5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Backpacking Palawan

Planning a backpacking trip to Palawan? Good!

Winging it without reading a thing? Brave. That’s what I did. And while it worked out beautifully (eventually), there are a few things I really wish I’d known before stepping onto that first boat with nothing but a backpack and a vague sense of direction.

So let me help you out. Here are five things I wish someone had told me before I set off — raw, restless, and ridiculously unprepared.

1. Palawan is bigger (and slower) than you think.

On the map, it looks like one long island. In reality, it’s a mix of islands, rough roads, boat transfers, and time that doesn’t care about your schedule.
A trip from Puerto Princesa to El Nido might be 230 km — but it’ll take you a solid 6 hours. Add island detours and you’ll want to double your time, not your plans.

This is not a place for tight itineraries. It’s a place for breathing room.

2. Cash is king — and the kingdom is sometimes offline.

Yes, there are now ATMs in places like Port Barton and El Nido. No, that doesn’t mean they’re always working. Bring cash — more than you think you’ll need — especially if you’re heading to remote villages or island-hopping.

I once spent 48 hours budgeting every coconut like it was crypto. Don’t be me.

3. Simplicity is the luxury here.

Don’t expect yoga brunch cafés and vegan poke bowls in every town. Some places will surprise you with cold brew and good WiFi — others will serve you instant coffee with a side of silence.
Bring snacks. Bring patience. Embrace the unpredictability.

It’s rough around the edges. And honestly? That’s the beauty of it.

4. Don’t skip the “in-between” places.

Everyone talks about El Nido and Coron. But the magic often lives in places like Port Barton, Sibaltan, or San Vicente — smaller towns where you’ll meet locals, watch the tide come in like it’s the evening news, and feel like time just… stretches.

If I’d followed the guidebooks, I would’ve missed the heart of Palawan. Trust whispers more than rankings.

5. The best moments won’t be on your itinerary.

The coral garden you didn’t expect. The late-night boat ride with a captain who sang old Tagalog love songs. The bonfire that turned into a 3AM philosophy circle with strangers.

Palawan rewards presence, not planning. If you try to control the trip, it’ll fight you. If you surrender to it — it’ll give you more than you ever knew you needed.

So, ready for backpacking Palawan?
Bring sunscreen. Bring swim shorts. But most of all: bring space. In your schedule, in your mind and in your heart.

And if you’re passing through Port Barton, drop by Tentstar Eco Resort.
We’ve got hammocks, cold drinks, and just enough WiFi to keep your mom from worrying.