Picture yourself walking on beautiful white-sand beaches, swimming in clear blue waters, and exploring green tropical forests—Palawan, Philippines, is not just a place to visit; it’s a paradise ready to be explored.
Palawan Province covers 14,650 sq km and includes over 1,700 islands, marking the western border of the country. Moreover, with so many beautiful spots, it’s hard to choose just a few from the vast array of stunning attractions.
Palawan has only recently gained popularity among international tourists, initially attracting scuba divers from abroad. Today, places like El Nido, Coron, and Puerto Princesa are well-known among travelers, with many top attractions found in these three main destinations.
What are The Things to Do in Palawan?
Palawan, known as the Philippines‘ last frontier, is full of natural beauty and fun activities. Furthermore, if you love adventure or just want to relax in beautiful places, this island has something for everyone. With amazing beaches, clear waters, green jungles, and unique animals, here are the best things to do in Palawan that will make your trip unforgettable.
1. El Nido Marine Reserve Park
El Nido Marine Reserve Park is famous for its limestone cliffs, 50 beaches, 3 main marine habitats, 5 types of forests, and rich wildlife, including over 20 species found only there.
Located in a town on the northeastern tip of Palawan Island, this iconic reserve is about 240 km from Puerto Princesa, the province’s capital. The name “El Nido,” which means “the nest” in Spanish, comes from the sea turtles that often come to nest on its protected beaches.
2. Puerto Princesa Subterranean River
The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is a beautiful natural area about 50 km north of Puerto Princesa City, in the St. Paul Mountain Range. It has the world’s longest underground river that you can navigate and one of the most impressive cave systems globally.
The park is on Palawan’s northern coast, near St. Paul Bay and the Babuyan River. It became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999 and is one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World. The park protects an amazing cave system, stunning rock formations, a lovely tropical rainforest, and incredible native wildlife.
3. The Shipwrecks of Coron Bay
The shipwrecks of Coron Bay in Palawan are amazing spots for diving and snorkeling. There are 12 sunken ships from World War II at the bottom of the ocean, all sunk by US Navy planes attacking the Japanese Navy in September 1944. These wrecks lie at depths between 10 and 30 meters, making them accessible for recreational divers.
The area has diving and snorkeling sites for all skill levels, from advanced dives to shallow spots for beginners. A popular attraction here is the remains of a Japanese supply fleet, including a large refrigeration ship that weighs 9,723 tons and is 146.9 meters long.
4. Calauit Safari Park
Calauit Safari Park is a game reserve and wildlife sanctuary on a 3,700-hectare island near the coast of Palawan. Established in 1976, it was the first safari park in the Philippines. It is home to many African animals and local Philippine birds and animals.
When you visit the island, you can see waterbucks, deer, crocodiles, monkeys, zebras, and other wildlife. Even though these animals come from Africa, they live comfortably here because the climate is similar to Kenya’s.
5. Barracuda Lake
Barracuda Lake is a beautiful place with emerald-green waters and impressive limestone rocks all around.Located on the northwest coast of Coron Island, it is not only a beautiful place to visit but also one of the most unique dive sites in the area.
Reaching the lake requires a bit of effort: a 30-minute steep walk is needed. If you manage to carry your diving gear, including a tank, you’ll find the experience well worth it.
6. Tubbataha Reef National Park
Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park has some of the world’s most unique and beautiful coral reefs. This marine preserve includes the Tubbataha atoll coral reef and is home to many endangered marine species. It was made a marine park in 1988 and became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993.
The marine park is about 160 km southwest of Cagayancillo, in the middle of the Sulu Sea. It’s also about the same distance southeast of Puerto Princesa City, which is where most dive boats to Tubbataha start from.
The reef in the marine park started forming thousands of years ago from the volcanic islands along the Cagayan Ridge. Over time, the volcanoes became inactive, and the islands sank into the ocean. Now, only the corals remain, growing upward toward the sunlight.
7. El Nido’s Small and Big Lagoons
El Nido’s Small and Big Lagoons are located next to each other on the northern coast of Miniloc Island. Known for its stunning limestone cliffs that rise from bright turquoise waters, El Nido offers some of the best views in the Philippines, especially from these lagoons.
Sea kayaking and snorkeling are the main activities here. These two lagoons are part of the most popular island-hopping day trips, and it takes about 20 minutes to get there from El Nido’s main town.
8. Nacpan and Calitang
Nacpan and Calitang (Twin Beaches) are at the northern tip of El Nido Bay, about 15 km north of El Nido’s main town.They are often part of day trips, but you can also get there by tricycle or by renting a scooter. Be aware that the road is dirt and can be very muddy after rain, so drive carefully.
Nacpan is about 3 km long, and Calitang is around 500 meters. The Twin Beaches meet at a small cape, creating a viewpoint where you can see both beaches and the Bolog Islands, two small rocks sticking out of the sea near the cape.
9. Tabon Caves
Tabon Caves are a group of over 200 caves, but only 29 have been explored, and several are open to the public. Known as the “Philippines’ Cradle of Civilization,” these caves are where the oldest human bones in the country, dating back 22,000 years, were found.
Declared a National Cultural Treasure in 2011, you can visit the caves on scenic tours from Quezon, the nearest town. The caves are located at the tip of Lipuun Point, between Nakoda and Malanut Bays in the southern part of Palawan Island.
10. Kayangan Lake in Palawan
Kayangan Lake in Coron is a clear freshwater lake with underwater rock formations, caves, and small islands. It’s very popular with photographers and is known as the cleanest lake in the Philippines. The water is so clear that you can often see up to 10 meters deep, allowing even non-swimmers to see the rock formations from around the lake.
You can swim, snorkel, and dive in Kayangan Lake and hike up the mountain for great views. Keen hikers with a guide can also visit a cave at the top, though it might not be open to enter.
Swimmers wanting to jump into the lake should ask guides for the safest spots because there are sharp rocks under the water. Also, keep in mind that the super-fresh water makes it harder to float compared to the sea.
Enhance Your Palawan Adventure
Knowing the top 10 things to do in Palawan, Philippines, is essential for maximizing your travel experience and ensuring you don’t miss out on the island’s best attractions. Seeking assistance from professionals like Sam SEO Philippines about these activities is important because they can provide expert guidance, insider tips, and help with planning and logistics, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable trip.
Final Thoughts
Palawan has many amazing things to see and do, from beautiful natural sights to exciting wildlife encounters. Moreover, you can explore the underwater wonders of Coron Bay, hike through the lagoons of El Nido, or visit the historic Tabon Caves. However, there’s something for everyone in Palawan. To make the most of your visit, plan your trip carefully to enjoy all the incredible experiences this stunning island has to offer.
FAQs
What is Palawan best known for?
Palawan is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and diverse marine life. Additionally, highlights include the Puerto Princesa Underground River, El Nido’s limestone cliffs and hidden lagoons, and the pristine coral reefs of Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park.
How many days in Palawan is enough?
To fully enjoy Palawan, a stay of about 7 to 10 days is recommended. Furthermore, this allows time to explore major attractions like El Nido, Coron, Puerto Princesa, and some of the beautiful islands and beaches.
What is the most visited in Palawan?
The most visited places in Palawan are El Nido and the Puerto Princesa Underground River. Moreover, El Nido is popular for its stunning island-hopping tours, while the Underground River is known for its unique cave system and subterranean river.
Which is better, Palawan or Boracay?
Palawan and Boracay offer different experiences. Furthermore, Palawan is better for nature lovers who enjoy exploring caves, lagoons, and diving spots. It’s more laid-back and offers a variety of natural attractions. However, Boracay, on the other hand, is famous for its vibrant nightlife, white sandy beaches, and water sports. It’s ideal for those looking for a lively beach atmosphere.