Palawan Travel Guide:
The Best Places to Visit in Palawan, Philippines
Enjoy all that Palawan has to offer from El Nido in the north to Balabac in the south
Palawan, Philippines is one of the most extraordinary travel destinations on the planet. A long, narrow island stretching along the western edge of the Philippine archipelago, Palawan is surrounded by more than 1,700 smaller islands and islets — each one a potential adventure.
With its turquoise lagoons, ancient underground rivers, world-class diving, and some of the most dramatic limestone scenery in Southeast Asia, it is little wonder that Palawan has been voted the world’s best island more times than almost anywhere else. This Palawan travel guide introduces you to the most popular places to visit in Palawan, Philippines, so you can start planning the trip of a lifetime.
Getting to Palawan – We make it easy for you to get to Palawan. Our travel tips and tricks take the stress out of getting there. Check out these Helpful Tips on Getting to Palawan.
The Best Time to Visit Palawan – The time of year you visit Palawan is definitely something you should consider before planning your trip.
Getting around in Palawan (Palawan Transportation) – See all your options for getting around Puerto Princesa and Palawan in our Guide to Getting Around Palawan.
Buy before Go – We’ve put together a List of Items to Bring to Palawan that every traveler should consider bringing based on our years of travel and lessons learned.
Puerto Princesa — Gateway to Palawan's Wonders
Puerto Princesa is the capital of Palawan and the main arrival point for most visitors flying in from Manila or Cebu.
More than just a transit hub, Puerto Princesa is home to one of the most remarkable natural attractions in the world: the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. Small boats navigate an 8-kilometer stretch of underground river through a cathedral cave system filled with dramatic stalactites and stalagmites — an experience that is genuinely unlike anything else on Earth. Advance permits are required and should be booked well ahead of your visit. Honda Bay, just outside the city, offers island hopping across a collection of coral-rich islets and is one of the most enjoyable half-day excursions in southern Palawan.
It is also the location of Ocean Dream Villa Palawan where you can stay and enjoy the ocean view, swimming pool, jacuzzi and rooftop lounge, all to yourself! Book a stay for when you arrive at Puerto Princesa Airport (PPS) and when you’re touring the famous sites of the capital.
El Nido – is one of the most famous areas of Palawan. It boasts features that make it world famous including places listed in the World’s 50 Best Beaches. Outdoor adventurers and beach enthusiasts flock here for a wide variety of activities including fantastic snorkeling in the coral reefs, kayaking amongst El Nido’s coves and just watching sunsets on lovely beaches.
Coron – is a strikingly beautiful place. You immediately notice its famous limestone cliffs and lovely, sparking waters. Coron features its own island-hopping opportunities, offering access to unforgettable secluded beaches. Visitors also can enjoy kayaking adventures, and for those into history and diving, Coron has what TripAdvisor describes as one of the world’s best dive sites, the Coron World War II shipwrecks.
Port Barton – Port Barton is hidden gem on Palawan’s northwest coast and is an off-the-beaten-trail spot, untouched by mass tourism. Visitors here enjoy white beaches lined with coconut trees but without the crowds. This authentic feel is a main draw of this area, allowing visitors to enjoy the warmth and beauty of Palawan Province in a way not possible in more traveled areas.
Balabac – is located at the southernmost point of Palawan. This areas is a collection of islands that is surprisingly closer to Sabah, Malaysia than to Puerto Princesa, capital of Palawan. For those seeking to find even more of Palawan’s untouched beauty, it is a must-see area. The water clarity is often compared to the Maldives, and the reefs are exceptionally healthy and biodiverse. While traveling here takes more effort, people who visit rave about it being among the most rewarding experiences in Southeast Asia.
Enjoy all that Palawan has to offer from El Nido in the north to Balabac in the south
Getting to Palawan – We make it easy for you to get to Palawan. Our travel tips and tricks take the stress out of getting there. Check out these Helpful Tips on Getting to Palawan.
The Best Time to Visit Palawan – The time of year you visit Palawan is definitely something you should consider before planning your trip.
Getting around in Palawan (Palawan Transportation) – See all your options for getting around Puerto Princesa and Palawan in our Guide to Getting Around Palawan.
Buy before Go – We’ve put together a List of Items to Bring to Palawan that every traveler should consider bringing based on our years of travel and lessons learned.
Puerto Princesa City is the beautify capital of Palawan Province. It’s a fantastic starting point for exploring the entire province of Palawan.
It is also the location of Ocean Dream Villa Palawan where you can stay when you arrive at Puerto Princesa Airport (PPS) and when you’re touring the famous sites of the capital.
Some of the most famous sites including the Puerto Princesa Underground River and Honda Bay are in and around Puerto Princesa City
El Nido – is one of the most famous areas of Palawan. It boasts features that make it world famous including places listed in the World’s 50 Best Beaches. Outdoor adventurers and beach enthusiasts flock here for a wide variety of activities including fantastic snorkeling in the coral reefs, kayaking amongst El Nido’s coves and just watching sunsets on lovely beaches.
Coron – is a strikingly beautiful place. You immediately notice its famous limestone cliffs and lovely, sparking waters. Coron features its own island-hopping opportunities, offering access to unforgettable secluded beaches. Visitors also can enjoy kayaking adventures, and for those into history and diving, Coron has what TripAdvisor describes as one of the world’s best dive sites, the Coron World War II shipwrecks.
Port Barton – Port Barton is hidden gem on Palawan’s northwest coast and is an off-the-beaten-trail spot, untouched by mass tourism. Visitors here enjoy white beaches lined with coconut trees but without the crowds. This authentic feel is a main draw of this area, allowing visitors to enjoy the warmth and beauty of Palawan Province in a way not possible in more traveled areas.
Balabac – is located at the southernmost point of Palawan. This areas is a collection of islands that is surprisingly closer to Sabah, Malaysia than to Puerto Princesa, capital of Palawan. For those seeking to find even more of Palawan’s untouched beauty, it is a must-see area. The water clarity is often compared to the Maldives, and the reefs are exceptionally healthy and biodiverse. While traveling here takes more effort, people who visit rave about it being among the most rewarding experiences in Southeast Asia.