Palawan is a stunning island province in the Philippines, known for its crystal-clear waters, limestone cliffs, and rich marine life. Delhi, the capital of India, is a major international travel hub, making this route popular for travelers seeking a tropical getaway.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Delhi to Palawan, covering flights, transfers, and practical tips to make your journey comfortable and hassle-free.

Getting from Delhi to Palawan – Main Options

Flight

Flying is the only practical and popular way to reach Palawan from Delhi due to the long distance and ocean crossing. Multiple airlines operate flights with one or two stops.

• The main international airport in Delhi is Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), offering several daily flights to Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL), the Philippines’ main gateway, with airlines like Philippine Airlines, AirAsia, and Singapore Airlines.

• Flight duration from Delhi to Manila typically ranges from 9 to 12 hours including layovers, with fares generally between ₹25,000 and ₹45,000 depending on the season and airline.

• From Manila, you must take a domestic flight to Palawan’s main airports: Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS) or El Nido Airport (ENI), which take about 1 to 1.5 hours and cost around ₹3,000 to ₹7,000.

• Layovers in Manila can vary from 2 to 8 hours; booking flights with shorter layovers is advisable to reduce waiting time but allow enough time for immigration and baggage transfer.

• Flights are more frequent during peak tourist seasons (November to May), so booking well in advance is recommended to secure better prices and seats.

Bus and Ferry

There is no direct bus or ferry connection between Delhi and Palawan due to the international distance and ocean crossing. However, local transport is available within Palawan.

• After arriving in Palawan by flight, you can use local buses or vans from Puerto Princesa to explore the island, including destinations like El Nido and Coron, with travel times ranging from 4 to 8 hours.

• Ferries operate between Palawan’s islands, such as from Puerto Princesa to Coron, taking around 4 to 6 hours, offering scenic views but requiring advance booking during peak seasons.

• Bus services within Palawan are operated by local companies with basic facilities; expect simple seating and occasional stops for refreshments.

• There are no international bus or ferry services connecting India to the Philippines, so this mode is only relevant for internal travel within Palawan.

Car / Self-Drive

Self-driving is not an option for the Delhi to Palawan route due to the international sea crossing. However, renting vehicles within Palawan is possible for local travel.

• Car rentals are available at Puerto Princesa and El Nido airports, with options ranging from scooters to SUVs, suitable for exploring the island’s attractions at your own pace.

• Driving conditions in Palawan vary; some roads are well-paved, while others can be rough, so choose vehicles accordingly and drive cautiously.

• Local drivers and taxis are common and affordable, providing an alternative if you prefer not to drive yourself.

• Fuel stations may be sparse in remote areas, so plan your routes and refueling stops carefully when driving around Palawan.

Flight + Bus/Ferry Combination

Most travelers use a combination of flights and local buses or ferries to reach their final destination in Palawan after arriving from Delhi.

• After flying from Delhi to Manila and then to Puerto Princesa, you can take a bus or van to El Nido or Coron, which are popular tourist spots in Palawan.

• Ferries connect Coron with other parts of Palawan, offering a scenic but longer travel option compared to flights.

• Booking domestic flights and local transport in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons to avoid last-minute hassles.

• Travel times for land and sea transfers within Palawan vary from 4 to 8 hours depending on the route and weather conditions.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers making the journey from Delhi to Palawan, ensuring a smooth and well-organized trip.

• Book your international flight from Delhi (DEL) to Manila (MNL) early through IRCTC or airline websites to get the best fares and confirm layover times.

• Upon arrival in Manila, complete immigration and baggage claim, then proceed to the domestic terminal for your flight to Palawan (PPS or ENI); allow at least 2 hours between flights.

• Reserve your domestic flight to Palawan in advance using airline websites or travel apps like Cebu Pacific or Philippine Airlines to secure preferred timings.

• After landing in Palawan, use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Grab for safe and reliable transport to your accommodation or bus terminals.

• If traveling within Palawan, book bus or ferry tickets a day before departure at local terminals or through trusted travel agents to avoid last-minute issues.

• Carry local currency (Philippine Peso) and keep important documents handy, as some remote areas may have limited digital payment options.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Grab in Manila and Palawan to avoid overcharging and ensure safety during transfers.

• Drink only bottled water in Palawan and carry snacks during long bus or ferry rides, as food options may be limited on some routes.

• Book flights and local transport tickets well in advance, especially during the dry season (November to May), to avoid sold-out situations and high prices.

• Carry a photocopy of your passport and visa documents while traveling in the Philippines, as local checkpoints may request identification.

• Pack light and waterproof luggage, as Palawan’s weather can be humid and sudden rain showers are common, especially during the monsoon season.

• Be cautious of monsoon rains from June to October, which can cause flight delays and rough seas affecting ferry schedules.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Delhi to Palawan is during the dry season, which offers pleasant weather and smoother travel conditions. Monsoon months can cause disruptions.

Peak tourist seasons in Palawan coincide with holidays and festivals, so plan your trip to avoid crowds and higher prices.

• Avoid traveling during the Philippine monsoon season (June to October) due to heavy rains, flight delays, and choppy sea conditions affecting ferries.

• December to April is the peak tourist season with clear skies and calm seas, but expect higher fares and crowded flights and local transport.

• Early morning flights from Delhi and Manila are less likely to be delayed and offer a more comfortable journey with less airport crowding.

• Public holidays in the Philippines, such as Christmas and Holy Week, see increased travel demand, so book well in advance or avoid these periods if possible.

Arrival at Palawan & What to Expect

Upon arrival at Puerto Princesa or El Nido airports, you will find prepaid taxi counters and app-based cab services like Grab for convenient local transfers. The airport exits are well-marked, but it is best to arrange transport beforehand.

Popular areas to stay include Puerto Princesa city center, El Nido town, and Coron. These locations offer a range of accommodations and easy access to local attractions. Local jeepneys, tricycles, and vans are common for short-distance travel.

Conclusion

Flying from Delhi to Palawan via Manila is the most efficient and practical way to reach this beautiful island paradise. Booking flights and local transfers in advance will help you avoid common travel hassles and ensure a smooth journey.

By following this guide’s step-by-step plan and practical tips, you can confidently plan your trip from Delhi to Palawan. Prepare for seasonal weather, choose reliable transport options, and enjoy the breathtaking natural beauty that awaits you in Palawan.