Top Things to Do in Palawan – Beaches, Lagoons, and Hidden Wonders

Welcome to Palawan, the Philippines’ very own slice of paradise and often dubbed as the “Last Frontier” of Southeast Asia. With its pristine beaches, emerald lagoons, dramatic limestone cliffs, and world-class diving sites, Palawan is frequently ranked among the most beautiful islands in the world.
 

As your travel guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from how to get there, where to go, what to eat, and how to make the most of your tropical escape. Whether you’re seeking adventure, romance, solitude, or nature, Palawan promises an unforgettable experience.

📍 Where is Palawan?

Location: Western Philippines, between Mindoro and Borneo

Main Cities: Puerto Princesa (capital), El Nido, Coron, and San Vicente

Highlights: Underground River, El Nido lagoons, Coron shipwrecks, Port Barton, Balabac Islands

Palawan is an archipelagic province made up of the main Palawan Island and over 1,700 smaller islands and islets.

✈️ How to Get to Palawan

By Air:

Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS) – Gateway to central and southern Palawan

El Nido Airport (ENI) – Direct flights from Manila and Cebu via AirSwift

Busuanga Airport (USU) – For Coron

San Vicente Airport (SWL) – For Port Barton and San Vicente

🛬 Manila to Puerto Princesa: ~1.5 hours
🛬 Manila to Coron (Busuanga): ~1 hour

🕒 Best Time to Visit Palawan

🌟 March to May is ideal for sun, sea, and snorkeling.

🏝️ Top Destinations in Palawan

1. El Nido: Hidden Lagoons & Dramatic Scenery

Big Lagoon & Small Lagoon – Kayak through limestone formations

Secret Beach – Hidden cove accessed through a rock slit

Shimizu Island – Snorkeling and coral viewing

Seven Commandos Beach – Great for lounging and beach volleyball

🏨 Popular for backpackers and luxury seekers alike
🚤 Island-hopping tours (A, B, C, D) are must-dos

2. Coron: Shipwreck Diving & Turquoise Lakes

Kayangan Lake – Cleanest lake in the Philippines, crystal clear

Barracuda Lake – Unique thermocline diving experience

Twin Lagoon – Hidden lagoon accessible at low tide

Japanese Shipwrecks – WWII wreck diving hotspot

🏝️ Ideal for divers, nature lovers, and photographers
⛵ Join Coron Island hopping and wreck diving tours

3. Puerto Princesa: Gateway City with Natural Wonders

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River – UNESCO World Heritage Site

Honda Bay – Island-hopping to Starfish Island, Luli Island

Baker’s Hill & Mitra’s Ranch – Family-friendly stops

Iwahig Firefly Watching – Unique night-time experience

📍 Best for first-time visitors and nature enthusiasts

4. Port Barton: Quiet Escape in Northern Palawan

German Island & Exotic Island – Less-crowded beaches

Twin Reef & Aquarium Reef – Snorkeling and marine life

Bigaho Falls – Jungle waterfall hike

🚐 3–4 hours from Puerto Princesa
🌿 Laid-back, perfect for off-grid travelers

5. Balabac Islands: The Ultimate Tropical Getaway

Onuk Island, Candaraman Island – Virgin white sand and crystal-clear water

Sandbars & Starfish-strewn beaches

Home to sea turtles and migratory birds

🚤 Requires multiple boat transfers; ideal for explorers
🛏️ Basic accommodations—true island life

🏨 Where to Stay in Palawan

El Nido:

Budget: Spin Hostel, Frendz Hostel

Mid-range: Cuna Hotel, Cadlao Resort

Luxury: Pangulasian Island, Cauayan Island Resort

Coron:

Budget: Hop Hostel, Seahorse Guesthouse

Mid-range: Coron Soleil Garden, Bacau Bay Resort

Luxury: Two Seasons Coron Island, Club Paradise

Puerto Princesa:

Budget: Green Turtle Backpackers

Mid-range: Aziza Paradise, Hue Hotel

Luxury: Princesa Garden Island Resort

🍽️ What to Eat in Palawan

Must-Try Dishes:

Tamilok – Woodworm delicacy served kinilaw-style

Crocodile Sisig – Local specialty

Seafood – Grilled fish, squid, crab, and prawns

Chao Long – Vietnamese noodle dish from local immigrants

Cashew nuts – Locally harvested

Popular Restaurants:

🎒 Top Activities in Palawan

Island hopping in El Nido, Coron, Honda Bay

Diving wrecks and reefs in Coron

Caving and paddle tours in the Underground River

Kayaking in lagoons

Motorbike rides through jungle and villages

Beach camping and star-gazing

🧭 Sample 5-Day Palawan Itinerary

Day 1: Puerto Princesa Arrival

Visit Baker’s Hill, Mitra’s Ranch

Firefly watching tour at night

Day 2: Underground River Tour

Morning: Subterranean River cruise

Afternoon: Honda Bay island hopping

Day 3: Travel to El Nido

Scenic land transfer (5–6 hours)

Sunset at Las Cabanas Beach

Day 4: El Nido Tour A

Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island

Kayaking, snorkeling, beach picnic

Day 5: El Nido Tour C

Secret Beach, Hidden Beach, Matinloc Shrine

Return to Puerto Princesa or fly from El Nido

🧳 What to Pack

Reef-safe sunscreen

Rash guard/swimwear

Waterproof dry bag

Mosquito repellent

Snorkel mask (optional)

Sandals and aqua shoes

Light, breathable clothing

💡 Travel Tips

Cash is king – Many islands have no ATMs

Bring eco-friendly toiletries (many areas use septic systems)

Internet and mobile signal can be weak in remote areas

Respect marine life—do not touch coral or turtles

Book flights and tours early, especially in peak months

🌿 Responsible Travel in Palawan

Say no to single-use plastic; bring your own water bottle

Choose tour operators that protect the reefs and wildlife

Stay on marked trails and respect indigenous communities

Avoid feeding wildlife

Leave no trace at beaches and campsites

💬 Final Thoughts: Why Visit Palawan?

Palawan is more than a tropical escape—it's an adventure into raw nature, timeless traditions, and island serenity. Whether you’re diving in sunken WWII wrecks, kayaking through turquoise lagoons, or simply relaxing under coconut trees, Palawan captures the soul of the Philippines.

It’s a place that invites you to disconnect from the noise and reconnect with the earth, the sea, and the self. If you seek beauty, adventure, and wonder, Palawan awaits.