Just a few tips on your travel to Palawan
from Travel Enthusiasts Inc.
In Puerto Princesa, the capital of Palawan, basic needs and commodities are easily accessible. There are department stores, convenience stores, groceries, and pharmacies throughout the city that are complete with personal effects, clothing, accessories, medicines, and just about anything you need for a comfortable holiday in Palawan. There are banks and ATM machines throughout the city, and major credit cards are accepted at most accommodations but for shopping it is best to bring enough cash.
Souvenir shops around town carry beautifully made handcrafted goods in Palawan that make for lovely gifts to any home. They usually carry a wide range of exotic wooden furniture and décor. Beautiful pearls, native goods, and fashion accessories made from local materials can also be found. Because many souvenir shops usually carry the same products, it is recommended to check out other shops that may sell the product for a cheaper price.
In the sleepy province town of El Nido, there are no department stores or large groceries. For toiletries and medicines, Farmacia Comprendio has just about everything you need. If you are travelling from Puerto Princesa to El Nido, it is highly recommended that you purchase what you need in Puerto Princesa prior to your departure.
Small shops that line the streets in El Nido sell a range of souvenirs as well, such as sarongs and native products. The El Nido Art Boutique carries accessories, clothing, modern swimwear, and travel necessities such as sun block, insect repellent, and toiletries. Not to mention they also have a fantastic selection of European dishes, seafood, delicious organic vegetables and refreshing fruit shakes!
Don’t forget to bring reusable bags if you plan to do shopping – minimise, or even better, completely avoid the use of plastic bags.
There are no banks or ATM’s in El Nido, so it is wise to bring enough cash for your trip. The only places that accept credit cards are top end resorts and the El Nido Art Boutique.
The must buys in Palawan include freshwater pearls, dried or fresh seafood, the freshest and tastiest cashew nuts, woodcarvings, pastries from Bakers Hill (if your flight gets delayed), and paintings and sketches from Kamarikutan Gallery. If the paintings are too expensive, then buy the shirts! If you are with a sweet tooth, take home some cashew nougat, yema or other sinfully sweet “pasalubong” stuff (souvenirs to take home).