Asia & Pacific · Best Dec–May
Palawan packing list for families
Palawan is all about boat days, so your packing should handle wet landings, strong sun, and small planes. This list keeps your family comfortable from El Nido to Coron.
Photo by Mario von Rotz on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on Philippines: Palawan
- Island-hopping tours mean wet landings and climbing in and out of boats. I give each child a small dry bag for their towel, sunglasses, and snack, and everyone wears water shoes.
- Getting to El Nido by road from Puerto Princesa is a long drive. With kids, I prefer the small direct flights from Manila, but their luggage limits are tight, so pack light.
- June through November brings rain and rougher seas, and boat tours can be canceled. If you go then, give yourself extra days so a canceled tour is not the whole trip.
Best timeDec–May
PlugsTypes A, B and C, bring an adapter
MoneyPhilippine peso (bring cash, as ATMs on the islands can run out)
PassportYes
Your packing edit
Philippines: Palawan
This time of year
Shop this list
Every item links to what Kristina would buy. Tap Add to bag on what you're missing, then check out on Amazon in one tap.
Carry-on8
Carry-on suitcase per personKristina's pick
Packing cubes, one color per personKristina's pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
Kids' headphones, volume-limited
Tablet with downloaded shows
Snack box with dividers
Reusable water bottles
Change of clothes for each kid
Car seat travel bag
Clothing4
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
Underwear and socks9 per person
Shoes2
Sandals
Water shoesRocky beaches, coral, and boat ladders are rough on bare feet.
Beach & pool10
Swimsuits2 per person
UPF rash guardsKristina's pick
Mineral sunscreen
Wide-brim sun hats
Swim diapers
Hyperlite life jacket for boat and ocean daysKristina's pickA properly fitted life jacket for boats and open water.
Lightweight beach tote
Goggles
Small dry bag for each childKristina's pickKeeps essentials dry on boat days and wet landings.
Kids' snorkel setRental gear on boats often does not fit small faces.
Little ones4
Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
Portable sound machineKristina's pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
Travel blackout shades
Favorite lovey, plus a backup
Little things15
AirTag in each checked bagKristina's pickYou'll know your bag made the connection before you do.
Stain remover penGelato happens. Photos still look great.
Laundry detergent sheetsOne sink wash halfway through means packing half the clothes.
Gallon zip bags, a handfulWet swimsuits, sandy shoes, and the occasional car-sick emergency.
Pen in your carry-onFor arrival forms, so you're not borrowing one in the immigration line.
Hair ties and a small detangling brush
Hand sanitizer wipes and pocket tissues
Lollipops or gum for takeoff and landingSwallowing helps little ears pop.
A few wrapped surprise toys for the flightUnwrapping buys you twenty minutes. Unwrapping slowly buys thirty.
Tap night lightHotel rooms are pitch dark, and the bathroom is never where they expect.
Kids' nail clippers and tweezersSplinters from boardwalks and docks are a vacation classic.
Kids' sunglasses
Wet bag for swimsuits
Electrolyte packetsHot days and long walks catch up with kids before they say they're thirsty.
Earplugs and an eye mask for the grown-ups
Health & toiletries5
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Bug spray
Hanging toiletry bag
Motion sickness bandsLong boat rides can get choppy.
Documents & tech3
Portable phone chargerKristina's pick
Passports for everyone, valid 6+ months past your trip
Travel plug adapterKristina's pickTypes A, B and C, bring an adapter
The outfit edit
Island whites
White, sand, sea glass, coral
For photos
- Everyone in white and one pop of coral
- Shoot at golden hour on the sand
Tap any piece to shop the look.
Month by month
Philippines: Palawan weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 88°F 31°C | Dry season with breezy, slightly cooler days; seas can be choppy at times | Holiday weeks, the busiest time for flights and island tours |
| February | 88°F 31°C | Dry season with breezy, slightly cooler days; seas can be choppy at times | |
| March | 90°F 32°C | Hottest stretch, usually with the calmest seas for island hopping | Calm, glassy water and the best visibility for lagoon and reef tours Holy Week brings domestic crowds; dates follow Easter |
| April | 92°F 33°C | Hottest stretch, usually with the calmest seas for island hopping | Calm, glassy water and the best visibility for lagoon and reef tours Holy Week brings domestic crowds; dates follow Easter |
| May | 92°F 33°C | Hottest stretch, usually with the calmest seas for island hopping | Calm, glassy water and the best visibility for lagoon and reef tours |
| June | 89°F 32°C | Wet season with heavy showers, rough seas, and occasional typhoon disruptions | Baragatan Festival in Puerto Princesa, with parades and local food |
| July | 88°F 31°C | Wet season with heavy showers, rough seas, and occasional typhoon disruptions | |
| August | 88°F 31°C | Wet season with heavy showers, rough seas, and occasional typhoon disruptions | |
| September | 88°F 31°C | Wet season with heavy showers, rough seas, and occasional typhoon disruptions | |
| October | 88°F 31°C | Wet season with heavy showers, rough seas, and occasional typhoon disruptions | |
| November | 88°F 31°C | Transition month, with rain easing and seas starting to settle | |
| December | 87°F 31°C | Dry season with breezy, slightly cooler days; seas can be choppy at times | Holiday weeks, the busiest time for flights and island tours |
Questions families ask
Philippines: Palawan with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit Philippines: Palawan with kids?
The best time is Dec–May. Dry season with breezy, slightly cooler days; seas can be choppy at times
What's the weather like in Philippines: Palawan?
Typical daytime highs range from about 87°F (31°C) in December to about 92°F (33°C) in April. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for Philippines: Palawan?
Yes. Bring a passport for everyone, including babies, and make sure each one is valid for at least six months past your trip. Check visa and entry rules before you go.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for Philippines: Palawan?
Types A, B and C, bring an adapter.
What's your top tip for Philippines: Palawan with kids?
Island-hopping tours mean wet landings and climbing in and out of boats. I give each child a small dry bag for their towel, sunglasses, and snack, and everyone wears water shoes.
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I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.