Why Palawan Is the Philippines' Crown Jewel
Consistently ranked among the world's best islands, Palawan is a province that needs no introduction — yet it still manages to surprise every visitor who arrives. Stretching over 1,700 kilometers of coastline, this long, narrow island in the western Philippines is home to dramatic limestone karsts, crystal-clear lagoons, and some of the most biodiverse marine ecosystems on the planet.
Whether you're planning a luxury resort escape or a budget backpacker adventure, this guide covers everything you need to know to make the most of your Palawan trip.
Main Destinations in Palawan
El Nido
El Nido is the gateway to the Bacuit Archipelago — a cluster of over 45 islands packed with hidden lagoons, white sand beaches, and towering limestone cliffs. Island hopping tours (labeled Tour A through Tour D) are the primary way to explore the area.
- Tour A – The most popular: Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, and Shimizu Island
- Tour B – Snorkeling-focused with Cathedral Cave and Entalula Beach
- Tour C – Longer route covering Secret Beach and Helicopter Island
- Tour D – Cadlao Lagoon and nature-heavy landscapes
Coron
Coron in northern Palawan is a wreck diver's paradise. Dozens of Japanese WWII shipwrecks lie in its waters, now covered in coral and marine life. Beyond diving, Coron town offers stunning lakes — particularly Kayangan Lake, often cited as one of Asia's clearest lakes — plus twin lagoons and scenic viewpoints.
Puerto Princesa
The provincial capital serves as the main entry point to Palawan. Its star attraction is the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. The underground river winds through a massive cave system before emptying into the sea.
Best Time to Visit Palawan
Palawan's peak season runs from November to May, when skies are dry and seas are calm — ideal for island hopping and diving. The wet season (June to October) brings heavier rains and rougher seas, though you'll find far fewer tourists and lower prices.
| Month | Weather | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov – Feb | Dry, mild | High | Peak rates |
| Mar – May | Hot, dry | Very high | Peak rates |
| Jun – Oct | Rainy | Low | Budget-friendly |
Getting to Palawan
The easiest way to reach Palawan is by flying into Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS) from Manila or Cebu. Several budget carriers including Cebu Pacific and AirAsia operate daily flights. Travel time from Manila is approximately one hour.
For El Nido, there is also a smaller airport at Lio that accepts flights directly from Manila — cutting out the need for a long van ride from Puerto Princesa.
Practical Tips for Visiting Palawan
- Book accommodations early — El Nido and Coron fill up quickly during peak season.
- Bring cash — ATMs in El Nido and Coron can run out of money during busy periods.
- Respect environmental fees — Palawan has entrance and conservation fees at most natural sites.
- Hire licensed guides for diving and trekking activities.
- Pack reef-safe sunscreen — many areas ban chemical sunscreens to protect coral reefs.
Budget Expectations
Palawan can suit a range of budgets. Backpackers can get by on ₱1,500–₱2,500 per day staying in hostels and joining shared island hopping tours. Mid-range travelers spending on comfortable guesthouses and private tours should budget ₱3,500–₱6,000 per day. Luxury resorts like those on Lagen Island or Miniloc Island operate on their own pricing tiers.
No matter your budget, Palawan offers an experience that's genuinely hard to match anywhere in the world.