Why Travel Palawan on a Budget?
Close your eyes and imagine: turquoise lagoons that sparkle like spilled gemstones, limestone cliffs shooting out of the sea like nature’s skyscrapers, beaches so white they make sugar jealous, and water so clear you’ll start questioning your tap back home. Welcome to Palawan, consistently voted “Most Beautiful Island in the World.”
Boats dock along the stunning turquoise shore of Coron Island, Palawan a top spot for budget island hopping tours. If your wallet is tighter than a bungee cord, don’t worry. This Palawan budget travel guide has you covered, from cheap hostels in Coron to the Coron-to-El Nido ferry, the infamous El Nido-to-Puerto Princesa van ride, and the must-see Puerto Princesa Underground River.
If you’re like me (a budget traveler whose wallet cries louder than Manila karaoke machines), you’re probably thinking: paradise must cost more than my student loans. But here’s the good news: Palawan is totally doable on a budget.
Start with an affordable flight tickets
Getting to Coron is easier than figuring out why your GPS refuses to acknowledge “shortcut.” Fly directly into Busuanga Airport (Francisco B. Reyes Airport), with multiple daily departures from Manila, Cebu, or Clark on airlines like Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, or SkyJet.
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From Manila: ~1 hour.
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From Cebu: ~1h 20m — perfect if you’re island-hopping already.
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From Clark: Skip Manila madness, go straight to adventure.
How to Book an Affordable Flight to Coron
Budget tip: Book at least 2–3 months in advance (December–April is peak). Promo fares can be $40–50 one way, but last-minute flights? Your wallet cries again.
Once you land at Busuanga, hop in a van for a scenic 30–40 minute ride to Coron town (₱150–200 / $3–4). Easy to spot and way cheaper than pretending you’re local on a tuk-tuk.
Pro Tip: Compare flights on Skyscanner or Kiwi.com for the best deals, or check Aviasales for hidden promos.
Coron: Shipwrecks, Hot Springs, and the Sweet Chaos of Island Life
Start in Coron: the island where “just three days” magically becomes two weeks. Famous for WWII shipwreck dives, lakes that look fake, and street food that fills your soul (and stomach).
Best Budget Hotels in Coron
- Busuanga Sea Dive Resort: Dorms from ₱350 ($6), great for meeting other travelers. Book on Agoda
- Luis Bay Travellers Lodge – Private fan rooms ₱500 ($9). Check Hostelworld
- Hop Hostel – Rooftop bar, sunset views, dorms ₱600 ($10). Book here
Cheap Eats
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Lolo Nonoy’s Food Station – Adobo mountains for <$2.
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Big Mama’s Pinoy Hot Pot – Share and eat like royalty.
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Street BBQ Stalls – Mystery meat or not, 10–15 PHP ($0.20–0.30).
Top Things to Do
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Island Hopping: Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon, Skeleton Wreck (₱1,200+).
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Mount Tapyas: 700-step hike, sweat included, sunset priceless.
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Maquinit Hot Springs: Saltwater bliss, entry ₱200 ($4).
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WWII Shipwreck Diving: Snorkeling above gives chills.
Budget tip: Tricycles are cheap, haggle like your lunch depends on it.
Funny fact: Filipino boatmen make the best grilled fish and mango salad you’ll ever eat on a wobbly wooden table by the sea.
Coron to El Nido Ferry Guide
There’s where things get interesting. To continue the Palawan trail, you take a ferry from Coron to El Nido.
The ferry is part adventure, part endurance test:
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Fast Ferry: 5–6 hours, ₱2,500 ($45).
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Slow Ferry: 8–9 hours, ₱1,500 ($27).
Pack snacks, water, and patience. Fishermen waving from outrigger boats make it feel like a National Geographic episode.
The ride can be rough (especially in monsoon season). But on a good day, it’s like sailing through a National Geographic documentary, endless islands, turquoise seas, fishermen waving from outrigger boats.
Funny truth: The ferry benches were clearly designed by someone who has never sat on a bench. Bring a cushion or your butt will hate you by El Nido.
El Nido: Beaches, Bars, and Budget Bliss
The town is louder, livelier, and more touristy than Coron, think reggae bars, smoothie stands, and sunburn bragging contests.
Budget Accommodation
- Sea Cocoon Hotel: Budget doubles from ₱1,000 ($18).Book it now.
- Our Melting Pot Hostel: Dorms ₱500 ($9), breakfast included.
- Spin Hostel: Dorms ₱700 ($12), free pancake.
Cheap Eats
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Artcafé: Seaside meals, Wi-Fi included.
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Local Carinderias: Rice + 2 dishes ₱80.
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Falafel Street: Backpacker favorite $3.
Island Hopping Tours
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Tour A: Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Shimizu Island. Book it now with GetYourGuide.
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Tour C: Hidden Beach, Secret Beach, snorkeling.
Tours: 1,200–1,400 PHP.
Other Activities in El Nido
Nacpan Beach (cheap tricycle ride), Taraw Cliff (steep climb, epic view), reggae bars with $1.20 beers.
El Nido to Puerto Princesa Van Ride (What to Expect)
Shared van: 5–6 hours, ₱600 ($11). Buses: cheaper but slower.
Tips: Front seat = less carsick, snacks = lifesaver, karaoke stops = mandatory fun.
Puerto Princesa: Underground Rivers & Cheap Thrills
Budget Accommodation
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Sheebang Hostel: Dorms ₱400, social vibes. Book it with Agoda.
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House of Big Brother: Budget doubles ₱800, pool included.
Where to Eat
- Ka Inato: Famous chicken inasal for $3.
- Public Market: Budget seafood.
- Kinabuchs Grill: Crocodile sisig if you’re adventurous.
Top Activities
- Underground River: UNESCO World Heritage, tours from ₱1,800. Book via Viator
- Honda Bay Island Hopping: ₱1,200+, Book it with GetYourGuide.
- City Tour: Plaza Cuartel, Cathedral, Baker’s Hill pastries. Welcome Pickups sightseeing rides.
Palawan Budget Travel Tips
- Transport: Vans = faster, buses = cheaper.
- Food: Carinderias save you money daily.
- Cash: ATMs limited in El Nido, bring extra pesos.
- SIM Cards: Globe or Smart for data.
- Drinks: Local rum (Tanduay) is the cheapest party fuel.
Suggested Palawan Itinerary
- Day 1–3 Coron: Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon, hot springs.
- Day 4 Coron to El Nido ferry.
- Day 5–7 El Nido: Tours A & C, Nacpan Beach, nightlife.
- Day 8: Van to Puerto Princesa.
- Day 9: Underground River.
- Day 10: City tour and flight out.
Optional: Stretch to 14 days with extra island tours or beach days.
Final Thoughts
From snorkeling Coron’s shipwrecks to kayaking El Nido’s lagoons to exploring Puerto Princesa’s underground river, Palawan delivers nonstop adventure. And the best part? You can do it all on a backpacker’s budget.
Pack light, smile big, and let Palawan work its magic. Adventure awaits.
If you want more budget travel inspiration, check out:
- Cebu & Bohol Travel Planning: Hotels, Tours, Flights & Must-See Spots
- Chile: A Journey From North to South Adventure, Laughs, and Awe Along the Longest Country on Earth
So pack light, smile big, and get ready for the ride of your life. Palawan is waiting.
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