The answer depends on your personality. Are you the romantic beach bum or the adventure-filled junkie? Do you prefer a laid back rustic vibe or the always-on-the-go mood? Well, here are some of the things you need to consider that will help you in planning your much awaited Palawan getaway.
LOCATION AND WHEATHER
Located just an hour and a half from Metro Manila – capital …show more content…
Nacpan-Calitang beach is an emerging favorite side trip from El Nido. If you want to get away from the crowd and spend a day meditating on the beach, then you have to put Nacpan on your itinerary. It's a 45-minute drive from El Nido and it is described as one of the best beaches in the world by Tripadvisor for its long stretch of creamy white shoreline. Nacpan is underdeveloped, making it perfect, but there are nearby restaurants and resorts where you can stay.
On the other hand, from Coron you can dip in a natural hot spring called Maquinit or go to Calauit Safari. Calauit is a piece of Africa in Coron where you can feed giraffes and hang out with zebras. Travel time is approximately 1 hour and a half from Coron and it can cost you PHP 2,500 ($51).
Result: El Nido (Nacpan is a must!)
Time and Budget
Your itinerary will all depend on how much time and money you have, but do not worry, Palawan is cheap. USD can go along way, just do your research. Backpackers hostels and restaurants are scattered all around the town. I just spend a total of $150 for a 6-day trip to Coron and $200 for 5 days in El Nido. For 5 nights I just spend $30 for a room. As for food, island hopping tours comes with a free buffet lunch and eating out is already a feast with just …show more content…
However, 2 weeks vacation is impossible for most employed travelers unless you are a freelancer or taking a gap year. In this case you can at least spare 10 days for both Coron and El Nido.
Personal Verdict
El Nido is by far the best island I’ve seen and my all-time favorite, but Coron is equally stunning. When it comes to landscape, El Nido is my winner. When it comes to adventure, I’ll go to Coron. Thus, both of them is a must.
If you are already in Palawan, better not to skip anything. I highly suggest for you to spend 5 days in Coron and 5 days in El Nido. You can stop first in Coron and after 4 days, go to El Nido via ferry from Coron for only PHP 1,400.00 ($28) then go to Puerto Princesa where you can stroll in Honda Bay before you fly back to Manila.
It will not only save you time and money, but it will also allow you to experience Palawan to the