Honeymoon in Palawan - El Nido vs. Coron, Costs & 3 Perfect Days

Couples flying into Palawan usually land at El Nido’s Lio Airport (LIO) or Coron’s Busuanga (USU). Both promise jade lagoons, sugar-soft beaches, and boat days that feel like a private world—yet they deliver different moods. Use this quick comparison to choose your base, cost out a romantic three-day plan, and add small touches that make the trip feel tailor-made.

El Nido vs Coron at a glance

For the most photogenic midday breaks, a sandbar setup pairs well with this primer on arranging private island picnics, and if you’re eyeing golden-hour portraits, browse the local rules and best spots in the on-island guide to honeymoon photoshoots.

What it costs (couple)

• Stay
  • Boutique beachfront: ₱5,000–₱9,000 per night
  • Upscale villa or island resort: ₱10,000–₱25,000+ per night
• Island-hopping
  • Joiner route: ₱1,800–₱3,000 per person
  • Private boat with simple lunch: ₱6,000–₱12,000 total (size and route dependent)
• Dining & extras
  • Casual meals: ₱400–₱800 per person
  • Romantic dinner on the sand with decor: budget an extra ₱4,000–₱10,000
  • Spa hour for two: ₱2,500–₱5,000

Tip: if a candlelit table is on your wishlist, team up with island stylists for florals and ambiance—start a shortlist of creative decor partners who understand wind, tide, and sand.

3 perfect days in El Nido

Day 1 — Arrival drift
Check in and shake off jet lag with an easy shoreline walk. Book an early dinner, then wander the beach at blue hour.

Day 2 — Lagoons and secret coves
Charter a boat before sunrise to reach Small Lagoon and a quiet sandbar. Picnic under shade, snorkel, nap, repeat. Wrap the day with a relaxed golden-hour session captured by local lens pros who know the tide and light.

Day 3 — Cliff views and slow dining
Kayak a sheltered cove or hike to a lookout for karst silhouettes. In the evening, arrange a simple beach table; if your resort can’t host, island-based private dining crews can plate something memorable a few steps from the water.

3 perfect days in Coron

Day 1 — Lakes before the crowds
Arrive and line up an early start for Kayangan Lake; the mirror-clear water is unreal when the sun first hits.

Day 2 — Twin Lagoon and reef gardens
Time your swim with the tide for that magical shift between the limestone walls, then drift over bright coral. A slow sunset on a quiet pier sets the mood.

Day 3 — Island time, spa, and stargazing
Take a half-day hop to a sandbar for reading and do-nothing hours. Return for massages and a breezy dinner under palm shadows.

Choosing between them

Pick El Nido if you love a compact town feel with many café and dinner options, and you want lots of lagoon variety in three days. Choose Coron if glass-clear lakes and softer crowds sound like your version of bliss. If you can, split the trip—El Nido’s island lunches one half, Coron’s lakes and reefs the other.

Practical notes

• Transfers: open-jaw flights (into LIO, out of USU or reverse) save a day.
• Weather: sunrise departures beat heat and crowds; keep a flexible day for wind or swell.
• Permits & conservation: follow local guidelines for drones, protected lagoons, and beach setups.

Wrap it all with little moments

A hand-tied bouquet on the table, a spontaneous night swim under stars, and a few frames at dusk will outlast any souvenir. When you’re polishing the plan, the photo guide to shoot locations and timing keeps things effortless, and that primer on picnic logistics helps you avoid tide-timing hiccups.

For bigger picture inspiration across islands, the countrywide playbook is handy near checkout—skim the highlights in the Philippines honeymoon guide before you lock flights.