Best Combined El Nido and Coron Itinerary: 7 Days in Palawan

Arrive at El Nido Airport and take a van (PHP 600, 30 mins) to El Nido town. Check into your accommodation (try Spin Designer Hostel, PHP 800/night). Grab a late lunch at El Nido Boutique Art Cafe, where you can get a hearty pasta dish for around PHP 250. Spend your afternoon at El Nido beach, just a short walk from town, with impressive sunset views. As the sun begins to set, the sky transitions to shades of orange and pink, reflecting off the calm waters, while the gentle lapping of waves creates a soothing backdrop. The air is filled with the scent of salt and grilled seafood from nearby vendors. For an evening activity, consider a stroll along the beach to see local fishermen returning with their catch, or listen to the soft strumming of guitars from nearby bars. If you're looking for local insights, ask your accommodation about the best spots for fresh seafood—many establishments source their ingredients from local fishermen. Remember to stay hydrated, as the tropical heat can be intense, and don't forget your sunscreen for the following days of adventure.

Join Island Hopping Tour A (PHP 1,500), which includes visits to Small Lagoon, Big Lagoon, and Secret Lagoon. Boat leaves at 9 AM and returns by 4 PM. Snorkel gear rental is around PHP 150. Lunch is provided on the boat - enjoy grilled chicken and rice. Make sure to bring cash, as local shops at the lagoons charge about PHP 50 for coconut water. As you navigate through the clear turquoise waters, keep an eye out for colorful fish darting around the coral, and listen for the gentle lapping of waves against the boat. The air is filled with the scent of salt and grilled seafood, mingling with the sweet aroma of tropical fruits. Small Lagoon is accessible through a narrow entrance, leading to a impressive emerald pool surrounded by towering limestone cliffs, while Big Lagoon showcases a vast expanse of water framed by dramatic rock formations. Don’t forget to bring a waterproof bag for your belongings and sunscreen to protect against the strong sun. If you have a waterproof camera, this is the perfect time to capture the beauty of the lagoons and the lively marine life. Local guides often share stories about the lagoons' significance to the community, adding depth to your visit. Remember to respect the environment; avoid touching corals and other marine life to help preserve these natural wonders.

After two active days, relax at Nacpan Beach (20 km from town, 40 mins by tricycle, PHP 300). This beach stretches for nearly four kilometers, with powdery white sand and swaying palm trees lining the shore. The sound of the waves crashing against the shore creates a soothing backdrop as you lounge on the beach. Enjoy a beachside lunch at a local eatery where the aroma of grilled fish fills the air; fresh seafood dishes are available for about PHP 200. In the afternoon, try a paddleboard rental for PHP 500, gliding over the calm waters while soaking in the sun. Keep an eye out for local fishermen casting their nets nearby, a daily ritual that reflects the community's connection to the sea. Head back to El Nido by 5 PM for dinner at Artcafe, famous for its chicken adobo (PHP 150). To avoid the late afternoon rush, consider leaving Nacpan Beach by 4 PM. The sunset can be striking, so if time allows, stay a little longer to catch the sky transforming into hues of orange and pink before you depart.

Take a ferry from El Nido to Coron (PHP 1,800, 3.5 hours). The views during the journey are engaging, with limestone cliffs jutting from the turquoise waters. Keep your camera ready as the boat weaves through small islands. Check into your hotel (Coron Eco Lodge, around PHP 1,200/night). After settling in, walk around Coron town, where the scent of grilled seafood fills the air and street vendors call out with enticing features. Have dinner at the local market, where you can find grilled tilapia for around PHP 100, seasoned with calamansi and served with rice. The local market is alive with chatter and laughter, a perfect place to soak in the atmosphere. make sure to see the scenic view from Mount Tapyas; the hike takes about 30 minutes, and the trail is lined with local flora, including fragrant sampaguita flowers. Bring water to stay hydrated, and start your hike in the late afternoon to catch the sunset from the top. The panoramic view of Coron Bay is worth the climb, as you’ll see the islands scatter like jewels across the sea.

Join the Coron Island Hopping Tour (approximately PHP 1,500), visiting Kayangan Lake and Twin Lagoon. Tours start at 8 AM and return at 5 PM. Be ready for a scenic boat ride, and pack snacks (local vendors at the lakes sell snacks for around PHP 100). Enjoy your lunch on the boat, typically featuring grilled fish. Make sure to bring cash for entrance fees. As you glide through the turquoise waters, listen to the gentle lapping of waves against the boat and the calls of seabirds overhead. Kayangan Lake, famous for its crystal-clear water surrounded by towering limestone cliffs, may have a slight earthy scent from the surrounding flora. The hike to the viewpoint is short but steep, rewarding you with a engaging view of the lake below. At Twin Lagoon, take a moment to appreciate the thermal layers of water and soak in the warmth. Be cautious of the tide when swimming between the lagoons; it can change quickly. Consider bringing a waterproof bag for your belongings and a good camera for capturing the striking scenery. Local guides are knowledgeable and can share fascinating insights about the area’s history and ecology, enhancing your trip further.

If you're into diving, book a day trip with a local dive shop (around PHP 3,500 for 2 dives). Coron is famous for its wreck dives; make sure to see the Japanese shipwrecks. Alternatively, snorkel around Malcapuya Island (PHP 1,200 for the tour). Have dinner at La Sirenetta Seafood Restaurant, where a seafood platter is around PHP 600.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and perhaps a quick swim before checking out. If time allows, visit Maquinit Hot Springs (40 mins from Coron town, entrance fee PHP 200). Take a van back to Coron Airport for your departure. Ensure your transfers are booked in advance (PHP 150 to PHP 300 depending on your accommodation).