Palawan Road Trip Itinerary: 3-Day, 5-Day & 7-Day Adventure Guide
Introduction
Palawan is best explored by road, offering flexibility to discover hidden gems at your own pace. Whether you have 3 days, 5 days, or a full week, this comprehensive guide provides day-by-day itineraries with driving routes, attractions, and insider tips.
Pro Tip: Rent a reliable vehicle to experience true freedom on the road. Our fleet includes comfortable sedans for coastal drives and SUVs for off-road adventures.
3-Day Palawan Road Trip Itinerary
Perfect for: Short breaks, weekend getaways, travelers with limited time
Best for: Puerto Princesa & nearby highlights
📍 Total Driving Distance: ~150 km | Best Months: November-May
Day 1: Puerto Princesa City Exploration
Morning: Arrive & City Tour
Pick up your rental vehicle. Explore Puerto Princesa: Rizal Park, Cathedral, Market (authentic local experience)
⏱️ 2-3 hours
Afternoon: Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
Drive to the port (30 min). Board a boat for the iconic 8.2 km underground river tour. World-class limestone caverns, stalactites, and bats.
⏱️ 5-6 hours (including travel)
Evening: Sunset at Palawan Bay
Return to Puerto Princesa. Relax at a waterfront restaurant, enjoy fresh seafood, watch the sunset over Palawan Bay.
⏱️ 2 hours
Day 2: Honda Bay Island Hopping
Morning: Drive to Honda Bay
Head north from Puerto Princesa (45 min). Stop at Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center to see rescued animals.
⏱️ 1.5 hours
Afternoon: Island Hopping Adventure
Visit Pandan Island (pristine beach), Cowrie Island (snorkeling), and Starfish Island (starfish sanctuary). Crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and photography.
⏱️ 4-5 hours
Day 3: Sabang & Nagtabon Beach
Morning: Drive to Sabang Beach
Take the scenic coastal road (1.5 hours). Relax on white sand beaches, swim in turquoise waters, explore rock formations.
⏱️ 3 hours
Afternoon: Nagtabon Cave & Beach
Visit Nagtabon Beach (15 min from Sabang) - an archaeological site with caves and beautiful shoreline. Great for cultural exploration.
⏱️ 2-3 hours
💡 3-Day Budget Estimate: PHP 5,000-8,000 (excluding accommodation & vehicle rental)
5-Day Palawan Road Trip Itinerary
Perfect for: Mid-length vacations, balance of beach & culture, deeper exploration
Best for: Puerto Princesa, Sabang, El Nido foothills
📍 Total Driving Distance: ~300 km | Best Months: November-May
Days 1-3: Complete as 3-Day Itinerary (above)
Day 4: Puerto Princesa to Roxas (Culinary Journey)
Morning: Drive to Roxas (1.5 hours)
Stop at Tabon Museum & Tabon Caves - significant archaeological site with 10,000+ year-old remains. Learn about Palawan's indigenous history.
⏱️ 2-3 hours
Afternoon: Roxas Town Experience
Visit Panalingaan Falls, local markets, and enjoy fresh grilled squid (Roxas specialty). Stay overnight in this quiet coastal town.
⏱️ 3-4 hours
Day 5: Roxas to El Nido Foothills & Return
Morning: Scenic Drive North
Drive towards El Nido (3 hours). Stop at viewpoints to see karst cliffs approaching. Optional: Visit Cleopatra's Needle natural rock formation.
⏱️ 3-4 hours
Afternoon: Return to Puerto Princesa
Drive back via scenic coastal route (3.5 hours). Return rental vehicle and depart.
⏱️ 4 hours
💡 5-Day Budget Estimate: PHP 10,000-15,000 (excluding accommodation & vehicle rental)
7-Day Palawan Road Trip Itinerary
Perfect for: Extended vacations, complete Palawan experience, culture + adventure
Best for: Puerto Princesa → Roxas → El Nido loop with extended activities
📍 Total Driving Distance: ~500+ km | Best Months: November-May
Days 1-5: Complete as 5-Day Itinerary (above)
Day 6: El Nido Adventure
Morning: Drive to El Nido (3 hours)
Scenic mountain pass with stops at viewpoints. Watch the landscape transform with dramatic limestone cliffs.
⏱️ 3.5 hours
Afternoon: El Nido Town & Twin Beaches
Explore El Nido village (quirky cafes, local shops), relax at Twin Beaches (Lagen Island views), enjoy sunset.
⏱️ 4 hours
Day 7: Return Journey & Scenic Stops
Morning: Last Minute Exploration
Visit a local El Nido tour operator for quick island hopping or kayaking. Enjoy fresh seafood breakfast.
⏱️ 2-3 hours
Afternoon: Drive Back to Puerto Princesa (3.5 hours)
Scenic return drive. Stop at memorable viewpoints for final photos. Return rental vehicle and depart.
⏱️ 4 hours
💡 7-Day Budget Estimate: PHP 18,000-28,000 (excluding accommodation & vehicle rental)
Vehicle Recommendations by Itinerary
| Trip Duration | Recommended Vehicle | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 3-Day | Sedan or Hatchback | Short trips, paved roads, fuel efficiency |
| 5-Day | SUV or Crossover | Extended travel, varied terrain, comfort |
| 7-Day | SUV/4WD | Long journey, mountain roads, flexibility |
Essential Road Trip Tips
- 📌Drive During Daylight: Roads are curvy, especially the El Nido route. Best to avoid night driving.
- 📌Fill Up Gas Regularly: Gas stations are sparse in remote areas. Fuel up whenever you see one.
- 📌Check Weather Forecast: Avoid monsoon seasons (June-October). Peak season is November-May.
- 📌Bring Extra Cash: Not all places accept cards. ATMs are available in major towns.
- 📌Download Maps Offline: Cell service can be spotty. Pre-download Google Maps.
- 📌Respect Speed Limits: Mountain roads are dangerous. Speed limits are enforced with strict fines.
What to Pack for Your Road Trip
- ✓Sunscreen & Hat: Intense tropical sun, reapply frequently
- ✓Swimwear & Towels: Multiple sets for beach days
- ✓Driving License & Passport: Bring originals for police checkpoints
- ✓Medications & First Aid: Minor injuries happen on long drives
- ✓Water Bottle: Stay hydrated during long drives
- ✓Camera Equipment: Capture stunning landscapes and memories
Book Your Palawan Road Trip Today
Ready to explore Palawan at your own pace? A diverse fleet of well-maintained vehicles is available for any road trip duration.
Choose Your Vehicle
🚙 Economy Sedan
Perfect for 3-day trips. Good fuel economy, ideal for paved coastal roads.
View Economy Options →🚐 Toyota Vios/Avanza
Ideal for 3-5 day trips. Reliable and comfortable for small groups.
Explore Toyota Fleet →🏎️ 4WD/Pickup
Perfect for 7+ day adventures. Off-road capability for mountain passes.
Browse 4WD Vehicles →🚌 Passenger Van
Great for group tours (8-12 passengers). Family-friendly and spacious for everyone.
See Van Options →✅ Rental Benefits
- ✅ Well-maintained and reliable vehicles
- ✅ Flexible rental periods
- ✅ 24/7 roadside support
- ✅ Comprehensive insurance coverage
- ✅ Free maps and travel assistance
Conclusion
Whether you're on a tight 3-day schedule or have a full week to explore, Palawan's diverse attractions are best experienced on your own terms with a rental vehicle. From underground rivers to pristine beaches, cultural caves to mountain vistas, each itinerary offers unforgettable memories.
Start planning your Palawan road trip adventure today!
