Palawan is a province in the Philippines known for its stunning natural beauty and diverse attractions. From pristine beaches and crystal clear waters to lush rainforests and unique wildlife, Palawan has something to offer every type of traveler.
Seascape of Palawan IslandOne of the most popular attractions in Palawan is the Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features an underground river that runs through a maze of limestone caves. Visitors can take a boat tour through the river and marvel at the stunning rock formations and diverse wildlife that call the park home.
Another must-see attraction in Palawan is the Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park, a protected area home to some of the most diverse marine life in the world. Visitors can go snorkeling or scuba diving to explore the vibrant coral reefs and see a variety of marine species, including sea turtles, sharks, and colorful fish. Whether you’re an adventure seeker or just looking to relax and soak up the sun, Palawan has something for everyone to enjoy.
El Nido
El Nido, Palawan, Philippines.El Nido is a popular tourist destination in Palawan known for its stunning beaches, clear waters, and limestone formations. It is a great place for kayaking, rock climbing, and exploring the area’s natural beauty. Here are some of the top attractions in El Nido:
Nacpan Beach
Nacpan Beach is a beautiful 4-kilometer stretch of white sand beach and crystal-clear waters. It is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the scenic views of the ocean. Visitors can also rent a kayak and explore the nearby islands.
Small Lagoon
The Small Lagoon is a hidden gem in El Nido. Visitors can kayak through the narrow entrance and explore the calm waters and limestone cliffs. It is a great spot for snorkeling and swimming.
Big Lagoon
The Big Lagoon is another popular attraction in El Nido. Visitors can kayak through the calm waters and enjoy the stunning views of the limestone cliffs and clear waters. It is a great spot for swimming and snorkeling.
Secret Lagoon
The Secret Lagoon is a small hidden lagoon surrounded by limestone cliffs. Visitors can swim through a small opening in the rocks to reach the lagoon. It is a great spot for snorkeling and exploring the area’s natural beauty.
Miniloc Island
Miniloc Island is a small island located in El Nido. It is a great spot for kayaking, snorkeling, and exploring the area’s natural beauty. Visitors can also climb the limestone cliffs and enjoy the stunning views of the ocean.
Las Cabanas Beach
Las Cabanas Beach is a beautiful white sand beach located in El Nido. It is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the scenic views of the ocean. Visitors can also rent a kayak and explore the nearby islands.
Seven Commandos Beach
Seven Commandos Beach is a secluded beach located in El Nido. It is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the scenic views of the ocean. Visitors can also rent a kayak and explore the nearby islands.
Simizu Island
Simizu Island is a small island located in El Nido. It is a great spot for snorkeling, swimming, and exploring the area’s natural beauty. Visitors can also climb the limestone cliffs and enjoy the stunning views of the ocean.
Coron
Coron Bay – Coron, Palawan, Philippines Coron is a popular tourist destination in Palawan, known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and stunning limestone cliffs. The town of Coron is located on Busuanga Island, and is a great base for exploring the surrounding islands and attractions.
Coron Island
Aerial view of Coron island in Palawan, Philippines Coron Island is one of the main attractions in the area and is known for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters. A beautiful reef, perfect for snorkeling and diving, surrounds the island. Visitors can also explore the island’s many caves and rock formations, or simply relax on the beach and enjoy the stunning sunset views.
Kayangan Lake
Kayangan Lake in Coron Island, PhilippinesKayangan Lake is another popular attraction on Coron Island, known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning limestone cliffs. Visitors can swim in the lake, explore the surrounding area, and enjoy the beautiful views.
Twin Lagoon
Aerial view of the Twin Lagoon in Coron Island, Palawan, Philippines Twin Lagoon is another must-visit attraction in Coron, known for its stunning turquoise waters and beautiful limestone cliffs. Visitors can swim in the lagoon, explore the surrounding area, and enjoy the stunning views.
Barracuda Lake
Aerial view of Barracuda lake in Coron, Palawan, Philippines Barracuda Lake is a popular spot for diving in Coron and is known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning underwater scenery. The lake is home to various marine life, including barracudas, and is a great place to explore for those interested in wreck diving.
Puerto Princesa
Puerto Princesa, Palawan, PhilippinesPuerto Princesa is a highly popular tourist destination in the Philippines, located on the eastern coast of Palawan Island. The city is known for its stunning natural beauty, rich marine life, and various tourist attractions catering to all travelers.
Underground River
One of the most popular attractions in Puerto Princesa is the Underground River, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The river is a natural wonder that flows through a series of caves and tunnels, and is home to a variety of unique flora and fauna. Visitors can take a guided tour of the river, which lasts for about 45 minutes and provides a fascinating insight into the region’s geological history.
Honda Bay
Sandy beach in the Honda BayAnother popular attraction in Puerto Princesa is Honda Bay, a group of small islands located just off the city’s coast. The islands are known for their pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life. Visitors can take a Honda Bay tour, which typically includes visits to several islands and opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and diving.
Plaza Cuartel
Plaza Cuartel is a historical site located in the heart of Puerto Princesa and is a popular destination for history buffs and culture enthusiasts. The site was once a military fortification and was the site of a tragic massacre during World War II. Today, Plaza Cuartel is a peaceful park open to the public. It features a variety of monuments and memorials that pay tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives during the war.
Puerto Princesa is also known for its beautiful mangroves, an important part of the local ecosystem. Visitors can take a mangrove tour, which typically includes a boat ride through the mangrove forests and opportunities to observe the local wildlife.
Island Hopping Tours
Palawan’s island hopping tours are a must-try experience for any province traveler. The tours take visitors on a journey to explore some of the most beautiful islands in the region.
Snake Island
Snake Island is a popular stop on the island hopping tours. It is named after its unique shape that resembles a snake. The island boasts a long sandbar that stretches out to sea, surrounded by crystal clear waters. Visitors can take a leisurely walk along the sandbar to reach the island’s lush forest, where they can enjoy a picnic or dip in the cool waters.
Cowrie Island
Cowrie Island is another highlight of the island hopping tours. The island is named after the cowrie shells commonly found on its shores. The island features a beautiful white sand beach and crystal clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Visitors can also enjoy various water activities such as jet skiing, banana boat rides, and parasailing.
Luli Island
Luli Island is a small island named after its unique feature of disappearing and reappearing depending on the tide. Visitors can enjoy swimming and snorkeling in the island’s crystal clear waters or relax on the island’s white sand beach. The island also features a small diving board for visitors to enter the sea.
Starfish Island
Starfish Island is another popular stop on the island hopping tours. The island is named after the numerous starfish found in its shallow waters. Visitors can enjoy swimming and snorkeling in the island’s crystal clear waters or relax on the island’s white sand beach. The island also features a small restaurant where visitors can enjoy a meal.
Pandan Island
Pandan Island is a small island known for its beautiful coral reefs and diverse marine life. Visitors can enjoy swimming and snorkeling in the island’s crystal clear waters or explore the island’s lush forest. The island also features a small restaurant where visitors can enjoy a meal.
Palawan’s island hopping tours offer visitors a unique opportunity to explore some of the region’s most beautiful islands and beaches. Visitors can choose from various tours catering to different interests and budgets. TripAdvisor is a great resource for finding Palawan island hopping tours. Visitors can also ask their hotel or tour operator for recommendations. Don’t forget to ask about the secret beach on your island hopping tour!
Other Attractions
Palawan is known for its natural wonders, but it also has other attractions that visitors can enjoy. Here are some of the other attractions that tourists can visit in Palawan:
Tabon Caves
Tabon Caves is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Palawan. It is located in the municipality of Quezon and is known for its archaeological significance. The caves are said to be the site of the oldest human remains in the Philippines. Visitors can explore the caves and learn about the history of the area.
Calauit Safari Park
Calauit Safari Park is a wildlife sanctuary located on Calauit Island. It was established in 1976 to protect endangered African animals. Visitors can go on a safari tour and see giraffes, zebras, and antelopes.
Estrella Falls
Estrella Falls is a beautiful waterfall located in Narra. It is a popular spot for swimming and picnicking. Visitors can also go on a bamboo raft ride to get a closer look at the waterfall.
San Vicente
San Vicente is a municipality located in the northwestern part of Palawan. It is known for its long stretch of white sand beach, perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Visitors can also go island hopping and explore the nearby islands.
Tubbataha Reef
Tubbataha Reef is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Sulu Sea. It is known for its diverse marine life, including over 600 fish and 360 species of coral. Visitors can take a diving tour to explore the reef and its beautiful underwater scenery.
Local Cuisine
Palawan is known for its fresh seafood and traditional Filipino cuisine. Visitors can enjoy a variety of dishes made with locally sourced ingredients such as coconut, seafood, and rice.
Seafood lovers will be in heaven in Palawan. Some must-try dishes include grilled or fried squid, fish sinigang (a sour soup), and kinilaw (ceviche). Lobster and crab are also popular and can be found in many restaurants.
In addition to seafood, Palawan has a variety of traditional Filipino dishes. Adobo is a popular dish with chicken or pork, vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic. Another popular dish is lechon kawali, which is crispy fried pork belly.
Visitors can also enjoy local beers at Palawan’s breweries. Some of the popular breweries include Palaweño Brewery and Badjao Brewery. These breweries offer a variety of craft beers made with local ingredients.
Palawan’s local cuisine offers a unique blend of fresh seafood and traditional Filipino dishes. Visitors should be sure to try some of the local specialties during their stay.
Travel Tips
Palawan is a tropical destination that offers various attractions for outdoor enthusiasts, including snorkeling, jungle trekking, and exploring the island’s lush forests. Here are a few travel tips to help make the most of your Palawan experience:
- Snorkeling: Palawan is home to some of the world’s best snorkeling sites, including the crystal-clear waters surrounding Coron Island and the coral gardens of El Nido. Visitors should bring their snorkeling gear, as rentals can be expensive and not always readily available.
- Jungle Trekking: Palawan’s jungles are home to various exotic flora and fauna, including the endangered Philippine pangolin. Visitors should always hire a local guide when venturing into the jungle, as the terrain can be challenging and potentially dangerous.
- Lifeguards: While some Palawan’s beaches have lifeguards on duty, many do not. Visitors should exercise caution when swimming or participating in water sports and be aware of their surroundings.
- Outdoor Enthusiasts: Palawan is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with activities ranging from kayaking and island hopping to zip-lining and rock climbing. Visitors should research their chosen activities ahead of time and ensure they have the necessary equipment and experience.
- Forests: Palawan’s forests are a vital part of the island’s ecosystem and home to various plant and animal species. Visitors should always respect the forest and follow Leave No Trace principles, including packing out all trash and avoiding damaging plants or disturbing wildlife.
- White Sand Beaches: Palawan’s white sand beaches are some of the most beautiful in the world, but visitors should be aware that some beaches may be crowded or have limited facilities. Bringing plenty of water, sunscreen, and snacks is always a good idea when visiting the beach.
Overall, Palawan is a fantastic destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty of the Philippines. Visitors can make the most of their Palawan adventure by following these travel tips and exercising caution.
