Palawan, Philippines: The Best 4-Day Itineraries for El Nido or Coron

Palawan, Philippines, is often called the country’s crown jewel. Known for its clear waters, towering limestone cliffs, white sandy beaches, and rich marine life, it is a top tropical destination in Southeast Asia. If your time is limited, this guide offers 2 separate 4-day itineraries you can choose from to help you make the most of your visit.

One focuses on El Nido, famous for its stunning lagoons and island hopping tours. The other highlights Coron, known for its World War II shipwrecks and freshwater lakes. Each itinerary offers a full experience tailored to different interests and travel styles.

Also read: Bali for Every Kind of Traveller: Where to Go Based on Your Vibe

Option 1: 4 Days in El Nido, Palawan Philippines

How to get to El Nido

The quickest way to reach El Nido is to fly directly to Lio Airport (ENI) with AirSWIFT. Flights operate from Manila and Cebu and take about one hour and twenty minutes. This option lets you start exploring without delay.

Alternatively, you can fly into Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS) and take a 5 to 6-hour van or bus ride north to El Nido. Though longer, this land journey passes through beautiful countryside and rural towns.

Overview of El Nido Island hopping tours: A, B, C, and D

El Nido’s island hopping tours are the main attraction and best way to see the limestone cliffs, lagoons, and beaches. There are four main tours, labelled A, B, C and D.

Tour A is the most popular. It includes Small Lagoon, Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and Seven Commandos Beach. This tour is perfect for swimming, kayaking and snorkelling amid breathtaking scenery.

Tour B visits less crowded spots such as Snake Island, Pinagbuyutan Island, Cudugnon Cave, Cathedral Cave, and Entalula Beach. It offers a mix of beach time, cave exploration, and excellent snorkelling.

Tour C focuses on hidden beaches and historic sites, including Hidden Beach, Secret Beach, Matinloc Shrine, Tapiutan Island, and Helicopter Island. This tour suits travellers seeking quieter, more secluded places.

Tour D is the least frequented and visits off-the-beaten-path locations such as Cadlao Lagoon, Paradise Beach, Pasandigan Beach, Natnat Beach, and Bukal Island. It is ideal for those wanting to escape the crowds.

Each tour lasts about 6 hours and includes a lunch break on one of the islands. Most visitors choose 2 tours to cover a good mix of highlights and quieter spots.

Day 1: Arrival and exploring El Nido town

 

 

After arriving, check into your hotel or guesthouse. El Nido town is small but lively, with many restaurants, bars, and souvenir shops. Take a stroll along the beachfront promenade and try local seafood dishes such as grilled fish or shrimp sinigang.

If time permits, visit the El Nido Public Market for local snacks and crafts. Finish the day watching the sunset from the beach or a rooftop bar.

Day 2: Island hopping tour A

Spend the day on the classic Tour A, which visits El Nido’s most famous lagoons and beaches. Kayak through Small Lagoon, swim in Big Lagoon, explore Secret Lagoon, snorkel around Shimizu Island, and relax on Seven Commandos Beach. This tour offers some of the most iconic scenery in Palawan.

Day 3: Island hopping tour C or B

Choose Tour C to discover hidden beaches and the historic Matinloc Shrine. Alternatively, select Tour B to explore caves and less crowded islands. Both tours include swimming and snorkelling opportunities and showcase quieter, scenic spots.

Day 4: Relaxing beach day and departure

Take your final day at a slower pace. Visit Nacpan Beach, about 30 minutes from town, known for its long white sand stretch and calm waters. It is less crowded and ideal for swimming or sunbathing. Alternatively, spend time at Lio Beach, where restaurants and shops are nearby. After relaxing, return to your accommodation to prepare for onward travel.

Option 2: 4 Days in Coron

How to get to Coron

Coron is served by Busuanga Airport (USU), which has direct flights from Manila and Cebu. Flights take approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. Coron town is a short transfer from the airport. If you wish to visit both El Nido and Coron, ferries operate between the two destinations. The ferry trip takes around 4 to 5 hours but can be affected by weather and schedule changes, so check carefully.

Overview of Coron island hopping tours: A, B, and C

Tour A: Lakes, lagoons and beaches

This is the classic and most popular tour. Highlights include Kayangan Lake, famed for its crystal-clear waters and limestone cliffs; Twin Lagoon, where you can swim through narrow passages or climb ladders to hidden lagoons; Coral Garden, a vibrant snorkelling spot; CYC Beach; and White Sand Beach, known for its powdery sand and calm waters.

Tour B: Beaches and reefs

Tour B visits beautiful beaches and excellent snorkelling spots like Banol Beach, Skeleton Wreck (a famous snorkelling and diving site), and Malwawey Reef. It combines pristine sandy shores with vibrant marine life and coral gardens.

Reef and wrecks Tour: Snorkelling over shipwrecks

This specialised tour focuses on snorkelling around World War II shipwrecks and coral reefs. It is perfect for snorkellers keen to explore the underwater history and marine biodiversity of Coron’s waters.

Island escapades tour: Remote islands and relaxation

This tour takes you to more secluded islands, including Malcapuya Island, Calumbuyan Island, and Bulog Dos Island. These islands offer white sand beaches, clear waters, and fewer crowds, ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing in nature.

Option 2: 4 Days in Coron, Palawan Philippines

Day 1: Arrival and sunset at Mt Tapyas

After checking into your accommodation, hike up Mt Tapyas in the late afternoon. The climb involves about 700 steps and offers panoramic views of Coron town, surrounding islands, and the sea. The sunset is especially beautiful from here.

After descending, explore local restaurants and try Filipino dishes, including the local delicacy tamilok (woodworm) if you’re adventurous.

Day 2: Island Hopping Tour A

Spend your second day on Tour A, visiting Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon, Coral Garden, CYC Beach, and White Sand Beach. This tour highlights some of Coron’s most iconic natural spots, ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and photography.

Day 3: Choose Between Tour B, Reef and Wrecks, or Island Escapades

On your third day, pick from these options:

• Tour B: Explore beaches and reefs including Banol Beach, Skeleton Wreck, and Malwawey Reef for great snorkelling and relaxing on sandy shores.

• Reef and Wrecks Tour: Focus on snorkelling over shipwrecks and coral reefs, perfect for underwater enthusiasts interested in Coron’s marine history.

• Island Escapades Tour: Visit remote islands like Malcapuya, Calumbuyan, and Bulog Dos for a quieter, more laid-back day on pristine beaches.

Day 4: Maquinit Hot Springs and Departure

Relax at Maquinit Hot Springs, a natural saltwater spring warmed by geothermal activity. It’s a soothing way to unwind after days of adventure. Depending on your schedule, you can also do some souvenir shopping in Coron town before your flight.

Get to the beach

Palawan’s breathtaking natural beauty and welcoming atmosphere make it a top destination in the Philippines. Whether you opt for El Nido’s famous lagoons and beaches or Coron’s lakes, wrecks, and hot springs, these 4-day itineraries offer full and rewarding experiences; discover why travellers return to Palawan, Philippines again and again.

Those with extra time can combine both destinations, but it requires careful planning due to travel times. Whichever itinerary you choose, Palawan promises unforgettable memories of a tropical paradise.