Palawan travel guide: UNESCO river, El Nido lagoons, Coron wrecks, Kayangan Lake. Dry season Nov-May. Fly to Puerto Princesa (1hr from Manila) or ferry Tue/Fri.
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Palawan is an island paradise of white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, vibrant marine life, and breathtaking limestone cliffs. Perfect for swimming, island-hopping, and diving. This world-renowned destination offers unforgettable tropical experiences.
Home to over 1,700 islands and islets, Palawan features four must-visit destinations: El Nido, Puerto Princesa, Coron, and San Vicente. Explore the UNESCO-listed Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, unwind in El Nido’s idyllic lagoons, or discover Coron’s famous shipwreck dives and crystal-clear lakes.
Curise along the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River
The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s most remarkable cave systems. You can flow through a stunning limestone karst landscape by boat.
It also features an underground river, vast cave chambers, and a rich ecosystem that spans from mountain to sea. Therefore, this place is filled with diverse wildlife. Convenient tours are available from Puerto Princesa, making it easy for you to experience this natural wonder.
Discover the El Nido Marine Reserve Park
El Nido Marine Reserve Park is a breathtaking sanctuary in northern Palawan, known for its dramatic limestone cliffs and rich marine ecosystems. Located about 240 km from Puerto Princesa. Home to diverse wildlife include rare endemic species and nesting sea turtles. Offers you a truly special connection with nature.
Swim in the Barracuda Lake
Barracuda Lake is a stunning site with emerald-green brackish waters surrounded by impressive limestone karst formations. It is located on the northwest coast of Coron Island and offers not only a splendid place to visit but also one of the most unique dive sites in the region.
Dive deep into the shipwrecks of Coron Bay
Coron Bay is one of the Philippines’ most famous dive destinations. Famous for the historic World War II shipwrecks resting beneath clear blue waters. Now beautifully covered in coral, these wrecks have become vibrant marine habitats and offer an unforgettable diving experience for certified divers.
From Coron Town, you’ll find plenty of dive centers offering guided trips and courses to explore this remarkable underwater world.
Get close to the animals in the Calauit Safari Park
Calauit Safari Park is a unique wildlife sanctuary on Calauit Island, just north of Busuanga near Coron. Spanning 37 sq km, it offers a rare chance to see giraffes, zebras, deer, crocodiles, monkeys, and more in a natural setting.
Thanks to its warm climate, the animals thrive comfortably in an environment similar to their native habitats. Day trips and overnight tours are easily available from Coron Town for a truly memorable experience.
Explore the Tubbataha Reef National Park
Tubbataha Reef National Park is a remote marine sanctuary in the Sulu Sea and one of the world’s top diving destinations. This UNESCO-listed site is home to vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. You can find sharks, dolphins, whales, and sea turtles, all thriving in crystal-clear waters. Accessible only by boat from Puerto Princesa.
Have fun in Kayangan Lake
Kayaking in El Nido’s Small and Big Lagoons
The Small and Big Lagoons in El Nido are two of Palawan’s most beautiful natural highlights. Surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs and calm turquoise waters, they offer some of the most scenic views in the Philippines.
Just a short 20-minute boat ride from El Nido town, these lagoons are perfect for a relaxing day of kayaking and snorkeling as part of a popular island-hopping experience.
Stroll around Puerto Princesa
Puerto Princesa is the capital of Palawan, is known as one of the cleanest and greenest cities in the Philippines. Surrounded by beautiful beaches and lush forested hills, it offers a refreshing stop on your journey.
It’s a lovely place to spend a night or two, with time to enjoy local cuisine and explore a few heritage sites before continuing your adventure across Palawan.
Accommodations
Panja Resort Palawan (Puerto Princesa)
Panja Resort Palawan in Puerto Princesa is a peaceful retreat just minutes from Honda Bay and nearby natural attractions. The resort features an infinity pool, a rooftop bar with stunning views, and comfortable rooms with private balconies overlooking the sea.
Miniloc Island (El Nido)
Miniloc, the Eco-Discovery island resort of El Nido Resorts, offers you a back-to-basics Filipino coastal village atmosphere with rustic or indigenous design. On Miniloc's house reef, you can swim with 1.5-meter jack fish and get up close and personal with a variety of marine species.
Lagen Island (El Nido)
Lagen Island is also the Eco-Sanctuary island resort of El Nido Resorts, has the densest limestone forest of the 45 islands and islets in Bacuit Bay. It is situated between a four-hectare forest and a tranquil, shallow lagoon. This hotel is also a refuge for numerous species of birds and mammals. Observe and appreciate the various endemic species thriving in their natural habitat.
Travel Tips
When is the best time to visit Palawan?
The best time to visit Palawan and its destinations is during the dry summer season, which runs from November to May. The warmest months are March and April, which mark the summer season in the Philippines.
Palawan experiences rainfall mostly from July to September, with September being the month with the highest rainfall. However, the rest of the year is generally rain-free.
How to get to Palawan?
Flight: Domestic and international flights to Puerto Princesa are available daily. Travel time for flights from Manila to Puerto Princesa is just over an hour. The most common way to reach Palawan is by plane, with Puerto Princesa as the main jump-off.
Ferry: Palawan can also be reached by ferry from Manila. The ferries depart only on Tuesdays and Fridays, taking almost a day. To ensure a comfortable sea travel, you can book accommodations in advance.
How to get around Palawan?
Palawan's top attractions can be reached through various land and sea transfers. To explore Palawan's island destinations such as Puerto Princesa, El Nido, and San Vicente/Port Barton, you can either hire private transfers or rent self-drive vehicles. However, to reach the separate islands of Coron, sea transfer from the main island is the only option.
Do I need a visa when traveling to the Philippines?
To obtain a visa, you can either submit your application online or visit the Philippine embassy in your country if the online application is not available in your region. At the embassy, you must submit photocopies of your documents along with a completed and signed application form. Please refer to this website for further details: https://www.visa.gov.ph/.
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