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Manila, Philippines
best overall time is Feb to mid March. The Henry hotel which is about 20 mins from airport and can get a grab. Given what you’ve told me so far, I’d probably do:
* 1 night in Manila (The Henry Hotel)
* Fly to Coron
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Coron, Philippines
Stay at the Funny Lion which is in the centre so easy for transfers
* Super Ultimate Tour
That combination gives you both the famous Coron sights (Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon, Barracuda Lake) and the remote islands between Coron and El Nido, with almost no overlap. It makes for one of the strongest Palawan itineraries you can do.
Do a 3 day 2 night boat trip KEELOOMA VOYAGES
Ferry from Coron to El Nido (about 4–5 hours) or take a short flight if schedules suit. Also could
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El Nido Port, Philippines
You’ll arrive in the afternoon, check into your hotel and relax. You’ve already spent three days on boats, so I’d avoid another tour immediately.
* Wander around El Nido town.
* Have dinner by the beach.
* Watch the sunset at Las Cabañas Beach.
Day 2 – Tour A (the classic)
Even though you’ll have visited beautiful places around Coron, Tour A is still worth doing because El Nido’s scenery is completely different. It typically includes:
* Big Lagoon
* Secret Lagoon
* Shimizu Island
* Seven Commandos Beach
* Snorkelling stops
The limestone cliffs here are on a much grander scale than around Coron.
Day 3 – Beach day
Hire a scooter (if you’re comfortable riding one) or take a tricycle to:
* Nacpan Beach – around 45 minutes away and one of the best beaches in the Philippines.
* Or simply spend the day relaxing at Las Cabañas.
Stay at Spin designer hostel or The Funny Lion El Nido – Stylish boutique hotel with an excellent reputation.
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Port Barton, Philippines
Journey time between el Nido to port Barton: 3½–4½ hours
* Cost: around ₱700–₱800 (about £9–£11) per person.
* Most vans pick you up from your hotel in El Nido and drop you at the van terminal (or sometimes your accommodation) in Port Barton. The easiest way:
Expect a scenic but bumpy journey through rural Palawan. Could stay at La Palapa Inn Port Barton
* Day 1: Arrive, sunset, explore.
* Day 2: Island hopping.
* Day 3: Waterfall/kayak/beach day.
* Day 4: Travel onward.
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Puerto Princesa, Philippines
If your priority is Balabac, then fly into Puerto Princesa, as it’s the closest airport and the normal starting point for tours.
Palawan is one of the few places I’ve recommended where people often say, “The photos didn’t do it justice.” The water really is that clear, especially around Coron and El Nido.
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Balabac, Philippines
I would shortlist a few and compare the actual itinerary rather than just the price:
* Balabac Island Safari PH
* Kap Andong Travel and Tours
* Timog Dagat Balabac Adventures
* Balabac Island Tours
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Puerto Princesa, Philippines
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Manila, Philippines