Different Ways to Travel from Manila to Palawan [How to Travel to Palawan]

Learn how you can travel from Manila to Palawan here!

Palawan is considered as one of the most beautiful islands in the World. And we’re not lying if we tell you that it is indeed really beautiful! Spending your holiday here, you could never go wrong on this island.

Palawan has 3 major islands; Puerto Princesa, El Nido, and Coron. All of which offer different experiences but the same excitement and beautiful nature. So if you’re wondering how to travel from Manila to Palawan, read our guide so you can plan your next trip here!

Traveling from Manila to Palawan by Plane

You can actually fly from Manila to 2 parts of Palawan; Puerto Princesa and Coron. However, the most common route is Manila to Puerto Princesa.

Route 1: Manila to Palawan via Puerto Princesa Route

Flying from Manila to Puerto Princesa is the most common route when people go to Palawan. AirAsia, Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines (PAL) all have direct flights from Manila to Puerto Princesa. Among these 3, AirAsia and Cebu Pacific usually offer the cheapest flight. A one-way ticket costs around PHP 3,000 (around $60). If you’re lucky enough, you can get a discounted ticket around PHP 1,000 ($20) when airlines offer a seat sale. 

Flights depart from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) then lands at Puerto Princesa International Airport.

Travel Time

The flight from Manila to Puerto Princesa, Palawan takes up to 1 hour and 15 minutes. From here, you can ride a tricycle going to your hotel. Tricycle fees are cheap, it’s around PHP 50 ($1).

From Puerto Princesa Airport to El Nido

If you wish to go to El Nido, you need to ride a van or bus and travel for at least 5-6 hours. Cherry Bus is the bus company that operates this route. The cheapest price costs PHP 300 ($6).

Route 2: Manila to Palawan via El Nido Route

If you don’t want to take the hassle of land traveling for 5-6 hours or if you don’t have any business in Puerto Princesa, then you can take a direct flight to El Nido. However, please keep in mind that the flight ticket in this route is more expensive. 

Airswift operates direct flights from Manila to El Nido. The most common ticket price ranges from PHP 7,000 – PHP 9,000 ($139 – $178) for a one-way ticket. It lands at Lio Airport in El Nido. 

Travel Time

The flight from Manila to El Nido, Palawan takes up to 1 hour and 15 minutes as well. But this time, you don’t need to ride another van or bus just to reach El Nido which can save you more time. 

Route 3: Manila to Palawan via Coron Route

The fastest way to get to the beautiful island of Coron is to fly directly from Manila to Busuanga. Skyjet, Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines (PAL) all have direct flights from Manila to Coron. It starts from 2,900 PHP ($55) for a regular one-way ticket. During peak season, the ticket prices can reach up to 11,400 PHP ($220), so it’s best to book your plane tickets in advance.

Travel Time

It can take 40 to 1 hour and 20 minutes of travel time going from Manila to Coron. Planes land at the Francisco B. Reyes Airport in Coron. It is about 23 km away from the town center. There are vans available at the exit arrival which you can ride to get to your hotel

Traveling from Manila to Palawan by Ferry

The most affordable way to go to Palawan is probably traveling by ferry. The same with the plane, you can travel by ferry directly from Manila to Coron or Puerto Princesa. 

Route 1: Manila to Palawan via Puerto Princesa Route

Riding a ferry from Manila to Puerto Princesa is not highly recommended since the travel time takes about 24 hours. Also, the route from Manila to Puerto Princesa is renowned as being unstable at times. So if you suffer from motion sickness, this may not be a good idea. But if you like a bit of adventure, this is probably the best option. 2Go Travel operates ferries traveling from Manila to Puerto Princesa. 

Route 2: Manila to Palawan via Coron Route

The Coron Route is the best route you could choose if you want to travel by ferry going to Palawan. Again, 2Go Travel offers ferry rides from Manila to Coron starting at 1,400 PHP ($27) if you book directly to their website. 

Travel time

From Manila to Coron, it can take up to 11 hours of the trip, and it’s an overnight journey. Ferries going from Manila to Coron depart from Pier 4 of the North Harbour every Friday at 7:00 PM, you will then arrive in Coron at 6:00 AM the next day. 

Route 3: Manila to Palawan via El Nido Route

Unfortunately, there are no direct ferry trips from Manila to El Nido. You will need to take the Coron route first, then from Coron, ride another ferry, slow boat or fast ferry. Prices vary from the type of ferry you’d choose. 

Travel Time

From Coron to El Nido, it will take you at least 2-3.5 hours of journey.

Note: You can also opt to take a plane ride going to El Nido from Coron, the travel time is only 1 hour, and it costs around 2,700 PHP ($52) for a one-way ticket.

We hope that this guide on how you can travel from Manila to Palawan was able to help you. Traveling to Palawan really depends on where is your target destination and how long you will stay in order to maximize your time. Plan ahead and book in advance so you won’t have any hard time. Have you been to this island? What option did you use when you travel from Manila to Palawan? Share with us your experience!

*Prices stated above are subject to change.

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About the Writer

Hi there! I’m Fatima. My first major travel was in 2016 in the beautiful city of Cebu. After that, I got interested in traveling. Now I enjoy learning languages and other country’s cultures. My goal is to visit at least one country each year and to share my experiences with other people through writing or blogging. Witness my journey by following me on Instagram.