Palawan · Philippines · Things to do
5 things to do in Palawan with kids
The five best things to do in Palawan with kids are island-hopping around El Nido, kayaking the lagoons, seeing the limestone cliffs at Coron, swimming in the clear lakes there, and spending a day on a white sand beach. Go in the dry season, from November to April, and expect boats, not roads, to be the way you get around.
What to do, in order
- 1
Island-hop El Nido
Island-hopping is the main activity in El Nido. Boats set out each morning on a set of standard routes, usually labelled A, B, C and D, visiting lagoons, small beaches and snorkelling spots around the limestone islands of Bacuit Bay. Lunch is grilled on a beach and included. Tour A is the usual first choice for families, with calm lagoons and gentle swimming. Book a day or two ahead through your accommodation, and bring reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes and a hat.
- 2
Kayak the hidden lagoons
El Nido's lagoons are ringed by steep limestone walls, and the water inside is flat and glassy. Kayaks are included on most tours or rented on the spot, and paddling into the Small Lagoon or Big Lagoon is easy for older children and adults. Go early, before tour boats arrive and the lagoons fill. Younger children can ride in a two-person kayak with a parent and wear a life jacket. Check the tide and ask your boatman for advice on timing, as some entrances narrow.
- 3
See the Coron cliffs
Coron, in the north of Palawan, is known for jagged limestone towers rising straight out of the sea, with calm bays between them. Boat tours leave from Coron town to visit lagoons, hot springs, reefs and shipwreck snorkelling sites. Some wrecks and dive spots suit older children who can snorkel well. Weather can stop tours at short notice, so keep a spare day. A ferry or flight links Coron with El Nido, so the two combine well in one trip.
- 4
Swim the clear lakes
Kayangan Lake near Coron is one of the most photographed spots in the Philippines, with clear water inside a limestone basin, reached by a short climb of steps and a boardwalk. Barracuda Lake and Twin Lagoon are nearby. The lakes have layers of fresh and salt water, and temperature changes sharply with depth, so children should stay with a parent. Wear water shoes on the rocks and use a life jacket if anyone is unsure in deep water. Go early to avoid the busiest midday crowds.
- 5
Beach day on white sand
Palawan has plenty of white beaches with calm, warm shallows, and the easiest way to rest after boat days is a lazy afternoon on one. Nacpan Beach near El Nido is a long, wide stretch with few facilities, so bring water and snacks. Smaller beaches on island tours are good for building sandcastles and short swims. The sun is strong, so reapply sunscreen, bring a shade tent and stay hydrated. In rough weather the sea may be too choppy for small children.
Plan it
- Best time
- November to April is the dry season, with calm seas and clear water. Rain and typhoon risk rise from June to October, when tours are often cancelled.
- How long
- Five to seven days covers El Nido. Add three or four for Coron, with a ferry or flight between them.
- Getting around
- Most visitors fly into Puerto Princesa and travel to El Nido by van, which takes most of a day. Within towns, tricycles are the standard transport, and boats cover everything else.
Good to know
- Pack seasickness remedies. Boat days can be rough in the afternoon.
- Bring cash. Many small places and boat operators do not take cards, and cash machines can run out.
- Leave a buffer day before an onward flight in case weather cancels tours.
Frequently asked
Is Palawan good for kids? +
Yes, for children who are comfortable around water and boats. The sea is calm and warm in the dry season. Long van transfers and heat are the main challenges, so keep days short and carry water.
When is the best time to visit Palawan? +
November to April, when seas are calm and the weather is dry. March and April are hottest. The rainy season, from June to October, brings cancelled tours and rougher water.
How do you get from El Nido to Coron? +
By ferry, which takes several hours, or by flight via a small airport. Fast boats are the usual choice. Weather can delay them, so avoid tight connections on the same day.
Is El Nido or Coron better for families? +
El Nido has calmer lagoons and easier beach days, which suit families with younger children. Coron has more dramatic scenery and wreck snorkelling, which suits older children. Many families do both.