Discover Palawan: A 2-week Tropical Adventure to Check-Off Your Bucket List

A 2-Week Vacation to Palawan: How to Plan and Explore the Philippines' Tropical Paradise

Palawan is often called the “last frontier” of the Philippines—and for good reason. With its jaw-dropping limestone cliffs, white-sand beaches, and crystal-clear waters, Palawan is the perfect destination for those craving a mix of relaxation and adventure. Whether you're snorkeling in hidden lagoons, exploring lush jungles, or simply basking in the sun, Palawan offers something for everyone. If you're on the fence about a vacation here, read on for everything you need to know about travel time, costs, and, most importantly, what to do once you arrive!

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Top Things to Do in Palawan

Palawan offers a wide variety of activities and attractions. Here's a sample list of some must-see spots and adventures to add to your itinerary:

1. Puerto Princesa: Gateway to Palawan’s Wonders

• Puerto Princesa Subterranean River: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the longest underground rivers in the world. Take a boat tour to explore its limestone caverns filled with stunning rock formations and impressive stalactites.

• Honda Bay Island Hopping: Explore beautiful islands such as Starfish Island, Pandan Island, and Cowrie Island. These are perfect spots for snorkeling and beach lounging.

• Kalui Restaurant: A favorite among tourists for its fresh seafood and authentic Filipino dishes.

2. El Nido: Island-Hopping Paradise

• Big and Small Lagoons: Paddle a kayak or ride a boat through these stunning limestone-fringed lagoons with crystal-clear waters. They’re great for swimming and taking in nature’s beauty.

• Nacpan Beach: Known for its long stretch of golden sand and serene ambiance, this beach is ideal for relaxing, swimming, or catching the sunset.

• Secret Beach and Hidden Lagoon: Accessible by boat or swim-through caves, these secluded spots offer a more adventurous experience.

• Scuba Diving: The Bacuit Bay around El Nido is home to incredible dive sites, with vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life.

3. Coron: A Diver’s Dream

• Kayangan Lake: Known as one of the cleanest lakes in Asia, it offers crystal-clear, freshwater swimming surrounded by dramatic karst cliffs.

• Twin Lagoons: Another striking natural wonder, perfect for swimming and kayaking in two lagoons connected by a narrow tunnel.

• Shipwreck Diving: Coron is famous for its World War II shipwrecks, where experienced divers can explore underwater wrecks covered in coral and teeming with marine life.

• Maquinit Hot Springs: After a day of adventuring, relax in these natural hot springs overlooking the sea.

4. Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park (Seasonal)

If you're visiting between March and June, don’t miss this UNESCO World Heritage Site. A diver’s haven, Tubbataha features some of the most biodiverse coral reefs in the world. It’s a bit of a trek (a liveaboard boat is required), but it’s an unforgettable experience for marine life enthusiasts.

Getting to Palawan

Reaching Palawan requires some planning, as it’s a bit of a journey from the United States. Most travelers will first fly to Manila, the capital of the Philippines, and then take a domestic flight to one of Palawan’s airports.

• Flight Duration (US to Manila):

  • From Los Angeles (LAX): A nonstop flight to Manila takes about 14 to 16 hours, with flights including layovers lasting 18 to 24 hours.

  • From New York (JFK): Nonstop flights (rare) take around 16 to 17 hours, but with layovers, the total travel time can be 20 to 30 hours.

• Flight Cost (US to Manila):

  • Round-trip flights typically range between $600 and $1,300, depending on the season and booking time.

• Connecting Flight (Manila to Palawan):

  • After landing in Manila, you’ll take a domestic flight to either Puerto Princesa, El Nido, or Coron (Busuanga), which takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Costs range from $40 to $150.

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How Much Time Off from work do I need

Since traveling to Palawan can take nearly two days each way, you’ll need to account for travel time in addition to your days of relaxation.

• Travel Time: You’ll spend between 2 and 3 days (round trip) on flights and layovers.

• Vacation Time: Aim for at least 12 full days to explore Palawan’s best destinations, from its hidden lagoons to its vibrant coral reefs.

Total Time-Off Needed: For a 2-week vacation, request at least 16 days off. This gives you 12 days in Palawan and 4 days for travel. Tell your boss not to worry and that you'll get them a fridge magnet and a postcard when you get back.

Sample 2-Week Itinerary for Palawan

1. Days 1–2: Travel from the US to Manila, catch a domestic flight to Puerto Princesa.

2. Days 3–5: Explore Puerto Princesa—visit the Underground River, go island hopping in Honda Bay, and sample local seafood.

3. Days 6–9: Head to El Nido for island-hopping, kayaking in the lagoons, and lounging on Nacpan Beach.

4. Days 10–13: Spend time in Coron—dive the shipwrecks, swim in Kayangan Lake, and relax in the hot springs.

5. Day 14: Fly back to Manila from Coron or El Nido.

6. Days 15–16: Travel back to the US.

Budgeting for Your Trip

Whether you're a budget traveler or looking for luxury, Palawan has options for every style of vacation. Here’s a breakdown of the costs for a 2-week stay:

• Accommodations:

  • Budget: Hostels or guesthouses range from $10 to $30 per night.

  • Mid-range: Boutique hotels and private beach cottages typically cost $40 to $100 per night.

  • Luxury: High-end resorts, like El Nido Resorts or Two Seasons Coron, range from $150 to $500 per night.

  For 2 weeks, expect to spend anywhere from $200 to $700 (budget) to $2,000+ (luxury).

• Food:

  • Street food and local eateries: Meals cost around $1 to $3.

  • Casual dining: Expect $5 to $10 per meal in mid-range restaurants.

  • Western or upscale dining: Meals in tourist areas can cost $10 to $20.

  For 2 weeks, budget between $100 and $300 for food, depending on your dining preferences.

• Activities:

  • Island-hopping tours and snorkeling trips cost around $25 to $40 per person, per day.

  For a 2-week stay, set aside $300 to $500 for activities.

If you're on a real tight budget and you're feeling adventurous camping is allowed in and around Palawan. There are specific rules and regulations in place, however, to protect the environment and ensure the safety of visitors. Links provided below for your reference:

• Palawan Tourism Council: https://palawantourismcouncil.com/

• Department of Tourism: https://beta.tourism.gov.ph/

• National Parks of the Philippines: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_national_parks_of_the_Philippines

Final Thoughts

Palawan is a tropical paradise that promises an unforgettable vacation filled with stunning natural beauty, exciting outdoor activities, and opportunities to relax. Whether you're an adventurer seeking hidden lagoons and coral reefs or a traveler looking to soak in the beauty of pristine beaches, Palawan has it all.

With careful planning, budgeting, and the right amount of time off, you can experience the best of Palawan over a 2-week vacation. Just make sure to book your flights early, pack plenty of sunscreen, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!

Ticket costs vary depending on the season and when you buy them. Click on the image for quotes from NYC. Image by Jan Vašek

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park features the longest underground river in the world, stretching for over 8.2 miles (13.2 km)

Twin Lagoon in Coron