27/10/2025
I was surprised to learn that many people mistakenly believe Coron and El Nido are on the same island. Some book flights to Coron expecting to cross to El Nido easily, while others arrive in Puerto Princesa but intend to go to Coron.
Let’s clear up this common misconception!
𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞: 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐀𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝
𝐄𝐥 𝐍𝐢𝐝𝐨 ⇄ 𝐏𝐮𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐚 (𝐏𝐏𝐒)
🚐 5–6 hours by van
- 𝐄𝐥 𝐍𝐢𝐝𝐨 ⇄ 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐧
⛴ 4-hour fast craft (Atienza, Montenegro, PhilMal, and Jomalia, 12:00 PM)
𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐧 ⇄ 𝐄𝐥 𝐍𝐢𝐝𝐨
⛴ 4-hour fast craft (Atienza, Montenegro, PhilMal. Jomalia, 6:30 AM)
𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐧 ⇄ 𝐏𝐮𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐚 (𝐏𝐏𝐒)
⛴ + 🚐 10-hour journey (fast craft + van)
✈️ Connecting Flight via Cebgo or PAL layover MNL or CEB
1️⃣𝐒𝐂𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐑𝐘 & 𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒
✅ Coron – Known for its dramatic limestone cliffs, world-class shipwreck diving sites, and stunning lakes such as Kayangan Lake and Barracuda Lake. It is a paradise for divers and adventure seekers.
✅ El Nido – Famous for its picturesque lagoons, white-sand beaches, and towering karst formations. The Bacuit Archipelago is a must-visit, featuring Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, and Nacpan Beach.
✅ Puerto Princesa – Home to the Underground River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with Honda Bay island hopping and historical landmarks like Plaza Cuartel and the Immaculate Conception Cathedral.
🏆 Best for Nature Lovers & Divers: Coron
🏆 Best for Beach Bums & Island Hoppers: El Nido
🏆 Best for Cultural & Family-Friendly Trips: Puerto Princesa
2️⃣ 𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐄𝐒 & 𝐀𝐃𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄
🏊♂️ Coron – Best for diving, snorkeling, and lake swimming. It offers WWII shipwreck dives and unique sites like Twin Lagoon.
🚣♀️ El Nido – Offers island hopping, kayaking, snorkeling, and cliff climbing. The Secret Lagoon and Snake Island sandbar are popular stops.
🏞️ Puerto Princesa – A mix of eco-tourism, wildlife encounters, and historical exploration. The Underground River tour and firefly watching are must-try experiences.
🏆 Best for Adventure Seekers: Coron
🏆 Best for Island Hopping & Beach Lovers: El Nido
🏆 Best for Eco-Tourism & Wildlife Exploration: Puerto Princesa
3️⃣ 𝐁𝐔𝐃𝐆𝐄𝐓 & 𝐂𝐎𝐒𝐓
💰 Coron – Mid-range to high-end budget. Diving and boat tours can be costly, but there are affordable local eateries.
💰 El Nido – Can be pricey, especially for island hopping and beachfront accommodations. However, budget travelers can still find cheap hostels and eateries.
💰 Puerto Princesa – The most budget-friendly, with cheaper accommodations, food, and tours compared to Coron and El Nido.
🏆 Best for Budget Travelers: Puerto Princesa
🏆 Best for Mid-Range & Luxury Travelers: El Nido & Coron
4️⃣ 𝐍𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐋𝐈𝐅𝐄 & 𝐅𝐎𝐎𝐃
🍻 Coron – Has a laid-back nightlife, with bars and live music but not as vibrant as El Nido. Seafood and local grills are common.
🍹 El Nido – The most lively nightlife scene in Palawan, with beachfront bars, fire dancing, and night markets. International cuisine is widely available.
🌃 Puerto Princesa – More family-friendly, with dining hotspots offering seafood feasts and traditional Palawan delicacies like tamilok (woodworm) and crocodile sisig.
🏆 Best for Nightlife & International Cuisine: El Nido
🏆 Best for Local Eats & Seafood Lovers: Puerto Princesa
🏆 Best for Relaxing Evenings & Chill Bars: Coron
🌴 𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐃𝐈𝐂𝐓: 𝐖𝐇𝐈𝐂𝐇 𝐃𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐒𝐔𝐈𝐓𝐒 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐁𝐄𝐒𝐓?
✨ 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐧– Best for divers, adventure seekers, and those who love secluded natural wonders.
✨ 𝐄𝐥 𝐍𝐢𝐝𝐨 – Best for island hoppers, beach lovers, and those who enjoy a mix of adventure and nightlife.
✨ 𝐏𝐮𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐚 – Best for budget travelers, cultural tourists, and families looking for a relaxing yet adventurous trip.
🚀 Why Choose? Visit All Three! Start in Puerto Princesa, head to El Nido, and take a ferry to Coron for the ultimate Palawan experience! 🌊
