Lykkers, picture this: stepping from your villa onto powder-white sand, gazing at limestone cliffs rising from emerald waters. This is Palawan, the Philippines' crown jewel.
Choosing the perfect sanctuary transforms a great trip into pure magic. From budget-friendly beach huts to overwater bungalows, this guide unlocks Palawan’s most enchanting stays. Ready to find your slice of paradise?
El Nido Escapes
Budget Bliss:
Garden Bay Beach Resort offers direct beach access from ₱2,000 ($35 USD) per night. Enjoy simple fan-cooled cottages, an on-site restaurant serving fresh seafood (mains ₱250-₱400 / $4-$7 USD), and free kayaks. Located 10 minutes by tricycle (₱150 / $3 USD) from El Nido Town.
Garden Bay Beach Resort
Mid-Range Magic:
The Nest El Nido Beach Resort (from ₱6,000 / $108 USD) charms with Balinese-style villas steps from Corong-Corong Beach sunset views. Their infinity pool overlooks Bacuit Bay. Includes airport transfers.
The Nest El Nido Beach Resort
Luxury Legends:
El Nido Coco Resort (from ₱11,000 / $195 USD) features private plunge pools nestled in tropical gardens. Book their island-hopping tour (₱1,500 / $27 USD) for hidden lagoons. Ultimate splurge: Vellago Resort (₱25,000 / $450 USD) with glass-floor suites and personal butlers.
Coron's Coastal Gems
Budget Basecamp:
Kokosnuss Garden Resort (₱2,200 / $39 USD) provides cozy native-style huts near Mount Tapyas trailhead. Rent motorbikes (₱500 / $9 USD daily) to explore Maquinit Hot Springs (entry ₱200 / $3.50 USD).
Secluded Splendor:
El Rio y Mar Resort (₱5,200 / $94 USD) delivers beachfront casitas on Ditaytayan Island. Includes free snorkeling gear and kayak rentals. Boat transfers from Coron Port (₱800 / $14 USD) required.
Diver's Delight:
Sangat Island Dive Resort (₱13,500 / $240 USD all-inclusive). Packages cover 3 dives daily, meals, and jungle-view cottages. Ideal for exploring Barracuda Lake.
Puerto Princesa Picks
City Convenience:
Southwind Palawan (₱2,000 / $35 USD) near the airport features a saltwater pool and tour desk for Underground River trips (full day ₱1,800 / $32 USD). Tricycle to city center: ₱50 ($0.90 USD).
Rooftop Retreat:
Panja Palawan Resort (₱3,100 / $55 USD) boasts sunset views from its sky deck and a tropical garden pool. Walk to Baker's Hill for local pastries.
Lakeside Luxury:
Princesa Garden Island Resort (₱6,100 / $109 USD) offers overwater villas and a spa (massages from ₱1,200 / $21 USD). Free shuttle to Honda Bay island-hopping departure point.
Princesa Garden Island Resort
Sabang Serenity
Park Perfection:
Daluyon Beach Resort (₱4,400 / $78 USD) grants early access to the Underground River (UNESCO site, permit ₱500 / $9 USD). Their eco-trail leads to jungle waterfalls.
Pool Paradise:
Sheridan Beach Resort (₱6,500 / $117 USD) features Palawan’s largest freeform pool. Book their zip-lining adventure (₱1,000 / $18 USD) over mangrove forests.
Daluyon Beach Resort
Getting There
By Air: Fly to Puerto Princesa Airport (PPS) from Manila (1h20m, ₱2,500–₱6,000 / $45–$110 USD). Direct flights to El Nido Airport (ENI) or Coron Airport (USU) cost ₱4,000–₱9,000 ($70–$160 USD).
By Sea: Fast ferries connect Coron to El Nido (3.5–4h, ₱1,800 / $32 USD, Montenegro or Atienza Lines). Puerto Princesa to El Nido takes 6h (₱1,500 / $27 USD).
Smart Stay Tips
Book Early: Reserve 4–6 months ahead for peak season (Nov–May). Green season (Jun–Oct) offers 30% discounts.
Payment: Resorts require 30–50% deposit via PayPal or bank transfer. Carry cash (₱) for remote island tips.
Connectivity: Buy a Smart or Globe SIM at airports (₱300 $5 USD for 10GB data). WiFi is limited outside towns.
Your Paradise Awaits
Palawan whispers promises of sun-drenched afternoons on private coves, starlit dips in bioluminescent waters, and mornings greeted by chirping hornbills. Whether diving Coron's wrecks, kayaking El Nido’s lagoons, or exploring Puerto Princesa’s caves, your perfect sanctuary awaits.
So, Lykkers, which vision calls loudest: waking above coral gardens at Sangat, watching sunset from your Nest villa, or strolling Sheridan’s endless pool? Pack your sense of wonder—Palawan’s magic begins the moment you choose your haven. Share your dream resort below!
