Fees and Responsible Travel in Palawan
Part of the Palawan travel guide — see every topic in All Palawan Guides.
Palawan is famous for its clean seas and wild islands, and keeping them that way is a real challenge. Local governments charge fees to visitors to help pay for protection, waste management and rangers. Visitor numbers at some sites are limited. This guide explains the main fees and the simple things every traveller can do to help.
El Nido environmental fee
El Nido charges every visitor an environmental fee, often called the Eco-Tourism Development Fee. You usually pay it once, when you join your first island-hopping tour, and keep the receipt. The receipt is valid for several days, so you do not need to pay again for each tour. Keep it safe, as you may be asked to show it. The money supports the protected area of El Nido and Taytay, which covers Bacuit Bay. Check the current amount locally, as fees can change.
Coron entrance fees
In Coron, each lake, lagoon and beach has its own entrance fee. Many of these sites are on the ancestral land of the Tagbanua people, an indigenous community who manage and protect them. Fees are paid in cash on arrival at each stop. Your tour operator may collect them or tell you how much to bring. Respect any signs or rules, including closed areas and swimming zones. Some sites close for a period to let nature recover, so check before you go.
Protecting the reefs
Coral reefs are living animals and grow very slowly. Never stand on, touch or kick coral. Practise floating before you snorkel, and wear a life jacket if you are not a strong swimmer, so you do not need to stand. Do not feed fish, as this changes their natural behaviour. Do not collect shells, coral or starfish, and do not pick them up for photos. Use sun protection that is labelled reef-safe, or wear a rash guard and hat instead. Choose operators who give a short briefing on these rules.
Less plastic, less waste
Small islands have little space for rubbish, and much of it ends up in the sea. Carry a reusable water bottle and refill it at your hotel or at refill stations in town. Say no to plastic straws and bags. On boat tours, take all your rubbish back with you. Many tour operators now use reusable containers for lunch. Some El Nido rules limit single-use plastic, so follow local guidance. Small actions add up when thousands of visitors arrive each week.
Supporting local people
Tourism is a main source of income for many families in Palawan. Book tours with licensed local operators, and pay fair prices. Eat at small local restaurants as well as hotels. Buy crafts made in Palawan, such as woven baskets and bags. Ask before you take photos of people. Respect quiet hours in villages and keep music low on beaches. Tipping boat crews and guides is common and welcome if you are happy with the service. Learn a few words of Filipino, such as salamat, which means thank you.
Fees and Responsible Travel at a glance
| Getting there | Fees are paid in El Nido at your first tour, and in Coron at each site |
|---|---|
| Hours | Most sites are open in daylight hours only |
| Cost | Fees change from time to time; check current amounts locally |
| Best time | Visit popular lagoons early or late in the day to spread the crowds |
| Bring | Cash in small notes, a reusable bottle and reef-safe sun protection |