Here’s your immersive travel guide to Palawan, Philippines – a tropical gem brimming with natural beauty, rich biodiversity, and unforgettable experiences:
🌴 Top Destinations
1. Puerto Princesa
- Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. Explore an 8.2 km underground river winding through dramatic limestone caves and lush forests (Condé Nast Traveler, Wikipedia).
- Firefly Watching on Iwahig River: A magical evening tour where you can behold thousands of fireflies dancing over mangroves – no flash photography allowed (Guide to the Philippines).
2. El Nido (Bacuit Bay)
- Island-Hopping Tours: Explore iconic spots like Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Beach, Seven Commando Beach, Payong Payong, and Shimizu Island. El Nido Marine Reserve Park includes over 50 beaches, reefs, and endemic wildlife (Guide to the Philippines).
- Nacpan Beach: A serene 4 km stretch of white sand, perfect for sunbathing and less crowded than town beaches (El Nido Paradise).
3. Coron
- Kayangan Lake & Twin Lagoon: Crystal-clear lakes maintained by the Tagbanwa tribe, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking amid limestone cliffs (Wikipedia).
- Wreck Diving & Marine Parks: Dive amid WWII Japanese shipwrecks and abundant marine life. Siete Pecados Marine Park is a protected coral sanctuary awarded for conservation efforts (Wikipedia).
4. Other Notable Spots
- Calauit Safari Park: Home to giraffes, zebras, and other African species on Busuanga Island—perfect for nature lovers and families (Cultural Creatives).
- Tubbataha Reef Marine Park: A UNESCO site and world-class dive destination accessible via liveaboard from Puerto Princesa, available March–June (Wikipedia).
- San Vicente & Balabac Islands: Pristine, off-the-beaten-path beaches and coral reefs for snorkelers and solitude seekers (Guide to the Philippines).
📅 Best Time to Visit
- Dry Season (Nov–May): Ideal conditions for beach activities, visibility for diving, and smooth island hopping tours.
- Rainy Season (June–Oct): Travel is still possible, though strong winds or typhoons may cancel tours. Many travelers successfully visit during June–August (Guide to the Philippines, Reddit).
🍽️ Food & Culture
- Seafood & Local Delicacies: Enjoy fresh grilled fish, crabs, prawns, tamarok (woodworm ceviche), and bird’s nest soup in towns like El Nido and Puerto Princesa (Guide to the Philippines).
- Dining Highlights:
- Kinabuchs Grill & Bar and Badjao Seafood in Puerto Princesa for authentic Filipino fare.
- Trattoria Altrove (El Nido & Coron) for standout Italian dishes like brick-oven pizza and pasta.
- El Nido Boutique & Art Cafe, Kawayanan Grill (Coron), and Mango Bar & Restaurant (San Vicente) are local favorites (Guide to the Philippines).
🧳 Travel Tips
- Getting Around:
- Fly directly to El Nido via Airswift or via Puerto Princesa (then 5–6 hour van/bus ride).
- Many tours can be booked in person upon arrival—some travelers recommend this approach vs. pre-booking online (Round the World in 30 Days, Reddit).
- Safety & Payments:
- Palawan is generally safe, even during rumored unrest—locals and tourists report no issues (Reddit).
- Carry cash—many establishments in El Nido, Coron, and Puerto Princesa only accept cash. ATMs are available in towns (Reddit).
🗺️ Sample Itineraries
A. 1‑Week Island Hopper
- Day 1–2: Puerto Princesa → Underground River + firefly tour.
- Day 3–5: El Nido → Island hopping, lagoons, Nacpan Beach.
- Day 6–7: Coron → Kayangan Lake, wreck diving/snorkeling, hot springs.
B. 10-Day Adventure + Relax
- Add San Vicente or Balabac for serene beaches and reef exploration.
✅ Quick Tips Table
| Category | Tips |
|---|---|
| Ideal season | November to May |
| Best island tours | El Nido (Bacuit), Coron lakes & wrecks |
| Booking tours | In person on arrival is common and reliable |
| Currency & safety | Bring cash; generally safe travel |
| Off-grid gems | San Vicente, Balabac offer secluded beaches |
| Marine highlights | Tubbataha for advanced diving; Calauit Safari for wildlife |
In Summary
Palawan is a breathtaking destination offering something for every type of traveler—thrilling adventures in El Nido and Coron, rapid ecosystem discovery in Puerto Princesa, or peaceful refuge in San Vicente and Balabac. With abundant natural beauty, delicious local cuisine, and welcoming communities, it’s no surprise Palawan is celebrated among the world’s top islands 🌊.
Would you like help building a customized itinerary, finding accommodations, or planning specific activities? Let me know!
