Things to Do in Palawan in October (2026)

Is October Right for You?

Weigh the advantages and considerations before booking

Advantages

+ October sits in the sweet spot between habagat (south-west monsoon) ending and amihan (north-east monsoon) starting, so seas around El Nido and Coron are usually glassy enough for the speedboat companies to run their full island-hopping schedule - expect 3-4 stops instead of the rainy-season single-stop tours.
+ Hotel occupancy island-wide drops to 50-60 %; walk-ins are suddenly possible again in El Nido town and Coron's main strip, and nightly rates can be 30-40 % lower than the December holiday window.
+ Flights from Manila and Cebu are easier to score - PAL and AirAsia both add extra frequencies after the peak summer, so seat sales tend to appear two to three weeks out instead of the usual zero inventory.
+ The rice terraces outside Puerto Princesa turn emerald-green as the last planting finishes, giving you those postcard paddies without the February crowds that swarm Banaue and Batad.
+ UV index is still 8; the sun hits hard but afternoon clouds roll in around 3 pm, giving natural shade for kayaking the Big Lagoon or climbing the 700-step Taraw Peak - much nicer than the roast-you-alive April skies.

Considerations

− Rain arrives in short, heavy bursts - think 20-minute cloudbursts that drop 15 mm (0.6 in) and leave streets ankle-deep - but they still cancel boat permits if the coast guard issues a gale warning, so you can lose a planned tour day with only two hours' notice.
− It's shoulder-to-shoulder season for Chinese tour groups doing the 3-day Puerto-El Nido circuit. The Underground River's first time slot (7:30 am) can sell out three days ahead, something that rarely happens in true low season.
− Jellyfish larvae drift closer to shore on the warmer currents - Miniloc and Shimizu islands see more stings in October than any other month. Bring vinegar or ask your boatman for a hot-water rinse station.

Best Activities in October

Top things to do during your visit

El Nido Island-Hopping Loop A & C Combo

October's light winds let bangkas punch the full Loop A (Shimizu, Secret Lagoon, Seven Commando) plus Loop C (Hidden Beach, Matinloc Shrine) in one 8-hour day; limestone cliffs glow gold under low-angle sun, and the lagoons are warm enough to float without a rash guard.

Booking Tip: Book the day you arrive - operators release seat maps at 6 pm for next-day departures. Licensed boats display a yellow sticker and carry two spare life jackets per tourist. See current departures in the booking widget below.

Coron WWII Wreck Diving Day Trips

Visibility rebounds to 15-20 m (49-66 ft) once October's plankton bloom fades. The Akitsushima and Kogyo Maru are still shallow enough for Advanced Open Water. But thermoclines sit at 26 °C (79 °F) so a 3 mm suit keeps you comfortable.

Booking Tip: Dive shops run compressed-air fills only - nitrox is flown in from Manila twice a week, so request it 48 h ahead. Check the widget for PADI 5-star boats that carry emergency O2.

Puerto Princesa Firefly Paddle on the Iwahig River

New moon nights in October are pitch-black by 7 pm. The mangroves light up like Christmas trees with synchronous fireflies - something you won't see in breezy December when they disperse.

Booking Tip: Go on a weekday. Weekend paddles get karaoke boats blasting from the bank. Operators provide dry bags and red-filter flashlights - book after 4 pm once cloud cover is visible.

Port Barton Island Camping Overnight

German travelers basically invented the Port Barton overnight scene in October - crowds are thin enough that you can still claim a beach to yourself. Yet tour boats keep running. Sunset over Twin Reef with a barbecue snapper tastes better when humidity drops to 65 % after 7 pm.

Booking Tip: Bring your own 1-liter water pouch. Island cottages charge for refills. Book through San Vicente-accredited operators - look for the green ID card issued by the municipal tourism office.

Balabac Cape Melville Lighthouse Trek

October is the last month before the rough habagat swells make the crossing from Buliluyan Port brutal. The sandbar at Onuk Island stays baby-powder white and you'll share it with maybe five other travelers.

Booking Tip: You need a travel authority permit from the Palawan Capitol - apply online 10 days ahead. Multiday trips include tent accommodation. Bring a power bank because generator hours end at 10 pm.

Where to Stay in Palawan in October

Hand-picked hotels across price tiers for October travellers.

★★ Budget

Zhongyun Hotel (Baofeng Longxing Road)

8.0 Very good · 73 reviews

From $12 / night

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★★★★ Mid-Range

Hongtai Hotel

9.4 Excellent · 623 reviews

From $22 / night

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★★★★★ Luxury

Lagen, El Nido

9.6 Excellent · 63 reviews

From $1153 / night

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October Events & Festivals

What's happening during your visit

Late October

Baragatan Festival (Puerto Princesa City Fiesta)

Week-long street dancing and trade fair celebrating the city's founding. Locals roast lechon on the baywalk and there's a fluvial parade of decorated boats in the bay. Head to Mendoza Park after 6 pm for free cultural shows.

Third Sunday of October

Pista Y Ang Kagueban (Forest Festival)

Tree-planting trek up the Irawan watershed. You hike 6 km (3.7 mi) then plant native narra seedlings. Expect mud, leeches, and a hearty binignit (sweet root-crop stew) at the end - registration happens at the Puerto Princesa City Coliseum two days before.

Essential Tips

Insider knowledge and common pitfalls to avoid

Insider Knowledge

AirSWIFT's morning El Nido-Manila flight is the last to cancel when squalls roll in - book the 8:40 am departure if weather looks iffy. At the Underground River, ask your boatman to kill the engine 200 m before the entrance - bats silhouetted against the cave mouth make a better photo than the staged spotlight tour. Coron's Maquinit hot springs closes at 8 pm but staff start shooing people out at 7:30; slip the caretaker's kid a 50-peso coin and you'll get the pool to yourself for sunset. Port Barton's "secret" sunset viewpoint is the grassy knoll behind Ausan Beach Front cottages - five-minute scramble, zero crowds, and the sun drops straight into the glass-calm bay. If you need an SIM that works on island beaches, grab a Smart prepaid at Puerto airport booth; Globe signal dies 2 km offshore while Smart still pings from Matinloc.

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking the Underground River for the 11 am slot - tide is already rising and you'll queue chest-deep in water; 8 am or 2 pm slots keep your feet dry. Assuming El Nido's ATMs will accept foreign cards - only one machine (PNB) reliably does, and it runs out of cash by Sunday evening. Wearing flip-flops on the Taraw Cliff climb - limestone is razor sharp when wet. Rent rubberized booties from the guide or risk sliced soles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Weather Like in Palawan in October?

October sits at the tail end of Palawan's southwest monsoon (Habagat), so expect warm, humid days around 27–31°C (81–88°F) with frequent afternoon rain showers. Rain typically comes in short, heavy bursts rather than all-day drizzle, meaning mornings are often bright enough for island hopping or beach time. By late October the skies begin to clear more reliably as the dry season approaches. Northern Palawan (El Nido, Coron) sees heavier rainfall than Puerto Princesa, so plan accordingly.

Is October a Good Time to Visit Palawan?

October is a shoulder month that suits flexible, budget-conscious travellers who don't mind the occasional downpour. Accommodation rates are 30–50% lower than the December–April peak, and popular spots like El Nido's Bacuit Archipelago see far fewer crowds. The trade-off is genuine weather unpredictability — tours can be cancelled at short notice if seas are rough. If your schedule has flexibility and your bookings are refundable, October can be surprisingly rewarding.

Is October Typhoon Season in Palawan?

Palawan is less typhoon-prone than the rest of the Philippines because it lies outside the main typhoon belt, but it is not immune. October is statistically one of the more active typhoon months nationally, and a storm tracking across the Visayas can still push strong winds and swells into northern Palawan. Monitor PAGASA (pagasa.dost.gov.ph) forecasts closely and build buffer days into your itinerary. Travel insurance with trip-interruption coverage is strongly recommended.

Can You Go Island Hopping in Palawan in October?

Yes, but with caveats. Boat tours operate whenever sea conditions allow, and many October visitors complete full island-hopping circuits in El Nido and Coron without issue. The problem is unpredictability: a squall can ground boats for a full day with little warning. Book tours day-by-day rather than locking in all your activities in advance, and always ask your operator about the cancellation policy before paying.

Is El Nido or Coron Better to Visit in October?

Both receive significant rainfall in October, but Coron's limestone karst lakes (Kayangan, Barracuda) are inland and remain accessible even on rainy days — the diving and snorkelling here is also excellent in low season. El Nido's iconic Tours A–D depend heavily on calm open-water conditions, making Coron the slightly safer bet for a guaranteed experience. That said, many travellers visit both and simply adjust day-to-day plans based on weather reports.

What Activities Can You Do in Palawan in October Regardless of Rain?

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River (Underground River) operates year-round and is largely sheltered, making it one of the most reliable October excursions. Firefly watching on the Iwahig River runs nightly and is unaffected by earlier rain. Wreck diving in Coron Bay is also reliable, as the wrecks sit in a sheltered bay. For quieter days, Palawan's wet markets, the Palawan Heritage Center, and the barangay of Santa Lourdes offer culture without needing sunshine.

How Much Cheaper Are Hotels and Tours in Palawan in October?

Expect accommodation discounts of roughly 30–50% compared to peak season (December–March), with mid-range guesthouses in El Nido running ₱1,500–₱3,500 per night instead of ₱3,000–₱6,000+. Island-hopping tours also drop, with shared boat tours available from around ₱1,200–₱1,800. Check locally for current rates, as prices shift with demand and the peso exchange rate.

What Should I Pack for Palawan in October?

A lightweight waterproof jacket or packable rain poncho is non-negotiable — umbrellas are awkward on boats. Quick-dry clothing (synthetic or linen blends) makes a huge difference when you're getting rained on daily. Bring waterproof bags or dry sacks for your electronics and documents on any boat trip. Strong reef-safe sunscreen still matters because UV levels are high even on overcast days.

Are There Any Festivals or Events in Palawan in October?

The most notable annual event is the Palawan Foundation Week, which typically falls in mid-October and includes cultural performances, trade fairs, and civic activities centred on Puerto Princesa. Smaller barangay fiestas honouring patron saints also occur throughout the province in October — these are worth stumbling into for local food and street parades. Check the exact dates locally before you travel, as schedules shift year to year.

Is Tubbataha Reef Accessible in October?

No — Tubbataha Reef Natural Park is closed to visitors during October. The park's dive season runs from mid-March to mid-June only, dictated by calmer sea conditions in the Sulu Sea. If world-class reef diving is your primary goal, October is not the right month; redirect your diving itinerary to Coron's wrecks or El Nido's Miniloc reef systems, which are accessible throughout the year.

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