Palawan- An Overview
Palawan is a long thin province situated on the west side of the Philippines. Up until the 1970’s it was sparsely populated, covered in thick jungles and teaming coral reefs. Since then fishing communities from the Visayas [ the central belt of the Philippines] have settled here for the rich fishing. Since 2000 Palawan has become famous amongst travellers as a destination to see some of the last natural wonders of the Philippines as many of its natural habitats remain intact.
Coron town is located on Busuanga island in the very north of the province. This is popular for wreck diving and the healthiest coral reefs in Palawan. To get here you will need to look for flights to Busuanga.
Heading south from Coron is Culion and Linipacan group of islands. These are the most remote islands and should only be accessed on licensed expedition with experienced guides and crew.
Further South is mainland Palawan, with El Nido in the North. The stunning Bacuit bay is situated here and offers some of the best, if not touristy, island hopping in the Philippines. Port Barton is south of El Nido and reminds travelers of the undeveloped days of El Nido.
About half way down Palawan is Puerto Princessa, the capital city. From here there are many flights available for your onward adventures.
Coron – Getting Here and Away
If you are joining us from Coron, look for a flight to Busuanga Airport (Coron). There are regular flights (3 to 4 times a day) with Cebu Pacific or PAL Express. From Busuanga airport it’s a 40 minute transfer ride to Coron town. There are shuttle vans operating outside the terminal and cost P250.00 PHP per person. The Tao Office in Coron is on Don Pedro St., which is in the Centre of town. It’s easy to find us – just ask the drivers for directions.
- MANILA – BUSUNGA [CORON] – daily flight from CEBU PACIFIC, AIR SWIFT, PHILIPPINE AIRLINES, SUNLIGHT AIR
- GOING TO EL NIDO AND FLIGHT OUT FROM EL NIDO – Once a day flight with air-swift.com
- EL NIDO to CORON – Once a day flight with air-swift.com
- MANILA to CORON – Once a week FERRY (12-14 hours) – travel.2go.com.ph
Land Transportation (Mini shuttle van) CORON Contact Person: Rose Contact Number: +63 920 978 8457
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If your trip ends in Coron, then you will need to book a flight from Busuanga (make a 2 day buffer after your trip). The boat arrives in Coron on or before lunch which is too late to catch a flight out.
There are many accommodation options in town if you are just staying for one night. If you are staying longer, there are resorts in the islands which will arrange transportation to and from the town. Just inform the resort that you will arrive in Coron with Tao by 6pm at the Tao office if you wish to be picked up. If you are travelling on a Private Expedition then you can arrange to be dropped off directly at certain resorts en-route. This can be arranged when you check-in or register before your expedition starts.
El Nido – Getting Here and Away
There are some options:
- DIRECT FLIGHTS TO AND FROM EL NIDO (air-swift.com) – A 40 seater plane that is difficult to book during holidays. They operate charter planes from the private airport owned by El Nido Resorts. Airswift is the company that service the charter. 6,500 to 7,500 pesos per person.
- FLY TO PUERTO PRINCESA Puerto Princesa is approximately 250km south of El Nido and requires a 5 to 6 hour van ride or 7 hour public bus ride. CHERRY BUS AND RORO BUS is the name of the company that is most reliable with hourly service from 8am up to 10pm. Vans and buses leave from the bus station in San Jose. Flights to PUERTO PRINCESA FROM MANILA, CEBU, ILOILO or DAVAO –EL NIDO/PUERTO PRINCESA Contact Person: Dory Contact Number: +63 920 954 8991
El Nido to Coron Fast Ferry
Montenegro Ferry
El Nido to Coron ETD: 12:00 NN
Coron to El Nido ETD: 06:00 AM
Contact Number: +639653591153 / +639304362197
Price: 2816 PHP per peson
Every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday
Atienza Ferry
El Nido to Coron ETD: 12:00 NN
Coron to El Nido ETD: 07:00 AM
Contact Number: +639563090974
Price: 2816 PHP per peson
Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
NOTE: You should be at the port an hour before departure.
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Departure & Arrival Times for Expeditions
First will need to ‘check-in’ at our office in town of your departure 18:00h the day before you depart. Please read the info in the ‘PREPARATIONS’ section.
All Expeditions depart/start at 8:30H from:
TAO EL NIDO OFFICE: Tao House, Corong Corong.
TAO CORON OFFICE: Don Pedro St. Centre of town.
* Both of our offices are easy to find and both of the town is not that big that you cannot find us.
For Private Expeditions, we will depart when you and your group are ready. All expeditions usually arrive/end between 17:00H – 18:00H. There will be time for you to transfer to your accommodation before it gets dark if you are staying on the mainland.