Palawan, often called the Philippines' last frontier, is full of natural wonders, rich marine life and dramatic landscapes. Whether you come for adventure or to slow down, here are the top 10 things to do, and how to fit more of them into one trip.
Getting around: distances in Palawan are long. Puerto Princesa to El Nido is 5+ hours by road, El Nido to Coron 6–8 hours by ferry. By private seaplane these take about 50 and 45 minutes, which leaves more days for the list below.
1.Explore the Underground River in Puerto Princesa
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River runs for more than 8 kilometres beneath limestone karst mountains. A guided boat tour takes you past huge stalactites, stalagmites and rock formations inside the cave.
2.Go island hopping in El Nido
El Nido is famous for its limestone cliffs, clear water and hidden lagoons. Island-hopping tours take you to the Big and Small Lagoons, the Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island and Seven Commandos Beach, with time to snorkel, kayak and swim. Read more in our El Nido guide.
3.Discover Coron
Coron is known for its World War II wreck dives: sunken Japanese ships now covered in coral and marine life. On land, visit Kayangan Lake, often called the cleanest lake in the Philippines, and swim in the Twin Lagoon. See flying to Coron.
4.Take a scenic flight with Horizon Sun Charters
For a completely different view of Palawan, take a private scenic flight on our seaplane. Fly low over green forest, reefs and turquoise water, take off and land on the sea, and see the islands the way few people ever do. Every seat has a window. Flights last 30 or 50 minutes (see prices).
5.Relax at Nacpan Beach
Near El Nido, Nacpan Beach is a long stretch of soft white sand and clear water, perfect for swimming and doing nothing at all. Together with neighbouring Calitang Beach it forms a twin beach, one of the most photographed views in the area.
6.Dive Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park
Tubbataha, in the middle of the Sulu Sea, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best dive destinations in Asia, with healthy coral, sharks, turtles and exceptional visibility. Diving is seasonal, usually from mid-March to mid-June, by liveaboard boat.
7.Meet the wildlife of Calauit Safari Park
On Calauit Island in northern Busuanga, this unusual park is home to giraffes and zebras alongside native species like the Calamian deer. Guided tours explain the conservation work and bring you close to the animals.
8.Island hop in Honda Bay
Just outside Puerto Princesa, Honda Bay is dotted with small islands and sandbars. Stops like Starfish Island, Pandan Island and Cowrie Island are great for swimming and snorkelling. Honda Bay is also beautiful from the air on a short scenic flight.
9.Trek to Tau't Bato in southern Palawan
For an off-the-beaten-path adventure, trek into the mountains of southern Palawan, home of the Tau't Bato, one of Palawan's indigenous communities who have lived around these caves for generations. Go with a local guide and respect their customs. The forest and limestone scenery along the way are as rewarding as the destination.
10.Visit Fort Santa Isabel in Taytay
Built by the Spanish in the 17th century, Fort Santa Isabel overlooks Taytay Bay and offers a look at Palawan's colonial past, along with one of the best views in the north. See flying to Taytay.
Final thoughts
Palawan is full of unforgettable experiences, from the depths of the Underground River to the view from a seaplane window. The main challenge is the distance between them. Flying between El Nido, Coron, Taytay and Puerto Princesa turns long transfer days into short flights, so you can see more of Palawan in one trip.
See Palawan from the sky
Scenic flights and private transfers across Palawan. Tell us your plans and we reply with your price, usually within the day.
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