Getting to Palawan
Being an island, it is accessible by plane & boat from Manila, Iloilo & Cebu. If you’re coming from outside the Philippines, check this page for visa information. See below for the best ways to reach Palawan.
By Plane You can fly from Manila, Iloilo & Cebu to either one of the two airports in Palawan. There is an airport in Puerto Princesa (the capital city of Palawan) and another one at Busuanga (part of Calamian Islands, northeast of Palawan Island). The flight between the two locations is just over an hour long. Travelers will find that major Philippine airlines, including Air Philippines and Cebu Pacific Air, reach Palawan. Click here to see more information about flying to Palawan.
By Boat Travelers can also reach Palawan by boat. Ferries leaving from Manila travel 24 hours and 36 hours from Iloilo. Though, it can be quite long, many people find that this is an excellent way to get to the area. Palawan has some of the most beautiful coral reefs and natural water landscapes in the world so arriving via boat is most scenic of options. Click here to see more information about taking a boat to Palawan.
Getting Around Palawan
By Public Transporation Public transport within the islands consist of buses, vans, jeepneys and tricycles. There is a big well-organized transport terminal at the capital Puerto Princesa City, from where travelers can take off to other parts of Palawan. When traveling within Puerto Princesa proper and on short trips to the suburbs, tricycles can be easily available at a minimal fare or on hire basis. Multicabs and jeepneys move around the city on specified routes. Travel to the outskirts and outlying villages can be jeepney or mini-bus.
By Private Car Private vehicles may also be hired from car rental companies when traveling to most tourist destinations in the city. Bigger tour groups may arrange for coaster or bus service through a travel agency or a tourist transport operator.
By Boat Sea transport to islands and coastal beaches is usually by motorized outrigger boats (called bangkas). It’s also possible to hire a bangka by the hour or day for trips between the main island and offshore islands and for island hopping.
Visitors can also get help from the City Information Office or the Provincial Information Office.