Must See Places in Palawan, Philippines
Palawan, the largest province of the Philippines. Known as Philippines’ Last Frontier and a world famous tourist destination. Among the places I’ve visited in the Philippines, Palawan is my favorite place.
Palawan consist of the main Palawan Island plus several group of islands. The Calamianes Group of Islands north of Palawan Island, from south is Balabac Islands and Kalayaan group of islands from the west.
It is easier to visit Palawan more than ever but it is still difficult to explore Palawan as a whole. Also, it would be a waste to do it in one go with a tight schedule. Unless you’ll spend several weeks to cover everything, best to schedule several visit in this paradise.
To guide you, here’s the breakdown of the must see places in Palawan:
Puerto Princesa
My love for Palawan started when I visited Puerto Princesa, the capital city of Palawan, more than a decade ago. Situated in the middle of Palawan Island, this is the Eco-Tourism Center of the Philippines.
Home of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River.
The one thing I noticed in Puerto Princesa is their focus on Sustainable Tourism. They really put effort in preserving the natural attractions. This made an impact on me as a person and changed my perspective on travel.
Recommendation: Ka Lui is a must-try restaurant in Puerto Princesa.
Tip: Aside from The Underground River, Puerto Princesa is the jump-off point if you want to visit Tubbataha Reef.
2. El Nido
The 2nd town I’ve visited in Palawan more than a decade ago was El Nido. Famous for its hidden lagoons and unspoiled beaches with gigantic limestone karsts. Situated at the northern-most part of Palawan Island, El Nido was inaccessible and still under the radar during that time. Now, with direct and affordable flights, it is easier to visit this paradise.
Yes, there are high end resorts in El Nido but you have the option to stay in some budget-friendly accommodation in the town proper. Some do have a view of the El Nido Bay.
El Nido has some of the most beautiful landscapes and seascapes you’ll see. Like the iconic Big and Small lagoon, powdery cream sand of Nacpan Beach and the gatorade blue water of Cadlao lagoon to name a few.
El Nido is still my top Palawan destination.
Recommendation: Big and Small Lagoon, Nacpan Beach, Secret Beach and Cadlao Lagoon
Tip: If you have extra money to spend, rent the whole boat for the island hopping tours.
Here’s a detailed guide to El Nido, Palawan
CHECK OUT THE FULL VLOG HERE
3. Coron
The 3rd on the list which I visited 3 times already is Coron, Palawan. Part of the Calamianes Group of Island just north of El Nido. Coron is known as a world class dive site because of the Japanese shipwrecks scattered in the area and a rich marine biodiversity.
The most photographed spot in Coron is at the entrance of Kayangan Lake.
Some shipwrecks needs a diving gear but some is in shallow waters.
Coron, Palawan also offers secluded islands and beaches.
Recommendation: Japanese shipwrecks and Coral Garden
Tip: Want to see a little bit of Africa, spend a day in Calauit Safari Park. Here giraffes, zebras and local wildlife roam free.
4. San Vicente
San Vicente, Palawan is a laid-back coastal town just north of Puerto Princesa. San Vicente, Palawan is known as the longest beach of the Philippines.
Still under-the-radar, this gem offers attractions that are at par with El Nido and Coron.
I think this is the clearest water I’ve seen.
Recommendation: Port Barton is a town in the northern part of San Vicente, you can rent a motorbike to visit Port Barton or do a Port Barton island hopping tour straight from Poblacion. You should try the Boayan Island hopping tour of San Vicente.
Tip: San Vicente is a surf spot and a hatching ground of sea turtles.
Here’s a detailed guide to San Vicente, Palawan
CHECK OUT THE FULL VIDEO HERE
This is just based from my experience. I haven’t covered all of Palawan yet. If you have any recommendations, let me know in the comment section.
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This is the must see places of Palawan, Philippines.