What is the best way to get around in Palawan? 2025

Palawan is a stunning island in the Philippines with a lot of things to see and do. If you are planning an itinerary in Palawan in 2025, you may be trying to work out the best options for traveling around. So, what is the best way to get around in Palawan?

We have visited Palawan a few times over the years. Palawan can be challenging to travel around. There is no public transport system. Journeys around Palawan can take hours, and it can be tricky working out how to book your transportation.

This guide is based on our own first-hand experience traveling around Palawan. We have written this guide to help inform and equip you to plan your own independent trip around Palawan. We really hope that this article saves you time, money, and stress, and equips you to have a fantastic trip around one of the most beautiful islands in the world.

PUERTO PRINCESA TO EL NIDO – Puerto Princesa to El Nido – Shared & Private Minivan Transfer on KLOOK

PLAN YOUR TRIP – How long should you spend in Palawan?

Short-distance local journeys

1 Tricycle tuk tuk

For short-distance local journeys of a few kilometers in length, we recommend using tricycle tuk-tuks. This is a great way to travel around towns like Puerto Princesa or explore areas (for example, the El Nido beach area). Tricycle tuk-tuks are readily available in Palawan. They are very affordable and a lot of fun. In order to take a tricycle tuk-tuk, you will need to speak to a driver. In many places, you can find drivers waiting around, and from time to time, you can flag a tuk-tuk at the side of the road. Tricycle tuk-tuks can generally fit around 4-5 people, and they can also fit baggage (in fact, we used a tricycle tuk-tuk when we arrived at the airport in Puerto Princesa).

Before you jump in, you will need to share your destination and agree on a price. Generally speaking, a short local journey a few kilometers in length should cost around 30-50 pesos in Puerto Princesa. However, it may cost more in a touristy destination like El Nido. Expect to pay around 100-150 pesos for a short journey of a few kilometers. It’s important to check that the price applies to the journey (rather than the price per person). It can be a little bit confusing because some tricycle drivers charge a price per person and other drivers charge a price for the journey (this generally depends on whether the driver is doing a shared service or taking you privately). Remember to barter to get a fair price, especially if you are taking a tricycle tuk-tuk in El Nido.

A few tips for bartering

Here are a few tips to help you bartering in Palawan

• In some cases, drivers will play on the language barrier for ambiguity. This is a dishonest strategy. So, if a driver appears not to understand you, we recommend walking on and finding a different driver. It is important that you can communicate clearly with your driver.
• Make sure that the driver clearly understands your destination. Make sure that it is clear that the price applies for your whole group and for the whole journey.
• When you are bartering with a local in the Philippines, keep it positive and friendly, and try to build a rapport. Use phrases like “What is your best price for…?” Remember, the aim of bartering is to get a fair price. You may not get the lowest possible local price, but no one wants to be ripped off.
• Don’t worry too much about your return journey. Tricycle tuk-tuks are very common around Palawan, so it is normally very easy to find a driver for your return journey.

Don’t miss the FULL GUIDE – Bartering in Asia

2 Rent a Motorbike and Ride

Another way to explore Palawan is to rent a motorbike and ride. We do not recommend this for long journeys; however, it is a great way to travel around a smaller area. Motorbike rental in Palawan starts at around 300 pesos per day. You can rent motorbikes in most towns around Palawan. In order to rent a motorbike, you will need to leave a cash deposit. Make sure that you check the contract carefully. Remember that you will be responsible for any external damage on the bike (including flat tires). Always wear a helmet and drive carefully; the roads in Palawan can be pretty fast and intense. Bike rental is a lot of fun as it allows you a high level of freedom and flexibility.

For Long-Distance Journeys Around Palawan

For long-distance journeys around Palawan, there are four main options: you can rent a car and drive yourself, take a long-distance taxi, take a bus, or book a tour.

1 Rent a car and drive yourself

The most convenient way to travel long distances around Palawan is to rent a car and drive yourself. In Palawan, this is normally called a self-drive car rental. Car rental is a very convenient option: swing your bags in the boot, go when you want, and stop when you want. It is particularly good if you are traveling with kids. You can find car rental deals in Palawan starting at around 1,000 – 1,400 pesos per day. The best way to find a cheap car rental deal in Palawan is to contact small car rental companies using their Facebook page. It is important to barter and also to check for any additional fees (such as pickup and drop-off fees or cleaning fees). You will normally need to leave a cash deposit when you take a car rental.

There are a few disadvantages to car rental in Palawan. Firstly, it is not the cheapest way to travel around the island. Secondly, car rental can be stressful. Remember that you are responsible for the vehicle and you need to look after it on the roads.

Puerto Princesa Casas Car Rental: They have car rental starting for around 1,000 pesos per day (roughly £14 or $18) with a 2,000 peso deposit (around £28 or $35). You can contact them on Whatsapp +63 928 192 2985 You can also send them an email: casasnestor19@yahoo.com

2 Take a bus

FIND OUT MORE – Puerto Princesa to El Nido by bus

Using a bus is the cheapest way to take long-distance journeys around Palawan. There is no typical public transport system as such; however, there are lots of minibuses connecting the main towns and destinations on the island. Journeys in Palawan are generally very affordable, typically costing around 350 – 800 pesos depending on the distance. Buses in Palawan often include a hotel pickup. They normally use minibuses around Palawan (rather than bigger buses). You can generally book bus tickets through your hotel or guest house. In some locations, you will also find a lot of local travel agents who sell bus tickets. We recommend booking your bus a day or two in advance. Alternatively, you can find bus tickets on Klook.

3 Take a long-distance taxi

Long-distance taxis in Palawan allow a little more space, flexibility, and convenience. You can find different types of long-distance taxis in Palawan. For example, you can take a private van, which can typically seat between 8 – 12 people. You can also find private car rentals that include a driver. This kind of service normally has a base rate price, and you have to pay additional petrol fees. Long-distance car rental in Palawan is a relatively expensive option. Expect to pay at least 3,000 – 7,000 pesos for a long-distance private taxi in Palawan (depending on the distance). The advantage of a private service is that you can depart when you want and take as many stops as you want. You can also have a more spacious and comfortable journey compared to an overcrowded minibus.

4 Book a tour

Another way to get around Palawan is to book a tour. In some cases, you can find tours or trips that include transportation. For example, if you are hoping to visit the iconic underground river near Puerto Princesa, you can Book an Underground River Tour that includes two-way transfer, hotel pickup and drop-off, entrance fees, and a guide. When you are booking a tour, it’s important to check exactly what is included in the price. Taking a tour is a fun, convenient, and low-stress option. Don’t miss our very helpful Mini-guide to the Underground River in Palawan.

Can you fly between destinations in Palawan?

Palawan has an airport situated in Puerto Princesa and in El Nido. However, flying is not a good option for traveling around Palawan.

Firstly, flying around Palawan is very expensive. Most flights cost at least £150 – £200 per person before baggage, so flying is very expensive relative to the short distances. Secondly, flying between destinations in Palawan takes a long time. Most flights connect in Manila and take at least 6 – 7 hours (which is, in fact, longer than taking a bus). Finally, flying is not an environmentally friendly option. So, if you’re traveling around Palawan, we recommend using a car rental, taxi, bus, or tour.