Palawan guide
🇵🇭 Packing List
What to pack for Palawan
In May, Palawan is typically hot, heavy rain (26 to 34°C). This list adapts to those conditions; adjust for your exact travel dates.
Palawan essentials
- Modest outfits that cover shoulders and knees for town and religious sites
- Swimwear for the resort or beach only, cover up in town
Documents
- Photo ID
- Passport (valid 6+ months)
- Visa / e-visa printout
- Return / onward flight tickets
- Travel insurance policy
- Hotel booking confirmations
- Passport-size photographs (2-4)
- Photocopies / phone photos of passport and tickets, stored separately
Clothing
- One smart-casual outfit for dinners
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Very light, breathable cotton or linen clothing
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Reusable water bottle
- Light rain jacket or poncho
- Compact umbrella
- Quick-dry footwear
- Undergarments and sleepwear
- Enough outfits for 7 days (6 sets)
Toiletries & health
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, and toiletries
- Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+), regular SPF bleaches coral
- Personal medication with prescription
- Basic first-aid: band-aids, painkillers, ORS (7 days)
- Hand sanitiser and wet wipes
- Insect / mosquito repellent
- After-sun lotion
Electronics
- Phone and charger
- Power bank
- Camera (optional)
- Power adaptor: Type A/B/C plugs, 220V.
Money
- Debit / credit cards
- Local currency: Philippine Peso (PHP)
- Cash (PHP) dominant. ATMs in Puerto Princesa and El Nido. Limited in Coron.
Local know-how
- Don't remove coral, shells or marine life — fines are significant
- Local SIM: Globe or Smart Philippines. Buy at Manila airport or Puerto Princesa.
Trip gear
- Waterproof dry bag for electronics
- Water shoes for the house reef
- Snorkel mask (or hire at the reef)