Travel tips · Palawan · Philippines
Palawan travel tips: what to know before you go
The etiquette, money and practical details that make the first day easier.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Theglennpalacio, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Palawan mixes Filipino migrants from across the country with indigenous peoples, including the Tagbanwa, Pala'wan and Batak, whose ancestral domains include parts of Coron Island and the mountains around the underground river. The province has a strong conservation identity, with environmental fees, visitor caps and bans on single-use plastics in some municipalities.
Key facts
- Language
- Filipino and English
- Currency
- PHP
- Plugs
- Type A, B and C sockets, 220 V, 60 Hz
- Tap water
- Tap water is not drinkable; buy bottled water or use refill stations, which…
- Emergency
- 911 (national emergency hotline)
Things to know
- Respect the Tagbanwa rules on Coron Island, where some lakes and beaches are sacred or closed to visitors.
- Do not touch or stand on coral, feed fish or collect shells while snorkelling.
- Use 'po' and 'opo' in Filipino to show politeness to older people, or simply a warm 'salamat'.
- Dress modestly in churches and in town, away from the beach.
- Take your rubbish back from island tours; several municipalities restrict plastics.
- Book Puerto Princesa Subterranean River ahead: Entry needs a permit with daily limits; arrange it in advance through an accredited tour or the Puerto Princesa permit office.
- Book Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon ahead: Access to the lagoons is managed with visitor caps; book Tour A a day or more ahead in high season.
- Book Tubbataha Reefs ahead: Liveaboard places are limited and usually sell out many months before the season.
- Bring enough cash for El Nido and Port Barton; ATMs are few and sometimes empty.
Tipping
Tipping is not obligatory but is appreciated. On island-hopping tours many visitors give the boat crew about ₱100–200 per person; in restaurants, round up or leave about 5–10% if no service charge is added.
Language
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Salamat | Thank you |
| Magandang umaga | Good morning |
| Magkano? | How much? |
| Masarap | Delicious |
| Ingat | Take care |
What to wear
Beachwear is fine on boats and beaches, but cover up in towns and churches. Water shoes, a rash guard and a dry bag are useful on island tours.
Practical details
- Plugs and voltage
- Type A, B and C sockets, 220 V, 60 Hz
- Drinking water
- Tap water is not drinkable; buy bottled water or use refill stations, which many hotels provide.
- Emergency number
- 911 (national emergency hotline)
- Phone and internet
- Mobile data works in towns but is patchy among the islands; Wi-Fi in El Nido and Port Barton can be slow, and power cuts happen.
- Time zone
- Asia/Manila
Sun, sea conditions and boat safety are the main concerns: wear a life jacket on bangkas and follow crew advice on currents. Petty theft from rooms and beaches occurs in busy towns; use lockers and keep valuables out of sight.
Entry requirements
Visa and passport rules depend on your nationality and change often. Check Philippines's official government guidance and your own government's travel advice before booking.
Plan the trip
Questions travellers ask
+Do you tip in Palawan?
Tipping is not obligatory but is appreciated. On island-hopping tours many visitors give the boat crew about ₱100–200 per person; in restaurants, round up or leave about 5–10% if no service charge is added.
+Can you drink the tap water in Palawan?
Tap water is not drinkable; buy bottled water or use refill stations, which many hotels provide.
+What plugs are used in Palawan?
Type A, B and C sockets, 220 V, 60 Hz
+What language is spoken in Palawan?
Filipino and English.