Planning a family trip to Palawan El Nido and Puerto Princesa with kids is absolutely worth it if you prepare for transfers, pick child-friendly tours, and choose the right season. From Singapore, it’s a manageable 4–6 hour journey with one stop, and with proper safety checks and realistic expectations, Palawan can be both magical and kid-friendly.
This guide is a focused cluster under our main Palawan pillar article Palawan Philippines: El Nido & Puerto Princesa Guide | Homejourney . Here, Homejourney zooms in on family travel logistics, safety, and practical tips for El Nido and Puerto Princesa, especially for readers based in or connected to Singapore.
Why Visit Palawan El Nido and Puerto Princesa with Kids
Palawan, Philippines is often called the country’s “last ecological frontier”, with jungle-clad cliffs, lagoons, and rich marine life that are spectacular for children to see in person.[1][4] Families usually split time between:
- El Nido – limestone cliffs, turquoise lagoons and island-hopping in Bacuit Bay, one of the most scenic areas in the Philippines.[1][4]
- Puerto Princesa – gateway city with the UNESCO-listed Underground River and family-friendly side trips like Honda Bay.[3][4]
From a Singapore parent’s perspective, Palawan is attractive because:
- Flight time (including transfer) is comparable to or shorter than many East Asian beach destinations.
- Costs on the ground are generally lower than Bali or Phuket for food and some accommodations.
- Nature-focused experiences complement city life in Singapore and are great for school holidays.
Best Time to Visit with Kids
For families, the best time to visit Palawan is usually the dry season from roughly December to May, when seas are calmer and boat tours are less likely to be cancelled.[4][6] This aligns well with Singapore’s year-end and March school holidays.
If you’re travelling with younger kids who tire easily, avoid peak periods like Christmas–New Year and Chinese New Year, when El Nido can be crowded and prices rise significantly.[5]
Getting There from Singapore
There is usually no direct flight from Singapore to El Nido or Puerto Princesa. Typical routes are:
- Singapore → Manila → El Nido (via AirSWIFT from NAIA or Clark)
- Singapore → Manila → Puerto Princesa (multiple domestic carriers)
- Some travellers also route via Cebu for domestic connections.
Based on recent traveller patterns:
- Total travel time from Singapore to El Nido or Puerto Princesa is typically 4–6 hours of flying plus transfer time.
- Allow generous transit buffers in Manila with kids, as domestic check-in queues can be slow.
Insider tip from a Singapore-based parent: For younger children (under 6), it’s often easier to fly into Puerto Princesa first, stay a night, then decide whether to travel further by land/air to El Nido depending on how everyone is coping with the journey.
Currency & Money Tips (SGD vs PHP)
Palawan uses the Philippine Peso (PHP). Many family-run businesses, tricycle drivers, and smaller tour operators are cash-based.
- Change a portion of your Singapore Dollars (SGD) at reputable changers in Singapore for better transparency and rates.
- ATMs are present in Puerto Princesa and El Nido town, but can run out of cash in peak season.
Homejourney supports key Asian currencies, including those used for travel in the Philippines islands, when you explore Singapore property options. This makes it easier to compare potential holiday-home or investment property prices in SGD versus your home currency on Property Search .
Top Kid-Friendly Attractions in El Nido
El Nido is known for its island-hopping tours around Bacuit Bay, with limestone formations and lagoons that leave a strong impression on children.[1][4]
Island-Hopping Tours (Choose Carefully with Kids)
Commonly marketed tours (A, B, C, D) vary in distance and activities.[1][5] For families:
- Tour A – lagoons and beaches like Big Lagoon and 7 Commandos; calm water, kayaking, and short beach stops; often considered the most iconic.[1][5]
- Tour C – further out, more snorkeling and open water; better for older kids confident in the sea.[5]
- Tour D – closer islands and generally calmer; good for younger kids or grandparents.[5]
Safety tips from family travellers:
- Ask for child-sized life jackets before paying.
- Check if your boat operator has a radio and clear weather plan.
- For toddlers, consider a private boat so you can shorten stops and return earlier if needed.
Beach Time & Easy Activities
Many resorts near El Nido offer kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and shallow beaches suitable for children.[2][4] Resorts on nearby islands often include:
- Short kayak trips to sheltered coves (generally 10–15 minutes paddling each way).[2]
- Simple hikes or viewpoints that take 5–20 minutes and can be done with school-age kids.[2]
- Evening stargazing with minimal light pollution.[2]
Top Kid-Friendly Attractions in Puerto Princesa
Puerto Princesa is more of a base city with access to several family-friendly day trips and nature sites.
Underground River (Subterranean River National Park)
The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River is a UNESCO site and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature.[4] Families take a short boat ride to the cave entrance and then a guided paddle into the cave itself.
For younger children:
- Prepare them for low light and echoing sounds in the cave.
- Bring a light jacket – it can feel cooler inside.
- Confirm minimum age and safety rules with your tour operator in advance.
Honda Bay Island Hopping
Honda Bay offers gentler island-hopping than El Nido, with shorter boat rides suitable for children.[3]
- Some islands have shallow swimming areas and basic facilities where kids can play on the sand.[3]
- Visibility for snorkeling varies by season and weather, so manage expectations.[3]
Practical Travel Tips for Families
Visa & Entry (for Singapore Residents)
Singapore citizens currently enjoy short-term visa-free entry to the Philippines for tourism stays within a specified period, but regulations can change. Always verify with the Philippine Embassy in Singapore or official immigration sites before booking.
PRs and other passport holders should check visa requirements directly with their respective embassies. Homejourney recommends confirming entry rules at the same time you review air tickets and travel insurance.
Local Transportation
Common modes include:
- Tricycles – cheap, everywhere in town; good for short hops but limited weather protection.
- Vans/Private transfers – safer and more comfortable for kids, especially on the El Nido–Puerto Princesa route (approx. 4–6 hours by road).
- Boats – outriggers (bangkas) and speedboats for island-hopping.[1][5]
Singapore-based safety mindset:
