Routes · Asia

Moscow to Palawan: Manila, El Nido and Coron by island boat

Moscow → Manila → El Nido → Coron

Palawan island hopping Best season (general guide): Dec–May

Palawan is the long, thin island in the west of the Philippines, and its two best-known bases, El Nido and Coron, sit on either side of a stretch of open sea. This route spends one night in Manila, four in El Nido and three in Coron. From Moscow there is no simple way to reach Manila, so expect at least one connection, often in the Gulf or East Asia.

Manila is a practical overnight stop before the short domestic flight to El Nido. There, the lettered island-hopping tours leave from the beach each morning for lagoons, limestone coves and snorkelling spots in Bacuit Bay. Doing two different tours, with a free day between them, gives you time to swim and rest.

From El Nido a ferry heads north to Coron, a journey of several hours that depends on the sea. Coron town is the base for Kayangan Lake, the Twin Lagoons and the wrecks of ships sunk in 1944, which divers and snorkellers can visit at different depths.

The dry season runs from late November to May. From June the south-west monsoon brings rough water and cancelled boats. Even in the dry months, keep your onward flight a day after the ferry in case the sea is too choppy to sail.

Pacing: Local environmental fees apply on the islands, so carry some cash. Book the El Nido to Coron ferry a few days ahead and pack a dry bag for boat days.

Bring a waterproof phone case for the boat days.

Getting there and around: fly into Manila, fly on to El Nido, go on to Coron by ferry, and return overland to Busuanga for the flight home.

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