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Destination Overview

Palawan, often celebrated as the Philippines’ last frontier, stretches across the country’s western edge with dramatic limestone landscapes, turquoise waters and secluded islands. From the Puerto Princesa Underground River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to the spectacular lagoons of El Nido and Coron, the province offers an exceptional blend of nature, adventure and island escapes.

Palawan’s growing network of roads, domestic flights and ferry connections has made its highlights increasingly accessible, while quieter corners still retain a sense of discovery. Puerto Princesa International Airport serves as the main gateway, while Francisco B. Reyes Airport provides convenient access to Coron. El Nido is also accessible by direct flights, making it easier to combine Palawan’s key destinations.

With pristine beaches, coral-rich waters, limestone karsts and protected natural areas, Palawan is ideal for travellers seeking outdoor adventure and immersive island experiences. Its relatively sheltered position in the western Philippines generally offers favourable conditions, although weather can vary by season and marine activities are best planned with local conditions in mind.

What to see

Palawan offers a remarkable variety of landscapes and experiences, with each destination revealing a different side of the province. In Puerto Princesa, travellers can explore the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where an underground river winds through a spectacular limestone cave system.

Further north, Coron combines dramatic island scenery with outdoor adventure, while a climb up Mount Tapyas rewards travellers with panoramic views, particularly at sunset. For a quieter escape, San Vicente and Port Barton offer laid-back coastal villages, pristine beaches and clear waters, ideal for island-hopping, swimming and snorkelling away from the larger resort areas.

For travellers interested in history and archaeology, the Tabon Caves in southern Palawan provide a fascinating glimpse into the Philippines’ early human history. Together with Palawan’s protected landscapes, rich biodiversity and secluded coastlines, these destinations make the province a compelling choice for nature, adventure and cultural exploration.

What to do

Island-hopping is one of Palawan’s signature experiences, offering travellers the chance to explore secluded beaches, limestone islands and crystal-clear waters. Around Puerto Princesa, boat trips across Honda Bay combine swimming and snorkelling with relaxed beach stops, while El Nido is renowned for dramatic karst scenery, hidden lagoons and vibrant marine life.

Further north, Coron is a favourite for divers, with clear waters and an exceptional collection of World War II shipwrecks beneath the surface. Snorkelling also reveals colourful coral gardens and abundant marine life, making the surrounding islands ideal for both active exploration and unhurried days on the water.

For experienced divers, Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Sulu Sea, offers an extraordinary marine experience within the Coral Triangle. Its pristine reefs support remarkable coral and fish diversity, reinforcing Palawan’s reputation as one of the Philippines’ premier destinations for marine adventures.

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Local culture

Palawan’s cultural identity reflects its diverse communities, with Filipino and Cuyonon widely spoken alongside English, particularly within the tourism sector. The province is also home to Indigenous communities, including the Tagbanua, whose traditions, knowledge and connection to Palawan’s forests, islands and coastal waters form an important part of the region’s heritage.

Travellers can discover this living culture through respectful encounters with local communities, where traditional practices and a deep relationship with the natural environment continue to shape everyday life. The Tagbanua are particularly associated with northern Palawan and several of the province’s remote islands.

Culture comes to life during festivals such as Baragatan sa Palawan, an annual celebration showcasing the province’s heritage and community spirit. Cultural performances, parades, local food and trade activities offer visitors an opportunity to experience the many traditions that make Palawan one of the Philippines’ most culturally diverse destinations.

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El Nido, in northern Palawan, is renowned for its dramatic limestone karsts, turquoise waters and secluded beaches scattered across Bacuit Bay. Its spectacular island landscape makes island hopping, swimming, snorkelling and diving among the region’s signature experiences, with highlights including Cadlao, Matinloc, Dilumacad (Helicopter Island), Pangulasian and Snake Island. Hidden lagoons, sandbars and vibrant coral reefs add to the sense of adventure.

Beyond the islands, El Nido offers opportunities to explore mangrove forests, nature trails and local communities. Visitors can discover the tranquil Aberawan River, explore the archaeological heritage of Ille Cave, or walk through the lively town centre, where local restaurants, cafés and small shops bring a relaxed energy after a day on the water. Nacpan Beach, with its long sweep of white sand, is another favourite for those seeking a quieter coastal escape.

With its remarkable marine biodiversity and distinctive limestone scenery, El Nido remains one of the Philippines’ most compelling destinations for nature and adventure travel. Responsible exploration helps protect its fragile reefs, forests and coastal ecosystems, ensuring that the beauty of Bacuit Bay can be enjoyed for generations to come.

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Coron, in the Calamian Islands of northern Palawan, is celebrated for its dramatic limestone landscapes, turquoise lagoons and exceptional marine life. Coron Town, located on Busuanga Island, serves as the gateway to the surrounding islands and is the main base for island-hopping and diving adventures. Highlights include Kayangan Lake, hidden among towering limestone cliffs, as well as secluded beaches, coral reefs and Maquinit Hot Springs.

The area is particularly renowned for its World War II Japanese shipwrecks, making Coron one of the Philippines’ most distinctive wreck-diving destinations. Divers and snorkellers can explore well-preserved wrecks, colourful reefs and underwater landscapes, while sites such as Barracuda Lake and Cathedral Cave add variety to the experience.

For travellers seeking a balance of adventure and relaxation, Coron offers opportunities for island hopping, kayaking, swimming, snorkelling and diving against a spectacular tropical backdrop. Its combination of natural beauty, rich maritime history and thriving marine ecosystems makes it an essential destination for exploring northern Palawan.