Best Places to Stay in Palawan, Philippines (From El Nido to Coron and Beyond)
Palawan is the kind of destination that refuses to fit into one box. It’s part castaway fantasy, part adventure playground, part slow-living island escape. One day you’re hopping between limestone lagoons in El Nido, the next you’re diving wrecks in Coron, and before you know it you’re eating fresh seafood in a small fishing town where the loudest “traffic” is a tricycle rolling by. With so many distinct areas—each with its own vibe—the best places to stay in Palawan depend on what you want your trip to feel like.
This guide is built for travelers who want the right base, not just a bed. We’ll cover the top areas to stay in Palawan, what each place is best for, the type of accommodation you’ll find (from budget hostels to beachfront resorts), and practical tips to help you choose. If you’re planning a honeymoon, a family trip, a backpacker adventure, a dive holiday, or a work-from-paradise month, you’ll find a great match here.
Why Palawan Is Worth Planning Your Stay Carefully
Palawan is long and spread out, and travel between major hubs can take time. El Nido and Coron are both iconic, but they’re separated by sea (fast ferries) or flights via Manila or Cebu. Puerto Princesa is the main gateway for many flights, while Port Barton sits in the sweet spot between Puerto Princesa and El Nido. Then there’s San Vicente (Long Beach), Taytay, and a string of smaller islands and inland eco-stays that can easily become your favorite part of the trip if you plan well.
Choosing the right place to stay can mean the difference between waking up to sunrise on a quiet beach versus spending half your day commuting on bumpy roads. It also affects what you’ll do: island hopping, diving, surfing, jungle hikes, cave exploration, food trips, or simply lounging with a book and a mango shake.
Quick Snapshot: Best Areas to Stay in Palawan
If you want a fast overview before going deeper, here’s the simple breakdown:
- El Nido Town: Best for convenience, nightlife, tours, and easy transfers.
- El Nido Beaches (Las Cabañas, Corong-Corong, Lio): Best for sunsets, comfort, and staying near—but not inside—the busy center.
- Nacpan & Duli (El Nido area): Best for peaceful beach days, surfing, and slow travel.
- Coron Town: Best for diving trips, island hopping, and budget-friendly bases.
- Coron Island Resorts (near beaches): Best for honeymoon vibes and sea views.
- Port Barton: Best for relaxed island life, low crowds, and value stays.
- Puerto Princesa: Best as a transit stop, food base, and for the Underground River day trip.
- San Vicente / Long Beach: Best for “new Palawan” calm, space, and wide-open shores.
- Taytay: Best for history, islands nearby, and off-the-radar vibes.
Best Places to Stay in El Nido
El Nido is Palawan’s superstar, famous for dramatic limestone cliffs and bright turquoise lagoons. It’s also the place where first-time visitors often spend the most time. Where you stay in El Nido matters because the experience changes dramatically depending on whether you’re in the busy town center or tucked along a beach road with nothing but ocean breeze and sunset skies.
El Nido Town Proper: Best for First-Timers and Convenience
Staying in El Nido town proper is ideal if you want to be close to everything: restaurants, cafés, bars, tour offices, and the main beach where many island-hopping boats depart. You can roll out of bed, grab coffee, and be on a boat in minutes. This is also the easiest base if you’re arriving late, taking early transfers, or you want to book tours on the fly without planning every detail in advance.
The trade-off is that town proper can feel hectic, especially in peak season. Streets are tight, traffic can be noisy, and the main beach is more about logistics than lounging. If you’re a light sleeper, choose accommodations set back from the main road, or prioritize places with good soundproofing and air-conditioning.
- Best for: Short stays, tour-heavy itineraries, social travelers, nightlife.
- Accommodation vibe: Hostels, budget inns, boutique hotels, midrange comfort stays.
- Tip: If you’re island hopping daily, town proper saves time and money on transport.
Corong-Corong: Best for Budget-Friendly Beachfront and Sunsets
Corong-Corong sits just outside town and is one of the smartest places to stay if you want access to El Nido without being swallowed by the busiest streets. You’ll find beachfront accommodations with sunset views, plus restaurants and bars that feel more relaxed than town proper. It’s a sweet spot for travelers who want a calm home base but still plan to join the classic island-hopping tours.
Transportation is easy: a quick tricycle ride gets you into town. Some travelers even walk parts of it if they don’t mind the heat. Corong-Corong also tends to offer better value for beachfront stays compared to prime spots closer to the tour docks.
- Best for: Couples, midrange travelers, sunset chasers, quieter nights.
- Accommodation vibe: Beach cottages, small resorts, comfortable hotels.
- Tip: Choose a place slightly elevated if you want panoramic sea views.
Las Cabañas (Marimegmeg Beach): Best for Beach Days and Cocktail Sunsets
Las Cabañas, also known as Marimegmeg Beach, is El Nido’s “beach day” headquarters. The vibe is laid-back and vacation-ready, with lounge-y beach bars, daybeds, and dramatic sunsets that seem engineered for photos. If you want your El Nido stay to feel like a holiday rather than a launchpad, Las Cabañas delivers.
This area is popular with couples and travelers who enjoy staying near the action—but the action here is beach-focused, not town-focused. You’ll still be close enough to reach El Nido town easily by tricycle, while enjoying a more scenic, resort-style atmosphere.
- Best for: Beach lovers, couples, social-but-not-party travelers, sunset photographers.
- Accommodation vibe: Beach resorts, boutique stays, hillside view hotels.
- Tip: Book early for peak season—this is one of the most in-demand areas around El Nido.
Lio Beach: Best for Families, Comfort, and a Polished Resort Feel
Lio is a planned beach area just outside El Nido town, and it feels different from the rest of the region in the best way. It’s cleaner, quieter, and more organized, with wide sandy shores and a more upscale atmosphere. Travelers who like comfort, smooth logistics, and family-friendly amenities often prefer Lio over staying in the town center.
Lio Beach is also convenient if you’re arriving via El Nido Airport (Lio Airport). You can land and be at your accommodation quickly, which is a big advantage if you’re trying to maximize beach time.
- Best for: Families, comfort-first travelers, short relaxing breaks.
- Accommodation vibe: Upscale resorts, modern boutique hotels, curated dining options.
- Tip: Great base if you want quieter mornings and easy airport access.
Nacpan Beach: Best for Peace, Space, and Long-Stay Beach Living
Nacpan Beach is famous for its long, golden stretch of sand and a calmer, more open feel. Staying here is for travelers who want to disconnect. Your days become simpler: coffee, sea, long walks, sunset, repeat. It’s especially appealing for those who’ve already done the classic El Nido boat tours and now want a quieter slice of Palawan.
The main downside is distance. It’s not as quick to reach El Nido town, and the road can be rough depending on weather and maintenance. But that “effort” is part of the point: it keeps Nacpan feeling less crowded.
- Best for: Slow travel, beach relaxation, digital detox, couples who want quiet.
- Accommodation vibe: Rustic resorts, beach cottages, eco-stays, small hotels.
- Tip: Stock up on essentials (snacks, sunscreen) because options are fewer than town.
Duli Beach: Best for Surfing and a Rustic Escape
Duli Beach is one of the best areas for surfing near El Nido, and it’s far more rustic than the main tourist zones. If you’re after a wild beach feel—less polish, more nature—this is a strong pick. The accommodations are usually simple, the vibe is relaxed, and the ocean can be powerful depending on the season.
- Best for: Surf travelers, offbeat explorers, nature-first stays.
- Accommodation vibe: Simple lodges, beach huts, eco-friendly stays.
- Tip: Confirm transport options ahead of time—getting around is part of the adventure.
Best Places to Stay in Coron
Coron is a dream for divers and island hoppers, famous for WWII shipwreck dives, crystal lakes, and dramatic karst scenery. The main decision here is whether you want the practicality of staying in Coron town or the romance of staying in a more secluded resort setting with direct sea views.
Coron Town: Best for Divers, Budget Travelers, and Easy Tour Access
Coron town is the most common base, especially for divers and travelers doing multiple tours. It has plenty of restaurants, dive shops, cafés, and budget-friendly accommodations. The town itself isn’t a “beach town” in the way people expect, but it’s an efficient hub. Most boats depart from nearby piers, and it’s easy to book excursions day by day.
Town stays are great for travelers who prioritize activities over resort vibes. After a full day diving or island hopping, you can return to town for dinner, get a massage, and plan your next day without needing long transfers.
- Best for: Diving trips, island-hopping itineraries, budget travel, groups.
- Accommodation vibe: Hostels, guesthouses, midrange hotels, dive-friendly lodgings.
- Tip: Choose accommodations near the main road if you want walkable access to food and shops.
Secluded Resorts Around Coron: Best for Honeymoons and Sea Views
If your version of Palawan includes waking up to water views and spending afternoons on a private deck, consider staying outside town. Resorts in the surrounding areas (and in some island locations) offer a more tranquil experience with fewer crowds. These are ideal for couples, honeymooners, and travelers who want a more “vacation resort” feel.
The trade-off is that you may need to plan meals at your resort and coordinate transfers to town or tour pick-up points. But if you want privacy and a calmer atmosphere, it’s often worth it.
- Best for: Honeymoons, special occasions, relaxation-focused travel.
- Accommodation vibe: Higher-end resorts, private bungalows, bayfront stays.
- Tip: Check what’s included (meals, transfers, tour coordination) before booking.
Best Places to Stay in Port Barton
Port Barton is where many travelers fall in love with the “simpler Palawan.” It’s quieter than El Nido, less polished, and intentionally slower. If El Nido feels like a highlight reel, Port Barton feels like the behind-the-scenes version—authentic, peaceful, and still stunning.
Port Barton Town Beach Area: Best for Laid-Back Travelers and Easy Island Hopping
Staying near Port Barton’s main beach puts you close to local eateries, tour departures, and casual hangout spots. The area is walkable, and you’ll quickly recognize familiar faces because the town has a small-community feel. Island hopping here is beautiful and often more relaxed than the big operations in El Nido.
- Best for: Chilled beach days, couples, backpackers who want calm, value seekers.
- Accommodation vibe: Budget bungalows, small inns, midrange beachfront stays.
- Tip: Expect fewer “luxury” options—Port Barton’s charm is its simplicity.
Hill and Jungle Stays: Best for Views and Quiet Nights
If you want a more private setting, look for accommodations slightly uphill or surrounded by greenery. These stays often come with sea views, cooler breezes, and quieter nights. They’re great if you’re sensitive to noise or you want to feel tucked away in nature.
- Best for: Romantic stays, quiet travel, scenic mornings.
- Accommodation vibe: Eco-stays, hillside cottages, view-focused lodges.
- Tip: Confirm road access—some places are easier reached by motorbike or short walk.
Best Places to Stay in Puerto Princesa
Puerto Princesa is Palawan’s capital and the main entry point for many flights. Some travelers stay here only one night to rest before heading north. Others use it as a base for day trips like the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (often called the Underground River), plus city food trips and local markets.
City Center: Best for Transit, Food, and Quick Comfort
Staying in the city center is practical. You’ll find more reliable Wi-Fi, more dining options, and easy transport. This is the best area if you’re arriving late, leaving early, or you want an easy staging point for tours.
- Best for: One-night stays, business travelers, tour departures.
- Accommodation vibe: Business hotels, budget inns, midrange comfort stays.
- Tip: Use Puerto Princesa to recharge—good showers and stable internet can feel amazing mid-trip.
Near the Airport: Best for Short Stopovers
If your flight timing is awkward, staying near the airport can simplify everything. This is the move if you’re minimizing stress and maximizing sleep.
- Best for: Late arrivals, early flights, quick overnights.
- Accommodation vibe: Simple hotels, practical stays.
- Tip: Confirm airport transfer options—some places provide it, others don’t.
Best Places to Stay in San Vicente and Long Beach
San Vicente is often described as “the next big thing,” but it still feels wonderfully uncrowded. Long Beach is exactly what it sounds like: an enormous stretch of sand that makes you feel like you’ve arrived early to a secret party. If you love space, quiet, and the feeling of having a beach almost to yourself, this area belongs on your list.
Long Beach Area: Best for Quiet Beach Walks and Unplugging
Staying near Long Beach gives you a peaceful base with wide-open scenery. This is a great option for travelers who want to slow down, avoid crowds, and enjoy a more local, less commercial version of Palawan.
- Best for: Slow travel, couples, writers/creatives, long stays.
- Accommodation vibe: Small resorts, beach cottages, low-key stays.
- Tip: Plan your meals—options can be limited compared to El Nido or Coron.
San Vicente Town: Best for Practical Logistics
If you want to be near markets, transport, and basic services, staying closer to the town area makes things simpler. It’s not as scenic as being right on the beach, but it can make day-to-day logistics easier.
- Best for: Budget travel, practical needs, exploring surrounding areas.
- Accommodation vibe: Guesthouses, simple hotels.
- Tip: Combine a few nights in town with a few nights on Long Beach for balance.
Best Places to Stay in Taytay
Taytay is one of Palawan’s underrated stops. It has history, a quieter local atmosphere, and access to islands and beaches that don’t always make the mainstream itineraries. Travelers who enjoy going slightly off-route often find Taytay rewarding.
Near the Town Proper: Best for Local Culture and Convenience
Staying near Taytay town proper puts you close to local eateries, daily life, and transport options. It’s a practical base if you want to explore nearby attractions while still having access to basics like shops and simple restaurants.
- Best for: Off-the-beaten-path travel, local culture, budget exploration.
- Accommodation vibe: Guesthouses, small hotels, modest inns.
- Tip: Taytay works well as a “between destinations” stop if you’re traveling by land.
Island-Adjacent Stays: Best for Quiet Shorelines
If you find accommodations closer to the coast or with island access, you’ll enjoy a calmer beach atmosphere that feels less touristy than El Nido’s most popular spots. Think fewer crowds and more “this is what Palawan felt like years ago.”
- Best for: Quiet beach travelers, nature lovers, photographers.
- Accommodation vibe: Simple beach stays, eco-friendly lodges.
- Tip: In smaller areas, confirm power and Wi-Fi reliability if you need to work online.
How to Choose the Best Place to Stay in Palawan for Your Travel Style
If You’re Visiting Palawan for Island Hopping
Base yourself in El Nido town proper for maximum convenience or Corong-Corong/Las Cabañas if you want a calmer home base with easy access to tours. Coron town is best if you’re planning multiple boat tours and want a simple day-by-day booking flow.
If You’re Coming for Diving
Coron town is usually the top pick because of dive shop access and flexible schedules. If you want post-dive relaxation, consider staying outside town in a more secluded resort.
If You Want a Honeymoon or Romantic Escape
Choose beach-forward areas like Las Cabañas or Lio in El Nido, or a quieter resort setting around Coron. If you value privacy more than nightlife, avoid staying directly in the busiest town centers.
If You’re Traveling Palawan on a Budget
El Nido town proper and Coron town have the widest range of budget accommodations. Port Barton is also excellent for value, especially if you want a calmer, less commercial vibe.
If You Want a Slower, Quieter Palawan
Consider Port Barton, San Vicente/Long Beach, Nacpan, or Duli. These areas are built for travelers who want fewer crowds, earlier nights, and more nature.
If You Need Reliable Wi-Fi for Remote Work
Puerto Princesa generally offers the most stable internet. In El Nido and Coron, Wi-Fi quality varies widely—choose accommodations known for stronger connections and always have a backup plan (local SIM data). In smaller areas like Port Barton or Taytay, expect occasional outages and slower speeds.
Practical Tips for Booking Accommodation in Palawan
Book Early for Peak Season
Palawan is extremely popular during peak months. The best-located stays (especially beachfront options) can sell out quickly. If you have a must-have area—like Las Cabañas for sunsets or a specific resort near Coron—book as soon as your dates are set.
Know Your Transport Plan Before You Commit
Palawan’s distances can surprise first-time visitors. If you’re only in Palawan for a week, it often makes sense to choose two bases rather than trying to “do it all.” For example: El Nido + Coron, or El Nido + Port Barton, or Coron + Puerto Princesa. Your accommodation choice should support your route, not fight it.
Check What “Beachfront” Really Means
Listings sometimes use “beachfront” loosely. Look at location details and recent photos. In some places, the “beach” may be a narrow shoreline or a spot that’s not swimmable at low tide. If swimming matters to you, confirm water conditions and beach quality for that specific area.
Consider Noise and Power Reliability
In town areas, noise can be a factor—especially if you’re near bars or busy roads. In smaller towns and beach areas, power interruptions can happen. If you need consistent charging or you’re working online, ask about generators or backup power.
Plan for Tours: Pick-Up Points and Departure Times
Many island-hopping tours depart early. If you stay far from departure points, you’ll add transport time (and sometimes extra cost). Staying in town proper is most efficient for tour-heavy days, while beach areas can be better for rest days.
Suggested Palawan Itineraries Based on Where You Stay
5–7 Days: First-Timer Classic
- Base 1: El Nido (Town Proper or Corong-Corong)
- Base 2: Coron (Town for diving/tours, or resort for relaxation)
This is the iconic combo: lagoons and beaches in El Nido, then lakes and diving in Coron. If you only have a week, keep your bases tight and minimize long land transfers.
7–10 Days: Balanced Adventure + Slow Travel
- Base 1: Port Barton (quiet start)
- Base 2: El Nido (tours + beach nights)
- Optional: Nacpan for a mini escape
This route gives you the best of both worlds: a mellow Palawan introduction followed by the famous El Nido scenery.
10–14 Days: Deep Palawan Explorer
- Base 1: Puerto Princesa (arrival + Underground River day)
- Base 2: Port Barton
- Base 3: El Nido (mix town + beach area)
- Base 4: Coron
- Optional: San Vicente or Taytay for off-route discovery
If you have time, Palawan rewards you for slowing down. Add one lesser-visited stop and you’ll likely remember it as your most “real” part of the trip.
Final Thoughts: The Best Place to Stay in Palawan Depends on Your Version of Paradise
Palawan isn’t a single destination—it’s a collection of moods. El Nido is for postcard drama and lively energy. Coron is for divers, lakes, and rugged island beauty. Port Barton is for slowing down. Puerto Princesa is practical and comfortable. San Vicente is spacious and quietly impressive. Taytay is for travelers who enjoy taking the road less obvious.
If you’re unsure, start with El Nido as your anchor, then choose a second base that matches your interests: Coron for diving, Port Barton for calm, or San Vicente for wide-open beach days. Wherever you land, Palawan tends to do one thing very well: it makes time feel softer. Choose a place to stay that lets you feel that—and you’ll leave already planning your return.
