Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Palawan
Experience authentic local culture on a shoestring budget with hostels, street food, and public transport
Daily Budget: $21-70 per day
Complete breakdown of costs for budget/backpacker travel in Palawan
Accommodation
$8-25 per night
Dorm beds in backpacker hostels, basic guesthouses, fan rooms with shared bathrooms
Food & Dining
$5-15 per day
Street food stalls, local markets, carenderias (local eateries), self-catering with groceries
Transportation
$3-10 per day
Public jeepneys, tricycles for short distances, walking, occasional habal-habal (motorcycle taxi)
Activities
$5-20 per day
Free beaches, hiking trails, snorkeling with own gear, occasional budget island hopping tours
Currency: ₱ Philippine Peso (PHP) - approximately 55-58 PHP per 1 USD
Budget/Backpacker Activities in Palawan
Curated experiences perfect for your budget/backpacker travel style
Money-Saving Tips
Eat at local carenderias and markets instead of tourist restaurants for typically 60-80% savings
Use public jeepneys and tricycles instead of private transfers for 70-85% transportation savings
Book accommodation directly with guesthouses rather than through booking platforms to avoid 10-20% commission markups
Join group island hopping tours instead of private charters for typically 50-70% activity savings
Visit during low season (May-October) for accommodation discounts of 30-50%
Buy snorkeling gear locally instead of renting daily to save 60-80% over a week-long stay
Stay in Puerto Princesa or El Nido town center rather than beachfront properties for 40-60% accommodation savings
Common Budget Mistakes to Avoid
Taking taxis and private transfers everywhere instead of public transport, typically costing 3-5x more
Eating only at resort restaurants and tourist areas, which typically charge 100-200% markup over local establishments
Booking last-minute accommodation during peak season, often resulting in 50-100% higher rates than advance bookings