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Palawan is the fifth largest island in the Philippines. However, this island hasn't attracted many tourists yet. The reason is that transportation here is not very convenient. Getting to the island is quite difficult, and travel is mainly by boat.
However, this can also be an interesting experience, adding to the allure and curiosity for tourists. And the reward for these challenges is a travel paradise. You will see long stretches of white sandy islands, with endless, crystal-clear waters, and countless colorful fish. Not only that, Palawan also has a system of mysterious caves inside steep cliffs, surrounded by lush green forests, standing out in the vast ocean.
Palawan also has a system of mysterious caves inside steep cliffs (Cre: Follow the coconuts)
El Nido is located at the southern tip of Palawan, about 420 km from Manila. It is a group of islands surrounded by the sea, still very natural with clear turquoise waters. El Nido is famous for its beautiful bays, black marble cliffs, waterfalls, colorful coral reefs, and rich plant life, making it a stunning natural paradise.
Nature has given El Nido perfect islands and limestone mountains, covered with green plants, creating a refreshing green color that pairs beautifully with the turquoise blue of the sea. In addition, El Nido has many hidden coves deep inside the limestone mountains, forming a mysterious and beautiful natural landscape.
Nature has given El Nido perfect islands and limestone mountains (Cre: iVIVU)
From El Nido, travelers can take a boat to Coron, which takes about 8 hours to reach. It’s an untouched island with beautiful beaches and a romantic atmosphere.
Coron is considered a peaceful place in the northern part of the Palawan archipelago. It is famous for the sunken shipwrecks from Japan and China dating back to ancient times, along with its rich marine life. In addition, Coron is home to a brackish lake nestled between the ocean and impressive limestone mountains with fascinating underground structures.
Although not as busy and lively as El Nido or as mysterious as Coron, the town of Barton attracts visitors with its peaceful and quiet charm. It’s perfect for those who want to "escape the busy city life and return to nature." In this small fishing village by the coast of the Palawan archipelago, visitors can watch fishermen bring in their catch in the early morning, listen to the soothing sounds of the sea at night, or relax under the open, breezy sky. Once you’re here, you’ll surely love the simple, untouched beauty that Barton offers.
The town of Barton attracts visitors with its peaceful and quiet charm (Cre: Carnets Voyages)
The Tabon Caves are a group of large and small caves located in the southwest of Palawan. Known as a sacred site, it is often referred to as the cradle of civilization in the Philippines. Today, these caves are an archaeological site, attracting visitors who enjoy exploring and discovering history.
Located next to the majestic Saint Paul Mountain range, the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is considered one of the most prominent tourist destinations in Palawan. Visitors here can embark on a journey to explore the Puerto Princesa Underground River – a UNESCO World Heritage site recognized as one of the new seven wonders of the world. This is an adventure to discover the deep, mysterious caves by boat.
You will see sparkling stalagmites in various shapes, with the most notable being the stalagmite that resembles Jesus Christ. Come and imagine for yourself if it really looks like that!
Puerto Princesa Underground River – a UNESCO World Heritage site recognized as one of the new seven wonders of the world (Cre: Lonely Planet)
While Coron is known for its diving spots and white sandy beaches, Honda Bay offers a perfect place to enjoy sunsets on the beach and swim in crystal-clear waters. Located 45 minutes by boat from the city center, it’s both a tourist destination and a seafood hub, making it a paradise for seafood lovers.
Honda Bay has several small islands open to visitors, including Pambato, Luli, Starfish, Pandan, and Cowrie. Each island has its unique charm, ensuring an unforgettable trip.
You can travel to Palawan, Philippines at any time of the year, but the best time is from October to June. From June onwards, the island enters the rainy season, which can make your trip a bit more inconvenient. However, if you keep an eye on the weather forecast, you can still plan your visit.
The best time is from October to June (Cre: Travel Kings)
From Manila: The easiest way to reach Palawan is by flying from Manila. There are direct flights to Puerto Princesa (the capital city of Palawan) from Ninoy Aquino International Airport. The flight typically takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes.
From other cities: You can also fly directly to Puerto Princesa, El Nido, or Coron from other major cities in the Philippines, such as Cebu or Manila. Flights to El Nido and Coron are often offered by smaller airlines like AirSWIFT or Cebu Pacific.
You can also take a ferry from other nearby islands like Cebu or Manila to Puerto Princesa. However, ferry travel can take longer (around 24 hours) compared to flying and may not be as convenient.
If you're traveling from within Palawan, you can reach different parts of the island by bus or private car. For example, buses from Puerto Princesa to El Nido or Port Barton take around 4-6 hours.
Flying is the most popular and fastest option, especially for international tourists.
Palawan is considered the fifth largest island, located in the southwest of the Philippines and is part of the Palawan province. The island is separated by the South China Sea and Sulu Sea, with a length of over 430 km and a width of more than 39 km. Palawan is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the Philippines, drawing a large number of foreign visitors who come to enjoy its stunning natural landscapes. Hopefully, it will help make your trips even more enjoyable and memorable! Let me know if you need any more tips or details.
