Palawan, Philippines Travel Guide
Palawan Travel Guide: My Honest Thoughts on Coron & El Nido
Palawan had been on my bucket list for years, and I finally got to experience the dreamy blue waters and island-hopping adventures that make this place so iconic. I split my time between Coron and El Nido, two of the most popular destinations, and had very different experiences in both. If you're planning a trip and debating between the two, here’s my full breakdown of what I loved, what I didn’t, and some must-know travel tips to make the most of your trip.
Coron vs. El Nido: Which One is for You?
Coron
✅ Pros:
Nicer ocean water & healthier reefs (ideal for snorkeling & diving)
Less crowded and more peaceful
Great for underwater adventures (shipwreck diving & snorkeling)
❌ Cons:
Less developed; the town itself is a bit rough around the edges
Dirtier on the island.
No real beach to swim in, everything is about the boat excursions
Not as scenic above water compared to El Nido
El Nido
✅ Pros:
More scenic and beautiful topography (those iconic limestone cliffs!)
More developed with plenty to do in town
Swimmable beaches and stunning beach towns just 10-20 min away
Tons of good food options
❌ Cons:
More crowded and touristy, though I honestly didn’t mind
The reefs are more damaged from overtourism, which is a little sad to see
Island Hopping: The Main Event
Palawan isn’t really about staying on the main islands—you spend most of your time on the water doing island-hopping excursions. The tours are broken down into Tour A, B, C, and D, and while the group tours are affordable and fun, the private tours were absolutely worth the splurge (especially for content creators). The best part? If you’re cool and friendly with your boat crew, they often take you to extra spots not officially included in the itinerary. 😉
Coron Island Hopping: What to Expect
We did Tour A (group) and Tour C (private)—here’s my breakdown of each:
Tour A (Coron Island Highlights ✅ - Most Popular)
Destinations:
Twin Lagoon ✅: Stunning but so crowded. Truly an Instagram versus reality moment. If you can, visit privately for a better experience. We came back on a private tour on a second day and it was nearly empty while everyone was gone.
Kayangan Lake: Known as the cleanest lake in the Philippines, with dramatic limestone cliffs and crystal-clear waters. The view from the top is great, but expect a short hike up. Honestly, not a highlight for me. I’ll be honest…I was a little underwhelmed. But maybe we’ve been spoiled with epic views.
Siete Pecados Marine Park ✅: One of the best snorkeling spots, featuring vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life. A personal favorite for underwater exploration!
Coral Garden Snorkeling ✅**:** Loved this! Clear waters, healthy reefs—best snorkeling that we did in the Philippines was here.
Pros:
Covers Coron’s most iconic attractions.
Ideal for first-time visitors.
Great mix of snorkeling and scenic beauty.
Cons:
Popular tour, so expect crowds.
Minor hiking required at Kayangan Lake.
Tour B: Reef and Wreck Adventure ✅
Destinations:
Barracuda Lake ✅: A mesmerizing lake with unique thermoclines where warm and cool waters meet. One of the most surreal snorkeling and diving spots!
Skeleton Wreck ✅: This WWII-era shipwreck sits in shallow waters, making it easy to explore. We requested this on our private tour, and if you’re a free diver, it’s cool to see. But for a full experience, I’d recommend scuba diving instead.
Lusong Coral Garden ✅: A reef teeming with colorful corals and fish. Snorkeling here feels like swimming in an aquarium!
Lusong Gunboat Wreck ✅: A well-preserved World War II shipwreck covered in coral and marine life, ideal for snorkeling.
Pros:
Unique mix of reefs and shipwrecks.
Amazing snorkeling and diving opportunities.
Cons:
Less scenic above water compared to Tour A.
Not ideal for those who don’t snorkel.
Best For:
Snorkelers, divers, and history buffs.
Tour C: Island Escapade
Destinations:
Ditaytayan Island: Not originally included in the tour, but our guide took us since it was empty. Absolutely stunning sandbank!
Malcapuya Island: A dreamy white-sand beach with clear waters, perfect for lounging and swimming. We did some snorkeling here though it was not the best snorkeling spot.
Bulog Dos Sandbar: A picturesque sandbar that connects to another small islet. Perfect spot for a chill lunch break.
Pros:
A relaxing, beach-focused itinerary.
Great for swimming and unwinding.
Cons:
Longer boat travel times.
Minimal snorkeling compared to other tours.
Best For:
Beach lovers and those seeking relaxation.
Tour D: Culion and Remote Islands
We didn’t do anything on Tour D so hard to recommend. Tour D is not near any of the other spots so we weren’t able to combine it. But here’s a synapsis.
Destinations:
Culion Island: A historic island with a former leper colony, featuring a museum and old Spanish architecture.
Pass Island: A quiet beach with powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters. This was recommended by many of the tour guides both for the beach and for snorkeling. Maybe consider making a part of the private tour.
East Tangat Wreck: A shallow WWII shipwreck great for snorkeling.
Pros:
Combines history and scenic beaches.
Less crowded than other tours.
Cons:
Less iconic compared to Tour A.
May not appeal to those solely seeking natural beauty.
Best For:
History buffs and travelers looking for off-the-beaten-path experiences.
El Nido Island Hopping: What to Expect
We did Tour A and Tour C, both incredible but different in their own way.
Tour A: Lagoons & Beaches
(The Classic Must-Do Tour – Best for First-Time Visitors! ✅ We Did This!)
Destinations:
Big Lagoon – Stunning emerald waters surrounded by limestone cliffs. Rent a kayak for a closer look. We did this on a private tour and got to also see Small Lagoon. Cool to kayak through, but they felt kind of similar. Still beautiful though!
Secret Lagoon – You swim through a little cave opening to enter a hidden cove. We got lucky and had it to ourselves—definitely a highlight!
Shimizu Island – This was supposed to be a top snorkeling spot with vibrant coral reefs. We found it underwhelming compared to the snorkeling in Co
7 Commandos Beach – A white-sand beach with coconut trees and a chill vibe.
Payong-Payong Beach (sometimes included) – A secluded spot perfect for swimming. It depends on the tide if you can visit. We weren’t able to see it due to conditions.
Pros:
✅ Features some of El Nido’s most iconic spots.
✅ Great mix of adventure (kayaking, snorkeling) and relaxing beaches.
✅ Big Lagoon is breathtaking!
Cons:
❌ One of the most crowded tours.
❌ Kayak rental at Big Lagoon is an extra cost.
Best For:
🌟 First-time visitors to El Nido.
🌟 Travelers who want a mix of adventure and relaxation.
Tour B: Caves & Coves
(The Hidden Gem Tour – Less Crowded!) We did not do this one so we can’t give you our personal recs but here is a breakdown of the tour and destinations. We were recommended to do this tour by our private tour guide but didn’t make it work. We also don’t really care for caves so we decided to skip it.
Destinations:
Snake Island – A unique S-shaped sandbar that appears during low tide.
Cudugnon Cave – A cave used by ancient locals for shelter. You can explore inside!
Cathedral Cave – A limestone cave with towering rock formations (best viewed from the boat).
Pinagbuyutan Island – A stunning island with dramatic limestone cliffs.
Entalula Beach – A white-sand beach with clear water, perfect for relaxing.
Pros:
✅ Fewer tourists compared to Tour A.
✅ Great for travelers who love unique rock formations and caves.
✅ Snake Island’s sandbar is a one-of-a-kind experience!
Cons:
❌ Less snorkeling compared to other tours.
❌ Some spots are only accessible at the right tide conditions.
Best For:
🌟 Travelers who prefer fewer crowds.
🌟 Those interested in caves and rock formations.
Tour C: Hidden Beaches & Shrines
(Best for Snorkeling & Exploring Hidden Gems! ✅ We Did Many of these spots in our private tour and did the public tour of it but not all!)
Destinations:
Helicopter Island – Named for its shape, this island has good snorkeling. If you’re lucky you’ll get a sweet dog that comes to say hi.
Secret Beach – A hidden white-sand beach you swim through a small rock opening to access. We didn’t get to do this so we did Cadlao Lagoon instead. While it was one of my favorite spots we did it the day before on a private tour. The underwater life is dead from tourism, but the scenery is breathtaking. Highly recommend renting a kayak here!
Matinloc Shrine – A historic site with supposedly amazing panoramic views. I actually don’t remember it on our tour so that’s the best opinion I can give about it.
Hidden Beach – A secluded, picturesque beach surrounded by limestone cliffs. This was truly beautiful to visit but it is crowded. Only accessible via Kayak or Swimming but its beautiful. No snorkeling here.
Pros:
✅ More snorkeling spots!
✅ Secret Beach is a fun adventure to access if the tides are in your favor.
✅ Matinloc Shrine offers stunning views.
Cons:
❌ Some swimming required to access Secret Beach and Hidden Beach.
❌ Can get wavy in certain seasons.
Best For:
🌟 Snorkelers and adventure seekers.
🌟 Travelers who love hidden beaches and unique landscapes.
Tour D: Beaches & Lagoons
(The Off-the-Beaten-Path Tour!). We did Small Lagoon and Cadlao Lagoon from a private tour and liked them both for kayaking.
Destinations:
Small Lagoon – Similar to Big Lagoon, but less crowded. Kayaking is an option here too!
Cadlao Lagoon – A gorgeous turquoise lagoon surrounded by cliffs.
Paradise Beach – A quiet, white-sand beach with palm trees.
Pasandigan Beach – A lesser-known, relaxing beach.
Bukal Island – A beautiful, remote snorkeling spot.
Pros:
✅ The least crowded of all tours.
✅ Perfect for those who want a chill, relaxing day.
✅ Small Lagoon is beautiful and peaceful.
Cons:
❌ Fewer iconic "must-see" spots compared to Tour A or C.
❌ Less dramatic scenery than other tours.
Best For:
🌟 Travelers who prefer a more relaxed, peaceful experience.
🌟 Those looking to avoid tourist crowds.
Things to do in Coron Town (Outside of Tours)
Garet got sick from the ice here so we didn’t do much besides the tours for lack of time. The one place we can absolutely recommend though is Sunburn Rooftop Lounge for cocktails and sunset views. They had great drinks, even better music and sunsets. You have to walk the flight of stairs to the top but it’s so worth it. We spent every night here.
A Word of Caution: Garet did get sick from the frozen margaritas here that took him out for 24 hours and a hospital visit in Coron. I had the frozen drinks and was totally fine. So I’d say have the frozen drinks at your own risk.
Maquinit Hot Springs - While we didn’t make it here we had friends that loved it for a couple hours of soaking. Perfect for a chilled-out late afternoon or evening activity.
Best Beaches in El Nido (Outside of Tours)
El Nido Town Beach: Not the best for swimming, but lots of restaurants and bars to hang out at. You can still lounge and swim in the water if you want though!
Vanilla Beach: A short tricycle or scooter ride away. We stayed for sunset, had cocktails on the sand, and it was such a vibe. Definitely recommend a beach day, sunset and dinner here on a day you take a break from the tours.
El Nido to Coron Expedition
The El Nido to Coron Expedition is a multi-day island-hopping adventure in the Philippines, connecting the two stunning destinations of El Nido (Palawan) and Coron (Busuanga Island) through the Linapacan Islands, which are known for having some of the clearest waters in the world.
What to Expect on the Expedition:
Duration: Usually 3 to 5 days, depending on the tour operator.
Route: Travels through remote islands between El Nido and Coron, including Linapacan, Tao Expedition basecamps, and hidden beaches.
Accommodation: Beach camping or staying in small huts on secluded islands.
Activities:
Snorkeling in crystal-clear waters
Swimming with vibrant marine life
Visiting untouched white-sand beaches
Exploring hidden lagoons, caves, and sandbars
Interacting with local fishing communities
Food: Freshly cooked seafood, tropical fruits, and traditional Filipino meals prepared by the boat crew.
Types of Expeditions:
Basic Backpacker Expeditions – More rugged, simple accommodations, and a focus on adventure.
Luxury or Boutique Expeditions – More comfortable accommodations with better amenities.
Custom Private Expeditions – Personalized tours with a flexible itinerary.
Popular Expedition Companies:
Tao Philippines (one of the pioneers of remote island expeditions)
Big Dream Boat Man
El Nido Paradise
Island Hopping in the Philippines
Travel Tips & Must-Knows
✔️ DO NOT drink the tap water or ice. Even if they say it’s purified, don’t risk it. Garet and I drank the same frozen margarita—I was fine, he ended up in a Coron hospital. Trust me, you do not want to go to a Coron hospital. Stick to bottled water.
✔️ Bring your own snorkel gear. You have to pay extra for snorkel equipment and honestly you’ll have a much nicer experience with your own gear. Plus you can hop out and swim and snorkel anywhere even if it’s not a “designated” snorkel spot.
✔️ Book domestic flights early. The small planes fill up fast, and we barely got our flights even booking a month out.
✔️ Consider the Expedition between El Nido and Coron. If you have the time to fit this in, I’ve heard amazing things about it, but we didn’t get to experience it ourselves.
✔️ Take Dramamine for the ferry. The ride between Coron & El Nido can be brutal if the waves are strong. I knocked out, but Garet said the bathroom line was long with seasick passengers.
✔️ Private tours are worth the money. If you want a peaceful experience and the flexibility to choose your own spots and stay or go as you’d like, it’s unbeatable. But if you’re on a budget, group tours still get the job done and are fun and lively. You’ll have a great time no matter which you do but the private tours are definitely more memorable for us.
✔️ Book excursions in person. You’ll get the best deals by messaging tour operators on WhatsApp when you arrive. If you prefer booking ahead, Klook usually has the best online pricing.
Final Thoughts: Would I Go Back?
If I had to pick between Coron and El Nido? El Nido wins for me. While Coron has unbeatable snorkeling and clear waters, I just loved the landscapes, beaches, and food scene in El Nido more. I could definitely see myself going back to El Nido, but I’d only return to Coron if I wanted to scuba dive the shipwrecks.
If you’ve been to Palawan, what were your thoughts? Would you splurge on a private tour, or stick with the group experience? Let me know! 👇🏽