Where To Stay In Palawan, Philippines: Best Areas & Resorts
Palawan is the top destination in the Philippines, known for luxury resorts, alluring boat tours and celebrity-style holidays. Palawan is the largest province in the Philippines, home to two UNESCO world heritage sites and known as the ‘last frontier’ of the Philippines due to its ecologically rich regions. It’s one of the best islands to visit in the country and shouldn’t be missed off any backpackers list!
However, we don’t all have the luxury of time… so how do you pick which areas to visit in Palawan? You of course want to incorporate the best beaches, the famed Coron to El Nido Boat tour plus live out your luxury dream in a beachfront resort.
You may be feeling overwhelmed, but don’t worry we have you covered, below we share the top resorts, hotels and hostels to accommodate any budget for the top areas to stay in Palawan. We will also share if there are in fact any cheap places to stay in Coron, the best accommodation in our favourite town Port Barton and places to stay in Puerto Princesa.
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Where To Stay In Palawan? The Best Areas To Visit
Is this your first time visiting Palawan? If so, we recommend heading to the most popular town El Nido. Here you can enjoy the vibrant nightlife, epic boat tours and the iconic picturesque views of Palawan that look like they are straight out of a magazine!
In El Nido you can find a mix of cheap hostels, mid-range hotels and luxury resorts. As El Nido is the most popular you’ll find it hard to find authentic local restaurants, and it may seem over populated, this is why we also encourage you to visit other areas such as Port Barton and Balabac!
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Coron - The Best Place To Stay For Diving
You can choose to fly to Coron, take a ferry or embark on the 4-day El Nido to Coron Expedition that will showcase the best of what Palawan has to offer.
Coron is known for its world-class diving sites, including a World War II shipwreck and vibrant corals. If you’re a diving enthusiast don’t miss Coron off your list, there’s tailored dive resort accommodation on the island for equipment rentals and tours!
This island is one of the more expensive areas to stay in The Philippines but you can in fact still find cheap places to stay in Coron that are perfect for backpackers! This would also make an epic honeymoon destination with overwater villas and floating houses being some of the luxury resort options.
Our favourite town on Palawan, the quiet fishing village offers a local vibe while still catering for tourists with a spectacular Boat Tour, delicious local cuisine and plenty of accommodation options to suit every traveller.
Although the nightlife isn’t as lively as El Nido you can still find social hotels if you’re exploring solo, family friendly beachfront resorts and budget homestays. There’s no shortage of Port Barton Hotel’s but as this place becomes more busy make sure to book your room in advance.
Puerto Princesa - Visit the Subterranean River
Puerto Princesa is the capital of Palawan and a great stopover city before continuing your journey up to El Nido or Coron - the drive is 6 hours… We didn’t know this when visiting! It is also a convenient base for exploring the subterranean river which is one of the new 7 wonders of nature.
Balabac - Best Remote Location
Balabac, the hidden gem on our list. Away from the crowds of El Nido you can find untouched beaches, vibrant marine life and untouched beauty. Balac is a group of islands located in the southernmost part of Palawan. It is a perfect destination for travellers looking to experience the natural beauty of Palawan with fewer crowds.
El Nido is the most popular place to visit on Palawan and home to the renowned boat tour A that takes you around limestone cliff, to lagoons and hidden beaches. El Nido town itself is small but you can also opt to stay in the other neighborhoods of Corong Corong or Vanilla Beach.
Frendz Hostel El Nido: Best Budget Hostel For Backpackers
One of the most popular hostels in El Nido is Frendz. The hostel is in a prime location right in the centre of El Nido town and includes air-conditioning, an outdoor pool, games room and with views over the famous El Nido Bay this accommodation can often get booked up quickly. A great social stay in the heart of El Nido Town.
Forest Camp El Nido: Best Budget Stay For Couples
This is where we choose to stay, a short 5 minute walk from El Nido Town Square and high up in the rock face is Forest Camp. The traditional Nipa Huts look over the bay where you can watch the sunset from the roof terrace. The living arrangement is simple with a bed on the floor and shared bathroom but it works out cheaper than two beds in a hostel for a couple. This is our top budget choice!
Happiness Boutique Resort: Best Romantic Getaway
If you want the best place to stay in Corong Corong look no further. With air-con comfortable rooms with sea views and an outdoor swimming pool you get a slice of paradise while staying at Happiness Boutique Resort. There is an onsite spa and restaurant making this the perfect tropical escape. This is one of the luxury hotels in El Nido that we love the look of!
The Funny Lion Beachfront Resort: Good Location
Right next to town square you can find this luxury hotel that has its own private beach area, outdoor swimming pool and terrace. The staff go above and beyond to make sure you have an El Nido 5 star hotel experience.
Where To Stay In Coron
On the separate island of Coron a true paradise is waiting for you. With attractions such as Kayangan Lake & Barracuda Lake, world class diving and unique accommodations this is one of the most luxurious places to visit.
Budget Accommodation In Coron
Hop Hostel: Budget Travellers
If you’re wanting to travel to Palawan on a budget, one of the best cheap places to stay in Coron is Hop Hostel. With a choice of a 12, 8 or 6 bed dorm and female only options as backpackers we love this accommodation. The hostel also has an outdoor swimming pool as well as hosts rooftop parties… this sounds perfect if you ask us!
Mid-Range Hotel In Coron
This hotel has all the amenities you would need including two swimming pools, fitness centre and spa. This is the perfect accommodation for couples or families not looking to blow their budget! The hotel offers a diverse breakfast, plus it’s located in the heart of Coron!
Luxury Resorts In Coron
Two Seasons Coron Island Resort: Most Luxurious Resort In Coron
A 5 star resort on the beachfront of Coron, Palawan. Everything you need is here, luxurious bungalows, a restaurant, swimming pool, spa and fitness centre. Guests can relax on the private beach or partake in watersports including windsurfing and diving. This is the best and most luxurious resort in Coron!
Where to stay in Port Barton? It may not be the most popular place on Palawan but it’s quickly becoming known as a tourist stopover and therefore more people are discovering the sleepy paradise. You won’t find many party hostels here but you can still find cheap accommodation in Port Barton as well as luxury beachfront stays and even glamping on the beach!
CocoRico Hostel: Best Social Hostel
Although Port Barton isn’t known for its parties, CocoRico Hostel is the place to go for a lively atmosphere and social vibes. Offering both dorm rooms and private rooms, this is the perfect place for solo adventurers and backpackers to meet fellow travellers and enjoy the nightlife Port Barton has to offer. Plus this hostel is only 200m from Port Barton Beach!
Tribal Xperience: Best For Budget Backpackers & Couples
300m away from Port Barton beach and with a swimming pool and simple rooms this is one of the best places to stay in Port Barton for couples that are backpacking on a budget. We stayed here for five nights and the simple room was perfect for our needs. You can choose between air-con or fan plus it’s within walking distance of lots of restaurants.
Valerie Lodge: Best for Families
A quiet and comfortable lodge surrounded by greenery, with spacious rooms and a restaurant. The hotel is 1km from Port Barton Beach and 2.5km from Pamuayan Beach. The air-con rooms come with garden views and every room has a private bathroom and kettle.
Ausan Beach Front Cottages: Good Location
Ausan Beach Front Cottages offer a wide range of rooms for varying budgets right on the beachfront; these cottages are also in the heart of Port Barton town near restaurants and bars. The more expensive rooms feature a balcony with sea or garden views and a private bathroom.
Where To Stay In Puerto Princesa
Puerto Princesa is the capital of Palawan and where the main airport is located. It is a good place to stay before or after a long travel day and the starting point of many subterranean river tours that explore one of the new 7 natural wonders of the world!
Budget Hostels In Puerto Princesa $
A Hostel in the heart of Puerto Princesa with private pods, large lockers and a rooftop bar. This option is great value for money with a prime location close to popular attractions such as the Skylight Convention Centre, Mendoza Park and Puerto Princesa Airport.
Mid-Range Hotels In Puerto Princesa $$
Canvas Boutique Hotel: Best Hotel In Puerto Princesa
Close to Puerto Princesa airport and with an outdoor pool, comfy beds and superb breakfast this is one of the best hotels in the city. Lots of people choose to stay here before or after a flight but it would also be a good base to explore the city further or join one of Puerto Princesa’s Tours.
Luxury Resorts In Puerto Princesa $$$
Astoria Palawan: Best Resort In Puerto Princesa
Astoria Resort has a 35 metre infinity pool, private beach area and children playground on site. Just a few steps from Honda Bay and a short drive from Puerto Princesa International airport this resort is the perfect place to relax.
Where To Stay In Balabac
With no luxury resorts on the island just yet, set your heart on a simple but comfortable stay. Balabac is made up of 36 separate islands and most accommodation is simple guest houses in Balabac Town on Balabac Island. Our top tip is to join a tour such as Kamp Malaya who will sort your accommodation for you!
Best Palawan Tours
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Top Tips For Travelling The Philippines
If you’re visiting the Philippines here are our top travel tips:
Book flights in advance - they can become expensive if you leave it last minute… oh and check your luggage allowance to skip expensive check in fees at the airport. Don't forget your Apple Airtags to track your bags
Agree on taxi prices upfront - when getting into a tuk-tuk, tricycle or taxi, make sure you agree on a price or they have a meter, so many tourists get ripped off with a huge price tag at the end of the ride.
Take it slow - don't feel the need to see all the islands, we recommend picking a few and doing them properly. See the island in full, find some locals and sing Karaoke..
Embrace the chaos and get stuck in, the locals are friendly and love to help and share information about their home!
For a checklist of what's needed to pack for your trip, read: How to Pack for Backpacking to South East Asia: Backpacking Essentials and Accessories
Travel Tools To Help You Plan
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Thank you for reading and enjoy your Philippine adventure. Reach out to us over on Instagram @KateandMikesTravels. We always love to hear from people who read our blogs!
For our Filipino friends: Maraming salamat sa pag babasa, hangang sa susunod nating pag kikita, mamimiss namin kayo, mabuhay ang pilipinas! Salamat
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