For many years, Palawan Island was a hidden secret vs. Boracay’s well-trodden tourist path. Boracay is so popular that the government actually closed the area to tourism for six months in 2018. Which left a void in Philippines destinations that Palawan happily filled. With Boracay back open, Palawan is returning to “normal” levels of tourism and has many great destinations for beach-going travelers.
The largest province of the Philippines, there are tons of gorgeous Palawan Island resorts to choose from. With so many places to stay in Palawan, making the decision can be overwhelming, so we’ve created this guide to help you decided where to stay in Palawan.
We will cover off all types of Palawan accommodation options from Hostels to luxury Palawan hotels as well as how to decide where to stay in Palawan Philippines 2023, the best Palawan hotels, best places in Palawan to visit, the best places to stay in Palawan, hotels near Palawan attractions, Palawan neighborhood guide and many more.
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Puerto Princesa – Where to stay in Palawan for first timers
Palawan’s capital city is pretty centrally located and is a common entry point for travelers to Palawan.
Puerto Princesa has two very popular attractions, so even though it is not the best beach destination in Palawan, it is worth adding a day or two for these experiences.
One of the most popular things to do in Palawan is to take a firefly watching tour along the Iwahig River.
The other main attraction is the underground river tour of the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. If you plan to do either of these activities, then Puerto Princesa is the best place to stay in Palawan.
Where to stay in Palawan Puerto Princesa
Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Palawan Puerto Princesa
Hostel Privado
Keen’s Place
Guni Guni Hostel
Globetrotter Inn – Palawan Inc.
Budget Hotels in Palawan Puerto Princesa
Mariner’s Pension House
Sunlight Guest Hotel
Michelle Pension
RedDoorz Plus near Rizal Junction
Mid range Hotels in Palawan Puerto Princesa
Golden Pension House,Palawan
OYO 880 Flores De Musa InnOpens in new window
Panja Resort Palawan
Hotel Fleuris
Family Friendly Hotels in Palawan Puerto Princesa
Daluyon Beach and Mountain Resort
Canvas Boutique Hotel
Aziza Paradise Hotel
Hue Hotels and Resorts Puerto Princesa Managed by HII
Affordable Luxury Hotels in Palawan Puerto Princesa
Astoria Palawan
Princesa Garden Island Resort & Spa
One Manalo Place
Costa Palawan Resort
Sabang – Where to stay in Palawan for day trips
Another off the beaten path destination in Palawan is Sabang, which is actually the jumping-off point for the underground river trips.
Located less than 40 kilometers from Puerto Princesa, most tourists visit Sabang on a day trip from the capital city, but it’s also a great place to stay in Palawan.
There are plentiful shuttles from Puerto Princesa airport, and you don’t have to endure a lengthy bus ride as is required for El Nido. Accommodation options range from luxury beach resorts to budget-friendly beach cottages.
Best places to stay in Sabang
Budget Hotels in Sabang
Arkadia Beach Resort
DabDab Resort
Hill Myna Beach Cottages
Mid range Hotels in Sabang
Daluyon Beach and Mountain Resort
Why not restobar cottages
Family Friendly Hotels in Sabang
Arkadia Beach Resort Underground River
Affordable Luxury Hotels in Sabang
Sheridan Beach Resort and Spa
El Nido – Where to stay in Palawan for tourists
El Nido is often cited as one of the best beaches in the world and is the best area for tourists interested in island hopping to jaw-dropping spots like the Bacuit Archipelago.
El Nido is not the easiest Palawan destination to reach; the most common is to take a seven-hour bus ride from Puerto Princesa or a plane from Manila, but once you’ve arrived, you’ll think you are in paradise.
The best sites and beaches around El Nido are most often explored on tours to the 40-plus islands around El Nido, but Caalan Beach and Corong-Corong beach are each a short distance from downtown El Nido.
Despite being a small area, there are loads of hotels and resorts to choose from, although some of the more budget-friendly El Nido accommodations may have limited hours with electricity; that’s all part of the adventure of traveling off the beaten path!
Where to stay in Palawan El Nido
Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Palawan El Nido
Spin Designer Hostel – El Nido
Mad Monkey Hostel Nacpan Beach
Kame House Backpackers
Frendz Hostel El Nido
Budget Hotels in Palawan El Nido
Fisheye The Rooms – Room 2
Bulskamp Inn
El Nido Viewdeck Cottages
Bill Tourist Inn
Mid range Hotels in Palawan El Nido
Last Frontier Beach Resort – Adults Only
Cuna Hotel
The Funny Lion – El Nido
El Nido Mahogany Beach Resort
Family Friendly Hotels in Palawan El Nido
Palmera El Nido Inn
Golden Monkey Beach Hotel
Seda Lio
El Nido Coco Resort
Affordable Luxury Hotels in Palawan El Nido
Cadlao Resort and Restaurant
BUKO Beach Resort
Qi Palawan
Matinloc Resort
El Nido Resorts Lagen Island
Coron – Where to stay in Palawan for nightlife
If you would like to spend time scuba diving in Palawan, then Coron is the best destination for you. With over 40 islands offshore and many sunken Japanese warships in the area, diving is a popular activity.
The beautiful beaches and laid-back atmosphere make this a perfect family-friendly destination in Palawan.
With a large selection of hotels and resorts in Coron, there are accommodation options for every budget. While you’ll spend most of your time in Coron beach-hopping or island hopping, Coron Town has a decent selection of restaurants and nightlife if that’s what you’re looking for.
Where to stay in Coron Palawan
Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Coron Palawan
Hop Hostel
Dayon Hostel
Zuric Pension House
Happy Camper Hostel
Budget Hotels in Coron Palawan
Coron Vista Lodge
Macky’s Hidden Inn
Seahorse Guesthouse
Coron Ecolodge
Mid range Hotels in Coron Palawan
Coron Underwater Garden Resort
Zuri Resort
Coron Bancuang Mansion
The Funny Lion
Family Friendly Hotels in Coron Palawan
La Natura Resort
Coron Soleil Garden Resort
Corto del Mar Hotel
MO2 Westown Lagoon Coron
Affordable Luxury Hotels in Coron Palawan
Bacau Bay Resort Coron
Club Paradise Resort Palawan
Twin House Villa
Paolyn Houseboats Coron Island
Port Barton – Where to stay in Palawan on a budget
Think of Port Barton as El Nido without the “crowds.” It’s still possible to find pristine, untouched beaches around Port Barton.
With a few larger resorts scattered outside of Port Barton, the main accommodation option is small hotels and guest houses.
Backpackers looking for budget-friendly Palawan accommodation will find many choices in Port Barton, although don’t expect a big nightlife scene and not all accommodation has 24-hour electricity.
Port Barton is the best area for adventurous tourists who want to get off the beaten path and enjoy a quiet, serene vacation.
Where to stay in Port Barton
Cheapest Backpacking Hostels in Port Barton
CocoRico Hostel
Russell Place
Backpacker’s Hill Resort
Budget Hotels in Port Barton
Rubin Resort
Elsa’s Beach Resort
Le Cou de Tou Village Resort
Ausan Beach Front Cottages
Mid range Hotels in Port Barton
Sunset Colors
Aquarius – Port Barton
Coconut Garden Island Resort
Prince John beachfront cottages and Restaurant
Family Friendly Hotels in Port Barton
Hotel Oasis Port Barton
Westpoint Inn
Ferranco Tourist Inn
Port Barton Royal Suites
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