Palawan is the Philippines\’ most spectacular island province — dramatic limestone karsts, electric-blue lagoons, and some of Asia\’s best island-hopping. It\’s consistently rated among the world\’s top islands and is the reason many travelers fly into Manila in the first place. Getting there is straightforward: a direct 1-hour flight from Manila to either Puerto Princesa or Busuanga (for Coron). Here\’s the full guide to both gateways.
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El Nido vs Coron: Which Part of Palawan?
Palawan has two main tourist areas, each with a distinct character and different airports:
| El Nido | Coron | |
|---|---|---|
| Airport | El Nido Airport (ENI) or Puerto Princesa (PPS) + van | Busuanga Airport (USU) |
| Known for | Limestone karsts, hidden lagoons, Big Lagoon | Shipwreck diving, Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon |
| Island hopping | 4 tour routes (A, B, C, D) | Coron Island tour circuits |
| Vibe | Backpacker + mid-range, more developed | Quieter, diving focus |
| Best for | First-time Palawan visitors, non-divers | Divers, couples, fewer crowds |
Getting to El Nido from Manila
Option A: Fly Manila → El Nido Airport (ENI) — Fastest
Air Swift operates direct flights from Manila (T4) to El Nido Airport (ENI) — approximately 1 hour 10 minutes. This is the most convenient option, landing you directly in El Nido town. Fares from ~PHP 3,500–6,000 (~$60–105 USD) one way. Air Swift is the only carrier on this route — book well ahead, especially December–April.
Option B: Fly Manila → Puerto Princesa (PPS) + Van
Fly from Manila to Puerto Princesa on Cebu Pacific, AirAsia, or Philippine Airlines (~1 hour, from ~PHP 1,200–3,500 / $20–60 USD), then take a shared van north to El Nido (~5–6 hours, ~PHP 700–900 / $12–16 USD). This is cheaper total but takes much longer. Puerto Princesa itself is worth a night for the Underground River day trip.
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Getting to Coron from Manila
Fly from Manila to Busuanga Airport (USU) — approximately 1 hour. Cebu Pacific, AirAsia, and Philippine Airlines all serve this route. Fares from ~PHP 1,500–4,000 (~$26–70 USD). From Busuanga Airport, a van and boat transfer to Coron town takes approximately 1 hour and costs around PHP 250–350 (~$4–6 USD).
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What to Do: El Nido Island Hopping
El Nido\’s island hopping is organized into four tour routes — A, B, C, and D — each visiting different lagoons, beaches, and snorkeling spots. Tour A (Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island) is the most popular and best for first-timers. Tours run daily from El Nido town, ~PHP 1,200–1,500 per person for a shared boat including lunch and snorkeling gear.
- Tour A: Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon — most dramatic scenery
- Tour B: Snake Island, Cudugnon Cave, Cathedral Cave — more secluded
- Tour C: Hidden Beach, Secret Beach, Matinloc Shrine — furthest, least crowded
- Tour D: Cadlao Lagoon, Paradise Beach — closest to town
What to Do: Coron Highlights
- Kayangan Lake: Stunning freshwater lake inside limestone cliffs — the most photographed spot in the Philippines
- Twin Lagoon: Two connected lagoons, swim through a low passage between them
- Shipwreck diving: 12 Japanese WWII shipwrecks — one of Asia\’s best wreck diving destinations
- Coron Island: Sacred Tagbanua tribal land — day trips only, no accommodation
Where to Stay
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Practical Tips
- Book accommodation well ahead December–April — El Nido especially fills fast
- Environmental fees: PHP 200 (~$3.50 USD) eco-tourism fee in El Nido, collected before island hopping
- Cash: Bring enough PHP from Manila — ATMs in El Nido are limited and run out in peak season
- Best months: November–May (dry season). June–October is typhoon season — island hopping often cancelled
- El Nido to Coron: Ferry connects the two (~4 hours, ~PHP 2,200) — possible to combine both in one trip
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