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Palawan is a long, narrow island province in the western Philippines, stretching between the South China Sea and the Sulu Sea. Limestone cliffs, mangroves, coral reefs and quiet beaches have earned it a reputation as one of the country's most beautiful regions, and much of its land and sea is protected for its biodiversity.
Near the provincial capital, boats glide into the Puerto Princesa Underground River, a UNESCO-listed cave river that flows directly to the sea, and Honda Bay offers easy island hopping. Puerto Princesa city itself is a low-key base with markets and seafood restaurants. In the north, El Nido's boat tours visit lagoons, hidden coves and towering karst islets, while Nacpan Beach forms a long golden curve and Taraw Cliff can be climbed for views over town. Port Barton is a quieter village with nearby islands, and San Vicente's Long Beach is among the longest in the country. Around Coron, farther north, Kayangan Lake is framed by jagged limestone, Barracuda Lake and the Twin Lagoon offer swimming in clear water, and divers explore Japanese ships sunk during World War II.
Palawan suits beach lovers, divers and adventurous travelers comfortable with long road and boat transfers. The dry season is best for boat trips, while later months can bring rough seas. Many visitors split their stay between El Nido and Coron.
WiserMap travel guidePalawan Philippines El Nido Lagoons and Coron WrecksPlan a Palawan trip: El Nido lagoons, Coron lakes and wrecks, the Underground River, Port Barton, local food, where to stay, best season and how to get around.Read the guide
A UNESCO World Heritage navigable river that flows for about 8 kilometers under a limestone mountain into the sea. Paddle boat tours go roughly 1.5 kilometers inside to see caverns, rock formations and bats. Permits are limited per day, so book through an operator in Puerto Princesa well ahead.
A clear brackish lake on Coron Island reached by a short but steep climb of about 300 steps. Halfway up, a viewpoint gives the classic photo of limestone cliffs and the turquoise cove below. It is part of most Coron island hopping tours. Go on the earliest tour to avoid long lines at the viewpoint.
Barracuda Lake is a limestone lake on Coron Island where divers and snorkelers feel a sharp thermocline as warm fresh water meets salt water. Twin Lagoon is a pair of lagoons linked by a gap in the rock that you swim or ladder through. Both are on Coron tour routes, and a life vest is useful.
A UNESCO-listed marine park in the middle of the Sulu Sea with coral walls, sharks, turtles and manta rays. It can only be reached on liveaboard dive boats that leave from Puerto Princesa during a short season from about March to June. This is for certified divers, and trips book out months in advance.
Around a dozen Japanese supply ships sunk by US aircraft in 1944 rest in the bays around Busuanga and Coron. Wrecks such as the Okikawa Maru and Akitsushima are popular dives, and a few lie shallow enough for snorkeling. Dive shops in Coron town run day trips and offer wreck training courses.
El Nido's Bacuit Bay boat trips are sold as Tours A, B, C and D. They visit lagoons, hidden beaches and snorkeling spots among limestone islands, such as the Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon and Hidden Beach. Lunch is usually served on board. An environmental fee is required, and kayaking is extra in some lagoons.
Nacpan is a four kilometer stretch of golden sand and palms about 30 minutes north of El Nido town, with a few beach bars and a hill viewpoint over the twin beaches. Taraw Cliff is the limestone ridge behind El Nido town, climbed with a guide for a view over Bacuit Bay. Wear sturdy shoes for the cliff.
Among the longest white sand beaches in the Philippines at about 14 kilometers, located on Palawan's quieter west coast. It is mostly undeveloped, with a few resorts and small restaurants, and it is good for long walks and calm swims. The town has an airport, but most visitors come by van from Puerto Princesa.
A shallow bay a short drive north of Puerto Princesa dotted with small islands such as Cowrie Island, Luli Island and Starfish Island. Day tours visit three islands for snorkeling, swimming and lunch on the beach. Tours leave from the Sta. Lourdes wharf, and bringing reef-safe sunscreen is a good idea.
A laid-back fishing village on the west coast between Puerto Princesa and El Nido, with no big resorts and limited electricity in some guesthouses. Boat tours visit nearby islands, coral gardens and areas where sea turtles feed. It makes a calm stopover on the road north. Bring enough cash, since ATMs are unreliable.
Mount Tapyas is a hill in Coron town climbed by about 700 steps to a large cross and a sunset view over the islands. Maquinit Hot Spring is a saltwater hot spring by the mangroves a short tricycle ride away, open into the evening. Climb for sunset, then soak in the hot spring afterwards.
Palawan's capital and main airport hub is a clean, easygoing city known for the Baywalk promenade, the Immaculate Conception Cathedral and good seafood restaurants. It is the base for Underground River and Honda Bay trips. Try the local tamilok and grilled fish, and visit the Baywalk at sunset.
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