In November 2019, I was blessed to experience an epic backpacking trip that lasted more than two weeks. Regardless of the length and season of my visit, Palawan never disappoints. Its beauty is eternal. In fact, it is the only local travel destination I have visited twice in one year and spent the most days. It always offer something new to travelers first-timers or not. To guide my fellow adventurers as they plan their pilgrimage to this panoramic province, I compiled the following tips and tricks:
FLIGHTS:
The more common route is flying to Puerto Princesa City then travel your way up to Northern Palawan. We did the alternative, we touched down in Coron first then go through sea and land until Southern Palawan. This allowed us ample time to make it to the mainland in case of storms causing cancellations of ferry trips.
If you have a connecting flight waiting for you in Manila, it is much safer to come from Puerto Princesa than Coron or San Vicente. Being an international airport, flights are less likely to get cancelled although delays still happen. While the other towns’ airports are smaller and have limited flights.
SEA AND LAND TRAVEL:
Ferry tickets can be booked online. Be at the port at least an hour before departure for ticket and luggage inspection.
There are baggage scanners upon entering the waiting area. However, passengers will still be asked to line up their bags and luggages before boarding the ferry. The police will then direct the bomb-sniffing dogs to check each and every baggage for illegal weapons and drugs.
The ferry ride lasts until afternoon. Follow the seat number on your ticket. Cabins are air-conditioned. The restrooms are functional. Movies will be played while at sea.
Tricycles are available to take you to and from your lodging. Settle on a price before riding.
It is better to ride a van to Nacpan Beach instead of renting a motorcycle as the roads can be rough and slippery. This can be booked online too. They are strict with the pick-up time though, be at the meeting point as specified in the itinerary they will email you.
Vans are the main mode of transportation between towns. There are also non-airconditioned buses that are cheaper but have long intervals between each other.
ACCOMMODATIONS:
Reserve your hotel or hostel for the first town you will visit. From there, you can book your succeeding accommodations before you travel to the next town. But remember, you might have to book in advance for all nights during the peak season of December to May.
It is more convenient to stay in town or city centers as it is near restaurants, shops and other services. It is also most likely to be the free pick-up and drop-off points. Farther, and there might be additional charge.
Safety box may not always be available, secure your belongings properly before going out for an excursion.
TOURS:
We booked tours upon arrival in each town or city to be able to canvas and negotiate the prices.
For Calauit Safari with Black Island and Royal Island tours, we purchased it online as only a few tour operators offer these.
As much as possible, plan your island hopping on a weekday for less crowd. Filipinos usually travel to Palawan on weekends especially when long holidays are declared.
Take care of the snorkeling gear and life vests provided. If you lose either of them, you will pay the full price as if it is brand new.
Each island hopping package includes a seafood lunch served with fruits and drinking water. They provide reusable cups but you can also use your own tumbler. Disposable water bottles are prohibited in El Nido. You will be heavily fined if you are caught bringing or throwing one-time use plastic to the sea.
You may also have to pay an additional fee to rent a kayak in the lagoons.
Listen and follow your guides. They know best how to navigate through the spots.
Tours usually end at around 4:00pm or 5:00pm. You will have enough time to freshen up for your evening activities.
PACKING:
Pack light. As much as possible, fit your belongings in a backpack. This will allow you to move faster and more efficiently in the airport or pier. It will also be less of a hassle for you to stow it away during van rides.
Bring at most 1-week set of clothes. Laundry services are available in Coron, El Nido and Puerto Princesa.
Depending on your accommodation, towels may not be free. Bring at least one microfiber towel to be sure. Basic toiletries (i.e. shampoo, conditioner, small bar of soap, toothpaste) are also given in sachets.
Stock up on sunscreen before your Palawan trip. Sunblock lotion is pricey in the islands. Apply insect repellant before you go out at night.
It is also helpful to have a dry bag to store your personal belongings and prevent it from getting wet during island hopping.
Keep reusable plastic bags that can hold used clothing and dirty slippers separate from the rest of your things.
