines is the flag carrier; check PAL for current US routes. Wikipedia: Mactan–Cebu airport
- El Nido: El Nido (Lio) Airport is about 4 km from town and is owned and operated by Cebu Pacific. Wikipedia: El Nido Airport · Cebu Pacific
- Puerto Princesa: Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS) is the larger Palawan gateway; El Nido is a long road transfer north from there, so check land transport times before booking. Wikipedia: Puerto Princesa airport
- Coron: Francisco B. Reyes (Busuanga) Airport on Busuanga Island serves Coron. Wikipedia: Busuanga Airport
- El Nido to Coron: ferries connect the two towns; Klook lists Coron–El Nido ferry tickets. Klook: Coron
Where to stay
- El Nido town (poblacion): the base for most island-hopping tours, close to the boat departures and restaurants. Wikipedia: El Nido
- Around El Nido: Nacpan Beach is a long beach north of town if you want somewhere quieter; Klook describes it as about 45 minutes from town. Klook: El Nido
- Coron town: on Busuanga Island, the base for Coron Island tours and wreck dives. Wikipedia: Coron · Wikipedia: Busuanga Island
Rough budget
- We don't list hotel or flight prices because they change constantly. Price your trip with live searches, and treat any figures here as approximate.
- Group island-hopping day tours listed on Klook started at roughly US$15–45 per person when we checked in Oct 2026 (approximate; they change). Local environmental or eco-tourism fees may apply and are usually collected locally, so ask your tour operator.
- ATMs take most US debit cards, but fees can exceed $5 per withdrawal and limits can be low; smaller shops and taxis usually want cash. Carry pesos before heading to islands. State Dept
Tips
- SIM cards must be registered, so the State Dept suggests a travel eSIM before you leave the US. State Dept · eSIM option: Airalo Philippines eSIM
- Bring cash for tours, tricycles and small guesthouses.
- Tap water isn't safe to drink; use sealed bottled water. State Dept
- Book the first leg home with a buffer day in Manila or Cebu in case boats or flights are cancelled.
