Palawan

Palawan, often called the Philippines' last ecological frontier, is a breathtaking archipelago of limestone karst cliffs, turquoise lagoons, and pristine beaches. This elongated island province offers a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural encounters, from the subterranean river in Puerto Princesa to the hidden lagoons of El Nido and the shipwreck-dotted waters of Coron. Whether you're kayaking through emerald coves or diving with sea turtles, Palawan delivers raw natural beauty that feels untouched.

Highlights & What to See

• Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring an 8.2 km navigable underground river, adorned with stunning limestone formations and cathedral-like chambers.
• El Nido's Bacuit Archipelago — a cluster of dramatic karst islands hiding secret lagoons (Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon) and white-sand beaches like Seven Commandos Beach.
• Coron's Japanese shipwrecks — world-class wreck diving on WWII vessels, with crystalline visibility and vibrant coral gardens.
• Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park — a remote marine sanctuary accessible only by liveaboard, offering some of the best diving on the planet.
• Underground River kayaking — a more intimate way to explore the Puerto Princesa cave system, paddling through mangroves and dark caverns.
• Port Barton — a laid-back fishing village with uncrowded beaches and island-hopping tours to turtle nesting sites.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allocate at least 8–10 days to experience Palawan's highlights without rushing. Spend 3 days in Puerto Princesa (including the underground river), 4 days in El Nido for island-hopping and kayaking, and 2–3 days in Coron for diving and lake hopping. If you're a serious diver, add a liveaboard trip to Tubbataha (requires an extra 5–7 days). Travel between towns takes time — buses and ferries connect Puerto Princesa, El Nido, and Coron, so build in transit days.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Donsol — famous for whale shark encounters in the waters off Luzon's Bicol region, a short flight from Puerto Princesa.
• Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary — a UNESCO site in Mindanao with unique pygmy forests, reachable via Davao City.
• Banaue Rice Terraces — ancient Ifugao rice terraces in northern Luzon, offering a cultural contrast to Palawan's coastal scenery.
• Siargao — the surfing capital of the Philippines, with teardrop-shaped waves and mangrove lagoons, accessible by flight from Coron.
• Cebu & Moalboal — combine Palawan with Cebu's whale shark watching in Oslob and sardine runs in Moalboal.

Please check official sources for current details.