Palawan Island is a beautiful tropical destination in the Philippines, known for its stunning beaches, clear waters, and rich biodiversity. It lies in the western part of the Philippines and is a favorite for travelers seeking nature and adventure.

This route from India to Palawan Island is popular among tourists who want to explore Southeast Asia’s natural beauty. This guide will help you understand the best ways to reach Palawan, including flights, ferries, and local transport options.

Getting from India to Palawan Island – Main Options

Flight

Flying is the most practical and fastest way to reach Palawan Island from India. Though there are no direct flights, connecting flights via Manila or Cebu are common and convenient.

• Major Indian airports like Delhi IGI, Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji, and Bengaluru Kempegowda offer flights to Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) with one or two stops, typically taking 10 to 15 hours including layovers.

• From Manila, you can take a domestic flight to Puerto Princesa Airport (PPS) in Palawan, which takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes; airlines like Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific operate multiple daily flights.

• Flight fares from India to Manila usually range between ₹15,000 to ₹30,000 one way, depending on the season and advance booking; domestic flights to Palawan cost around ₹2,000 to ₹5,000.

• Flights are frequent but can be crowded during Philippine holidays and Indian festival seasons; booking at least 3-4 weeks in advance is recommended to secure seats and better fares.

• Manila airport has good food options and lounges for layovers; ensure you have a valid Philippine visa or e-visa before travel, as it is mandatory for Indian passport holders.

Ferry

Ferries are an option once you reach the Philippines mainland, especially if you want to explore other islands before Palawan. However, ferries are not available directly from India.

• From Manila or Cebu, you can take ferries to nearby islands like Coron or El Nido in Palawan; ferry durations range from 4 to 12 hours depending on the route and vessel type.

• Ferries depart from Manila North Harbor or Cebu City Pier; tickets cost between ₱500 to ₱1,500 (₹700 to ₹2,100), and schedules vary by season and weather conditions.

• Ferry services can be affected by monsoon rains and rough seas, especially from June to November; it is advisable to check weather updates before booking.

• Facilities on ferries vary; some have air-conditioned cabins and food stalls, while others are basic; booking in advance during peak tourist months is recommended.

Car / Self-Drive

Self-driving is possible on Palawan Island for local exploration but not for reaching the island from India. Renting a car after arrival is common for tourists wanting flexibility.

• Car rentals are available at Puerto Princesa Airport and major towns like El Nido; daily rental rates range from ₱1,500 to ₱3,000 (₹2,100 to ₹4,200) depending on vehicle type.

• Driving on Palawan involves navigating narrow roads and occasional rough patches; local driving habits can be different, so cautious driving is advised.

• Fuel stations are limited outside main towns; it is best to fill up before long drives and carry some cash for tolls or parking fees.

• GPS and offline maps are useful as mobile network coverage can be spotty in remote areas; hiring a local driver is a good alternative for unfamiliar routes.

Flight + Ferry Combination

Many travelers combine flights and ferries to explore Palawan’s different islands and coastal towns. This option offers flexibility and scenic travel.

• Fly from Manila to Coron or Puerto Princesa, then take ferries or boats to nearby islands like El Nido or Port Barton; ferry rides typically last 1 to 3 hours.

• Boat transfers from Coron to El Nido are popular but can be rough; it is advisable to check sea conditions and book tickets through trusted operators.

• Combining flights and ferries allows you to experience island hopping but requires careful timing to avoid missed connections and overnight waits.

• Costs for combined travel vary but expect to spend around ₹5,000 to ₹10,000 for domestic flights and ferry rides within Palawan.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This plan is designed for first-time travelers from India heading to Palawan Island, ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey.

• Book your international flight from India to Manila at least one month in advance to get better fares and seat availability, especially during peak seasons like Christmas or summer holidays.

• Secure your Philippine visa or e-visa online before departure; this is mandatory and can take a few days to process, so plan accordingly.

• Upon arrival in Manila, collect your luggage and proceed to the domestic terminal for your flight to Puerto Princesa; allow at least 3 hours between flights to manage immigration and transfers.

• After landing in Puerto Princesa, arrange local transport such as prepaid taxis or app-based cabs like Grab to reach your accommodation or ferry terminals safely and at fixed rates.

• If planning island hopping, book ferry tickets in advance through authorized agents or your hotel to avoid last-minute cancellations or overpricing.

• Carry local currency (Philippine Peso) as many smaller vendors and transport services do not accept cards; ATMs are available but may charge fees and have limited cash.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always keep your travel documents, passport, and visa copies in both digital and physical form; Indian travelers should carry a printout of their e-visa and flight tickets for smooth immigration checks.

• Drink only bottled or filtered water to avoid stomach issues; street food is tempting but choose busy, well-reviewed stalls to reduce the risk of foodborne illness.

• Book flights and ferries well in advance during the Philippine dry season (December to May) to avoid sold-out situations and higher prices.

• Use app-based cabs like Grab in cities for safety and fixed fares; avoid unmetered taxis or tuk-tuks, especially at night or in unfamiliar areas.

• Pack light but include rain gear and sunscreen; Palawan’s weather can be unpredictable, with sudden showers even in dry months.

• Be mindful of luggage restrictions on domestic flights and ferries; carry essential items in your hand luggage as checked baggage may be delayed or limited.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Palawan Island is during the dry season from December to May when the weather is sunny and sea conditions are calm. This period offers ideal conditions for flights, ferries, and outdoor activities.

The monsoon season from June to November brings heavy rains, rough seas, and occasional typhoons, which can disrupt travel plans and ferry schedules. Travelers should monitor weather forecasts closely during this time.

• Avoid traveling during major Philippine holidays like Christmas and Holy Week when flights and accommodations are crowded and expensive.

• Early morning flights and ferries are less likely to be delayed due to weather or air traffic, making them preferable for smoother connections.

• Fog and haze are rare in Palawan but can occur in the early mornings during cooler months; plan accordingly if you have tight schedules.

• Road conditions can worsen during the rainy season, so allow extra travel time if driving or using road transport on the island.

Arrival at Palawan Island & What to Expect

When you arrive at Puerto Princesa Airport, you will find a small but well-managed terminal with basic facilities. Prepaid taxi counters and Grab app services are available outside the arrivals area, offering safe and fixed-price rides to your hotel or ferry terminals.

Popular areas to stay include Puerto Princesa city center, El Nido, and Coron, each offering different experiences from urban comforts to beach resorts. Local transport options include tricycles, jeepneys, and motorbike taxis, which are affordable but may not be suitable for long distances or heavy luggage.

Conclusion

Flying via Manila to Puerto Princesa is the most efficient and practical way to reach Palawan Island from India. Domestic flights within the Philippines are frequent and reliable, making your journey smooth and comfortable. Combining flights with ferries allows you to explore multiple islands but requires careful planning.

Booking tickets well in advance, securing your visa, and preparing for local travel conditions will help you avoid common challenges. With this guide, you can confidently plan your trip to Palawan Island and enjoy its natural beauty without stress.