Palawan is a beautiful island province in the Philippines. It has been called “the last frontier of the Philippine tourism industry”.
Palawan offers a variety of natural and man-made wonders to explore with activities that range from lying on its picturesque beaches, going diving or snorkeling; hiking through ancient rainforests, biking, and trekking along scenic mountain trails, plus plenty of resorts to stay and relax in.
Palawan’s shoreline is something to marvel at: it spans over a thousand kilometers of coastlines with most beaches suitable for relaxation, and others more suited to those who want an adrenaline-filled adventure.
Best Things to Do in Palawan, Philippines
Underground caves in Palawan image credit
The best things to do in Palawan aren’t just the beaches; you can go exploring through its forests or find a deserted island for some solitude. Every corner of this province is teeming with natural wonder waiting to be discovered by travelers seeking an adventure that’s out of the ordinary without veering too far from the beaten path.
Do try the following activities:
- Hiking through the mountains of Palawan. The mountain ranges are home to an incredible array of species and ecosystems, as well as some spectacular views. Choose from one of many trails that will take you on a trek – some just for beginners or more difficult routes (with steep climbs)
- Biking all around Palawan’s many picturesque towns
- Snorkeling and diving in the number of world-class dive sites found all across Palawan. Not only will you be able to explore around popular coastal areas, but also head out into some secret underwater treasures
Best Beaches in Palawan, Philippines
The best beaches are usually the ones that have white sand and turquoise water. These include El Nido Pangulasian Beach; Puerto Princesa Coral Reef Beach and Nacpan Beach.
Other amazing beaches are Nagtabon Beach, Long Beach, Sabang Beach, Seven Commandos Beach, and Las Cabanas Beach. You can’t go wrong with any of them!
Best Places in Palawan, Philippines
El Nido
The best places to go in Palawan are Coron, El Nido and Sabang which you can reach by boat or plane. They’re also beautiful destinations for those who want to find out more about its native people and culture; with attractions like lagoons, lakes, waterfalls, caves, and beaches.
You can also join tours for a guided tour of the island.
Best Things to Eat in Palawan, Philippines
The best things to eat in Palawan are seafood dishes like grilled or fried shrimp, prawns sisig, mussels with garlic sauce; varieties of fish soups – sinuglaw (squid soup), kinilaw na isda (raw fish) with coconut vinegar and sugar cane juice — and fresh local fruits like mangoes, rambutans and sapotes.
How to Get to Palawan, Philippines
There are several ways to travel to Palawan:
- By Plane
One way is by air from Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). There are many airlines that fly from NAIA, including Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific Air. Flights take approximately three hours depending on the time of day you depart and your destination airport.
- By Ferry
Another way to get to Palawan, Philippines is by ferry from Manila Bay. Ferries depart daily for Puerto Princesa City in Palawan.
- By Bus or Plane from Puerto Galera
The last way to travel to Palawan, Philippines is by bus or plane from Puerto Galera which takes about six hours depending on your departure time and mode of transportation.
