Palawan is a pristine island province in the western Philippines, often called the Philippines' Last Frontier for its untouched natural beauty. Home to the UNESCO-listed Puerto Princesa Subterranean River and the stunning limestone karst landscapes of El Nido and Coron, Palawan offers some of Southeast Asia's most dramatic scenery. Its turquoise lagoons, vibrant coral reefs, and white-sand beaches consistently earn it recognition as one of the world's best island destinations.
Accommodation overview
Hotels by budget
Find accommodation that fits your travel budget.
Budget-friendly (under $50/night)
Spin Designer Hostel El Nido
One of El Nido's best-designed budget options with stylish dormitory pods and private rooms in the town center. The communal areas are social and lively and the in-house tour booking service is one of the most organized in town.
Check rates on Booking.comYolanda's Place El Nido
A popular guesthouse in El Nido town run by a welcoming local family offering clean private and shared rooms at excellent value. The communal terrace is a great spot to meet fellow travellers and get tour recommendations from the knowledgeable staff.
Check rates on Booking.comHarana Beach Resort
A charming beachfront guesthouse in Corong-Corong, El Nido with nipa hut-style cottages and a relaxed beach bar atmosphere. It is a 10-minute tricycle ride from El Nido town center and the beachside setting provides excellent sunset views.
Check rates on Booking.comBalay Tagalog Inn Coron
A friendly budget guesthouse in Coron town center offering basic but clean rooms with helpful staff who arrange tours and diving packages. The location on the main street gives walking access to restaurants, dive shops, and tour operators.
Check rates on Booking.comMid-range ($50-150/night)
The Funny Lion El Nido
A hip boutique hotel in El Nido town with a rooftop bar and pool offering views of the Bacuit Archipelago. The colorful, design-forward rooms are among the best-value stylish options in El Nido with excellent Wi-Fi and helpful staff.
Check rates on Booking.comPrincesa Garden Island Resort and Spa
A comfortable beachfront resort in Puerto Princesa with views of Honda Bay and lush tropical gardens. The resort's floating restaurant over the bay is a popular dining spot and the spa offers traditional Filipino massage treatments.
Check rates on Booking.comEl Nido Cove Resort
Nestled in a quiet cove on the outskirts of El Nido town, this resort offers comfortable cottages with garden or sea views and a pleasant beachfront setting. The location provides easy access to island-hopping tours while maintaining a relaxed village feel.
Check rates on Booking.comCoron Westown Resort
A well-located resort in Coron town center with a swimming pool and easy access to tour departure points. The resort's rooftop offers good views over the bay and is an ideal base for exploring Coron's island-hopping routes and dive sites.
Check rates on Booking.comPuerto Pension
A charming heritage hotel in the heart of Puerto Princesa City housed in a restored colonial building with a courtyard garden and the beloved Ka Lui Restaurant. The rooms are simply but tastefully decorated and the central location makes it ideal for exploring the city.
Check rates on Booking.comEl Nido Boutique and Art Hotel
An artistic boutique hotel in El Nido town with individually decorated rooms featuring work by local artists. The hotel's rooftop provides excellent views of the surrounding karst landscape and the in-house café serves excellent breakfast and coffee.
Check rates on Booking.comDos Palmas Island Resort and Spa
A popular island resort on Arreceffi Island in Honda Bay, just 30 minutes from Puerto Princesa. The resort offers comfortable cottages and villas with direct beach access, a dive center, and a good-value all-inclusive option ideal for families.
Check rates on Booking.comCoron Siete Pecados Dive Resort
A purpose-built dive resort near the Siete Pecados Marine Park, offering comfortable rooms with easy proximity to some of Coron's best snorkeling and diving. The resort's dive packages provide excellent value including multiple guided dives per day.
Check rates on Booking.comDaluyon Beach and Mountain Resort
An eco-certified resort near the Puerto Princesa Underground River with beach cottages and mountain-view rooms. The resort operates its own tours to the underground river and has an excellent swimming pool and restaurant serving fresh Palawan seafood.
Check rates on Booking.comDiscovery Island Resort Coron
A well-appointed resort on a small private island in Coron Bay with beautiful views of the surrounding karst landscape. The resort offers comfortable water-facing rooms, a diving center, and island tours, making it an excellent base for exploring Coron.
Check rates on Booking.comLuxury ($150+/night)
El Nido Resorts Miniloc Island
Perched on the edge of Bacuit Bay surrounded by limestone karsts, this iconic eco-resort offers water cottages and cliff cottages with direct lagoon access. The resort operates its own marine conservation programs and island tours, ensuring responsible travel and extraordinary privacy.
Check rates on Booking.comEl Nido Resorts Lagen Island
Set within a protected mangrove lagoon on Lagen Island, this upscale eco-resort features water cottages and forest rooms blending seamlessly with the rainforest environment. The resort's dining room has panoramic views over the bay and serves fresh seafood and Filipino-inspired cuisine.
Check rates on Booking.comTwo Seasons Coron Island Resort & Spa
Featuring stunning overwater bungalows on stilts above Coron Bay, this resort offers unmatched views of the limestone karst islands from its decks and private plunge pools. The resort's dive center is one of the best-equipped in Coron with access to nearby WWII wrecks.
Check rates on Booking.comAmanpulo
Located on the private Pamalican Island in the Cuyo archipelago, Amanpulo is one of Southeast Asia's most exclusive resorts with individual casitas set among coconut groves along a pristine white-sand beach. Guests arrive by private charter flight and enjoy complete seclusion and bespoke service.
Check rates on Booking.comClub Paradise Coron
Situated on the exclusive Dimakya Island near Busuanga, Club Paradise offers beach cottages and villas surrounded by unspoiled reef and visited by Irrawaddy dolphins. The island's house reef is exceptional for snorkeling and the resort offers a full range of water activities.
Check rates on Booking.comSangat Island Dive Resort
An intimate dive resort on Sangat Island in Coron Bay with direct access to several WWII shipwrecks just off the resort's shoreline. The resort accommodates only 30 guests at a time ensuring a personalized and exclusive diving experience. The above-water jungle setting and below-water history make this a one-of-a-kind stay.
Check rates on Booking.comNay Palad Hideaway
One of El Nido's most secluded luxury resorts, Nay Palad is located on its own pristine beach accessible only by boat. The resort's villas are elegantly designed with natural materials and the dining experience features farm-to-table Filipino cuisine with exceptional lagoon views.
Check rates on Booking.comHuma Island Resort and Spa
Located on Huma Island in Coron Bay with overwater villas and beach villas boasting private plunge pools. The resort's setting amid towering limestone karst formations and clear turquoise waters is among the most dramatic in Coron. Guests enjoy exceptional snorkeling from the resort's jetty.
Check rates on Booking.comBanwa Private Island
One of the most exclusive private island resorts in the world, Banwa Private Island near Coron can only be reserved in its entirety for a minimum of 10 guests. The island features six ultra-luxury villas, a private beach, a yacht, and bespoke concierge service for the ultimate privacy experience.
Check rates on Booking.comBest neighborhoods to stay
Choose your base based on your interests and travel style.
El Nido Town Center
The main hub of El Nido with a high concentration of restaurants, tour operators, and accommodation. The beachfront strip is lively in the evenings.
Best for: Backpackers and first-time visitors wanting convenience
Corong-Corong (El Nido)
A quieter beach area 2km south of El Nido town with budget and mid-range resorts along a pleasant beachfront. Great sunset views and less crowded.
Best for: Budget travelers and those seeking a quieter base
Puerto Princesa City Center
The provincial capital with the best infrastructure, shopping, and dining in Palawan. Good base for exploring the underground river and Honda Bay.
Best for: Travelers needing flights, banking, shopping, or longer stays
Coron Town Center
A charming small town with dive shops, local restaurants, and basic to mid-range accommodation. Close to boat departures for all island tours.
Best for: Divers and island-hopping enthusiasts
Sabang (Puerto Princesa)
A small coastal village near the Puerto Princesa Underground River with beachfront resorts and jungle surroundings. Very quiet at night.
Best for: Underground river visitors wanting to stay close to the park
Our top picks
Handpicked recommendations for every type of traveler.
El Nido Resorts Miniloc Island
Perched on the edge of Bacuit Bay surrounded by limestone karsts, this iconic eco-resort offers water cottages and cliff cottages with direct lagoon access. The resort operates its own marine conservation programs and island tours, ensuring responsible travel and extraordinary privacy.
Check rates on Booking.comEl Nido Resorts Lagen Island
Set within a protected mangrove lagoon on Lagen Island, this upscale eco-resort features water cottages and forest rooms blending seamlessly with the rainforest environment. The resort's dining room has panoramic views over the bay and serves fresh seafood and Filipino-inspired cuisine.
Check rates on Booking.comTwo Seasons Coron Island Resort & Spa
Featuring stunning overwater bungalows on stilts above Coron Bay, this resort offers unmatched views of the limestone karst islands from its decks and private plunge pools. The resort's dive center is one of the best-equipped in Coron with access to nearby WWII wrecks.
Check rates on Booking.comAmanpulo
Located on the private Pamalican Island in the Cuyo archipelago, Amanpulo is one of Southeast Asia's most exclusive resorts with individual casitas set among coconut groves along a pristine white-sand beach. Guests arrive by private charter flight and enjoy complete seclusion and bespoke service.
Check rates on Booking.comClub Paradise Coron
Situated on the exclusive Dimakya Island near Busuanga, Club Paradise offers beach cottages and villas surrounded by unspoiled reef and visited by Irrawaddy dolphins. The island's house reef is exceptional for snorkeling and the resort offers a full range of water activities.
Check rates on Booking.comSangat Island Dive Resort
An intimate dive resort on Sangat Island in Coron Bay with direct access to several WWII shipwrecks just off the resort's shoreline. The resort accommodates only 30 guests at a time ensuring a personalized and exclusive diving experience. The above-water jungle setting and below-water history make this a one-of-a-kind stay.
Check rates on Booking.comBooking tips
Get the best deals and avoid common mistakes.
Book accommodation at least 2-3 months ahead for December to February peak season
Island resort accommodation fills up months in advance — book Miniloc and Lagen 6 months ahead
Amanpulo and Banwa Private Island require bookings 6-12 months in advance
Budget guesthouses in El Nido and Coron rarely need advance booking outside peak season
Check if your accommodation includes breakfast — many mid-range options offer good deals
Rates are significantly cheaper during April-June shoulder season
Direct hotel booking may offer better rates and flexibility than OTA platforms
Alternative accommodations
Beyond traditional hotels, consider these options.
Guesthouses
Family-run guesthouses offer authentic local experiences and often include home-cooked meals. Great for cultural immersion.
Serviced apartments
Ideal for longer stays or families. Kitchen facilities help save money and provide flexibility.
Hostels
Budget-friendly option for solo travelers. Dorms and private rooms available with social common areas.