Palawan is often described as the Philippines’ last ecological frontier, and travelers quickly understand why. Limestone cliffs rise dramatically from clear blue water, lagoons glow with shifting shades of green, and quiet villages line the coasts with views of mountains in the distance. Palawan feels natural and expansive, yet welcoming and easy to explore.
Whether travelers seek beaches, underwater adventures, or peaceful island scenery, Palawan offers some of the most striking landscapes in Southeast Asia. This guide provides a complete look at Palawan’s top destinations to help visitors experience the province with comfort, clarity, and appreciation.
Understanding Palawan
Palawan stretches lengthwise across the western side of the Philippines. Its geography includes long coastlines, island clusters, protected marine parks, and forested mountains. The province is large, with three major travel hubs that offer distinct experiences: Puerto Princesa, El Nido, and Coron. Each area has its own character and attractions, and understanding what they offer helps travelers plan the best route for their trip.
Weather in Palawan remains warm year-round. The dry season runs from November to May, offering the clearest skies and calmest seas. The rainy season appears from June to October, bringing occasional storms but also fewer crowds. Because most activities involve boats, checking daily weather and sea conditions helps ensure safe and enjoyable island tours.
Top Destinations in Palawan
Palawan’s main destinations each provide their own blend of nature, adventure, and culture. Travelers often choose to visit one or two regions depending on the length of their stay.
El Nido
El Nido is known for its towering limestone formations and island hopping tours that explore lagoons, beaches, and caves. The town sits at the edge of Bacuit Bay, a protected area with clusters of islands that look almost sculpted from stone. Visitors spend most of their time exploring the surrounding waters on boats that navigate through narrow rock passages and secluded coves.
The most famous attractions in El Nido include Small Lagoon, Big Lagoon, Secret Beach, and Shimizu Island. Each location offers its own character — some ideal for swimming, others for kayaking, and others for admiring the impressive rock formations. The calm water and diverse scenery give travelers a gentle yet immersive experience in nature.
Coron
Coron features a different landscape from El Nido. Its lakes and lagoons sit within craggy cliffs, creating still waters that feel enclosed and peaceful. Coron town serves as the base for island hopping tours, diving trips, and visits to natural viewpoints. Kayangan Lake and Barracuda Lake are two of the area’s most photographed destinations, known for clear water and limestone walls that stretch high above the surface.
Coron is also recognized for its Japanese shipwreck diving sites. Experienced divers explore underwater structures now filled with coral and marine life, making Coron one of the world’s notable wreck-diving destinations.
Puerto Princesa
Puerto Princesa is Palawan’s capital and the gateway for many travelers arriving by plane. The city offers a blend of urban convenience, coastal scenery, and access to the world-famous Underground River. The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park features a long navigable underground river flowing through dramatic cave formations. Guided boat tours provide insight into the park’s geology and ecology.
The city also offers relaxing coastal walks, seafood restaurants, and nearby beaches. It serves as a comfortable starting point before travelers head north to El Nido or fly to Coron.
Island Hopping in Palawan
Island hopping forms the core of most Palawan itineraries. Tours are organized into different routes, allowing travelers to explore multiple attractions in a single day.
El Nido Island Tours
El Nido’s tours are usually labeled A, B, C, and D, each focusing on different parts of Bacuit Bay. Tour A highlights lagoons and beaches, Tour C features dramatic rock formations and hidden coves, Tour B includes caves and snorkeling spots, and Tour D visits quieter island destinations. Traveling by boat offers constant views of cliffs rising sharply from the water, making the journey itself part of the experience.
Coron Island Tours
Coron’s island tours include visits to lakes, lagoons, and coral gardens. Kayangan Lake features clear water framed by limestone peaks and wooden walkways. Twin Lagoon offers two connected swimming areas accessible by a wooden bridge or a short swim beneath a rock opening. Coral Garden and Siete Pecados provide excellent snorkeling with vibrant coral and fish populations.
Tour Experience
Island hopping tours typically include stops for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing on beaches. Lunch is often prepared on the boat, featuring fresh seafood, vegetables, and tropical fruits. Guides share information about the islands and ensure smoother experiences during transfers between destinations.
Beaches in Palawan
Beyond island hopping, Palawan has beaches that offer relaxed swimming, quiet mornings, and sunset views.
Nacpan Beach
Nacpan Beach, located north of El Nido town, stretches across a long shoreline lined with soft sand and calm waves. Travelers visit for peaceful afternoons, swimming, and open coastal views. Its wide beach area creates a sense of space even during busy seasons.
Las Cabañas
Las Cabañas offers a gentle shoreline perfect for late afternoon swims. The area becomes especially lovely during sunset, when the sky changes color over the horizon. Small cafés nearby make it easy to spend several hours in a relaxed environment.
Coron Beaches
Coron beaches are often part of island hopping tours rather than town-based beaches. Destinations like Malcapuya and Banana Island feature powdery sand and clear turquoise water suitable for swimming and resting.
Wildlife and Nature in Palawan
Palawan’s ecosystems remain among the most well-preserved in the Philippines. Travelers encounter diverse marine life, forest vegetation, and bird species throughout the province.
Snorkeling spots around El Nido and Coron reveal colorful reefs, schools of fish, and occasional sea turtles. Inland areas host forests where visitors can explore nature trails or bird-watching paths. Environmental protection is taken seriously in many towns, with guidelines that encourage responsible travel and reduced waste.
Food and Dining in Palawan
Palawan’s food scene combines local flavors with global influences, creating a range of choices for travelers.
Seafood
Fresh seafood appears on many menus. Grilled fish, shrimp, and squid are widely available, often seasoned simply to highlight their natural flavors. Beachfront restaurants in both El Nido and Coron serve seafood trays ideal for shared meals.
Filipino Dishes
Restaurants serve Filipino favorites such as adobo, sinigang, kaldereta, and pancit. Many establishments in town centers cater to both local and international travelers, offering a wide mix of cuisine.
Cafés and Bakeries
Cafés have grown increasingly popular in El Nido and Coron. Travelers can enjoy pastries, coffee, fruit shakes, and light meals in small cozy spaces often decorated with wooden interiors and ocean-inspired themes.
Suggested Itinerary for Four to Seven Days
Palawan’s size makes multi-day itineraries more enjoyable, allowing time to travel between towns and explore at a steady pace.
Day 1: Arrival in Puerto Princesa
Travelers arrive and settle in their hotel before spending the afternoon visiting nearby restaurants or walking the coastal promenade. This day provides time to adjust after travel.
Day 2: Underground River
A guided tour of the Underground River begins with a drive to Sabang, followed by a boat ride to the cave entrance. Inside, visitors see rock formations shaped over centuries. The experience feels immersive and offers insight into the natural history of the area.
Day 3: Travel to El Nido
The journey north to El Nido takes several hours. Travelers often enjoy the changing scenery, from coastal towns to rural landscapes. Evenings in El Nido provide time to rest before a full day of island hopping.
Day 4: El Nido Island Hopping
A full day exploring lagoons, beaches, and rock formations offers some of the most memorable scenery in Palawan. Stops for swimming and snorkeling make the experience diverse and refreshing.
Day 5: Nacpan Beach
Visiting Nacpan Beach provides a slower-paced day. Travelers enjoy long walks, swimming, and quiet coastal views.
Day 6: Fly to Coron
A short flight connects El Nido to Coron. Travelers typically explore Coron town or visit viewpoints during the afternoon.
Day 7: Coron Island Tour
A full-day tour includes Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon, coral gardens, and small beaches. The calm water and striking scenery form a gentle conclusion to the trip.
Where to Stay in Palawan
Choosing where to stay depends on the planned activities and preferred environment.
Puerto Princesa
Puerto Princesa offers city comforts, easy access to the Underground River, and a range of accommodations suitable for different budgets.
El Nido
El Nido provides beachfront stays, boutique hotels, and town-based guesthouses. Staying near the town center gives easy access to island hopping departure areas.
Coron
Coron town offers comfortable accommodations close to restaurants and ports. For travelers seeking quiet surroundings, nearby islands offer more private stays.
Transportation Tips
Travel in Palawan often involves multiple modes of transportation.
Flights
Direct flights connect Manila, Cebu, and other major cities to Puerto Princesa. Smaller flights operate between El Nido and Coron, though these may be limited.
Vans and Buses
Vans provide the primary land transport between Puerto Princesa and El Nido. They offer door-to-door convenience and run throughout the day.
Boats
Boat tours are essential for reaching most attractions. Registered tour operators follow safety protocols and provide life vests and trained guides.
Practical Travel Tips
A few thoughtful preparations help make trips smoother.
Weather
Lightweight clothing keeps travelers comfortable. Bringing a dry bag protects belongings during boat rides.
Environment
Respecting local guidelines helps maintain the area’s natural beauty. Many tours encourage minimizing plastic use and leaving natural areas untouched.
Money
ATM availability varies, especially on smaller islands. Carrying cash helps with local shops and smaller restaurants.
Final Thoughts
Palawan offers some of the most captivating scenery in the Philippines. Whether wandering through lagoons, relaxing on long beaches, or exploring underwater life, travelers find experiences that feel close to nature and filled with calm beauty. Its mix of accessible adventure and peaceful landscapes leaves a lasting impression, making Palawan a destination that invites return visits and deeper exploration.