Complete Guide to Palawan
The Philippines' Last Frontier - Pristine Paradise Awaits
Voted the "World's Best Island" multiple times, Palawan is a slice of paradise that lives up to the hype. This archipelagic province, often called the Philippines' "Last Ecological Frontier," is a breathtaking tapestry of crystal-clear waters, dramatic limestone cliffs, and vibrant coral reefs. It's a destination that caters to every type of traveler, from the luxury seeker to the budget backpacker, the adrenaline junkie to the beach bum.
Imagine waking up to the sound of gentle waves, spending your day exploring hidden lagoons and snorkeling with sea turtles, and ending it with a spectacular sunset over the ocean. This is the everyday magic of Palawan. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to plan an unforgettable trip to this tropical wonderland.
El Nido: The Gateway to Bacuit Bay
Famous for its stunning karst landscapes and idyllic lagoons, El Nido is the postcard-perfect image of Palawan. The main attraction here is island hopping in the Bacuit Archipelago, a collection of islands and islets with some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.
Top things to do in El Nido:
- Island Hopping Tours (A, B, C, D): These standardized tours are the best way to see the highlights. Tour A (lagoons) and Tour C (hidden beaches) are the most popular. Don't miss the Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, and Secret Beach.
- Nacpan Beach: A stunning 4-kilometer stretch of golden sand, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and watching the sunset. You can rent a scooter or take a tricycle to get here.
- Lio Beach: A more developed beach area with restaurants, shops, and a beautiful pier. It's a great place to relax and enjoy a meal with a view.
- Canopy Walk: For a panoramic view of El Nido town and Bacuit Bay, take the canopy walk up to the limestone cliffs. It's a relatively easy climb and well worth the effort.
Coron: Wrecks, Reefs, and Lakes
Coron is a world-class destination for wreck diving, with a fleet of Japanese warships sunk here during World War II. But even if you're not a diver, Coron's stunning natural beauty, including the iconic Kayangan Lake, makes it a must-visit.
Top things to do in Coron:
- Kayangan Lake: Often called the cleanest lake in the Philippines, Kayangan Lake is a brackish body of water surrounded by towering limestone cliffs. The viewpoint overlooking the lake is one of the most photographed spots in the country.
- Twin Lagoon: A unique spot where you can swim through a small opening in the rock to enter a hidden lagoon. The water here is a mix of fresh and salt water, creating interesting temperature changes.
- Wreck Diving: Explore the sunken Japanese warships from WWII. There are options for all levels of divers, from shallow wrecks for beginners to deeper, more challenging dives for experienced divers.
- Maquinit Hot Springs: After a long day of island hopping, relax in the therapeutic saltwater hot springs of Maquinit. It's one of the few saltwater hot springs in the world.
Puerto Princesa: The Underground River and More
As the capital of Palawan, Puerto Princesa is the main gateway to the province. It's home to the world-famous Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New7Wonders of Nature.
Top things to do in Puerto Princesa:
- Underground River Tour: A must-do experience. You'll take a paddleboat tour through a massive cave system, marveling at the impressive stalactites and stalagmites. Book your tour well in advance, as permits are limited.
- Honda Bay Island Hopping: Explore the beautiful islands of Honda Bay, including Cowrie Island, Luli Island, and Starfish Island. It's a great way to spend a day swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.
- Firefly Watching: Take a magical evening tour on the Iwahig River to see thousands of fireflies light up the mangrove trees. It's a truly enchanting experience.
- City Tour: Explore the city's landmarks, including the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Plaza Cuartel, and the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center (Crocodile Farm).
Getting To and Around Palawan
By Air: The main entry points are Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS), El Nido's Lio Airport (LIO), and Coron's Francisco B. Reyes Airport (USU). Major airlines like Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and AirAsia have regular flights from Manila and Cebu.
Getting Between Destinations:
- Puerto Princesa to El Nido: The most common way is by van (5-6 hours) or bus (6-8 hours). Vans are faster but more cramped.
- El Nido to Coron: You can take a fast ferry (3-4 hours) or a slow ferry (6-8 hours). There are also flights available between the two.
Local Transportation: Tricycles are the main mode of transport within towns. You can also rent a scooter to explore on your own, which is a popular option in El Nido.
Where to Stay
Palawan offers a wide range of accommodation to suit every budget.
- Budget (₱500 - ₱1,500/night): Hostels and guesthouses are plentiful in the town centers of Puerto Princesa, El Nido, and Coron. They are a great way to meet other travelers. Some popular options include Outpost Hostel in El Nido and Hop Hostel in Coron.
- Mid-Range (₱2,000 - ₱5,000/night): You can find boutique hotels, beachfront cottages, and comfortable resorts in this price range. Many offer great value with amenities like swimming pools and on-site restaurants.
- Luxury (₱8,000+ /night): For a truly special experience, treat yourself to a stay at one of Palawan's luxury resorts. Many are located on private islands and offer unparalleled service and amenities. El Nido Resorts is a well-known group of luxury resorts in the area.
What to Eat
Palawan's cuisine is heavily influenced by its fresh seafood and tropical fruits. Don't leave without trying:
- Kinilaw: The Filipino version of ceviche, made with fresh raw fish marinated in vinegar, calamansi, onions, and ginger.
- Lato (Sea Grapes): A type of seaweed that looks like tiny green grapes. It's usually served as a salad with vinegar and onions.
- Tamilok (Woodworm): For the adventurous eater! Tamilok is a type of mollusk that lives in mangrove trees. It's usually eaten raw and dipped in vinegar.
- Fresh Seafood BBQ: You'll find grilled fish, squid, and prawns everywhere, especially on the island hopping tours.
3-Day Palawan Quickie (Focus on El Nido)
- Day 1: Arrive in El Nido, check into your hotel. Explore the town and have dinner at a beachfront restaurant.
- Day 2: El Nido Tour A - explore the Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, and Secret Lagoon.
- Day 3: Visit Nacpan Beach in the morning, then depart from El Nido.
7-Day Palawan Adventure (El Nido & Coron)
- Day 1-3: El Nido (as above).
- Day 4: Take the ferry from El Nido to Coron. Check into your hotel and relax.
- Day 5: Coron Ultimate Tour - visit Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon, and Siete Pecados.
- Day 6: Coron Wreck Diving or relax at Maquinit Hot Springs.
- Day 7: Depart from Coron.
Bring Enough Cash
While there are ATMs in the main towns, they can be unreliable. It's always a good idea to bring enough cash with you, especially when traveling to more remote areas.
Book in Advance
Tours and accommodation, especially during peak season (December to May), can get booked up quickly. Book in advance to avoid disappointment.
Stay Hydrated and Protected
The sun can be intense in Palawan. Bring a reusable water bottle, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
Pack Light, but Smart
You'll be doing a lot of getting on and off boats, so a backpack is more practical than a suitcase. Pack light, but don't forget essentials like a dry bag, insect repellent, and a basic first-aid kit.
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