December is a great time to visit Palawan: dry season brings sunshine, calm seas, and excellent conditions for island-hopping, diving, and outdoor adventures. It’s peak season, so accommodations are in demand—book ahead!
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| ✈️ Transport | $1800 |
| 🏨 Accommodations | $420 |
| 🧳 Gear | $120 |
| 🗺️ On-site | $600 |
| Total | $2940 |
[ ] 🏞️ Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park ⭐⭐⭐ (~6h)
UNESCO-listed underground river tour by boat. Pre-book tickets online; bring extra clothes and wetbags.
[ ] 🌳 Sabang Mangrove Forest ⭐⭐ (~2h)
Guided paddle boat tour. Spot mudskippers, mangrove snakes, and birds.
[ ] 🏙️ Puerto Princesa City Baywalk Park ⭐ (~1h)
Seaside promenade for sunset views and local snacks.
[ ] 🏛️ Palawan Heritage Center ⭐⭐ (~1.5h)
Interactive exhibits on Palawan’s history, culture, and indigenous communities.
[ ] 🛕 Immaculate Conception Cathedral ⭐ (~0.5h)
Historic Spanish-era church near the city center.
[ ] 🌿 Palawan Butterfly Ecological Garden & Tribal Village ⭐⭐ (~2h)
See butterflies, endemic flora, and interact with local Batak tribe.
[ ] 🏖️ Nacpan Beach ⭐⭐⭐ (~5h)
Spectacular 4-km stretch of cream sand, fringed by coconut trees. Accessible by tricycle or scooter.
[ ] 🗺️ Island-hopping Tour A ⭐⭐⭐ (~6h)
Lagoon & beach circuit: Small Lagoon, Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Seven Commandos Beach. Most photogenic tour! Join a group outrigger boat; snorkeling gear supplied.
[ ] 🏝️ Island-hopping Tour C ⭐⭐ (~6h)
Hidden beaches, Matinloc Shrine, Helicopter Island—adventure and snorkeling.
[ ] 🏞️ Taraw Cliff Canopy Walk ⭐⭐ (~2h)
Safe guided walk on metal platforms with panoramic El Nido town and bay vistas.
[ ] 🌳 Nagkalit-Kalit Falls ⭐ (~2h)
Jungle trek to refreshing double waterfalls (~45 min walk each way). Wear sports sandals, guide mandatory.
[ ] 🏛️ El Nido Public Market ⭐⭐ (~1h)
Best for tropical fruits and breakfast snacks.
[ ] 🏄 Surf at Duli Beach ⭐ (~3h)
Quiet spot for beginner surf lessons; December brings small swells.
[ ] 🌅 Las Cabañas Beach (Marimegmeg Beach) ⭐⭐ (~2h)
Chill out, sunset cocktails, and famous zipline across the bay.
[ ] 🗺️ Island-hopping: Kayangan Lake, Barracuda Lake, Twin Lagoon ⭐⭐⭐ (~6h)
Turquoise lakes, mystical limestone cliffs. Join a group or budget-friendly shared boat.
[ ] 🏝️ Malcapuya Island ⭐⭐ (~5h)
Powdery beach, picturesque snorkeling. Best reached via coron-organized day trips.
[ ] 🏖️ Banol Beach & CYC Beach ⭐⭐ (~3h)
Two idyllic, less-crowded islands with easy swimming and coral gardens.
[ ] 🌄 Mt. Tapyas View Deck ⭐⭐⭐ (~1.5h)
Stair climb for panoramic views at sunset. Bring water.
[ ] 🏛️ Coron Public Market ⭐ (~1h)
Morning visit for breakfast, cheap mangoes, and souvenirs.
[ ] 🏊 Maquinit Hot Springs ⭐⭐ (~2h)
Open-air geothermal pools surrounded by mangroves—a treat after a day on the water.
Prime VideoYouTubeHBO GoYouTubeYouTubeYouTube| City | Nights | Accommodation | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puerto Princesa | 2 | Sheebang Hostel | $60 |
| El Nido | 3 | Spin Designer Hostel | $180 |
| Coron | 2 | Hop Hostel Coron | $80 |
| Total | 7 | $320 |
Tip: For comfort level, consider upgrading to a private double at each hostel; works well for couples, adds privacy, and keeps the sociable vibe.