Palawan · 26 Places · Best November to April
Palawan is a pristine island province in the western Philippines, often called the Philippines' Last Frontier for its untouched natural beauty. Home to the UNESCO-listed Puerto Princesa Subterranean River and the stunning limestone karst landscapes of El Nido and Coron, Palawan offers some of Southeast Asia's most dramatic scenery. Its turquoise lagoons, vibrant coral reefs, and white-sand beaches consistently earn it recognition as one of the world's best island destinations.
Palawan stretches over 1,700 islands and islets along the western edge of the Philippine archipelago, offering an extraordinary blend of underwater biodiversity, jungle-covered mountains, and crystalline seas. The province is divided into three main tourist areas: Puerto Princesa (gateway city and home of the underground river), El Nido (known for hidden lagoons and island-hopping), and Coron (renowned for World War II shipwreck diving). Palawan has consistently ranked among the world's top island destinations by major travel publications and was named TripAdvisor's Top Trending Destination in 2024.
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The 26 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature, this navigable underground river winds 8.2 km through a spectacular cave system before emptying into the sea. Visitors board small bangka boats guided by paddles through dramatic stalactite and stalagmite formations. Advance permits are required and tours must be booked through accredited operators.
Enclosed by soaring limestone karst cliffs, the Big Lagoon in El Nido is one of the most photographed locations in the Philippines. Accessible only by kayak or bangka boat at certain tides, the calm turquoise waters reflect the dramatic cliffs in surreal clarity. It is the crown jewel of Tour A island-hopping from El Nido.
The Small Lagoon on Miniloc Island features a narrow cave entrance that opens into a sheltered emerald basin ringed by karst walls draped in tropical vegetation. Visitors paddle through the cave entrance on kayaks to discover this hidden gem. The shallow, warm waters are ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
Widely considered the cleanest lake in the Philippines, Kayangan Lake sits inside Coron Island atop a short but steep trail rewarded with a famous panoramic viewpoint. The crystal-clear lake has extraordinary visibility revealing submerged rock formations and is excellent for snorkeling. The journey includes a clifftop viewpoint that is one of Palawan's most iconic photo spots.
Coron Bay contains 12 Japanese Imperial Navy ships sunk in a US Navy air attack on September 24, 1944, creating one of the world's premier wreck diving destinations. The wrecks now teem with marine life including lionfish, sea turtles, and schooling fish. Both scuba divers and snorkelers can experience several of the shallower wrecks.
A 4-kilometer stretch of golden sand fringed with coconut palms, Nacpan Beach is one of El Nido's best-kept secrets yet. Connected to Calitang Beach at low tide, the twin beaches offer exceptional swimming, sunbathing, and sunset views with far fewer crowds than the town beaches. Local vendors serve fresh coconuts and grilled seafood.
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Perched on the edge of Bacuit Bay surrounded by limestone karsts, this iconic eco-resort offers water cottages and cliff cottages with direct lagoon access. The resort operates its own marine conservation programs and island tours, ensuring responsible travel and extraordinary privacy. It is one of the longest-running properties in the Bacuit Archipelago and remains a benchmark for low-impact island tourism in the region.
Check rates on Booking.comSet within a protected mangrove lagoon on Lagen Island, this upscale eco-resort features water cottages and forest rooms blending seamlessly with the rainforest environment. The resort's dining room has panoramic views over the bay and serves fresh seafood and Filipino-inspired cuisine.
Check rates on Booking.comFeaturing stunning overwater bungalows on stilts above Coron Bay, this resort offers unmatched views of the limestone karst islands from its decks and private plunge pools. The resort's dive center is one of the best-equipped in Coron with access to nearby WWII wrecks.
Check rates on Booking.comLocated on the private Pamalican Island in the Cuyo archipelago, Amanpulo is one of Southeast Asia's most exclusive resorts with individual casitas set among coconut groves along a pristine white-sand beach. Guests arrive by private charter flight and enjoy complete seclusion and bespoke service.
Check rates on Booking.comCafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
One of Puerto Princesa's most beloved institutions, Kinabuchs is famous for its massive grilled seafood platters served with garlic rice and coconut-based sauces. The open-air bamboo setting and festive atmosphere make it the go-to spot for celebrating special occasions or simply indulging in Palawan's bounty.
Housed in a charming nipa hut setting inside a heritage compound, Ka Lui is a Puerto Princesa institution serving beautifully presented Filipino cuisine with an emphasis on fresh local seafood. The set menus are excellent value and feature rotating daily specials based on market availability.
Specializing in authentic Palawan cuisine using locally sourced ingredients, Ba-Gu serves traditional dishes rarely found in tourist restaurants including pako salad, tamilok (woodworm) for the adventurous, and freshwater prawn dishes from the island's rivers. A must for food explorers.
Perched on the beachfront strip of El Nido town, Happiness Beach Bar is the social hub of the strip with cheap drinks, wood-fired pizzas, fresh fish dishes, and an electric atmosphere at sunset. Live music several nights a week adds to the convivial vibe.
A health-focused café and restaurant in El Nido offering a menu of organic bowls, fresh smoothies, vegan-friendly dishes, and excellent coffee. A popular spot for health-conscious travelers seeking a break from seafood and rice, with a lovely terrace overlooking the bay.
Authentic Italian restaurant in El Nido operated by an Italian family, serving handmade pasta, thin-crust pizza from a wood-fired oven, and imported Italian wines. One of the most-recommended restaurants for those craving high-quality Italian food in the tropics.
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Palawan is a long, narrow island province with limited road connections and no rail network. The main forms of transport are domestic flights to three airports (Puerto Princesa, El Nido, Busuanga/Coron), shared vans between towns, and bangka (outrigger) boats for inter-island travel. Puerto Princesa is the main gateway with daily flights from Manila and Cebu.
Daily spend by tier in PHP, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $12 | $55 | $200 |
| Food (per day) | $10 | $30 | $80 |
| Transportation | $8 | $15 | $40 |
| Activities | $10 | $20 | $30 |
| Daily total | $40 | $120 | $350 |
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Palawan.
Register your itinerary with your accommodation and embassy if visiting remote areas of Palawan
Always check sea and weather conditions before joining any boat or island-hopping tour
Only book island-hopping tours with licensed, accredited operators registered with El Nido or Coron tourism offices
Keep all valuables in a waterproof dry bag on boat trips — bags and gear can get wet on bangka boats
Carry emergency cash in Philippine pesos as ATMs in El Nido and Coron frequently run out of money
Apply reef-safe sunscreen and wear rash guards for long days of snorkeling — jellyfish and fire coral are present
Never swim alone at remote beaches — strong currents exist at some Palawan beach locations
Use only bottled or filtered water throughout Palawan — tap water is not safe to drink anywhere in the province
Secure your belongings when travelling on tricycles — bag snatching from moving vehicles has been reported in Puerto Princesa
Follow all park rules at the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River — the cave has bats whose guano creates health risks
In case of severe weather, do not attempt boat crossings between El Nido and Coron — numerous capsizing incidents have occurred in rough weather
Purchase comprehensive travel insurance covering medical evacuation before visiting Palawan, as evacuation to Manila may be necessary for serious injuries
Avoid displaying expensive cameras, phones, or jewelry at crowded markets and boat terminals
Check US State Department, UK FCDO, or your government's travel advisory for the latest security situation in Palawan before traveling to remote southern areas
Palawan is generally considered one of the safer destinations in the Philippines for tourists, with the main tourist areas of Puerto Princesa, El Nido, and Coron experiencing low levels of serious crime. The primary risks are weather-related maritime incidents, petty theft, and health issues from the tropical environment. Emergency services: police at 117, medical at 911 or Palawan Doctors Hospital: +63 48 433 2150.
The best time to visit Palawan is November to April. Palawan has a tropical monsoon climate with two distinct seasons: the dry season (November-May) and the wet season (June-October). Unlike most of the Philippines, Palawan is partly sheltered from Paci
Entry requirements follow Philippines national rules. Citizens of many countries receive a 30-day visa-free entry, extendable at local immigration offices. Requirements vary by nationality, so check with your nearest embassy or the official immigration website before traveling.
The currency in Palawan is the Philippine Peso (PHP). ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants, but carry cash for markets and smaller establishments.
The main language(s) spoken in Palawan: Filipino, English, Cuyonon. In tourist areas, English is generally understood. Learning a few basic phrases in the local language is appreciated by locals.
The top attractions in Palawan include Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, El Nido Big Lagoon, El Nido Small Lagoon, Coron Island Kayangan Lake, and Coron WWII Japanese Shipwrecks. Each offers a unique experience, from historic landmarks to natural wonders.
