Where to stay

Best neighbourhoods in Palawan

Every neighbourhood scored for accessibility, value, local feel, and more. Honest trade-offs on each — no superlatives without substance.

AllBudgetLocal feelNightlifeFamiliesWalkabilityMost central

Top pick

Puerto Princesa

Palawan's capital and main gateway — the Underground River UNESCO site and the practical base for everything.

Puerto Princesa Palawan — lake and karst mountain landscape near the capital city of Palawan province

Puerto Princesa

Top pick

Palawan's capital and main gateway — the Underground River UNESCO site and the practical base for everything.

5/10

Walk

6/10

Price

8/10

Local

6/10

Central

Port Barton Palawan — aerial view of fishing boats and islands in an undeveloped bay in central Palawan

Port Barton

Good

Palawan before the crowds found it — a quiet fishing village between Puerto Princesa and El Nido with untouched bay.

7/10

Walk

8/10

Price

9/10

Local

3/10

Central

El Nido Town Palawan — aerial view of turquoise water and limestone karsts surrounding the town of El Nido

El Nido Town

Trade-off

The gateway to the Bacuit Archipelago — boat tours, limestone cliffs, and the liveliest strip in Palawan.

8/10

Walk

4/10

Price

6/10

Local

10/10

Central

Coron Palawan — crystal-clear turquoise water at Kayangan Lake surrounded by limestone karst cliffs

Coron Town

Trade-off

The WWII wreck diving capital of Asia — more laid-back than El Nido, with Kayangan Lake and limestone scenery.

7/10

Walk

5/10

Price

7/10

Local

8/10

Central

Nacpan Beach Palawan — aerial view of the four-kilometre white sand beach north of El Nido with turquoise water

Nacpan Beach

Trade-off

A four-kilometre stretch of undeveloped white sand north of El Nido — quieter, more exclusive, and genuinely beautiful.

4/10

Walk

3/10

Price

5/10

Local

5/10

Central

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