Testing the waters to see if you guys want a Palawan trip report. We ended up flying to El Nido and staying at a private island for 4 nights and then went on to El Nido for 5 nights.

A few other FT'ers went to the private island the same day we were leaving. So they could provide input as well. After flying into Manila it's another 1 hour flight to El Nido, then about a 1 hour van ride to the dock, then another 45 minute boat ride to the island. It's basically an alternative to the El Nido resorts. I believe the maximum amount of people is 12 on the island, but they only have 2 regular rooms and 2 suites.

I believe the prices start ~$150 for the private island. Then you pay $60 per person for meals. The speed boat ride was included when booking directly. I've never had such a relaxing vacation. For three days we were the only guests on the island. Our last day we only saw the other guests around dinner time. It is fairly affordable beyond the cost of getting to El Nido.