Palawan Island has become something of a celebrity in recent years. With their outstanding boat tours, crystal clear turquoise oceans, green natured islands, Palawan tourism has boomed. So it comes as no surprise, as being voted one of the best islands to visit in south-east Asia. Palawan is visited by travellers from all over the world. It’s beautiful resorts, hotels and hostels attracts families, couple, friends, and solo travellers. Palawan is a pretty big island, So chances are, you will probably make a few stops whilst visiting. So I have included popular spots, you will no doubt, find yourself in. Here is your guide to backpacking one of the most beautiful islands in the world.
How to get to Palawan, the Philippines?
One of the easiest ways to get to Palawan island is by air. I flew straight to Puerto Princesa International Airport from Boracay airport. There are also other smaller airports within Palawan island, that you can take domestic flights too. If you are backpacking, you will most likely take buses and vans, to get to the parts of Palawan you want to visit.
Depending on your starting point, you may want to travel by ferry. Palawan was my last island before leaving the Philippines so I travelled to Puerto Princesa – El Nido – Coron – Manila. And I took the night ferry from Coron to Manila.
If you are starting in Manila, you may want to get the night ferry from Manila to Coron, and then go to El Nido in Palawan. If so, you can read my full guide on the night ferry between Manila – Coron
El Nido, Palawan, the Philippines
Ahhhh, El Nido. Beautiful beaches, boat parties, fresh mango and Tanduay rum. I was living my dream life. The normal thing to say is, I didn’t even realise it. But the truth is I did realise it, I knew I was living my dream and I’m so grateful to my younger self for really taking it all in and appreciating every moment. I cannot wait for you to do the same. This picture was taken on a boat trip that I will never forget. I met some amazing people that I am still very close with and count as my friends for life! So if you’re worried about meeting people, Take this as your sign you will be absolutely fine!!
Getting to El Nido, Palawan, the Philippines
Puerto Princesa Airport to El Nido, Palawan, by shuttle van
A popular way to travel to El Nido is by bus or van. You can get a shuttle van straight from Puerto Princesa airport to El Nido, and it will approximately take you between 5-6 hours. And cost of around 600–700 PHP. These shuttle vans are very frequent and start running from around 5AM-7PM. You can pre book your tickets online if you want to leave at a specific time. I was in no rush to get to El Nido as I was on a long term trip, so I just approached the vans and managed to jump in one. I don’t always recommend this, you don’t want to be stuck at the airport with no way of getting to your destination. I recommend using a website called Bookaway, as it has all the van companies and is the best I’ve found on price.
Puerto Princesa Airport to El Nido, Palawan, by Public Bus
Alternatively, you can travel by bus – which is the cheapest option. There are only two buses to choose from, either cherry or Roro. Both buses leave from San Jose bus terminal, which is around 5km from the airport, and costs around 120PHP to get there by tricycle.
Buses from San Jose terminal to El Nido are frequent, and they usually take 7-9 hours. The bus will stop half way for toilet breaks, and refreshments too. You can buy your ticket at the bus station. Once you arrive in El Nido, you will be dropped off at Corong Corong bus station, and from there you will have to get a tricycle into the small town of El Nido. There will be plenty of tricycles there waiting to take people.
Best hostels in El Nido, Palawan, the Philippines
There are so many places to choose from in El Nido, so you won’t be stuck for choice. A lot of hostels are right there on the beach, so you can enjoy gorgeous sunsets right where you are staying on a budget! I never had a bad experience whilst backpacking the Philippines when it came to hostels, you always end up meeting so many people and getting good recommendations too. So here are a few I stayed in myself, socialised in, and met amazing people.
Dormitels PH
Dormitels.PH is an excellent choice for budget backpackers that want to cut down costs but don’t want to cut down a good comfortable stay. Dormitels.PH have a couple of hostels dotted around the Philippines, and I stayed in their one in El Nido. The dorm rooms are simple and comfortable, and they also offer private rooms. It’s located right on the beach with the most stunning views, with restaurants and shops nearby.
Outpost Beach Hostel
Outpost hostel is one of the most popular places to stay in El Nido. Located in Corong Corong and a medium price to pay for a dorm bed, you will get the best views the area can offer and the best vibe! Very lively and always something to do! It’s also just a good place to hang out, meet people and socialise.
Big Paul's
Big Paul Hostel is located right in Corong Corong and a few hundred metres from the beach. They are great for budget backpackers too and offer a free breakfast! They also do free rum and coke for a certain time, which gets everyone together and socialising. I used to hang on here and get the karaoke on!
Spin Designer hostel
Spin designer hostel is located right in town, so easy to walk to all of the shops and restaurants. It is new with modern design, and they offer free Wi-Fi and breakfast, and have private rooms and dorms. They have open common spaces, so very good for meeting other travellers! Highly recommended if you like to be near everything, enjoy a modern accommodation and like to socialise with other travellers!
Bamboo Billabong Hostel
Bamboo Billabong is a good hostel on price for budget backpackers! The location is also great and close to town and the beach. They have their own bar and plenty of places to hang out and socialise with others travellers. The dorm rooms offer mosquito nets and fans for travellers.
Best things to do in El Nido, Palawan
With Palawan being one of the most visited Islands in the Philippines you won’t be short of something to do. I had the time of my life, met amazing people, watched stunning sunsets and amazing food. And I’m so excited for you, Because I know no matter what you do, you are going to have the time of your life too.
Nacpan Beach
Nacpan Beach is absolute paradise, you could easily spend a full day there (well I did anyway) me and my friend rented a scooter and drove there from Corong Corong where we were staying, got our tan on and had fresh coconuts cut up. You won’t be fighting for space, As this gorgeous sandy beach stretches for 4 km surrounded by beautiful coconut palm trees. Nacpan Beach is 1/2 of the famous twin beaches!
Hire scooter and explore
If you’re familiar with my blog posts, You’ll notice I have said this before. But I can’t explain it, There is nothing more exciting than hiring a scooter with a friend you’ve met travelling and going off exploring together. Even just playing that game left or right. Where you basically get to a point in the road where you have to take a left or right, and you take turns deciding what direction to take. I’ve come across some of the nicest restaurants, markets, and interest in spots playing this game.
Boat trip - party boats!
The best thing I done in El Nido was the boat trip! I mean look at that picture, I met stunning people ( who I’m still very good friends with years later), explored the surrounding lagoons, kayaked, and rolled around slightly tipsy on free rum and coke. It’s a full day tour, and you also get lunch and watch the sunset go down before heading back. I booked mine through Ape Tours, and I seriously got lucky – they were such high vibe and the staff were so fun and lively which made the day incredible!
Clear Kayaking
I’m sure you’ve come across those bougie pictures (insert above), with the clear kayak that you can see the beautiful turquoise oceans below you. Yep. You can do that in El Nido! There are so many beaches and lagoons to chose from and explore – you will have a blast! I recommend hiring your clear kayak from El Nido Art cafe, located right in the town centre!
Hike Taraw Cliff
When I was backpacking, I always loved a good hike to a viewpoint. It’s good exercise, stunning scenery, Instagram worthy, and feels like an achievement . With Taraw cliff everyone recommends hiring a guide to get you up there safely and in good time. You can hire a guide for around 500 pesos, so it’s even better if you go with a couple of you to split the cost.
Be aware that it is not just a smooth walk up, there are spiky rocks so wear good shoes! It should take you about 1 hour each way and can be a sweaty hike! Take water and suncream.
After my time in El Nido, Palawan I headed onto Coron, which is where a lot of backpackers head to next on their journey. I got the over night ferry to Manila from Coron. Which I HIGHLY recommend.
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