Things to Do in Palawan in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
Low Season · Budget Friendly
November Weather in Palawan
Temperature, rainfall and humidity at a glance
83°F (28°C)
High Temp
76°F (24°C)
Low Temp
0.3 inches (8 mm)
Rainfall
70%
Humidity
Is November Right for You?
Weigh the advantages and considerations before booking
Advantages
- + The rain mostly holds off. The jungle turns deep, dripping green. The sea hits that impossible turquoise you see on postcards. The humidity feels thick enough to chew. The ocean breeze off Bacuit Bay cuts right through it.
- + You'll dodge the tourist crush that arrives with the dry season in December. The boat docks at El Nido's main pier aren't yet the shoulder-to-shoulder scrum they become by Christmas. You can still find a quiet patch of sand on Nacpan Beach without a dozen Instagrammers framing the shot.
- + The water visibility for diving and snorkeling tends to be exceptional. It often exceeds 30 meters (98 feet). The last of the monsoon runoff has cleared. You'll see the reef life around Miniloc Island with startling clarity.
- + Palawan's seasonal fruits are at their peak. You'll find the sweetest, stickiest mangoes at the Puerto Princesa market. Roadside stalls start selling the first of the lanzones. Those grape-like clusters have a floral, tangy flesh.
Considerations
- − The weather is famously fickle. A brilliant blue morning over the Underground River can turn into a 45-minute downpour by lunch. The warm rain drums loudly on corrugated iron roofs. Dirt paths turn to slick mud.
- − Some remote island-hopping routes, those heading towards the outer islands near Linapacan, might still face last-minute cancellations. The captain decides if the swell in the open Sulu Sea looks too rough.
- − It's the tail end of the low season. Some smaller, family-run resorts in Port Barton might still be closed for renovations. Others take an extended break. This limits your choices for that well rustic bamboo hut experience.
Best Activities in November
Top things to do during your visit
El Nido Island Hopping Tours (Tour A)
November is arguably the sweet spot for the classic El Nido tour circuit. The seas have calmed from the monsoon. The crossing to the Big Lagoon at Miniloc Island is smooth. Reduced crowds mean you might have a moment alone in the Secret Lagoon's hidden chamber. The water temperature is bath-like. The light filtering through the karst cliffs around Shimizu Island has a soft, golden quality. You won't get this in the harsher midday sun of peak season.
Booking Tip: You can often book these just a day or two in advance. Find one of the many licensed tour kiosks along El Nido's main beach road. Look for operators displaying their accreditation. Check the booking widget below for a curated list of current options and guaranteed departures.
Puerto Princesa Underground River Tours
The humidity outside makes the cool, cathedral-like air inside the cave feel even more profound. You'll hear the constant drip of water echoing in the darkness. You'll smell the distinct, damp-earth scent of the cavern. With fewer visitors, the queue for the paddle boats is shorter. Your guide's commentary about the rock formations won't be drowned out. The jungle walk from Sabang Beach to the cave entrance is lush and buzzing with life after the recent rains.
Booking Tip: Permits are required and are limited per day. Booking at least three to four days ahead through a licensed tour agency in Puerto Princesa is wise, even in this shoulder month. These agencies handle the permit process. See current tour options in the booking section.
Coron Wreck Diving & Lake Kayaking
For divers, November offers some of the year's best conditions at Coron's famous WWII wreck sites. The visibility improves dramatically. You can fully appreciate the eerie, silent grandeur of the sunken Japanese fleet in Barracuda Lake. The lake's thermocline, where cool freshwater meets hot, saline water, is a bizarre sensory jolt. For non-divers, kayaking across Kayangan Lake's placid, mirror-like surface is a serene experience. The jagged limestone surrounds you before the high-season crowds arrive.
Booking Tip: Book your diving spots with a reputable dive center at least a week in advance. For kayaking tours, a day or two ahead is usually sufficient. Ensure any operator provides proper safety briefings for the unique conditions of the lakes. Browse available tours in the widget.
Port Barton Beach & Island Relaxation
If your ideal Palawan day involves a book, a hammock, and the sound of nothing but waves, Port Barton in November is your move. This is the month when the village feels like a village again. The sand is raked clean by the recent weather. The water is clear over the reef at nearby German Island. The pace is slow enough that you can strike up a genuine conversation with a boat captain at the pier. The evenings are balmy. Good for grilled fish and a cold San Miguel at a beachfront table.
Booking Tip: Accommodation can often be booked just days ahead. For island-hopping trips from Port Barton, simply arrange it the afternoon before at your resort. You can also book at the small registration office on the beach. No complex logistics needed.
Hiking to Taraw Cliff Viewpoint
The climb up the sharp, jagged limestone of Taraw Cliff behind El Nido town is strenuous any time of year. In November, the early morning start is pleasantly cool. Reaching the summit as the sun burns off the last of the mist over the Bacuit Archipelago is worth every slippery step. The view, a 360-degree panorama of emerald islands scattered in a sapphire sea, is the definitive postcard of Palawan. Do this before the dry season heat makes the ascent a brutal, sun-exposed ordeal.
Booking Tip: A local guide is mandatory for safety. The trail is unmarked and involves some rock scrambling. Arrange this the day before through your accommodation or at the trailhead. They'll provide the necessary grip shoes.
Explore More Activities in Palawan
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See All Palawan Tours on ViatorWhere to Stay in Palawan in November
Hand-picked hotels across price tiers for November travellers.
Public Holidays in November
Dates that affect opening hours, transport and crowds
Araw ng mga Santo
Known in English as All Saints' Day. Observed nationwide as a public holiday.
Araw ni Gat Andres Bonifacio
Known in English as Bonifacio Day. Observed nationwide as a public holiday.
Araw ng mga Santo
Known in English as All Saints' Day. Observed nationwide as a public holiday.
Araw ni Gat Andres Bonifacio
Known in English as Bonifacio Day. Observed nationwide as a public holiday.
Araw ng mga Santo
Known in English as All Saints' Day. Observed nationwide as a public holiday.
Araw ni Gat Andres Bonifacio
Known in English as Bonifacio Day. Observed nationwide as a public holiday.
Packing Checklist
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Climate-specific gear, brand recommendations, and what to leave at home.
View Palawan Packing List →Essential Tips
Insider knowledge and common pitfalls to avoid
Insider Knowledge
The best *tamilok* (woodworm) is found in Puerto Princesa, not El Nido. If you're adventurous enough to try this local delicacy, head to the stalls at the Baywalk night market. It tastes like a briny oyster with the texture of a clam. They serve it fresh with calamansi and chili.
Skip the main El Nido town beach for sunset. Follow the locals to Marimegmeg Beach (often called Las Cabanas). The sand is cleaner. The vibe is quieter. The view of the sun dipping behind Cadlao Island is unobstructed. The zipline is a gimmick. The beach itself is the real deal.
If a boat captain offers to take you to 'the secret beach' on any island-hopping tour, go. It's not a secret. It usually means a more challenging swim or scramble through a narrow cleft in the rock. This filters out the crowds. You get a perfect, secluded cove.
In Coron, don't just do the wrecks. Rent a motorbike and spend a day exploring the interior. The road to the Concepcion waterfalls passes through villages and rice paddies that see very few tourists. The warm, freshwater pools are a blissful change from the saltwater. Worth the effort.
Avoid These Mistakes
Never pack only flip-flops. Your feet will hate you on the sharp limestone trails. Wet boat transfers demand more grip. Any muddy path will expose their uselessness. Proper sandals or water shoes are a trip-saver.
Don't try to cram in both El Nido and Coron in a short trip. The ferry between them takes 4-5 hours. It's frequently cancelled in November due to weather. Pick one base. Explore it.
Always carry enough small Philippine peso bills. Remote islands, small boat fees, and market stalls often won't have change for large bills. Credit cards are useless outside major resorts. Come prepared.
Never underestimate the sun. Even on a cloudy day, UV radiation penetrates. The reflection off the water is intense. Sunburn on day one can ruin your entire trip. Reapply often.
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Top-rated things to do in Palawan this November
