Often referred to as the "last ecological frontier" of the Philippines, Palawan is a mesmerizing archipelago that regularly tops lists of the world's best islands. At the crown of this province sit two undisputed jewels: Coron and El Nido. With their towering limestone karst cliffs, hidden emerald lagoons, and vibrant coral reefs, they offer an unparalleled tropical escape.
CORON: SHIPWRECKS AND SACRED LAKES
Located in the Calamian Islands group in northern Palawan, Coron is famous for its dramatic landscapes both above and below the water. It is widely considered one of the best wreck diving destinations in the world, home to several sunken WWII Japanese warships.
- Kayangan Lake: Often dubbed the cleanest lake in Asia, accessible via a short but steep hike that offers the iconic viewpoint of Coron Bay.
- Twin Lagoon: Two stunning lagoons separated by a limestone wall. You swim through a small crevice (or climb over wooden stairs at high tide) to get from one to the other, experiencing surreal shifts in water temperature.
- Maquinit Hot Springs: One of the few saltwater hot springs in the world, perfect for soaking tired muscles after a day of island hopping.
EL NIDO: THE ARCHIPELAGO OF DREAMS
Further south on the main island of Palawan lies El Nido, the gateway to the spectacular Bacuit Archipelago. El Nido is famous for its structured island-hopping tours (Tour A, B, C, and D), which take you through a maze of secluded beaches and dramatic lagoons.
- Big and Small Lagoons: The quintessential El Nido experience, featuring shallow, brilliantly turquoise waters surrounded by dark, jagged cliffs.
- Secret Beach: A hidden pocket of white sand accessible only by swimming through a hole in the limestone rock.
- Nacpan Beach: A stunning 4-kilometer stretch of golden sand located about 45 minutes north of the main town, perfect for sunset views.
HOW TO GET THERE
Navigating Palawan requires a bit of planning, as Coron and El Nido are separated by the sea. Here is the most efficient way to reach and travel between these two paradises.
Getting to Coron
The easiest way to reach Coron is by flying into Busuanga Airport (USU). There are multiple daily direct flights from Manila (MNL) and Cebu (CEB) via airlines like Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, and Sunlight Air. From the airport, it is a scenic 30 to 45-minute van ride into Coron Town.
Getting to El Nido
You have two main options for reaching El Nido:
- Direct Flight: The fastest and most convenient route is flying directly into Lio Airport (ENI) in El Nido via AirSWIFT. They offer boutique flights from Manila, Cebu, and Caticlan (Boracay).
- Via Puerto Princesa: A more budget-friendly option is flying into Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS) and taking a 5 to 6-hour shared van or bus ride north to El Nido.
Traveling Between Coron and El Nido
If you plan to visit both (which you absolutely should), you don't need to fly back to Manila. You can travel directly between the two:
- Fast Ferry: Companies like Montenegro Lines and Phaim operate daily fast ferries between Coron and El Nido. The journey takes about 4 to 5 hours, depending on sea conditions.
- Multi-Day Expedition: For the ultimate adventure, book a 3 to 5-day boat expedition (like Tao Philippines) that sails between Coron and El Nido. You'll camp on remote islands, snorkel untouched reefs, and experience the raw beauty of Palawan away from the crowds.
