Consistently ranked among the world’s most beautiful islands, Palawan is a Philippine paradise of dramatic limestone karsts, hidden lagoons, crystal waters and pristine nature. For those seeking breathtaking scenery, it is a bucket-list destination. This guide covers how to get to Palawan from Singapore and what to do.
The wonder of Palawan
Palawan is a Philippine province renowned for its extraordinary natural beauty: towering limestone karsts rising from turquoise waters, hidden lagoons, secret beaches, rich marine life and pristine, unspoiled landscapes. Areas like El Nido and Coron are famed for some of the most spectacular island-hopping and scenery on earth, and Palawan regularly tops lists of the world’s best islands. It appeals to those seeking breathtaking nature, island-hopping, diving and a more remote, unspoiled experience. For travellers chasing jaw-dropping scenery and pristine tropical beauty, Palawan is a genuine natural wonder and a bucket-list paradise.
Getting there
Palawan is reached from Singapore by flying to a gateway and then onward transport to areas like El Nido or Coron, so the journey involves a flight plus further travel, and reaching the more remote areas takes time. Because of this, Palawan suits a well-planned trip rather than a quick getaway, and it is worth allowing enough days to justify the journey. Once in the destination areas, island-hopping is by boat. Planning your route, internal transfers and enough time is important. The journey requires effort, but Palawan’s unparalleled scenery makes it thoroughly worthwhile for those seeking natural beauty.
Things to do
| Attraction | What to expect |
|---|---|
| El Nido | Stunning lagoons and island-hopping |
| Coron | Lagoons, wrecks and diving |
| Island-hopping | Boat tours to spectacular spots |
| Underground river | A famous natural wonder |
| Beaches and lagoons | Pristine, breathtaking scenery |
Palawan’s attractions are overwhelmingly natural. El Nido is famed for its breathtaking lagoons, limestone cliffs and island-hopping tours to hidden beaches and coves. Coron offers stunning lagoons, excellent diving including wrecks, and dramatic scenery. Island-hopping by boat is the quintessential Palawan experience, revealing spectacular spots. The famous underground river is a natural wonder in another part of the province. Everywhere, pristine beaches, lagoons and clear waters await. This concentration of extraordinary natural beauty makes Palawan a paradise for nature lovers and island-hoppers.
El Nido and Coron
The two star areas of Palawan are El Nido and Coron, each a highlight. El Nido is celebrated for its island-hopping tours through a stunning archipelago of limestone islands, hidden lagoons and secret beaches, offering some of the most beautiful scenery imaginable. Coron is renowned for its dramatic lagoons, clear lakes, and world-class diving, including famous wrecks. Many travellers visit one or both, with island-hopping tours the essential activity in each. These areas embody Palawan’s spectacular beauty, and experiencing their lagoons, islands and waters is the heart of any trip to this natural wonder.
Where to stay
Palawan offers accommodation from budget guesthouses to resorts, concentrated in areas like El Nido and Coron town and their surroundings, with some remote luxury options. Staying in or near the main town areas puts you close to island-hopping departures, dining and amenities, while more remote stays offer seclusion. The more remote, unspoiled nature of Palawan means options range from simple to comfortable. Choosing your base depends on which areas you want to explore and your preference for convenience versus seclusion. Given the journey, many travellers base in El Nido or Coron and focus their island-hopping from there.
Tips for your trip
- Allow enough days, given the journey to reach Palawan.
- Prioritise island-hopping, the essential experience.
- Choose El Nido, Coron, or both, based on your interests.
- Plan internal transfers, as areas are spread out.
- Bring reef-safe sun protection, for the water activities.
- Check current travel requirements before you go.
Allowing enough time and prioritising island-hopping in El Nido and Coron lets you experience the best of Palawan’s spectacular scenery.
The takeaway
Palawan offers Singapore travellers a bucket-list Philippine paradise of extraordinary natural beauty, with dramatic limestone karsts, hidden lagoons, crystal waters and pristine landscapes, headlined by the stunning island-hopping of El Nido and Coron. Ideal for those seeking breathtaking scenery, island-hopping and diving in an unspoiled setting, it consistently ranks among the world’s most beautiful islands. Reached by flight and onward transfers, allow enough days, prioritise island-hopping, and choose El Nido, Coron or both. For jaw-dropping tropical beauty and unforgettable island scenery, Palawan is a genuine natural wonder well worth the journey.
When to go and practical money matters
Palawan has a tropical climate with a drier season and a wetter, more unpredictable season, so timing your trip matters more here than for many destinations. Island-hopping depends heavily on sea conditions, and boat tours can be cancelled at short notice when the weather turns rough, which is a real risk during the rainier months. If your heart is set on calm lagoons and reliable daily boat trips, aim for the drier stretch of the year, and build in a spare day or two so a single cancelled tour does not derail your whole itinerary. Because sea conditions change quickly, always take the boat operators’ safety calls seriously rather than pushing to go out.
Money is the other practical point Singapore travellers often overlook. Palawan runs largely on cash, especially in the smaller island areas, and card acceptance and ATMs can be limited or occasionally out of service once you leave the main towns. It is sensible to carry enough Philippine pesos for tours, meals, tips and small purchases, and to change or withdraw money before heading to more remote spots. A few further pointers:
- Carry small notes, as market stalls, tricycle rides and boat crews rarely have change for large bills.
- Set aside cash for environmental and terminal fees, which some areas and tours collect separately.
- Expect patchy mobile signal and Wi-Fi, so download maps and confirm bookings while you still have a stable connection.
- Buy travel insurance that covers water activities and boat travel, given how central island-hopping is here.
Common mistakes to avoid
Many first-time visitors treat Palawan like a single compact destination, but El Nido, Coron and the underground river area are spread out and connected by flights, ferries or long road transfers, not quick hops. Trying to squeeze all of them into a short trip usually means spending precious days in transit instead of on the water. Pick one or two bases, and let the internal transfers, rather than wishful thinking, shape your plan. Underestimating travel time between areas is the single most common way a Palawan itinerary comes unstuck.
Other avoidable slip-ups include arriving without enough cash, packing the wrong sun protection, and leaving no buffer for weather. Ordinary sunscreen can be discouraged or restricted around sensitive marine areas, so choose reef-safe options and bring a rash guard and hat for long days under strong sun. Above all, do not over-schedule: part of Palawan’s appeal is its unhurried, remote character, and a packed timetable fights against it. As always with international travel, check current entry, health and travel requirements with official sources such as ICA and the relevant Philippine authorities before you fly, since these can change.
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