For those of you who have just stumbled upon this page, before you continue reading, you have to know that Palawan is one of our most favorite places on earth. I know that is a big claim for travel bloggers such as ourselves, but really, it is. You’re going to be blown away by how stunning it is!
So without further ado, here are our top picks for the best places to stay in Palawan for both hotels and hostels.
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Best Places to Stay in Puerto Princessa, Palawan
Budget:Â Sheebang Hostel
Room Type: Dorms | Double
Wifi: Yes
Near: By the main highway
Price Range: From $7 a night
If you’re looking for an affordable place to stay for a night before catching a flight, consider staying at Sheebang Hostel.
The rooms here are typical of hostels in the Philippines, but the highlight of the hostel is definitely the outdoor and common areas. There’s lots of greenery, seating, and even hammocks where you can while away a sunny day.
While the hostel is pretty basic, it’s a great place to meet other travelers. They have a great bar within the hostel and and you can also easily walk to the beach. That said, it’s pretty far from anything else in town so you’ll need to catch a tricycle or motorbike ride anywhere you want to go.
To see prices and read reviews, check:Â Booking.com | Agoda
Budget: Palawan Village Hotel
Room Type: Double | Family Rooms
Wifi: Yes
Near: Libjo
Price Range: From $9 a night
Located a short distance away from the airport, Palawan Village Hotel provides a very cheap and relatively clean place to stay for a few nights while you explore Puerto Princessa.
Although the city is located 2km away from the property, if you’re arriving in Puerto Princessa late at night, this place is our personal recommendation to get your bearings. This is definitely a bargain for a private room in Puerto Princessa!
To see prices and read reviews, check: Agoda
Mid-Range: Butterfly Totem Guest House
Room Type: Double | Family Rooms
Wifi: Yes
Near: 300m from Palawan Museum
Price Range: From $17 a night
This lovely bed and breakfast is a hidden gem for people traveling in big groups. For groups of eight, you can book their entire dorm room! Meanwhile, their family room can sleep six.
Butterfly Totem Guest House is clean and has everything that you need. It is in close proximity to the airport and restaurants around the area. This is the ideal spot if you need a place near the airport before or after your flight.
Plus, the owners of the place are very lovely and are more than happy to help you out and accommodate your needs.
To see prices and read reviews, check: Agoda
Luxury: Canvas Boutique Hotel
Room Type:Â King|Double
Wifi: Yes
Near:Â 1 km away from Puerto Princesa Airport
Price Range: $100 a night for a private room
This unique boutique hotel is very hip and trendy and is conveniently located 1km away from the Puerto Princessa airport.
Canvas Boutique Hotel is full of light installations and interesting murals which add character to the place. The rooms here have a contemporary style, with tasteful decoration and little comfortable touches. You also have a small seating area which is perfect for those lazy afternoons.
The outdoor pool provides a refreshing break from the heat of the city. The restaurant and bar have stylish decor, in keeping with the rest of the hotel, and serve some good food and cocktails.
Definitely a good splurge and is one of the best places to stay in Puerto Princessa, Palawan.
To see prices and read reviews, check:Â Â Booking.com | Agoda
Luxury: Princesa Garden Island Resort and Spa
Room Type: Pool Access | Villa | Suites
Wifi: Yes
Near: 2km from the Puerto Princesa International Airport
Price Range: From $142 a night
If you are looking for the ultimate luxurious hotel while in Puerto Princesa, look no further as this place is absolutely spot on.
Princesa Garden Island Resort and Spa is a stunning resort that will make you feel absolutely decadent. The whole ambiance of the place is relaxed and chill. Between the palm trees and massive outdoor pool, a few nights stay here will leave you well rested and rejuvenated.
For a real treat, opt for one of their pool access rooms so that you can go straight from bed and into the water. With restaurants and a bar on-site, you never have to leave the resort premises. And to make things even simpler, you get free airport transfers included in your stay.
Princesa Garden Island Resort and Spa really is one of the best places to stay in Palawan!
Book directly for the best price:Â www.princesagardenisland.com | Facebook and Instagram.
To compare prices and read reviews, check:Â Booking.com |Â Agoda
Transportation: We recommend downloading the Skyscanner App and using Bookaway or 12Go website to view bus, boat, and train schedules ahead of time. We’ve used these websites all over Asia and it saves us the hassle of lining up in travel agencies or bus stations.
✨Want to Have a More Local Experience While Traveling?✨
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Best Places to Stay in Coron, Palawan
Budget: Dayon Hostel
Room Type: Dorms
Wifi: Yes
Near:Â Coron Town
Price Range: From $11 a night
Located right in the heart of Coron, Dayon Hostel provides a clean and affordable place to stay while touring around.
Housed in a new building, the rooms here are newly renovated and comfortable, with curtains to provide you with some measure of privacy. You’ll love hanging out at their rooftop terrace where you can have a drink and take in the beautiful sunsets.
This is an awesome choice if you prefer modern accommodations in Coron and are on a tight budget.
To see prices and read reviews, check:Â Booking.com | Agoda
Mid-Range: Discovery Island Resort & Dive Center
Room Type:Â Cottage |Family Rooms | AC Room
Wifi: Yes
Near:Â Private Island: 5-minute boat ride from Coron Town
Price Range: From $64 a night
Located on its own private island just 5-minutes away from the main town, Discovery Island Resort is a good bargain for those that want a beachfront property.
Although the rest of Coron town is inaccessible (short boat rides to and from can be arranged), everything that you need is already located here. The location is perfect compared to the other landlocked places to stay in Coron, Palawan.
The rooms here may be simple but they offer sea views from your own balcony. Spend a relaxing day just chilling by the pool and don’t miss out on the delicious food from the on-site restaurant.
This is a great option if you’re looking to be away from the hustle and bustle of the town.
To see prices and read reviews, check: Booking.com | Agoda
Luxury: The Funny Lion
Room Type:Â Twin | Double| King
Wifi: Yes
Near: 10-minute drive from Mount Tapyas
Price Range: From $187 a night
Located just a short drive from one of the best viewpoints in Coron, The Funny Lion is an great luxury pick.
The hotel has spacious rooms which are tastefully decorated and with luxurious amenities which are perfect to enjoy after a day full of diving or island hopping. Things like an outdoor pool and tub set next to a mangrove forest immediately makes you feel closer to nature.
Other than lounging by the pool, you can relieve stress with treatments at the on-site spa. For more active travelers, the concierge and tour desk can help arrange activities during your stay.
The food in their restaurant is also very noteworthy!
To see prices and read reviews, check: Booking.com | Agoda
Best Places to Stay in El Nido, Palawan
Budget:Â Spin Designer Hostel
Room Type: Dorms | Double | Family Rooms
Wifi: Yes
Near:Â Calle Real (main town)
Price Range: From $20 a night
This is a stylish little spot in El Nido that won’t break the bank!
Spin Designer Hostel is an upscale hostel that’s clean and well-designed with bright cool rooms. The hostel itself is located within walking distance from everything, making it a convenient place to stay in. They offer both dorms and private rooms, so you have your pick depending on your preference.
With comfortable shared areas and activities happening daily, it’ll be easy to meet fellow travelers. The outdoor terrace, BBQ facilities and games room are awesome places to just chill out.
Oh, it’s also worth noting that the breakfast included in the room price is absolutely delicious!
To see prices and read reviews, check:Â Booking.com | Agoda
Budget: Dormitels.Ph
Room Type: Dorms | Single | Double (Fan & AC) | Family Room
Wifi: No
Near: Corong Corong beach
Price Range: From $14 a night
This no-frills basic hostel is a great choice for those that want to stay in a beachfront property instead of the main town.
These clean beds are great for budget backpackers. Dormitels.Ph has both dorms and private rooms, and big groups and families will love their family rooms that can sleep six people.
The selling point is definitely its location, as you’ll only be minutes from Corong Corong Beach. One downside is that there’s no wifi here — great for unplugging… but if you need internet access, this may not be the best choice for you.
To see prices and read reviews, check: Booking.com  | Agoda
Mid-Range: Ashok Homestay
Room Type: Twin | Double (Fan & AC)
Wifi: Yes
Near:Â El Nido Town Proper
Price Range: From $37 a night
Want a home away from home? This family-run homestay has everything you need to have a pleasurable few days in El Nido.
While the accommodation is very basic, the family who runs it makes up for it all with their service and friendliness. Their kindess and hospitality is definitely something noteworthy. They will help you sort out a boat tour, transportation to your next stop and will even make countless recommendations on where to go and what to do!
Great for budget travelers looking for a more local experience.
To see prices and read reviews, check: Booking.com | Agoda
Luxury: Lio Villas Resort
Room Type: Twin | Double | Family Rooms
Wifi: Yes
Near: 3km from Caalan Beach
Price Range: From $159 a night
Located 4.5km away from the main town, this resort is a great choice for those who want to get away. from it all and escape into tranquility.
The rooms at Lio Villas are beautifully decorated and super comfortable. Each room comes with a balcony that offers either a garden or sea view, perfect for relaxing. When you can tear outside away from your room, you’ll can explore the lush resort premises. The pool is pretty stunning, and best of all it’s open 24 hours!
Trike rides to town are readily available and cost around $4 a trip. The restaurant offers good food choices and the staff are friendly and attentive to your needs. You’ll definitely have an amazing stay here!
To see prices and read reviews, check: Booking.com | Agoda
Luxury: El Nido Resorts Miniloc Island
Room Type: Double | Beachside Rooms
Wifi: Yes
Near: Miniloc Island
Price Range: From $582 a night
Alongside with Lagen Island Resort, this five-star luxury resort is a haven for those looking to unwind and unplug.
Located on your own private island, you have the entire ocean as your backyard when you stay at El Nido Resorts Miniloc Islands. The location is stunning! With rooms nestled just by the water, this perfect seaside escape is worth every penny.
You’ll get the full luxury resort experience, with fantastic and attentive service from the staff. Private beach picnics can also be arranged along with the many outdoor and water activities.
If budget isn’t a concern, this is absolutely one of the best places to stay in Palawan!
To see prices and read reviews, check: Booking.com | Agoda
Our Recommendation: The Adventure Option
Now, if there is one thing that we would recommend anyone to do while in Palawan, it’s to arrange for an overnight beach camping trip. This has been one of my favorite experiences to date!
We arranged ours while we were in El Nido with one of the many tour operators that offer this. They do not openly market this trip but it is something that we highly recommend that you ask about.
Out of all the places in Palawan, sleeping under the stars is the best! Oftentimes, the company will provide everything including the tents, food, and an island-hopping tour. The beauty of having an island all to yourself plus a few bottles of Tanduay — priceless!
Traveling solo but still want to do this? Check out FB groups like the Philippine Backpacker or make friends with people in your hostel and organize a group. You won’t regret it!
Hello 🙂
The Philippines look and sound incredible. I am trying to plan a honeymoon for three weeks in December, 2017. A little luxury and some less expensive travelling round would be perfect. Adventure, beaches, relaxation, ideally no tourists. Not sure where to begin!
Hey @disqus_tr7FSNPQzx:disqus Thanks for dropping by! Honeymoon planning- how exciting! The Philippines is a great pick! If you send me an email anna(@)adventureinyou(.)com –(parenthesis for spam purposes), and I will be happy to recommend some places for you!
hi there, we are planning a 2 week trip to philipines in april. do you think we have enough time to visit puerto galera, boracay, and el nido? how easy is inter island travel? any recommendations?
Hello @disqus_Q9bAQSnDkN:disqus Yes I think that is enough time and its generally easy enough although getting to El Nido, you will need to fly to puerto princessa then travel by land. I suggest skipping Puerto Galera and instead do Boracay 4 nights then spend the rest of your time in Coron and El Nido. 🙂 Have fun!
We are planning a trip to Philippines the 1st week in Nov. If we have 6 days to spend, can you recommend a location that would be a good home base? Right now we are considering Palawan, Cebu & Boracay. Is it realistic to see all these in 6 days? If not, what would be realistic?
Hi Pamela!! In my opinion 6 days in waaay to short to see all those places. My suggestion is to go for Palawan. You can spend 3 days in el nido and 2 in Coron (factor in one day to fly back to Manila) etc. both places are absolutely stunning! Although there is a long boat ride to get from one point to the next. If you want a more relaxed and do nothing type of holiday Boracay has a good mix of beach, party life and pampering. 🙂 hope that helps a bit!
Thanks for the quick follow up. Would it be feasible to do Palawan & Boracay in 6 days?
Hiya @pamelarunkle:disqus in my opinion, it might be a bit too rushed. You can do Boracay and Coron (but that would mean missing out on El Nido as it doesn’t have a direct airport. You can check flights from Boracay (Caticlan or Kalibo to Busuanga, Coron) 🙂 Hope that helps!
Thank you for all your recommendations on the Philippines. We decided to take your advice and stay in El Nido & Coron.
We are also going to spend 7 days in Thailand. Do you have any experience traveling the islands in that region? We are considering Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi, Phuket (too touristy??). Would love to hear some of your thoughts if you have done any extensive traveling there. Thank you. Warm regards, Pam
Sorry for the late response!! Hope it’s not too late. We have a couple of articles on choosing the right beach and the islands with the best beaches- definitely check them out! Love koh lanta but phi phi is a bit too touristy for me. Very young crowd.