El Nido on Palawan offers some of the Philippines' prettiest islands: hidden lagoons, snorkeling, kayaking and white-sand beaches. Add Coron's wreck dives and Puerto Princesa's underground river. Visit November to May.
Good to know
- Choose island-hopping Tour A for lagoons or Tour C for hidden beaches; book via your hotel.
- Bring cash; ATMs are few and unreliable.
- Wear reef-safe sunscreen.
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Places the planner can use
Mark places as a must or something to skip. The itinerary is built only from this list; ★ marks the destination’s highlights.
Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon and Secret Lagoon by kayak and boat.
Hidden Beach, Matinloc Shrine and Helicopter Island.
Steep limestone scramble with a sweeping view of the bay.
Beach bars with sunset views and fire dancing.
Grilled fish and local snacks along the beach road.
Clear shallows with fish and coral for beginners.
Learn kinilaw and adobo with local ingredients.
Traditional hilot massage with warm coconut oil, a soothing end to a day of paddling and swimming.
Long sweep of white sand and two beaches joined by a sandbar.
Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon and Japanese WWII wrecks to dive.
UNESCO subterranean river explored by paddle boat.
Small museum on Palawan's history, indigenous cultures and the Tabon Caves, a good rainy-day stop.