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Introduction: Planning Your Palawan Travel Budget Comfortably
Palawan is one of the most beautiful destinations in the world, offering stunning beaches, island-hopping tours, and world-class diving. But how much money should you save to Palawan Travel Budget Comfortably enjoy this tropical paradise?
The Coron to El Nido tour, island-hopping, accommodations, food, and transportation costs vary depending on your travel style—whether you’re a budget backpacker, mid-range traveler, or luxury seeker.
In this guide, we’ll break down the Palawan travel budget for:
✔ Accommodation (budget, mid-range, luxury)
✔ Food & Drinks
✔ Activities & Tours (including diving and island hopping)
✔ Transportation costs
✔ Total estimated budget for different travel styles
Let’s dive in and help you plan the perfect getaway without financial stress! 💰🏝️
How Much Money Do You Need for you Palawan Travel Budget?
Your Palawan travel budget depends on how long you stay, your activities, and your travel style.
Budget Breakdown by Travel Style
| Category | Backpacker ($30-50/day) | Mid-Range ($60-120/day) | Luxury ($200+/day) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $10-25 (hostels, budget rooms) | $40-80 (hotels, resorts) | $150+ (beachfront resorts) |
| Food & Drinks | $5-15 (local eateries) | $15-30 (restaurants) | $50+ (fine dining) |
| Transportation | $5-15 (trikes, buses) | $20-50 (private transport) | $100+ (private car, flights) |
| Activities & Tours | $10-40 (basic island tours) | $50-100 (island-hopping, diving) | $200+ (exclusive tours, liveaboards) |
| Total Daily Budget | $30-50 | $60-120 | $200+ |
📍 Key Tip: A comfortable 1-week trip in Palawan can cost anywhere from $300 (budget) to $2,000+ (luxury).
Accommodation Costs in Palawan
Palawan offers a range of accommodations, from budget hostels to high-end beachfront resorts.
Budget Travelers ($10-$25 per night)
✔ Hostels & Guesthouses in Coron and El Nido offer dorm beds for $10-$15 per night.
✔ Private budget rooms can be found for $20-$25 per night.
Mid-Range ($40-$80 per night)
✔ Cozy boutique hotels and beachfront resorts for $50-$80 per night.
✔ Great value for honeymooners and families.
Luxury Travelers ($150+ per night)
✔ Overwater villas, 5-star resorts, and private island stays cost between $200-$800 per night.
✔ Popular choices: El Nido Resorts, Huma Island, and Amanpulo.
📍 Best Places to Stay:
🔹 Coron Town – Close to dive shops and island-hopping tours.
🔹 El Nido – Offers stunning limestone formations and luxury resorts.
Food & Drink Costs in Palawan
Eating in Palawan can be super affordable or a luxury experience, depending on where you go.
✔ Street food & carinderias (local eateries): $2-$5 per meal.
✔ Casual restaurants: $5-$15 per meal.
✔ Fine dining (beachfront restaurants, resorts): $30-$100 per meal.
📍 Must-Try Local Dishes:
🔹 Fresh seafood platters ($15-$30)
🔹 Kinilaw (Filipino ceviche) ($5)
🔹 Lechon kawali (crispy pork belly) ($4)
Activity & Tour Costs: Is the Coron to El Nido Tour Worth It?
One of the biggest travel expenses in Palawan is tours and activities, but it’s also the most rewarding!
1. Coron to El Nido Tour (3 Days, 2 Nights)
✔ Includes island-hopping, snorkeling, overnight camping, and meals.
✔ Cost: $250-$350 per person for a shared expedition.
✔ Private charters: $1,500+ for a group of 6-10 people.
2. Island-Hopping in Coron
✔ Half-day tour: $30-$50 (visiting Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoons).
✔ Full-day tour: $50-$80 (includes multiple islands, snorkeling).
3. Scuba Diving in Coron & El Nido
✔ Single dive: $30-$40.
✔ 3-dive package: $80-$120.
✔ Wreck diving (WWII sites): $100+.
📍 Best Diving Spots:
🔹 Siete Pecados Marine Park (Coron)
🔹 WWII Shipwrecks (Coron Bay)
🔹 Shimizu Island (El Nido)
Transportation Costs in Palawan
Getting around Palawan is affordable, but you’ll need to plan for boats, buses, and flights.
✔ Tricycle rides (short distances): $1-$3.
✔ Van from Puerto Princesa to El Nido: $15 per person.
✔ Boat from Coron to El Nido: $40-$60 (6-hour trip).
✔ Flights to Palawan (from Manila/Cebu): $50-$150 (one-way).
📍 Travel Tips:
✔ Book boats & vans in advance during peak season (December-April).
✔ Consider domestic flights for faster travel between islands.
Total Budget for a 7-Day Palawan Trip
| Travel Style | Budget ($300-$500) | Mid-Range ($700-$1,500) | Luxury ($2,000+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $100-$150 | $300-$800 | $1,500+ |
| Food & Drinks | $70-$100 | $150-$300 | $500+ |
| Activities & Tours | $150-$250 | $400-$800 | $1,000+ |
| Transportation | $50-$100 | $150-$300 | $500+ |
| Total Cost | $300-$500 | $700-$1,500 | $2,000+ |
✔ Budget travelers: $40-$50 per day.
✔ Mid-range travelers: $100-$150 per day.
✔ Luxury travelers: $250+ per day.
Conclusion: How Much Should You Save?
A comfortable trip to Palawan can cost between $500-$2,000, depending on your preferences for accommodations, tours, and food.
The Coron to El Nido tour is one of the best ways to experience Palawan, offering adventure, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable memories.
🌴 Are you ready for paradise? Start planning your Palawan adventure today! 🏝️
