Palawan, Philippines: Ultimate Island Paradise of Lagoons, Diving & Adventure

Palawan, Philippines

🌴 Palawan, Philippines – Nature’s Masterpiece of Limestone, Lagoons & Tranquility

Overview:
Often considered the crown jewel of Philippine tourism, Palawan is an archipelago of lush jungles, karst cliffs, aquamarine waters, and hidden beaches. Stretching over 1,700 islands between the South China and Sulu Seas, Palawan enchants visitors with UNESCO-listed wonders, bioluminescent bays, vibrant coral reefs, and a laid-back island lifestyle. Whether you're diving with dugongs, kayaking through emerald lagoons, or sipping coconuts on an uninhabited beach—Palawan offers untouched beauty at every turn.

🌟 Must-Visit Destinations in Palawan

🏝️ El Nido

El Nido is postcard perfection, famous for its limestone karsts, hidden lagoons, and turquoise waters. Island hopping here is legendary—don’t miss Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Beach, and Shimizu Island. Most tours are labeled A, B, C, or D, and each includes snorkeling, beaches, and breathtaking landscapes.

🌊 Coron

Coron is heaven for wreck divers and nature lovers. Explore the sunken Japanese WWII ships, Kayangan Lake (Asia’s cleanest lake), Barracuda Lake, and the Twin Lagoon. The underwater topography here is surreal—imagine swimming through warm freshwater layers and cool saltwater in the same lake.

🦇 Puerto Princesa

The capital city of Palawan, and home to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a boat ride through this 8.2 km-long underground river, marveling at cathedral-like caverns and ancient stalactites.

🌿 Port Barton

Less touristy than El Nido or Coron, Port Barton is a secluded coastal village known for its laid-back charm, sea turtles, and pristine reefs. A great spot for digital detox and hammock days.

🌅 Balabac Islands

If you’re up for a remote adventure, head south to Balabac. This cluster of islands offers pink sand beaches, crystal waters, and few tourists. Think Maldives, minus the luxury price tag.

🐠 Outdoor Adventures

Snorkeling & Diving – Coral gardens in El Nido and Coron are world-class, with vibrant marine life, manta rays, and rare dugongs.
Island Hopping – Hop between uninhabited islands with white sands and dramatic cliffs.
Kayaking – Paddle through El Nido’s lagoons or in mangrove forests near Puerto Princesa.
Hiking – Trek to waterfalls like Estrella Falls or Mt. Tapyas for panoramic views.

🍛 Local Food & Drinks

Palawan’s cuisine is fresh, tropical, and seafood-rich:

Kinilaw – Filipino-style ceviche with raw fish cured in vinegar, lime, and chili.
Chao long – Vietnamese-influenced noodle dish from Puerto Princesa.
Coconut crab – A local delicacy in Balabac.
Lato (sea grapes) – A seaweed salad that pops in your mouth.
Halo-Halo – A colorful, icy dessert made with sweet beans, jellies, fruit, and leche flan.

Where to eat:

El Nido: Artcafe, Happiness Beach Bar
Coron: Levine’s, La Sirenetta
Puerto Princesa: Kalui Restaurant, Kinabuch’s Grill

🛌 Where to Stay

Luxury: Amanpulo (Pamalican Island), El Nido Resorts – Lagen Island
Mid-range: Cadlao Resort (El Nido), The Funny Lion (Coron)
Budget: Spin Hostel (El Nido), Seahorse Guesthouse (Puerto Princesa)

📅 Best Time to Visit

Dry season: November to May is ideal, especially March–May for clear skies and calm seas.
Avoid: June to October, which is the rainy/typhoon season, though it's quieter and cheaper.

🧭 Travel Tips

Cash is king – ATMs are limited outside of Puerto Princesa. Bring enough cash.
Eco-fees apply for most tours; always bring small change and your environmental fee receipt.
Protect the reef – Use reef-safe sunscreen and avoid stepping on corals.
Electricity and internet – Some areas (especially Port Barton and Balabac) have limited connectivity. Embrace the digital detox!

✈️ How to Get There

Fly into Puerto Princesa, El Nido (via AirSwift), or Coron (Busuanga Airport).
Ferry options connect El Nido and Coron.
Overland vans and buses link Puerto Princesa, Port Barton, and El Nido.

🎉 Special Experiences

Firefly Watching – In Iwahig River near Puerto Princesa.
Bioluminescent Bays – Occasionally seen in Port Barton or Honda Bay.
Sunset at Nacpan Beach – A golden, palm-lined paradise north of El Nido.