Does packing for trips take forever? Do you ever get that sense of forgetting something without quite knowing what? As travelers ourselves, and as Palawan locals, we’re happy to share our list of things to pack for your Palawan trip.
This is generally a “what to pack” guide for Palawan, but we’ll throw in some “whys,” too, so you can decide if it’s right for you. As a general list of things to pack, the goal is to uncover what’s imaginable so you can make a decision. I hope going through this list in total will remove your feeling of uncertainty.
We’ve broken down our list into 8 major categories (6 essentials and 2 optional categories). You can select one of the following categories below and gloss over the list. A downloadable checklist is also found at the end of this post.
- Health & Hygiene
- Work & Entertainment
- Identification & Travel Reqreuiments
- Clothes & Accessories
- Traveling Comfort
- Money & Transactional
- Bonus: For the Kids
- Bonus: Adventure Trips
And one more thing before we dive into our list. If there’s one thing to take away from this long post, it’s this:
Bring the items you usually buy at your local niche stores because stocks are limited, in both variety and quantity, in Palawan stores.
Health & Hygiene
We’ll start off with the health & hygiene essentials. Most tourists get how hygiene essentials are a must for your trips. But we cannot understate the importance of health items such as vitamins and sunscreens.
A sick traveler will not enjoy the trip.
Staying healthy and clean
Health essentials include, but are not limited to, your daily vitamins and medicines, first aid kit, shampoo, conditioner, soap/body wash, feminine wash, deodorant, and so on. I wouldn’t be surprised if some of these are sold exclusively by your retailers. Looking for a specific item while on a trip is not only a hassle but is also probably a waste of time — It’s probably not even available on an island like Palawan.
- Daily Vitamins (Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin D3, and Fish Oil)
COVID-19 has taught us to be more mindful of our health. These vitamins are what most medical professionals recommend we take daily. But by no means is this an exhaustive list. When thinking about what to pack for your Palawan trip, consider your unique circumstances and medications.
- First Aid Kit such as band-aid, anti-histamine, paracetamol.
Although reputable establishments such as Ala Amid Bed & Breakfast typically have dedicated spaces and counters for first aid emergencies, it’s still probably best you bring your own. You never know when and where an emergency might happen.
Are you allergic to dust or pollen? Never leave the house without antihistamines. These are literal lifesavers.
- Medicines for those with daily maintenance requirements
Don’t forget this mini-list! As mentioned, consider your unique circumstances.
- Sunscreen (UV rays are harmful)
Contrary to what some believe, applying sunscreen is not a vanity undertaking. UV rays are harmful. Are they cancerous? We’re not medical professionals so we can’t say for sure. But we recommend erring on the side of caution.
- Bug shields or insect repellents
As a tropical island with exotic insects, you’re bound to come across a bug that’ll irritate your foreign skin. (I learned this the hard way.) The good news is over-the-counter repellents are extremely effective. Here’s the specific item we’ve tested:
- Spare Contact Lens
Bringing a spare is recommended because not all brands are compatible with your size. (I also learned this the hard way.)
- Contact Lens Container
- Contact Lens Solution
- Eyeglasses
If you wear contacts, you know how uncomfortable they can be over prolonged periods.
Choosing your hygiene products
You might be thinking about getting your essentials from the local store that’s nearest your hotel or B&B in Palawan. This is definitely an option, but also reconsider if you have certain preferences.
Most people will have preferences, whether out of necessity or taste. If you’re like this, we encourage you to bring your personal set because of the limited availability and choices at Palawan stores. It’s just the reality here. Some niche brands, and occasionally major brands, will not be available in a city like Puerto Princesa — much less in smaller towns like El Nido and Coron.
The additional hassle and costs of bringing your stocks will be worth it. (Most of the time.)
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Hair stylers (e.g., wax, mousse, etc.)
- Comb or hairbrush
- Satin or silk ponytails
- Satin or silk pillowcases or scarfs
- Blower and its accessories like a diffuser
Do you follow the curly girl method (CGM)? Are you particular about your hair products? We can’t emphasize this enough, but your niche products are probably not sold in Palawan. And this goes with specific ingredients that dry out your hair. Groceries here are limited in stock.
- Soap or body wash
- Feminine wash for girls
- Deodorant
- Toner and Moisturizer
- Cotton and cottonbuds
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrush
While it’s true that most accommodation establishments will offer free tubes of toothpaste and toothbrushes, not everyone will. It’s probably best to bring your own. That’s not even mentioning how some complimentary tubes of toothpaste are generic and might have your allergens. (Though that’s admittedly the unlikely worst-case scenario.)
- Alcohol or hand sanitizer
- Wipes
- Face masks and shields
“New normal” anyone? Whether you hate that phrase or not, it’s the reality we now live in. Stay safe and bring these essentials.
- Essential oils
Really more a “comfort” rather than an “essential” item. We found people sniff these oils when their allergens kick in. If you’re anything like them, this might be of use to you.
For the health-conscious traveler
- Healthy snacks
Do you keep track of your caloric intake? Is maintaining your weight a priority? Consider bringing your preferred snacks. Airport and hotel meals can be expensive and packed with preservatives.
But beware of food restrictions to your destination. Some countries prohibit fresh fruits, with extra fees and charges for anyone caught. You will want to consider this for intermediary trips before Palawan.
Luckily though, no such restrictions are enforced in Palawan.
Work & Entertainment
Long waiting times are part-and-parcel of vacations. This set has been teased as the millennial essentials. But really, these are helpful devices that not only keep you entertained, but also facilitate navigation, allow online banking, let you continue the important work, and so on. (Right? Or is this the biased millennial in me talking?)
Tip: Make sure to contact your service provider and know their international rates to compare them with portable ones offered on Klook.
What isn’t debatable is the picturesque beauty of Palawan. I’d say a good camera is a must. No Palawan trip is complete without pictures. No pictures mean it didn’t happen! (I can feel the baby boomers cringing! Sorry folks.) And I’m sticking to my biased arguments. 🙂
Someone has to work
Don’t get me wrong. You’re on vacation to have fun. But sometimes, certain things just have to be done to get the business engine moving. You know how it is. But we’re definitely proponents of keeping work to a minimum.
- Smartphones + chargers
- Portable battery + cables
- Laptops + chargers
- iPads + chargers + accessories
- Universal adapter
- Power strip
Most hotels will have 1 to 3 outlets. And if you’re an international traveler, your chargers might not even be compatible.
Having a power strip means you address both problems. Here’s what we mean by a power strip: See Shopee, Lazada, or Amazon US
Work hard, play harder
- DSLR + chargers
- Action camera like a GoPro + chargers + accessories (or a 360 camera)
- Portable tripod
Tripods are particularly helpful for solo travelers. But if you’re the friendly type, a picture-for-picture exchange is an option.
- Handheld selfie stick
- Kindle or some other ebook reader to keep you busy in the airports
You’ll occasionally run out of batteries and charging spots. A Kindle’s battery lasts over a week. If you’re into reading, bringing a kindle means you’ll never get bored at the airport.
- Extra storage space (flash drives, external drives)
This is especially helpful for long trips. Having the extra space means you won’t have to delete pictures before having a closer look with a large monitor.
- Earphones or headphones + chargers
- Smartwatch or sport watch + chargers
- Handheld gaming devices (e.g., Nintendo Switch) + chargers
- Frisbees (Because they’re pure joy at the beach!)
Identification & Travel Requirements
For the most part, passports will do. That said, it’s best to have other IDs on hand. For extended traveling, hopping from one country to another, remember to secure your Visas when necessary. Applying for Visas is country-specific, so plan ahead to reduce the stress.
Tip: Waterproof bags help secure your identification cards. These are particularly useful for island destinations like Palawan.
- Passport
- Other government IDs such as a driver’s license
- COVID Vaccine Proof (If applicable at the time you’re reading this.)
- Visas
Some Visas are sent to your email (i.e., not attached to your passport). Make sure to print them and have a saved photo or file on your phone. We recommend having multiple copies.
- Hotel itinerary
- Plane itinerary (print out)
Have printed itineraries even if most airlines allow online check-ins or QR codes. The hard copy backup very much reduces the stress from a broken or lost phone.
Clothes & Accessories
Packing for your Palawan trip isn’t just about the summer outfits. (Well, maybe that’s 90% of it.) We’ve talked about how the Palawan weather has been unpredictable (See our What to Wear Series) of late, so better come prepared.
Here’s a combination of what we, and our guests, recommend for a typical Palawan trip. Also, check out our What to Wear Series for specific recommendations per itinerary.
- Rashguard
- Swimsuit or Trunks
- Beach shorts
- Aqua Shoes
- Lightweight or pocketable jacket
- Flipflops
- Quick Dry Clothes
- Underwear
- Caps or Hats
- Shades
- Waterproof bags for your gadgets and money
Traveling Comfort
Getting there is usually downplayed by all the beautiful pictures at the destination. You know how getting to the destination can be a struggle, with the sleepless nights from early flights, waiting upright on uncomfortable chairs, and the rowdy children preventing your sleep.
We swear by this Ostrich Pillow Go (neck pillow). I understand that sounds like an advertisement, and the price might be prohibitive, but again we swear by it and have no regrets about getting it. You can buy this on Amazon or at your local travel shop.
- Neck pillow
- Earplugs to block off the noise (or your earphones/headphone)
- Eye mask
Make sure you get the opaque eye masks that hug your nose bridge. It ensures light doesn’t bleed in.
Money & Transactional
Palawan is a tourist destination and the economic progress has been quick. But as of writing, you’ll still see a limited number of automated teller machines (ATMs) around the island. This is especially true of remote areas and towns. Last time I checked there was barely a handful outside of Puerto Princesa.
Also worth noting is, despite the availability of online payment facilities, Internet connections may be intermittent. We recommend bringing enough cash for your day-to-day needs. Also, have your foreign currencies exchanged before coming to Palawan. If absolutely tight on cash, money exchange stores are also available at the airport and the limited malls in Puerto Princesa.
- Cash
Philippine Pesos are the preferred mode of exchange in Palawan. US Dollars might be accepted in some cases, but be cautious of the exchange rates that’ll most certainly be against your favor.
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
Ensure to inform your bank of your planned trip if you’re planning to use your credit cards for international purchases.
Storing your items
Should you use a backpack, a suitcase, or wheeled luggage?
There’s no right nor wrong answer, and it really boils down to preference, but think about these questions when deciding on what to pack for your Palawan trip:
- Will you be staying at multiple destinations in Palawan over multiple nights?
- Do you prefer to bring your stuff on excursions or are you comfortable leaving them at the hotel?
Most hotels allow you to leave your luggage while on multi-day trips. For instance, we (Puerto Princesa boutique hotel) are happy to store our guests’ luggage free of charge while they stay at El Nido for a night or two.
Another great idea we’ve just recently discovered is the travel bag organizer. You can put your clothes in small organizers and not have to unpack everything looking for the smallest items. It also saves on effort and time to decide what to wear.
Tip: Having a schedule of what to wear will ensure you don’t end up overpacking.
Optional: For the Kids
- Diapers
- Pacifier
You know how kids are. And you certainly know what ticks your kids. Pacifiers can range from coloring materials, toy cars, tablets, and whatever else floats your (their) boat.
- Baby carriers
For hands-free and back pain-free traveling.
- Powdered milk
- Baby bottles
- Brush and sponges for cleaning bottles
- Portable sterilizer for baby stuff
- Portable breast pump and accessories
- Milk bags
- Insulated bag for storage of breast milk
- Vitamins and medicines
- Baby food
Babies and toddlers tend to be picky eaters. Bring their favorites. We don’t want them throwing tantrums.
- Lots of extra clothes
Not yet potty trained? You’ll need to bring lots of extra clothes for inopportunely timed bath breaks.
- Stroller
We know bringing strollers can be inconvenient. We’ve been there. But consider how useful they are at airports.
Our kids can use them for sitting or sleeping in there without you having to carry them around.
- Baby first aid kit
- Baby hygiene
Babies have delicate skin so don’t even bother leaving their essentials behind.
- Baby swimming clothes
Optional: Adventure Trips
- Hammock
- Portable tent
- Mosquito net
- Trekking shoes
- Surfboard
- Bike and bike bag
Palawan is a good biking destination. More developments are being made, with wide provincial roads in hopes of becoming one of the Philippines’ top sports tourism zones. You’ll definitely love biking around the island with the clean fresh air, friendly people, and breathtaking views.
Conclusion
And that is it for our list of what to pack for your Palawan trip. This is probably more than you’ll need, but we hope we’ve covered enough to remind you of what’s important to you.
Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments section below.
Download this checklist
Click the image to enlarge. You can also download the PDF file here.
