BookNoFees
Vacation rentals in Palawan.
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The difference
A host wants $1,161. Here’s what it costs.
The host keeps their full price. The displayed total includes a 3.9% cost contribution for Stripe payment fees and refunds. BookNoFees earns nothing from it.
Take a simple example: an owner who wants to earn $1,161 for a week.
| What each platform takes | Airbnb | Booking.com | BookNoFees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Platform commission | 15.5% | 15%–25% | 0% |
| Payment processing & protection | included | contract-specific | 3.9% |
| Owner keepson a $1,161 listing | $981 | $871–$987 | $1,161 |
| Guest paysfor $1,161 to reach the owner | $1,374 | $1,366–$1,548 | $1,207 |
Over 18 weeks let, that is more than $2,903 a year in this example — money that stays with the guest or reaches the owner.
Rates checked in September 2026. Under its single-fee structure, Airbnb charges most hosts 15.5%; Airbnb says other hosts typically pay between 14% and 16%. Exceptions depend on country and account type. Booking.com sets the commission rate in each accommodation agreement, and visibility programmes may increase it. This worked example uses a possible range of 15% to 25%. If Booking.com facilitates payment, the applicable payment terms and transaction cost are contract-specific. Our 3.9% cost contribution is included in the displayed total and contributes towards Stripe payment fees and refunds. BookNoFees earns nothing from it. Nothing is added at checkout and nothing is deducted from the owner. Fee models can change, so please check each platform’s current terms. Sources: Airbnb Help Center and Booking.com General Delivery Terms.
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About Palawan
Staying in Palawan
Palawan is a long, thin sliver of island province on the western edge of the Philippines, and it rewards travellers who treat it as a region rather than a single town. In the far north, El Nido opens onto Bacuit Bay, where limestone cliffs rise straight from turquoise water and boats thread between hidden lagoons. Across the water, Coron layers WWII shipwreck diving over jagged islands and startlingly clear lakes. The capital, Puerto Princesa, is the main airport gateway and the launch point for the UNESCO-listed Underground River. Between them sit slower places: Port Barton and San Vicente with its long, near-empty beach, and golden Nacpan north of El Nido. Distances are real here, and transfers are long, so most trips settle on one or two bases rather than trying to see everything. Booking a house, villa or guesthouse directly with the host gives you space, a kitchen and a local contact for boats and vans, which matters on an island where the best trips are arranged the day before.
Good to know
Vacation rentals in Palawan — FAQ
When is the best time to visit Palawan?
The dry season, roughly November to May, is the prime window for island-hopping, diving and beach days, with the driest, sunniest conditions generally falling in the early months of the year. February to early March and late April to May are often cited as sweet spots for balancing good weather with slightly thinner crowds. The wet season brings more rain and rougher seas, which can affect boat trips. Conditions vary year to year, so check forecasts close to your travel dates.
How do I get around Palawan?
There is no quick way to cover Palawan. Shared and private vans are the standard link between Puerto Princesa and El Nido, a journey of around five to six hours with meal and pickup stops along the way. El Nido and Coron are on separate islands, connected by a fast ferry that typically takes four to five hours. Coron has its own airport at Busuanga, a short drive from town. Within each hub, island-hopping is by boat, and local tricycles cover short hops. Plan generous buffers around every transfer.
Should I base myself in El Nido or Coron?
They offer different experiences and are not quick to travel between. El Nido is about lagoons, karst cliffs and the Bacuit Bay island-hopping tours. Coron leans toward WWII wreck diving, clear lakes like Kayangan and Twin Lagoon, and its own dramatic scenery. If you have a week or more, many travellers do both, linking them by fast ferry or a short flight via Busuanga. With less time, pick one and explore it properly rather than rushing the transfer.
What is the Puerto Princesa Underground River and do I need a permit?
It is a navigable underground river running through limestone caves within a UNESCO-listed national park, explored on a guided boat tour. Access is managed by permit, and demand can outstrip daily slots, so it is worth arranging well ahead through a tour operator or your host rather than turning up on the day. It is usually visited as a day trip from Puerto Princesa, and reaching it involves a drive to the Sabang jetty followed by a short boat ride.
Where should I stay for a quieter Palawan trip?
Port Barton, San Vicente and the beaches around Nacpan are the calmer alternatives to El Nido town and Puerto Princesa. Port Barton keeps a small-village feel with gentle island-hopping; San Vicente has the long, open sweep of Long Beach; and Nacpan offers wide golden sand north of El Nido. A directly booked house or guesthouse in these areas gives you space and a local host who can help arrange boats and transfers, which are less frequent than in the main hubs.
Is Palawan good for diving and snorkelling?
Very much so. Coron is renowned for its WWII shipwrecks, with hulls at a range of depths that suit different certification levels, plus unusual sites like the thermocline of Barracuda Lake. El Nido and Bacuit Bay offer coral reefs and snorkelling on the island-hopping tours, where masks and life vests are typically included. Honda Bay near Puerto Princesa adds easy snorkelling close to the capital. Dive operators are based in each hub and can match trips to your experience.
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