7SKY LUXURY • TRAVEL PLANNING
PALAWAN — The Hidden Paradise of the Philippines
7–10 Nights | Island Hopping Escape | Flight & Hotel could be found starting from €1,380 per person
The water in Palawan can look almost unreal.
Bright turquoise lagoons.
Towering limestone cliffs rising straight from the sea.
Hidden beaches tucked between dramatic rock formations.
Small tropical islands scattered across endless blue water.
Now imagine this.
Early morning.
You step into a kayak and glide across a calm lagoon.
The sea is completely still.
Limestone cliffs rise around you like natural walls.
Sunlight reflects on the water, turning it shades of emerald and jade.
In moments like this, everything feels quieter.
If I were choosing a tropical destination that feels exotic but still easy to reach, Palawan would be high on my list.
Because it still feels wild and untouched.
Why I Think Palawan Is Special
Palawan is an island province in the western Philippines.
It stretches between the South China Sea and the Sulu Sea and is surrounded by hundreds of small tropical islands.
But what makes Palawan special isn’t only its beaches.
It’s the dramatic landscape.
Here you’ll find:
- towering limestone cliffs rising directly from turquoise water
- hidden lagoons accessible only by kayak
- secret beaches surrounded by rock formations
- coral reefs and crystal-clear water
- remote islands perfect for boat exploration
Palawan is often described as one of the most beautiful islands in Southeast Asia, and it’s easy to understand why.
What Makes Palawan Different
Palawan isn’t just about relaxing on the beach.
It’s about exploration.
One day you’re sailing between small islands in El Nido.
The next day you’re kayaking through narrow openings in limestone cliffs that lead into hidden lagoons.
You can spend the morning snorkeling above coral reefs —
and the afternoon relaxing on a quiet beach with almost no one around.
The Climate
Palawan has a tropical climate with warm temperatures throughout the year.
Average temperatures stay between:
25–31°C
The most comfortable travel season is usually:
November – May
During these months the sea is calmer and conditions for island hopping are ideal.
Even outside the dry season, the island remains warm and beautiful.
Palawan is the kind of destination where the ocean becomes the center of the entire journey.
Flights — How to Reach The Palawan
The main gateways to Palawan are:
Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS)
El Nido Airport (ENI)
Most travelers from Europe reach Palawan through Manila or Cebu.
Typical travel time from Europe:
16–20 hours depending on connections.
Most routes connect through:
- Manila
- Singapore
- Doha
- Dubai
If Your Flight Has a Long Stop
Long international flights often include a stopover in Manila or Singapore.
Instead of waiting at the airport, you can turn this into a short experience.
Manila
• sunset views over Manila Bay
• rooftop dinner overlooking the skyline
• a short walk through historic Intramuros
Singapore
• Marina Bay skyline views
• Gardens by the Bay
• dinner overlooking the harbor
Even a short stop can make the journey feel more relaxed.
What I Would Do There Personally (7–10 Day Plan)
I would focus on two main areas:
El Nido and Coron.
Both offer incredible landscapes and unforgettable island hopping.
Day 1 — Arrival in Puerto Princesa
Arrive at Puerto Princesa International Airport.
Check into your hotel and take the first day slowly.
Swim. Walk along the beach. Enjoy your first tropical sunset.
Day 2 — Underground River
Visit one of the most famous natural wonders of the Philippines:
Puerto Princesa Underground River
A boat takes you through a limestone cave system where a river flows beneath dramatic rock formations.
It’s one of the most unique landscapes in Southeast Asia.
Day 3 — Transfer to El Nido
Travel to El Nido, the gateway to the Bacuit Archipelago.
The journey itself is scenic, passing mountains, forests, and ocean views.
Arrive in the afternoon and watch the sunset over limestone islands rising from the sea.
Day 4 — Island Hopping (Big Lagoon)
Start exploring the Bacuit Archipelago.
Visit:
• Big Lagoon
• Secret Lagoon
• Shimizu Island
Kayak through emerald water surrounded by towering cliffs.
This is one of the most iconic landscapes in Palawan.
Day 5 — Hidden Beach
Another island hopping day.
Explore:
• Hidden Beach
• Matinloc Shrine
• secluded tropical coves
Each island feels unique.
And every stop feels like a discovery.
Day 6 — Relax & Sunset Beach
Take a slower day.
Swim. Relax. Watch the sunset from the beach.
Sometimes the best travel moments happen when you stop moving.
Day 7 — Travel to Coron
Take a boat or short flight to Coron Island.
Coron is famous for dramatic cliffs and turquoise lakes.
Days 8–10 (Optional)
If you stay longer, consider:
• Kayangan Lake
• Twin Lagoon
• coral gardens
• hidden beaches
How much can a trip to Bahamas cost?! (my realistic breakdown)
When I calculate trips, I calculate it the way I would book it myself.
Hotel
Beautiful beachfront resorts typically range between:
€120–220 per night.
Using €180 average:
€180 × 7 nights = €1,260 per room (2 persons)
Flights (Economy Return)
From Europe:
Frankfurt → Manila: from €650
London → Manila: from €620
Paris → Manila: from €630
Riga → Manila: from €700–820
Domestic flights to Palawan:
Manila → El Nido / Puerto Princesa
€60–120
Most routes include one stop.
Total trip costs (approx.) — Europe (2 pers)
Paris
(€1,260 hotel + €1,260 flights)
€2,520
Frankfurt
(€1,260 hotel + €1,300 flights)
€2,560
Total trip costs (approx.) — Europe (2 pers)
London
(€1,260 hotel + €1,240 flights)
€2,500
Riga
(€1,260 hotel + €1,500 flights)
€2,760
Extra Budget to Plan
- Island hopping tours: €35–60
- Private boat tour: €150–250
- Dinner by the ocean: €20–35
I’d plan around €300–500 extra per person for activities..
The Hotels I’d Feel Good Recommending
Matinloc Island Resort — El Nido
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Matinloc Island Resort is located on a private island in the Bacuit Archipelago near El Nido. Surrounded by limestone cliffs and turquoise water, the resort offers one of the most scenic locations in Palawan.
Rooms are designed in a tropical style and many of them have direct views over the lagoon and surrounding islands.
Guests can easily explore nearby attractions such as Hidden Beach and Secret Beach by boat.
Typical prices:
€150–220 per night
El Nido Garden Resort
⭐⭐⭐⭐
El Nido Garden Resort sits directly on Corong-Corong Beach, one of the best sunset locations in El Nido.
The resort offers spacious beachfront rooms, an infinity pool overlooking Bacuit Bay, and easy access to island hopping tours.
Its location is perfect for travelers who want to enjoy the scenery of Palawan while staying close to restaurants and local cafés.
Typical prices:
€130–190 per night
The Funny Lion — Coron
⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Funny Lion is one of the most stylish boutique hotels in Coron and offers a peaceful atmosphere just a few minutes from the sea. While located slightly above the coastline, the hotel features beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding islands and nearby ocean.
The hotel is also conveniently located for island hopping tours to places like Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon, and the coral reefs around Coron Island.
Typical prices:
€130–200 per night
Nacpan Beach Glamping — El Nido
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Nacpan Beach Glamping offers one of the most unique and scenic stays in Palawan. Located directly on Nacpan Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the Philippines, the property combines comfort with a relaxed tropical atmosphere.
Instead of traditional hotel rooms, guests stay in spacious luxury tents set just steps from the sand. Each tent features comfortable beds, private bathrooms, and terraces facing the ocean.
Typical prices:
€120–190 per night
Want me to plan a trip for your exact dates?
Let me know your departure city + travel dates + preferred vibe (quiet / adults-only / family friendly) — and I’ll find the best options for you.
👉 The Tools I Use for Travel Planning
When I research destinations and plan trips, I rely on a few trusted platforms that consistently offer the best options for flights, hotels, and travel inspiration.
Below are the tools I personally use when planning journeys. These links may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you book through them — at no additional cost to you.
🏨 Hotels
Expedia
One of the largest hotel booking platforms with thousands of properties worldwide — from boutique stays to luxury resorts.
✈️ Flights
Kiwi.com
Kiwi.com is a powerful flight search platform that helps discover creative travel routes and combinations across hundreds of airlines.
✈️ Flights
Aviasales
Aviasales scans hundreds of airlines and travel agencies in seconds to find the best available fares. It’s useful for tracking price trends and cheaper travel dates.
🚗 Private transfers
GetTransfer.com
GetTransfer allows travelers to compare offers from local drivers for airport transfers, city rides, and intercity journeys. Instead of fixed rates, drivers compete for your booking — which often results in better prices and more vehicle options.
🚘Car rentals
GetRentacar.com
GetRentacar connects travelers with car rental providers around the world, offering vehicles from budget models to premium and luxury cars. It’s particularly useful for comparing rental options across different countries.
🚖 Taxi
Kiwitaxi
Kiwitaxi offers reliable private transfers between airports, hotels, and city destinations in more than 100 countries. The service is ideal for travelers who prefer to arrange transportation in advance and avoid negotiating with local taxis after arrival.
⛵Yachts
SeaRadar
Find and compare yacht charters worldwide.
SeaRadar is a yacht charter marketplace where travelers can compare sailing yachts, catamarans, and motor yachts from multiple charter companies.
🎟 Tours, attractions, theme parks
Klook.com
Klook is a global platform for discovering and booking travel experiences, attractions, and tours. From city passes and theme parks to guided excursions and unique local activities, it’s a convenient way to plan what to do once you arrive.
🏛 Tickets
Tiqets.com
Instant tickets to museums and attractions. Tiqets specializes in digital tickets for museums, cultural landmarks, and popular attractions. The platform allows travelers to skip long ticket lines and secure entry in advance.
🔗 Affiliate Disclosure
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them, 7SKY Luxury may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. We only feature hotels that meet our standards of quality, comfort, and experience.