If there’s a place in the Philippines that captures the imagination of travellers worldwide, it’s Palawan. Often ranked among the best islands in the world, Palawan, Philippines, is a destination where turquoise lagoons, towering limestone cliffs, and pristine white-sand beaches meet thriving coral reefs and lush jungle.
This guide goes beyond the postcards, exploring Palawan’s biodiversity, culture, and adventure opportunities—while giving you the practical travel insights you’ll need to plan your journey.
Key Takeaways
Palawan is a world-class Philippine destination, renowned for its turquoise lagoons, dramatic limestone cliffs, and pristine beaches across El Nido, Coron and Balabac.
- Palawan is a world-class Philippine destination, renowned for its turquoise lagoons, dramatic limestone cliffs, and pristine beaches across El Nido, Coron and Balabac.
- Adventure seekers can explore Puerto Princesa’s underground river, dive Coron’s WWII shipwrecks, or go island-hopping in El Nido.
- Biodiversity flourishes both on land and underwater, with endemic species such as the Palawan hornbill, vibrant coral reefs, and protected marine parks.
- Indigenous communities, including the Tagbanua and Batak, provide cultural insights and demonstrate sustainable ways of living.
- Travellers should plan carefully by using eSIMs or local SIM cards, booking tours in advance, travelling responsibly, and accounting for seasonal weather variations.
- For those seeking quieter escapes, destinations like Port Barton and Balabac offer laid-back beaches and pristine natural surroundings.
Getting to Know Palawan
Palawan, located in the western Philippines, is both a province and a chain of islands stretching between the South China Sea and the Sulu Sea. The main island, often referred to as the Palawan mainland, runs more than 400 kilometres from north to south, while over 1,700 smaller islands form its fringes.
The capital, Puerto Princesa, is the usual gateway, but most travellers head north to El Nido and Coron in northern Palawan, or south to the remote Balabac Islands. Each region offers a different character—whether it’s dramatic karst cliffs, sunken shipwrecks, or untouched sandbars.
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Why Palawan Stands Out
Many Philippine destinations boast beautiful beaches, but Palawan’s appeal is more layered. It’s one of the country’s most biodiverse regions, home to wildlife found nowhere else in the world. Conservation efforts, protected marine parks, and careful tourism planning have helped preserve its landscapes in a way that few tropical islands manage.
Situated in Southeast Asia, Palawan shares ecological and cultural ties with neighbouring regions, making it an integral part of Southeast Asia’s rich biodiversity and heritage.
It’s this balance—between accessibility and authenticity—that has cemented Palawan’s reputation as a must-visit destination.
Top Destinations in Palawan, Philippines
Puerto Princesa: Gateway to Nature
While often treated as a stopover, Puerto Princesa deserves attention. Most travellers arrive via Puerto Princesa Airport, the main hub connecting Palawan to major Philippine cities. Its highlight is the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. A guided boat ride takes you through cathedral-like limestone caves lined with stalactites and underground chambers.
The city itself prides itself on being green and liveable. Mangrove tours, seafood markets, and city parks make it a pleasant base before venturing deeper into Palawan. Many hotels in Puerto Princesa offer on-site dining, making it easy to enjoy local meals without leaving your accommodation.
El Nido: Lagoons and Karst Cliffs
Few places are as photogenic as El Nido. Here, limestone cliffs rise sharply from emerald water, creating a seascape that feels otherworldly.
Most travellers join island-hopping tours, divided into set routes (Tour A, B, C, and D). Each tour explores a mix of lagoons, hidden beaches, and snorkelling spots. Highlights include Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Snake Island, Matinloc Shrine, and Entalula Island. Quieter beaches can still be found if you venture off the main tour paths.
After a day of exploring, enjoy meals at local restaurants in El Nido town. Mango Bar is a popular spot for seafood and drinks, favoured by both locals and tourists.
Coron: Wreck Diving and Crystal Lakes
For divers, Coron is legendary. Its bay hides a fleet of Japanese ships sunk during World War II, now transformed into coral gardens teeming with marine life. These reefs, part of protected marine areas, are known for their high biodiversity and untouched beauty. Non-divers can explore via snorkelling or glass-bottom boat rides.
Sea conditions in Coron can vary, especially during the rainy season. Calm weather offers the best visibility and the most stunning underwater scenery.
On land, Coron’s volcanic origins reveal themselves in the Maquinit Hot Springs and dramatic inland lakes. Kayangan Lake, with its crystal-clear waters framed by cliffs, is one of the Philippines’ most photographed spots.
Port Barton: Laid-Back Escape
For those seeking fewer crowds, Port Barton offers a slower rhythm. This fishing village turned backpacker haven has island-hopping tours similar to El Nido’s, but with less bustle. Expect evenings of beachfront bonfires, hammock naps, and a genuine sense of community where you can meet other travellers.
Balabac: Remote and Untouched
At Palawan’s southern tip lies Balabac, a collection of islands with some of the whitest sand and clearest waters in the Philippines. Its remote location keeps it off the mainstream tourist trail. Visiting requires more planning, but the reward is experiencing Palawan at its most pristine.
Beyond the Beaches: Biodiversity and Conservation
Palawan is a biodiversity hotspot. It’s home to species found nowhere else, such as the Palawan hornbill, Palawan bearcat, and the elusive Philippine pangolin. Its waters host dugongs, reef sharks, and hundreds of coral species. Water sports such as snorkelling and kayaking allow you to observe this biodiversity firsthand.
Conservation is an ongoing effort. Protected areas like the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park—another UNESCO World Heritage Site—show what careful stewardship can achieve. Diving here is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, with manta rays, turtles, and schools of jackfish cruising past healthy reefs.
Travellers can support conservation by choosing eco-certified tour operators, using reef-safe sunscreen, and following the “leave no trace” principle.
Culture and Communities
Palawan is not just a natural wonder—it’s home to diverse communities. Indigenous groups such as the Tagbanua and Batak have lived here for centuries, maintaining traditional fishing and farming practices. Motorcycles, locally called ‘habal-habal’, are a common way to get around, reflecting daily life in these communities.
In Coron, the Tagbanua hold ancestral rights to parts of the Calamianes Islands and manage access to sacred lakes. Many tours now include cultural exchanges, giving travellers the chance to learn about sustainable living directly from local stewards of the land.
Getting to Palawan
Palawan is easily accessible by air. The main gateway is Puerto Princesa International Airport, with domestic flights from Manila, Cebu, and other major cities.
El Nido has Lio Airport for direct flights from Manila, offering quick access to northern Palawan. Ferries are also available from Manila and nearby islands for a scenic alternative.
Once on the island, vans, buses, and tricycles make getting around straightforward, whether you’re exploring the mainland or venturing to smaller islands.
Staying Connected While Travelling
Even on an island-hopping holiday, travellers need to stay connected. With public Wi-Fi scarce across Palawan’s remote islands and international roaming often prohibitively expensive, a local SIM or eSIM is the most reliable way to stay online throughout your trip.
- An eSIM for the Philippines is your best bet for ultimate convenience. Purchase it digitally, and your mobile data can be ready to use as soon as you land. Simply scan the QR code and follow the steps to activate.
- If your device doesn’t support eSIM technology, SimCorner is one of the few travel SIM providers still offering physical SIM cards. You can order your Philippines SIM card online and have it delivered before you depart, ensuring connectivity from the moment you arrive.
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Essential Travel Tips
- Pack reef-safe sunscreen – Protect Palawan’s marine ecosystems by using sunscreen that won’t harm corals. Bring enough for your entire trip, as eco-friendly options may be limited on remote islands.
- Carry cash – While ATMs are available in larger towns, remote islands may not have them. Carry sufficient pesos for tours, meals, or emergencies, especially if exploring areas like Balabac or Port Barton.
- Plan buffer days for tours – Weather can be unpredictable. Allow extra days in your itinerary to accommodate cancellations or delays, ensuring you don’t miss key experiences like island-hopping or diving.
- Travel your own way – Palawan offers incredible flexibility. Whether you want to relax on hidden beaches, hop islands, or immerse yourself in local culture, tailor your itinerary to suit your pace.
- Respect wildlife and the environment – Palawan’s reefs, beaches, and forests are fragile. Avoid touching or feeding wildlife, don’t take shells or sand, and follow eco-tour guidelines to preserve the islands.
- Book early during peak months – November to May can get busy. Reserve accommodation and popular tours in advance to secure your preferred options.
- Stay connected wisely – A Philippine eSIM or SIM card ensures reliable mobile data, essential for navigation, bookings, and emergencies, particularly on remote islands. For uninterrupted connectivity and ultimate convenience, go for a Philippine eSIM with unlimited data.
Experiencing Palawan to the Fullest
Palawan offers more than beaches and lagoons—it’s a place to explore biodiversity, connect with local communities, and enjoy adventure at your own pace. The island has a wide range of accommodations, from modern air-conditioned rooms to hotels conveniently located near major attractions. By travelling responsibly and staying connected, you can enjoy every corner of the island stress-free, whether diving, hiking, or simply savouring the view.
Want to island-hop beyond Palawan while in the Philippines? You can’t go wrong with the vibrant party island of Boracay.
