You can start your trip to the Philippines in the vibrant capital of the country, Manila. Bustling with traffic and people 24 hours a day, Manila is one of the most densely populated cities in the world, as well as one of the oldest. Despite all the hustle and bustle, it is a beautiful city for many reasons. With its walled city, churches and forts, amazing skyscrapers and shopping malls, Manila is a city worth visiting. After getting to know this wonderful city, it is worth going to a quieter place. The Palawan Islands are in stark contrast to Manila. It is the region with the lowest population density in the country. It is one of the most beautiful and heavenly areas of the Philippines thanks to its beautiful crystal clear waters, fantastic beaches, good snorkeling opportunities and many cozy spots to disconnect and relax. Here are the best ways to travel from Manila to Palawan.
Travel options from Manila to Palawan
The route from Manila to Palawan is very popular among tourists, despite the considerable distance that separates the capital from these paradise islands. A straight-line flight from Manila to Palawan covers a distance of 580 kilometers. However, if you prefer to travel by land and water, you will have to add a few hundred kilometers more to the trip. The truth is that traveling by land and water between these places would not be a very practical option. Therefore, in addition to the plane, the ferry is the best option to get from the capital to these islands. It’s a pretty slow alternative, but it can save you money compared to flying and save you a hotel night.
From Manila to Palawan by ferry
Traveling by water is always associated with adventure. It is a fun and different way to get around that is usually slower than almost any other form of transportation. But on the other hand, it allows you to relax and enjoy the landscapes and the sea breeze from a different perspective.
With so many islands, traveling by ferry in the Philippines is a popular option with tourists and locals alike. It is quite cheap and there are several classes of tickets to choose from. In this sense, the ferry is more flexible than the plane, as it allows travelers on a budget to travel long distances without spending a fortune. In addition, traveling by ferry has the advantage of saving you an overnight stay.
The drawback, of course, is the low speed of the ferry from Manila to Palawan. The trip lasts practically 24 hours, so you should expect that we would spend a whole day of travel leave. Still, if you have time and are not in a rush, it is a fantastic experience to use as time to relax and meet other passengers.
Another disadvantage of the Manila to Palawan ferry is that there is only one company operating on this route, which only offers services on Fridays. This means that for some tourists the possibilities are limited, because it forces you to adjust your travel plans to the time of departure of the ship.
Super Value Class on 2GO Travel © Happy Auer / Shutterstock.com
These problems aside, the truth is that traveling by ferry can be cheap and fun. You can save a lot if you choose a seat in the Super Value class. There is no air conditioning in this area, and you will be sharing the wide open space with many other passengers, so there is virtually no privacy. Mega Value class is a little more comfortable because it has air conditioning. But if you’re after more comfort, opt for Economy Class or opt for a 4-person cabin, ideal if you’re traveling with friends or family.
The operator of the ferry is 2GO Travel. Tickets can be booked via the website 12Go.asiawhere you can easily see all activities and compare prices before making a decision and booking. Ferries leave Manila North Port at 7:00 PM on Fridays and arrive at Puerto Princesa Port at 7:00 PM on Saturday.
Manila to Palawan flights
Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Cebu Pacific on the runway © Rainier Martin Ampongan / Shutterstock.com
If you prefer to take the easiest option, you will have to fly from Manila to Palawan. Flight prices are quite reasonable, even when compared to ferry prices. Of course, don’t forget that the ferry includes an overnight stay that you can save, while if you choose to fly by plane, you will have to pay for this overnight stay at your destination.
The flight from Manila to Palawan takes approximately 90 minutes. Flights depart from Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport and land at Puerto Princesa International Airport. There are three airlines that serve this route and offer several daily flights. As you can see, compared to the ferry, you would have much more flexibility in choosing the departure times. The airlines you can choose from are Philippines Airlines, Philippines AirAsia and Cebu Pacific. Almost all departures are in the morning, although you can also find a few free times in the afternoon.
You already know that it takes a while to get from downtown Manila to the airport. If you add to this the time needed to check in, go through security and board, it turns out that the journey will take several hours. Even so, the entire journey will be much shorter than by ferry. In Palawan, the airport is very close to many hotels and beaches, so you can easily get to your hotel. Since you will arrive on the same day, you will have time to experience the local culture, enjoy a good meal and even experience the nightlife.
The Manila to Palawan ferry is a money-saving experience because you also save on accommodation. However, since the tour lasts no less than a full day, it is not an option that will appeal to all travelers. The decision you make will depend mainly on your preferences and the time you have while traveling.