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Best Stays
Ranked by verified guest reviews — from eco-lodges to private island resorts
Palawan's accommodation spans one of the widest ranges of any island in Southeast Asia — from Amanpulo, considered one of Asia's finest ultra-luxury private island resorts (accessible by chartered plane only), to the rustic bamboo guesthouses and basic beach huts of El Nido backpacker beach. Between these poles: El Nido Resorts' acclaimed eco-resort properties on private islands in Bacuit Bay, Club Paradise Coron, and an expanding range of boutique hotels in both El Nido and Coron town. Rankings reflect verified guest review ratings.
How are these rankings determined?
Rankings are based on verified guest review ratings submitted through the Island Seeker directory. Businesses are sorted by average rating (highest first), with ties broken by total review count and featured status. The list is updated in real time as new verified reviews are submitted. Only active, verified listings appear.
insider tips
El Nido and Coron are best treated as separate destinations
El Nido and Coron are 240 km apart by sea — a 4–6 hour fast boat ride or an affordable 45-minute charter flight. Most visitors either fly direct Manila–El Nido or Manila–Coron (both short flights), spend 3–5 nights in each, and connect between them by boat or plane. Treating both as separate trips, or allowing 7–10 days total for both, gives the best experience of Palawan's different landscapes and activities.
Book El Nido accommodation early for December–April peak
El Nido's best mid-range and boutique properties book out 2–3 months in advance for peak season. The supply of quality accommodation in El Nido town has grown but has not kept pace with tourism growth. For travel between Christmas and Easter, book as soon as dates are confirmed. The private island resorts (El Nido Resorts, Amanpulo) require 3–6 months advance booking for peak dates.
Coron is significantly less touristy than El Nido
Coron town and the surrounding Calamian Islands remain noticeably less developed and less crowded than El Nido — accommodation is generally more affordable, the main attractions (wreck diving, lake-island scenery) require more effort to access but feel more rewarding, and the local pace is slower. For travellers who want outstanding natural beauty without the El Nido tourist-strip atmosphere, Coron is consistently preferred.
The Underground River requires advance booking
The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature — has strictly regulated visitor numbers, with daily entry permits required. During peak season (November–May), permits book out days or weeks in advance through the city tourism office or online. If visiting the Underground River is a priority for your trip, book the permit before booking your flights.
questions & answers
What is the best hotel in Palawan?
Amanpulo on Pamalican Island is Palawan's — and arguably Asia's — finest luxury resort: private casitas on a pristine island accessible only by Aman's chartered plane from Manila. El Nido Resorts operates four distinctive eco-resort properties (Miniloc Island, Pangulasian Island, Lagen Island, Apulit Island) in Bacuit Bay — each combining excellent service with extraordinary natural settings. For Coron, Club Paradise on Dimakya Island is the standout. See the current ranked list for live ratings.
Where should I stay in Palawan — El Nido, Coron, or Puerto Princesa?
El Nido is best for island-hopping through the famous limestone karst landscape of Bacuit Bay, beach relaxation, and the quintessential Palawan experience. Coron is best for WWII wreck diving (among the world's best), lake-island scenery, and a slower-paced, less-touristy feel. Puerto Princesa is the gateway city — useful for the Underground River UNESCO site and day trips, but primarily a transit point. Many visitors do both El Nido and Coron on a single Palawan trip, either by direct boat between the two or by flying.
How much do hotels cost in Palawan?
Budget guesthouses and beach huts in El Nido start from PHP 600–2,000 ($10–$35). Mid-range hotels and beach resorts run PHP 2,500–7,000 ($43–$122). Boutique resorts with ocean views cost PHP 5,000–15,000 ($87–$260). El Nido Resorts' private island properties start from approximately $500 per night all-inclusive. Amanpulo starts from $1,500+ per night. Puerto Princesa and Coron town are generally more affordable than El Nido at comparable quality levels.
What are El Nido Resorts' private island properties like?
El Nido Resorts operates four eco-resort properties on private islands in Bacuit Bay: Miniloc Island (27 water cottages above the lagoon, most intimate), Pangulasian Island (villa-style accommodation on a pristine beach, most romantic), Lagen Island (canopy-level rooms in the forest above the water), and Apulit Island in Taytay Bay (former military island with unique over-water cottages). All are all-inclusive and accessible by boat. They represent some of the Philippines' finest eco-luxury accommodation.
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