Palawan, Philippines
 · 2 min read
 · Paul McCartwheel
Table of contents

Essential Guide to Inter-Island Travel in Palawan

Introduction

Palawan, known for its stunningly beautiful landscapes and diverse ecosystems, is an archipelago comprising hundreds of islands. Traveling between these islands is a crucial aspect for tourists and locals alike. Various modes of inter-island travel cater to different schedules and budgets, making it accessible for anyone wishing to explore this tropical paradise. Below is a detailed look at the available options for inter-island travel within Palawan.

Details

  • Ferries

    • Puerto Princesa to El Nido
      • Operators: Several companies including Montenegro Shipping Lines and Oceanjet
      • Schedule: Approximately 1-2 ferries per day
      • Duration: 3-4 hours
    • Puerto Princesa to Coron
      • Operators: 2GO Travel and Montenegro Shipping Lines
      • Schedule: Two ferries per week, usually on Mondays and Thursdays
      • Duration: 9-12 hours, depending on the ferry
    • El Nido to Coron
      • Operators: Phimal Fast Ferry and Atienza Shipping
      • Schedule: Various daily departures, frequency increases during peak seasons
      • Duration: 3-4 hours

  • Banca Boats (Local Boats)

    • Island Hopping Tours
      • Popular routes include Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, and Secret Lagoon from El Nido
      • Schedule: Flexible; tours typically start around 9 AM
      • Duration: Varies; full-day tours usually last 6-8 hours
    • Private Boat Rentals
      • Availability: Boats can be chartered from various local operators
      • Schedule: Customizable based on tourist preference
      • Duration: Depending on the destination, can range from 1-5 hours

  • Speedboats

    • Puerto Princesa to Honda Bay
      • Operators: Local tour companies offer speedboat transit to different islands
      • Schedule: Usually leave mid-morning and return mid-afternoon
      • Duration: Typically around 30-45 minutes to the nearest island
    • Coron to Malcapuya Island
      • Operators: Various private charter boats and tour providers
      • Schedule: Tours generally leave around 8 AM and return around 5 PM
      • Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours

  • Air Travel

    • Puerto Princesa to El Nido
      • Airlines: AirSWIFT offers direct flights
      • Schedule: Flights are limited to 1-2 daily
      • Duration: About 1 hour
    • Puerto Princesa to Coron
      • Airlines: Multiple carriers including Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific
      • Schedule: Several flights daily
      • Duration: Approximately 1 hour

Conclusion

Navigating through the islands of Palawan offers a variety of travel options, from comfortable ferries and local banca boats to speedy air travel. The schedules are generally designed to accommodate both local residents and tourists, with varying duration and routes. Whether you prefer the scenic ferry ride or a swift flight, Palawan presents ample opportunities for memorable island exploration. Make sure to check schedules in advance as they can change frequently, especially during peak tourist seasons.