Palawan costs 2000-12000 PHP per day for travelers in 2026. Hotels average 2500 PHP/night, meals cost 600-1500 PHP, making Palawan upscale compared to other Southeast Asia destinations. Budget travelers (2000 PHP/day): Stay in hostels (800 PHP/night), eat at local restaurants (600 PHP/meal), use public transport. Mid-range travelers (5000 PHP/day): Comfortable hotels (2500 PHP/night), varied dining (1500 PHP/meal), occasional taxis. Luxury travelers (12000 PHP/day): Premium hotels (8000 PHP/night), fine dining (3000 PHP/meal), private tours. Top money-saving tip: Stay in budget guesthouses or hostels. Free activities include beach lounging at nacpan beach – relax on one of el nido’s most beautiful beaches. Palawan ranks as upscale within Southeast Asia, offering excellent value compared to regional averages.
Plan the practical part
Palawan Trip Cost: How Much Does It Cost to Visit in 2026?
Daily budget guide for Palawan (prices in PHP)Updated
- Budget₱2,128–₱5,382 / day
- Mid-range₱5,382–₱12,954 / day
- Luxury₱12,954–₱19,400 / day
What a day in Palawan costs
Budget
₱2,128–₱5,382 / day
≈ $34 USD
Hostels or guesthouses, street food and markets, public transport.
Mid-range
₱5,382–₱12,954 / day
≈ $86 USD
Comfortable hotels, sit-down restaurants, a few paid activities.
Luxury
₱12,954–₱19,400 / day
≈ $207 USD
Boutique or five-star stays, fine dining, private tours and transfers.
Estimates are per person, per day, in PHP. USD equivalents use open.er-api.com exchange rates from 3 Sep 2026.
Make it your trip
What could your trip cost?
Choose your pace and travel style. Start with the published daily estimate, then make room for the things you care about.
Estimated trip budget · PHP
7 days · 1 traveler · Mid-range
- Daily budget per person
- ₱5,382–₱12,954
- Season adjustment
- ×1
An editorial estimate, not a booking quote. Daily budget × days × travelers × season adjustment. Add flights, insurance, and any costs outside the guide separately. Shared rooms and child rates may change your total.
Where the money goes
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stay | ₱18 | ₱48 | ₱125 |
| Eat | ₱3 | ₱10 | ₱30 |
| Do | ₱8 | ₱15 | ₱25 |
| Categories combined | ₱29 | ₱73 | ₱180 |
Category figures are typical daily spends; the tier totals above them include everyday extras, so the two need not match to the unit.
Prices through the year
- Low×0.65
- High×1.45
- Shoulder×1.05
Stretch your budget
Ways to save
- Stay in budget guesthouses or hostels in El Nido or Coron for ₱500-₱1500 per night vs. ₱3000+ for resorts.
- Eat at local 'carinderias' (eateries) for meals costing ₱80-₱150 vs. ₱300-₱600+ at tourist restaurants.
- Take public transportation like local buses or jeepneys between towns for ₱50-₱200 vs. ₱500-₱1000 for private vans.
- Book island hopping tours directly with local operators for around ₱1200-₱1500 per person vs. ₱1800-₱2500 through hotels or online agencies.
- Visit during the off-peak season (June-October) for lower accommodation prices and fewer crowds, potentially saving 20-30% on stays.
- Drink local beer (San Miguel Pale Pilsen) for ₱50-₱70 at convenience stores vs. ₱150-₱250 at bars/restaurants.
- Negotiate prices for tricycles (motorized rickshaws) before riding to avoid inflated tourist rates, saving ₱20-₱50 per ride on short distances.
- Explore free attractions like walking along beaches (e.g., Nacpan Beach, Las Cabanas Beach) or hiking to viewpoints.
- Buy fresh fruits and snacks from local markets for ₱50-₱200 vs. higher prices at resort shops.
- Pack a reusable water bottle and refill it where possible to avoid buying bottled water, saving ₱30-₱50 per bottle.
Budget tips
- Stay in budget guesthouses or hostels
- Eat at local eateries and markets
- Use public jeepneys and tricycles
Worth the splurge
- Book a private speedboat for a customized island-hopping itinerary.
- Stay at a luxury beachfront resort or overwater villa in El Nido or Coron.
- Charter a yacht or private sailboat for a multi-day cruise through Bacuit Archipelago.
- Indulge in a full-day spa and wellness retreat overlooking the sea.
Free things to do
- Free walking tour
- Public parks
- Local markets
Frequently asked questions
How expensive is Palawan?
You can travel on a tight budget for about €25–€40 per day if you stay in hostels, eat local, and use public transport. A midrange trip runs around €50–€80 per day. If you opt for upscale resorts and private tours, expect €100+ per day.
Best money-saving tips?
Book accommodation and tours in advance, travel in shoulder season (May–June or September–October), use tricycles and shared vans, eat at local eateries (“carinderias”), and join group island-hopping tours.
Average meal cost?
Budget: €2 (street food or carinderia), Mid: €5 (casual restaurant), Fine: €15 (seafood specialty or western-style dining).
Safety?
Palawan is generally safe. Petty theft is rare but carry minimal cash. Avoid isolated beaches after dark, follow local warnings about weather and uncharted reefs, and check MIMAROPA advisories if you plan remote trekking.
Planning the trip? Read the full Palawan guide.
