Executive Summary: Why Palawan, El Nido & Puerto Princesa Matter for Homejourney Readers
Palawan, Philippines – especially El Nido and Puerto Princesa – is regularly ranked among the most beautiful Philippines islands, combining dramatic limestone cliffs, turquoise lagoons, and a relatively affordable cost of travel compared with many resort destinations in Asia.[2][3] For Singapore-based travelers, expats, and international investors using Homejourney, Palawan is more than a holiday spot: it is a useful benchmark for lifestyle, cost of living, and regional property opportunities when comparing Asian destinations, including Singapore.
This definitive guide blends on-the-ground experience in Palawan with a Singapore-centric lens: how to get there from Changi, realistic daily costs in SGD, safety and infrastructure compared to Singapore standards, and how a Palawan trip can sit alongside a long-term strategy to own or invest in property in Singapore via Homejourney’s secure, user-first ecosystem.
Table of Contents
- 1. Destination Overview: Palawan, El Nido & Puerto Princesa
- 2. Best Time to Visit Palawan from Singapore
- 3. Getting There from Singapore & Getting Around
- 4. Currency, Costs & Practical Money Tips
- 5. Top Attractions & Experiences
- 6. Practical Travel Tips, Visas & Safety
- 7. Accommodation Guide: Where to Stay & Sample Prices
- 8. Food & Dining: What to Eat in El Nido & Puerto Princesa
- 9. Suggested 3-Day & 5-Day Itineraries
- 10. Connecting Your Palawan Trip to Singapore Real Estate
- 11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 12. Next Steps & How Homejourney Supports Your Journey
1. Destination Overview: Palawan, El Nido & Puerto Princesa
Palawan is a long, narrow island province in the western Philippines, stretching over 400 km, and is often called the country’s “last ecological frontier” thanks to its dense forests, limestone karst formations, and exceptional marine biodiversity.[2][3][5] El Nido, at the northern tip, anchors the famous Bacuit Bay – an island group of lagoons, cliffs, and coral reefs – while Puerto Princesa, in the middle of the island, functions as the gateway city with an international airport and access to the Underground River.[3]
For Singapore-based travelers, Palawan offers an experience that feels dramatically different from highly urbanised Singapore: slower pace, lower building density, and a heavier emphasis on nature rather than city attractions. Yet, compared to other beach destinations, El Nido and Puerto Princesa now have enough tourism infrastructure – ATMs, mid-range hotels, Wi-Fi, and organised tours – to be comfortable for families and first-time visitors.
1.1 Why Visit Palawan from Singapore?
From Singapore, Palawan is one of the closest “world-class island” experiences reachable with just one connection via Manila or Cebu. Typical total travel time (including transit) can range from about 6.5 to 9 hours, depending on connection quality. Once there, Singapore residents are often struck by how far their SGD stretches – activities like island-hopping, seafood dinners, and private tricycle hires are usually cheaper than equivalent activities in popular Thai or Balinese resorts (though prices in El Nido have risen in recent years).
Many Homejourney users also use Palawan as a reference point when evaluating lifestyle value: the question “Could I see myself living in a beach town like this?” often leads naturally to thinking about second homes, regional property diversification, or ultimately making Singapore a long-term, stable base while enjoying frequent regional trips.
1.2 El Nido vs Puerto Princesa at a Glance
2. Best Time to Visit Palawan from Singapore
Palawan has a tropical climate with a dry season typically from November to May and a wetter season from June to October, though rainfall can vary by year. Many experienced travelers consider December to April as the most reliable months for calm seas and clear skies, which is important because most key activities in El Nido and Puerto Princesa are water-based.[3][4][6]
2.1 Month-by-Month Overview
- November–February: Cooler temperatures (for the tropics), lower humidity, good visibility for diving and snorkelling. Peak Christmas and Chinese New Year crowds can push up hotel rates.
- March–May: Hotter but dry; ideal for beach days and island-hopping. Expect stronger sun; sun protection is essential.
- June–October: Rainy season, with risk of tropical storms disrupting boat tours. Prices and crowds are generally lower; flexible itineraries are important.
From Singapore, a common pattern is to align Palawan trips with public holidays (Chinese New Year, Good Friday, National Day long weekend) to minimise leave days, but be prepared for higher prices and earlier booking for flights and tours.
3. Getting There from Singapore & Getting Around Palawan
3.1 Flight Routes from Singapore to Palawan
There are currently no direct commercial flights between Singapore and El Nido or Puerto Princesa, so you will normally connect via Manila or Cebu. The most common route is Singapore (SIN) – Manila (MNL), followed by a domestic flight to Puerto Princesa (PPS) or, less frequently, to El Nido (ENI) via boutique carriers.
Typical total journey times (including connection) range from about 6.5 hours for a tight connection in Manila to 8–9 hours for more conservative layovers. Flight pricing can fluctuate considerably by season and airline; many Singapore-based travelers use budget carriers to Manila and then a local Philippine airline to Palawan to keep overall costs moderate.
3.2 Overland Transfer: Puerto Princesa to El Nido
Most visitors land at Puerto Princesa, spend one night, then transfer north to El Nido by van or bus. Shared tourist vans between Puerto Princesa and El Nido typically take around 5–6 hours, including a rest stop, depending on road conditions and traffic.[1][3] Private vans are available for those traveling in groups or with more luggage.
From a Singapore perspective, the journey is akin to driving from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur, but on more winding rural roads and at slower average speeds. If you are traveling with young children, motion sickness tablets and flexible snack breaks are advisable.
3.3 Getting Around Locally
- Tricycles: The main short-distance transport in both Puerto Princesa and El Nido. Fares are negotiated, with common short rides costing the equivalent of a few Singapore dollars.
- Motorbike / scooter rental: Popular in El Nido for reaching beaches like Nacpan; helmets and travel insurance that covers riding are strongly recommended.[6]
- Island-hopping boats: Standardised tours (A, B, C, D) in El Nido, and Underground River boats in Sabang near Puerto Princesa.[3][5][6]
Unlike Singapore’s MRT and bus network overseen by the Land Transport Authority (LTA), Palawan transport is mostly informal and cash-based. This makes it important to keep small denominations of Philippine pesos and to confirm fares clearly before boarding.
4. Currency, Costs & Practical Money Tips
The local currency is the Philippine peso (PHP). Singapore travelers often benchmark costs in SGD; at recent typical rates, PHP 40–45 is approximately SGD 1 (exact rates vary, so check your preferred FX app before travel). ATMs are available in Puerto Princesa and El Nido town, but can occasionally run out of cash during peak seasons.
4.1 Typical Daily Budget (Per Person)
4.2 Practical Currency Tips for Homejourney Users
- Keep a mix of cash and cards; smaller establishments may be cash-only.
- Use multi-currency accounts or travel cards to lock in good SGD–PHP exchange rates.
- For users exploring Singapore property while based in the Philippines, Homejourney supports multi-currency considerations and lets you track SGD-denominated prices while budgeting in PHP through tools linked from Bank Rates and Property Search .
5. Top Attractions & Experiences in El Nido & Puerto Princesa
5.1 El Nido: Lagoons, Beaches & Cliffs
El Nido’s main draw is the Bacuit Archipelago – a cluster of islands with lagoons, hidden coves, and beaches that you access through organised boat tours known as Tour A, B, C and D.[5][6] These standard routes make planning simple and help visitors avoid decision fatigue, especially helpful when you are juggling work from Singapore and have limited time on the ground.
- Tour A (Lagoons & Beaches): Famous for Small Lagoon, Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, and 7 Commandos Beach – ideal for first-time visitors.[5]
- Tour C (Hidden beaches & shrines): Often cited as the most dramatic for rock formations and remote-feeling coves.[5]
- Nacpan Beach: A long sweep of pale sand about 45 minutes from town, ideal for half- or full-day trips; reached by tricycle or rented motorbike.[6]
- Taraw Cliff: A challenging early-morning hike that rewards you with a panoramic view of El Nido town and Bacuit Bay.[1][5]
For Singapore-based families, Tour A is often the most kid-friendly due to shorter distances between stops and calmer waters; always check lifejacket availability and boat safety, and avoid days with poor weather forecasts.
5.2 Puerto Princesa: Underground River & Urban Nature
Puerto Princesa is more than just a transit point. Its standout attraction is the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature, where you ride a small boat into an impressive limestone cave system.[3] Tours typically depart early in the morning from Puerto Princesa to the coastal village of Sabang, with the boat ride inside the cave lasting around 45 minutes.
- Underground River Tour: Day trip including transport, permits, lunch, and guided boat ride.[1][3]
- City Baywalk: A relaxed seafront promenade with street food, views of the water, and a local atmosphere, especially in the evening.[1]
- Palawan Wildlife Rescue & Conservation Center: Known for crocodiles and other rescued wildlife, often included in city tours.[1][3]
5.3 Hidden Gems & Insider Tips
Based on repeated visits, several under-the-radar experiences stand out for Singapore travelers who have “done” the standard tours:
- Late afternoon at Las Cabañas Beach (El Nido): Arrive by mid-afternoon to enjoy the quieter hours, then stay through sunset. There is usually a small zipline across the water for those seeking a bit of adrenaline.[1]
- Community-based tourism stops: Some tours include village visits showcasing local crafts – a chance to spend directly with local communities, which many Singaporean visitors appreciate for its impact and authenticity.[1][3]
- Food markets in Puerto Princesa:
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