Repeatedly voted the most beautiful island in the world, Palawan is a long, narrow island stretching from the tip of Mindoro to the northeastern corner of Borneo. Its vast coastline, ancient forests, and world-class dive sites make it a dream destination for nature lovers, adventurers, and those simply seeking paradise.
El Nido: Limestone Cliffs and Hidden Lagoons
El Nido is the crown of Palawan tourism. The town sits at the tip of the island, surrounded by towering karst limestone cliffs that plunge into turquoise waters. The island-hopping tours — labeled Tour A through D — take you through some of the most dramatic marine scenery you will ever witness.
The Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon are absolute highlights — accessible only by kayak, they reveal stunning emerald waters enclosed by sheer cliff walls. Seven Commandos Beach is another favorite, a serene strip of white sand ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
Coron: Wreck Diving Capital of the World
For diving enthusiasts, Coron is in a league of its own. The area is home to a fleet of Japanese warships sunk during World War II, now resting on the seabed and teeming with coral and marine life. The wrecks range from shallow dives accessible to beginners to deep technical dives for experienced divers.
Beyond diving, Coron offers the stunning Kayangan Lake — said to be the cleanest lake in Asia — as well as the magical Twin Lagoon, where you swim through a narrow opening in the rocks to reach a secluded lagoon with warm thermal waters.
Puerto Princesa: The Underground River
Puerto Princesa is Palawan's capital city and gateway to one of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites — the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. The underground river stretches over 8 kilometers through a massive cave system filled with dramatic stalactites and stalagmites. A boat tour through the cave is an unforgettable experience.
The city itself is remarkably clean and well-organized, earning it the nickname the "City in a Forest." Honda Bay is nearby and offers more island-hopping opportunities with beautiful coral gardens and white sand cays.
Getting There
Puerto Princesa has its own international airport with frequent flights from Manila, Cebu, and other major Philippine cities. El Nido has a small airport with limited flights, or you can take an overland transfer from Puerto Princesa (about 5-6 hours by van). Coron is accessible by air from Manila or by ferry from El Nido.
Best Time to Visit
November to May is the ideal time to visit Palawan, with December to March being peak season. The rainy season from June to October can bring rough seas and heavy rains, which may limit island-hopping activities.
Stay Connected in Palawan
Palawan is known for its remote beauty, and that often means limited or inconsistent cellular coverage in outlying islands. A reliable pocket WiFi from TravelWiFiPH ensures you can share those breathtaking lagoon photos in real time, navigate between islands, and stay in touch with family back home.
Planning a trip to Palawan?
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