Packing for Palawan is different from most beach destinations. The combination of 5+ hour van transfers, full-day island hopping on open boats, limited shopping in El Nido, and the intense tropical sun means getting your packing right saves you real inconvenience. This list is based on what actually matters for a Puerto Princesa and El Nido trip in 2026.
The Non-Negotiables — Do Not Arrive Without These
Cash in Philippine Pesos
The most important thing to bring to Palawan that is not a physical item. El Nido’s single ATM is unreliable. Port Barton has no ATM at all. Withdraw everything you need in Manila, Cebu, or Puerto Princesa before heading north. Budget at least ₱3,000 to ₱5,000 per day depending on your spending style.
Reef-Safe Biodegradable Sunscreen
Standard chemical sunscreen is prohibited at many of El Nido’s protected lagoons and marine areas — rangers check and will ask you to wash it off before entering. Bring reef-safe mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide based) from Manila or from home. It is difficult to find in El Nido and expensive when you do find it.
Dry Bag or Waterproof Bag
You will get wet on the boat. Either from sea spray, waves when boarding and disembarking in shallow water, or rain. A dry bag (10L or 20L roll-top style) keeps your phone, camera, documents, and passport dry throughout the day. This is essential, not optional.
Motion Sickness Tablets
Two situations will test your stomach: the final winding section of the van journey approaching El Nido, and open-water boat crossings when the sea is choppy. Take Bonamine (meclizine) or Dramamine 30 minutes before either. They are widely available in Philippines pharmacies but bring them from home to avoid hunting for them in Puerto Princesa at 5 AM.
Clothing — What to Actually Pack
- Quick-dry swimwear × 2 — you will be in and out of the water constantly. Cotton swimwear that stays wet all day is uncomfortable and takes hours to dry overnight.
- Rashguard or UV-protective swim shirt — for island hopping you are in direct sun for up to 8 hours. A rashguard dramatically reduces sunburn risk and is more comfortable than reapplying sunscreen all day on a boat.
- Lightweight linen or cotton shirts × 3–4 — Palawan is hot. Heavy fabrics are miserable. Pack light.
- One light layer (thin hoodie or jacket) — for air-conditioned vans, restaurants, and cool evenings.
- Shorts or beach trousers × 2–3
- One nicer outfit — for dinner at better restaurants in El Nido. Smart casual is enough — you do not need anything formal.
Footwear
- Water shoes or reef shoes — essential for entering lagoons over sharp coral and rocky beaches. Bring these from home — selection in El Nido is limited.
- Flip flops / sandals — your main walking shoes for 90 percent of the trip.
- One pair of trainers or light shoes — for the van journey and any jungle or waterfall hiking.
Electronics
- Portable power bank (10,000–20,000 mAh) — van rides are 5+ hours and boats do not have USB charging. A power bank is essential.
- Universal travel adapter — Philippines uses Type A and B plugs (same as US). If you are coming from Europe or Australia, bring an adapter.
- Waterproof phone case or underwater camera housing — for snorkeling and splash protection on the boat.
- Offline map downloaded on your phone — save the El Nido, Port Barton, and Puerto Princesa areas on Google Maps before losing signal.
Health and Toiletries
- Insect repellent with DEET — sand flies on the beach at dawn and dusk, mosquitoes inland. Pack this from home.
- After-sun lotion or aloe vera — sunburn happens fast in Palawan’s equatorial sun even with sunscreen. Keep some in your day bag.
- Lip balm with SPF — frequently overlooked, frequently regretted.
- Basic first aid kit — antiseptic wipes, plasters, antacid, anti-diarrhoea tablets, antihistamine.
- Prescription medication — bring more than you need. Pharmacies in El Nido carry basics but not all medications.
What to Leave at Home
- Heavy luggage — van transfers have luggage compartments but large hard-sided suitcases are inconvenient on boat piers and remote beach guesthouses. A 40L to 60L backpack or soft duffel is far easier.
- Valuables you do not need — leave expensive jewelry and unnecessary electronics at home. El Nido is safe but boats, beaches, and open-air guesthouses are not the environment for items you cannot afford to lose to salt water.
- Hair dryer — most guesthouses in El Nido and Port Barton do not have one, but your hair will be wet and air-dried 80 percent of the time anyway.
- Too many clothes — laundry services are available in El Nido and Port Barton from ₱100 to ₱150 per kilo. Pack half what you think you need and wash halfway through the trip.
For the Van Journey
Your 5 to 6 hour van from Puerto Princesa to El Nido is much more comfortable with:
- Neck pillow for the journey (especially early morning departures)
- Snacks — there is a lunch stop but bring something for the first half
- Reusable water bottle — fill it at your hotel before departure
- Light jacket — van air conditioning is strong
- Downloaded podcast, playlist, or films — for the stretches with no signal
Ready to go? The first thing to book for any Palawan trip is your van transfer. Book your Puerto Princesa to El Nido transfer here — shared vans from ₱750 per person, private vans from ₱7,500.
