You can’t speak of paradise without mentioning Palawan at least once, or twice, or maybe more than a hundred times. Forged with various rock formations, lush mountains, clear turquoise waters, talcum sand, and kingdoms of flora and fauna, the country’s last frontier is probably Mother Nature’s favorite Philippine province.
Located in the MIMAROPA Region of the Philippines, Palawan is an archipelagic strip bounded by the West Philippine Sea in the east and the Sulu Sea in the south. It is world-renowned for its beaches and natural wonders and has until now kept beach mega-developers at bay.
Puerto Princesa, its capital city, is commonly a jump-off point to popular destinations, such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, and is not without its own charm and sites: seafood restaurants, conservation and adventure parks, small beaches, and Iwahig-a vast mountain-flanked penal colony that really feels more like an outdoor staycation.
Farther out of the ‘city in the forest,’ the islands and islets of El Nido, Coron, and San Vicente, await. Here, it’s all about nature and the great outdoors, a haven with something to offer both extreme sports enthusiasts and the hammock-loving crowd.
With its world’s best award-winning beaches, Palawan is surrounded by lavish coral reefs filled with various marine life. El Nido...
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For several years now, Palawan in the Philippines continues to take pride of place in the annual “best” lists of...
For several years now, Palawan in the central Philippines continues to take pride of place in the annual “best” lists...
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Fun Things To Do
Go sandbar hopping
Palawan's vast islets presents a number of beautiful sandbars, or strips of sand in the middle of the water. They often disappear in time of high tide, so hanging out in these places becomes a rare, opportune experience. Most of these can be experienced in Coron and El Nido in the north, or far South in Balabaс.
Paddle through limestone cliff towers
Lagoons provide safe harbor from tenuous conditions at open sea, largely due to their established high island barriers or geological walls. Palawan's limestone cliffs are Mother Nature's stately sentinels against violent winds and tides. In them dwellall sorts of flora and fauna, even some caves. Takea moment to admire these towering phenomena and the teeming wildlife while you're there.
Unleash your inner bird nerd
Palawan is a refuge to over 250 species of exotic birds, including cockatoos, kingfishers, owls, and hornbills. There are enough bird conservation sites that make it possible to observe the interesting things these creatures of flight do-build nests, do mating calls, feed their young. Watching exotic and often elusive bird species in their natural habitat, with their colorful plumage and patterns, can be quite the treasured moment.
Dive into a war zone frozen in time
Deep underwater in Coron Bay lies a good portion ofa Japanese navy fleet decimated during World War II. Go on a wreck dive around and within these ships' well-preserved remnants and explore the Irako Maru - all 9,000-plus tonnes of it which have stayed almost intact and upright on the seabed. Like many of its fellow wartime vessels, its decks are beautifully sheathed in coral and brimming with sea creatures.
Film your own wildlife documentary
The 40-year-old Calauit Safari Park in Busuanga is a game reserve and wildlife sanctuary that holds the distinction of being a remarkable continental animal relocation and one of the few places where African wildlife is able to thrive outside Africa. Give your best David Attenborough voice impersonation while stalking a small zeal of grazing zebras or a tower of giraffes lunching on tree leaves.
things to know
How to get there
Fly in to Puerto Princesa International Airport which accommodates both local and international flights. From Puerto Princesa, you can then take a shuttle van or bus or commute to other parts of Palawan. You may also fly directly to El Nido or Coron from Manila and other major cities in the country.
How to get around
In lieu of taxicabs, tricycles and multicabs are commonly used to go around the city, even from the airport. Jeepneys ply fixed routes within the city and to its outskirts. In popular destination municipalities, like El Nido, San Vicente, Coron, and Balabac, tricycles are the common mode of transport. Rental motorcycles are also an option. Sabang, the gateway to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River,is a small village that can be explored on foot.
Where to stay
Most travelers use Puerto Princesa as a jump off point to El Nido, Coron, Sabang, Balabac, and other parts of the province that highlight Palawan’s reputation as an environmental wonderland. It might be practical to stay within the city center to easily access shops for last-minute provisions, tourism offices for information, ATM, and notable foodie places.Resorts and lodging beyond the city run from luxe to budget-friendly. Check the accommodation’s capacity and plan your itinerary in advance before you book.
Internet
Many hotels and resorts offer WiFi connection, with varying feesfrom free to partially free to paid; but a number of accommodations without internet access also exists. For on-the-go internet connection and a more viable option compared to pocket WiFi devices, all local mobile carriers offer bundled mobile data plans even for prepaid SIM cards. Some remote areas may not have mobile signal, and some resort towns have available electricity only at certain times of the day.
Language
Filipino, the national language, spoken in Manila and other parts of Luzon island, is widely spoken throughout the province, with Cuyunon, previously the lingua franca, coming in second.As a melting pot of various local cultures, Palawan is also home to some indigenous dialects. Locals are used to tourists and can transact in Tagalog and English (in varying levels of fluency).
Currency
The official currency used throughout Palawan is the Philippine Peso (PHP). While major hotels, resorts, and tour operators in areas like El Nido, Coron, and Puerto Princesa accept credit and debit cards, many smaller shops, island‑hopping operators, and local eateries are cash‑only. ATMs are available in major towns but may be limited or temporarily offline in remote areas, so it’s best to withdraw or exchange money before heading to smaller islands. Carrying a mix of pesos and cards ensures smooth transactions during your stay.
Timezone
Palawan follows Philippine Standard Time (PST), which is UTC+8. The entire Philippines uses a single time zone and does not observe daylight saving time, so the time remains the same year‑round. This makes planning flights, tours, and island‑hopping schedules simple, whether you’re staying in Puerto Princesa, El Nido, or Coron.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What makes Palawan one of the top destinations in the Philippines?
Palawan is celebrated as the country’s “Last Frontier,” known for its crystal‑clear waters, dramatic limestone cliffs, white‑sand beaches, and rich marine biodiversity. It’s home to world‑famous attractions like El Nido, Coron, and the Puerto Princesa Underground River, making it a must‑visit for nature lovers and island‑hopping travelers.
How do I get to Palawan?
Most visitors fly into Puerto Princesa International Airport, the main gateway to the island. There are also direct flights from Manila and Cebu to El Nido and Coron (Busuanga). From these hubs, travelers can continue by van, boat, or small aircraft to reach Palawan’s top destinations.
What activities is Palawan known for?
Palawan is famous for island hopping, snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and exploring hidden lagoons and caves. The island also offers wildlife encounters, scenic hiking trails, and some of the most photogenic seascapes in Southeast Asia.
Is Palawan suitable for families and first‑time travelers?
Yes. Palawan offers a wide range of accommodations, guided tours, and beginner‑friendly activities. Whether you’re exploring the Underground River, relaxing on the beaches of El Nido, or snorkeling in Coron’s shallow reefs, the island is welcoming and accessible for all types of travelers.
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