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Palawan — The Philippines' Last Frontier
Palawan is a long, narrow island province in the western Philippines that stretches between the South China Sea and the Sulu Sea. Often called the "Last Frontier" due to its relatively untouched ecosystems and low population density, Palawan is a dream destination for nature lovers, divers, and adventure seekers. For Malaysian travellers, Palawan represents one of the most accessible world-class tropical destinations — flights from Kuala Lumpur to Manila take just 3.5 hours, with connecting flights to Palawan's key airports adding only 1–1.5 hours more. The island province encompasses over 1,700 islands and islets, each offering unique landscapes ranging from towering limestone karsts to coral-rich marine sanctuaries. Whether you seek the famous lagoons of El Nido, the world-renowned wreck diving of Coron, or the underground river systems of Puerto Princesa, Palawan delivers experiences that linger in memory long after you return home.
Best Areas to Stay in Palawan
Palawan has three main tourist hubs, each offering a distinct experience:
El Nido is Palawan's most famous destination, known for its dramatic limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, and island-hopping tours. It attracts backpackers, couples, and luxury travellers alike. Budget beachfront huts start from RM 60 per night, mid-range resorts cost RM 150–400, and ultra-luxury island resorts such as those on Miniloc and Pangulasian islands can exceed RM 2,000 per night. El Nido town itself has a laid-back, bohemian atmosphere with plenty of restaurants and bars.
Coron is a top destination for divers and snorkellers, famous for its Japanese shipwreck dive sites from World War II, crystal-clear Kayangan Lake, and hot springs. Accommodation ranges from RM 50 for basic rooms to RM 500 for waterfront resorts. Coron town is smaller and less developed than El Nido, offering a more rustic experience.
Puerto Princesa is Palawan's capital and the usual gateway for travellers arriving by air. It is the base for visiting the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hotels here are generally the most affordable in Palawan, from RM 40 for budget options to RM 300 for upscale hotels. The city also has the best dining and nightlife options in the province.
For more Philippine destinations to combine with your Palawan trip, explore Cauayan City or Tuguegarao.
Palawan Hotel Prices for Malaysian Travellers
Palawan accommodation varies significantly depending on location and type. Here is a comprehensive price guide in Malaysian Ringgit:
Budget Accommodation: RM 40 – RM 120 per night. Fan-cooled rooms, beachfront nipa huts, backpacker hostels, and basic guesthouses. Most common in Puerto Princesa and Coron town.
Mid-Range Hotels and Resorts: RM 120 – RM 400 per night. Air-conditioned rooms with hot showers, swimming pools, restaurant, and beachfront locations. Available across all three main areas, with good selection in El Nido.
Luxury and Boutique Resorts: RM 400 – RM 2,500+ per night. Private island resorts, overwater villas, eco-luxury lodges, and full-board properties with diving and island-hopping included. El Nido's private island resorts are among the most exclusive in Southeast Asia.
Peak season (December–May) commands higher prices, especially around Christmas, New Year, and Chinese New Year. Booking well in advance on Traveloka during these periods is essential. Low-season (June–November) offers significant discounts, often 30–50% off peak rates.
Best Time to Visit Palawan
Palawan's weather follows the general Philippine pattern but is moderated by its geography:
Dry Season (November – May): The best time to visit, with sunny skies, calm seas perfect for island-hopping and diving, and minimal rainfall. December to February sees the most pleasant temperatures (26–30°C). March to May is hotter but still excellent for water activities.
Wet Season (June – October): Afternoon rains are common, and seas can be rougher, occasionally affecting boat tours and island-hopping schedules. However, Palawan receives less rainfall than many other Philippine provinces. Hotels offer significant discounts during this period, making it attractive for budget-conscious Malaysian travellers willing to accept some weather variability.
The shoulder months of November and May often offer the best balance of good weather and reasonable prices.
Getting to Palawan from Malaysia
Via Manila: Fly from Kuala Lumpur to Manila (3.5 hours), then catch a connecting domestic flight to Puerto Princesa (1.5 hours) or El Nido (1.5 hours via small aircraft). Return fares from KL to Manila range from RM 350–800, and Manila to Puerto Princesa domestic flights cost RM 50–200.
Via Clark/Cebu: Some budget airlines offer alternative routing through Clark or Cebu with onward connections to Palawan, sometimes at lower fares.
El Nido Airport: A small airport near El Nido handles limited flights from Manila on smaller aircraft. Landing here saves the 5–6 hour overland journey from Puerto Princesa to El Nido.
Puerto Princesa to El Nido: Overland vans depart regularly and cost RM 20–30, taking 5–6 hours. Private transfers cost RM 150–250 and can be arranged through your hotel or Traveloka.
Getting Around Palawan: Tricycles are the local transport in towns (RM 1–3 per ride). Boat tours for island-hopping are typically arranged through tour operators or your hotel. Motorbike rental is available in El Nido and Coron for RM 20–40 per day.
Top Attractions and Things to Do
El Nido Island-Hopping Tours are the highlight of any Palawan trip. Four standard tours (A, B, C, and D) take you to different combinations of lagoons, beaches, and snorkelling sites. Each tour costs approximately RM 40–60 including lunch. Tour A, which covers the Big and Small Lagoons, is the most popular.
Puerto Princesa Underground River is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. A guided boat ride through the 8.2-kilometre cave system costs approximately RM 50–80 including transport from Puerto Princesa. Advance booking is required as daily visitor numbers are limited.
Coron Island-Hopping includes visits to Kayangan Lake (often called the cleanest lake in the Philippines), Twin Lagoon, Barracuda Lake, and Japanese shipwreck snorkelling sites. Tours cost RM 30–50 per person including lunch.
Nacpan Beach is a 4-kilometre stretch of golden sand about 45 minutes north of El Nido. It is less crowded than the town beach and perfect for a relaxed beach day. Entry costs approximately RM 2.
Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site offering some of the best diving in the world. Accessible only by liveaboard boat from Puerto Princesa (March–June season), dive trips cost RM 3,000–6,000 for multi-day expeditions.
Honda Bay Island-Hopping from Puerto Princesa is a more affordable alternative to El Nido tours, visiting islands like Starfish Island and Cowrie Island. Tours cost RM 30–50 per person.
For more destinations in the Philippines, check out accommodation in Bagabag or Santiago City.
Palawan Food Guide
Palawan's food scene reflects its coastal setting and multicultural influences:
Fresh Seafood: Grilled fish, prawns, squid, and lobster are available at beachfront restaurants across Palawan. A seafood platter for two costs RM 30–60 in El Nido and even less in Puerto Princesa and Coron.
Filipino Classics: Adobo, Sinigang, Kare-Kare, and Pancit are available at local eateries (carinderias) for RM 5–15 per meal. These simple restaurants offer the most authentic Filipino dining experience.
Crocodile Sisig: A unique Palawan speciality — sisig made from crocodile meat, available at select restaurants in Puerto Princesa. It is a must-try for adventurous eaters, costing about RM 10–15.
Halal Options: Halal food is available but more limited outside Puerto Princesa. Puerto Princesa has several Muslim-owned restaurants. In El Nido and Coron, seafood is the safest bet for Muslim travellers, and some restaurants accommodate halal requests upon enquiry.
Beach BBQs: Many island-hopping tours include a freshly grilled seafood lunch on the beach, which is one of the quintessential Palawan dining experiences.
Palawan Booking Tips
Book Months Ahead for Peak Season: El Nido and Coron properties — especially those with beachfront locations — sell out quickly for December–March. Booking 2–3 months in advance on Traveloka is advisable.
Consider a Multi-Stop Itinerary: A popular route for Malaysian travellers is Puerto Princesa (2 nights) > El Nido (3 nights) > Coron (2 nights). This covers Palawan's three main highlights. Book inter-city transfers and island-hopping tours alongside your hotel on Traveloka.
Budget for Tours Separately: Many Palawan hotels do not include tours in the room rate. Budget approximately RM 40–80 per day for island-hopping tours, underground river visits, and other excursions.
Bring Cash: ATMs are limited outside Puerto Princesa, and many El Nido and Coron establishments are cash-only. Bring sufficient Ringgit or Peso for your entire stay, or withdraw cash in Puerto Princesa before heading to other areas.
Pack Reef-Safe Sunscreen: Palawan's marine ecosystems are fragile. Many tour operators now require reef-safe sunscreen to protect coral reefs. Purchase before your trip, as options in Palawan can be limited and expensive.
Read Traveloka Reviews Carefully: Palawan accommodation quality varies widely, especially in El Nido where rapid tourism growth has outpaced infrastructure. Guest reviews on Traveloka help you identify properties with reliable water supply, Wi-Fi, and air-conditioning.
