How Much Does a Palawan Trip Cost? Complete Budget Breakdown for 2026
One of the most common questions we get at CMT is some version of: “How much money do I need for Palawan?” The honest answer: it depends enormously on how you travel. A backpacker doing Palawan on the cheap can manage on ₱2,000-₱2,500 per day. A couple at a mid-range resort is looking at ₱5,000-₱8,000 per day. Neither version is wrong, they’re just different trips.
Flights to Palawan
Manila to Puerto Princesa (PPS):
- Budget airlines (Cebu Pacific, AirAsia): ₱1,500-₱3,500 one-way booked in advance
- Philippine Airlines: ₱3,000-₱6,000 one-way
Manila to El Nido (ENL via AirSWIFT):
- AirSWIFT: ₱3,500-₱8,000+ one-way depending on timing
Manila to Coron:
- ₱2,000-₱5,000 one-way
Budget tip: Book Manila-Puerto Princesa on a budget airline 2-3 months in advance, then take the van north to El Nido. This is typically cheaper than flying directly to El Nido, though it adds 5.5-6 hours of travel time.
Getting Around Palawan
Puerto Princesa to El Nido (van): ₱600-₱800 per person (shared), ₱3,500-₱5,000 private
Puerto Princesa to El Nido (flight, AirSWIFT): ₱1,800-₱4,500 per person
El Nido to Coron (flight, AirSWIFT): ₱1,800-₱4,500 per person
Tricycle within El Nido town: ₱20-₱50 per ride
Accommodation Costs
El Nido
| Budget Level | Type | Cost per Night |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Fan room, shared bathroom | ₱800-₱1,500 |
| Mid-range | AC room, private bathroom | ₱2,000-₱4,000 |
| Comfort | Beachfront cottage with amenities | ₱4,000-₱8,000 |
| Luxury | Resort with pool, sea views | ₱8,000-₱20,000+ |
Coron
- Budget: ₱600-₱1,200 per night
- Mid-range: ₱1,500-₱3,500 per night
- Comfort: ₱3,500-₱7,000 per night
Puerto Princesa
- Budget: ₱500-₱1,000 per night
- Mid-range: ₱1,200-₱2,500 per night
- Comfort: ₱2,500-₱5,000 per night
Island Hopping Tour Costs
El Nido island hopping (Tours A, B, C, D): ₱1,200-₱1,500 per person per tour (includes lunch). Private charter: ₱5,000-₱8,000 per boat.
Coron island hopping: ₱1,200-₱1,500 per person per tour (includes lunch)
Puerto Princesa Underground River: ₱150 environmental fee + ₱150-₱300 pump boat fee. Most people do this as part of a day tour: ₱1,500-₱2,500 per person including van transfers and fees.
Balabac island hopping: Usually bundled in tour packages starting from ₱14,500 per person for 4 days all-in.
Food Costs
| Category | Cost per meal |
|---|---|
| Filipino carenderia (local eatery) | ₱80-₱150 |
| Simple restaurant, Filipino food | ₱200-₱350 |
| Mid-range restaurant, mixed cuisine | ₱350-₱600 |
| Upscale restaurant or resort dining | ₱600-₱1,500+ |
Realistic daily food budget: Budget traveler: ₱400-₱600/day. Mid-range: ₱700-₱1,200/day. Dining well: ₱1,200-₱2,000/day.
Complete Trip Budget Examples
Budget Traveler (7 days, El Nido only)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Manila-PPS flight (budget, return) | ₱4,000 |
| PPS-El Nido van (shared, both ways) | ₱1,600 |
| Accommodation (6 nights, budget fan room) | ₱6,000 |
| Island hopping (Tour A + Tour C) | ₱2,800 |
| Food (7 days x ₱500) | ₱3,500 |
| Miscellaneous | ₱1,500 |
| Total | ₱19,400 |
Mid-Range Traveler (7 days, El Nido + Coron)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Manila-El Nido flight (AirSWIFT) | ₱6,000 |
| El Nido-Coron flight (AirSWIFT) | ₱3,500 |
| Coron-Manila flight | ₱3,000 |
| Accommodation (6 nights, mid-range AC) | ₱16,000 |
| Island hopping (3 tours) | ₱4,200 |
| Food (7 days x ₱900) | ₱6,300 |
| Miscellaneous (tips, tricycles, extras) | ₱2,500 |
| Total | ₱41,500 |
Booking a package from an operator like CMT often costs less than booking everything separately. Check our affordable Palawan packages to compare. Our most popular El Nido 4-day package starts at ₱5,450 per person and includes accommodation, daily breakfast, island hopping, and van transfers.
Money Tips for Palawan
- Bring cash. ATMs exist in El Nido and Coron town but can run out during peak season. Withdraw enough in Puerto Princesa or Manila before heading north.
- GCash is widely accepted, more and more El Nido restaurants and shops now accept GCash.
- No ATMs in Balabac or Port Barton. Bring all cash before you go.
- Budget extra for tips. ₱100-₱200 per tour per person as a tip is generous and well-received.
FAQ: Palawan Trip Cost
Q: How much does a Palawan trip cost in total?
Budget: ₱15,000-₱25,000 per person for 5-7 days (excluding international flights). Mid-range: ₱35,000-₱60,000 per person.
Q: Is Palawan expensive compared to other Philippine destinations?
Yes, Palawan is one of the pricier domestic destinations in the Philippines. But it’s still very affordable compared to international beach destinations like Bali or Thailand.
Q: Can I do Palawan on a budget?
Definitely. Budget travelers can do El Nido for ₱2,000-₱2,500 per day (excluding flights) by staying in fan rooms, eating local food, and doing shared island hopping tours.
Q: Is a Palawan tour package cheaper than DIY?
Often yes, particularly when you factor in private van transfers and pre-arranged accommodation. CMT’s packages bundle these costs in a way that’s frequently cheaper than booking each component separately on short notice.
Q: Is tipping expected in Palawan?
Tipping is not mandatory but is very much appreciated, especially for boat crews and tour guides. ₱100-₱200 per tour is a reasonable standard.
Book Smart, Let CMT Handle the Math
Planning your Palawan budget is easier when your key costs come as one clear package price. Browse our Palawan tour packages and see what fits your budget. No hidden fees, no surprises on arrival.