Things to Do in Palawan, Philippines

Palawan, often called the 'Last Frontier' of the Philippines, is a stunning archipelago province stretching between the South China Sea and the Sulu Sea. This pristine paradise is home to some of the world's most spectacular natural wonders, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, crystal-clear lagoons of El Nido, and the remote limestone karsts of Coron. With over 1,700 islands and islets, Palawan offers an unparalleled combination of white sand beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and lush tropical forests. The province serves as a gateway to some of Southeast Asia's most untouched marine ecosystems, making it a premier destination for diving, snorkeling, and island hopping. From the bustling capital of Puerto Princesa to the laid-back fishing villages scattered across remote islands, Palawan provides experiences ranging from luxury resort relaxation to adventurous jungle trekking and world-class underwater exploration.

Top Things to Do in Palawan

Island Hopping in El Nido

Explore the breathtaking limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, and pristine beaches of Bacuit Archipelago through various island hopping tours. Visit iconic spots like Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, and Snake Island while snorkeling in crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life. The dramatic karst formations and turquoise waters create some of the most photographed seascapes in the world.

Booking Tip: Book Tours A, B, C, or D (₱1,200-1,800 each) through accredited operators in El Nido town. Best visited during dry season (November-May) with early morning departures to avoid crowds. Look for operators with good safety records and environmental practices.

Underground River Tour

Navigate through the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring an 8.2-kilometer underground river system flowing through spectacular limestone caves. Marvel at impressive rock formations, stalactites, and stalagmites while learning about the unique ecosystem that includes bats, swiftlets, and other cave-dwelling species. The tour includes a scenic boat ride through mangrove forests before entering the cave.

Booking Tip: Advance booking required through Puerto Princesa city tourism office or authorized agents (₱2,500-3,500 per person). Limited to 900 visitors daily, so book 2-3 days ahead during peak season. Tour includes transfers from Puerto Princesa city.

Coron Wreck Diving

Dive into history exploring World War II Japanese shipwrecks in Coron Bay, considered one of the world's best wreck diving destinations. Discover well-preserved vessels like the Okikawa Maru, Irako, and Skeleton Wreck, now transformed into artificial reefs teeming with colorful marine life. The clear waters and relatively shallow depths make these wrecks accessible to divers of various skill levels.

Booking Tip: Book with PADI-certified dive operators (₱3,500-4,500 per day including equipment). Best visibility April-June. Advanced Open Water certification recommended for deeper wrecks. Many operators offer wreck diving courses for beginners.

Kayangan Lake and Twin Lagoons

Experience Coron's famous freshwater lake known as the cleanest lake in the Philippines, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and lush vegetation. The journey includes a challenging hike rewarded by panoramic views and swimming in crystal-clear waters. Continue to the nearby Twin Lagoons, where you can swim between two connected lagoons with different water temperatures and salinity levels.

Booking Tip: Usually part of Coron island hopping tours (₱1,500-2,500). Bring water shoes for rocky areas and waterproof camera. Visit early morning for best lighting and fewer crowds. Environmental fee of ₱200 required.

Firefly Watching in Puerto Princesa

Embark on a magical evening cruise along the Iwahig River to witness thousands of fireflies illuminating mangrove trees like natural Christmas lights. This enchanting experience takes place in complete darkness, allowing you to fully appreciate the synchronized blinking patterns of these bioluminescent insects. The tour often includes a traditional Filipino dinner and cultural presentation.

Booking Tip: Evening tours cost ₱800-1,200 per person including dinner. Book during new moon phases for darkest skies and best firefly visibility. Tours run year-round but are weather-dependent. Avoid using flash photography or bright lights.

Getting There

Puerto Princesa Airport (PPS) serves as the main gateway to Palawan, with direct flights from Manila (1.5 hours), Cebu, Clark, and international connections from some Asian cities. Alternatively, fly into Busuanga Airport (USU) for direct access to Coron, or take domestic flights to El Nido Airport (ENI). Ferry services operate from Manila to Puerto Princesa (22 hours) via 2GO Travel, though flights are more practical for most travelers. From Puerto Princesa, overland travel to El Nido takes 5-6 hours by van or bus, while Coron requires a combination of land and sea transport or domestic flights.

Getting Around

Tricycles and habal-habal (motorcycle taxis) are the primary modes of local transport in towns, with jeepneys connecting nearby destinations. Van and bus services link major towns like Puerto Princesa to El Nido, Coron, and other destinations, though roads can be challenging and travel times lengthy. Island hopping and inter-island travel rely on bangka boats and ferries, with regular services between El Nido, Coron, and Puerto Princesa. Renting a motorcycle or hiring a private van with driver offers more flexibility for exploring, while many resorts provide airport transfers and tour transportation.

Where to Stay

El Nido Town Center

Nacpan Beach El Nido

Puerto Princesa City Center

Sabang Underground River Area

Coron Town

Busuanga Island Resorts

Food & Dining

Palawan's cuisine reflects its coastal location with abundant fresh seafood, including grilled fish, prawns, and the famous tamilok (woodworm) for adventurous eaters. El Nido and Coron offer diverse dining scenes with beachfront restaurants serving international cuisine alongside Filipino favorites like adobo, kinilaw (ceviche), and lechon. Puerto Princesa provides the widest variety of restaurants, from local carinderias (eateries) serving affordable Filipino meals to upscale establishments offering fusion cuisine. Don't miss trying fresh tropical fruits, coconut-based dishes, and the local specialty crocodile sisig in Puerto Princesa, while island restaurants often feature beach barbecues and fresh catch-of-the-day preparations.

When to Visit

The dry season from November to May offers the best weather conditions with minimal rainfall, calm seas ideal for island hopping, and excellent visibility for diving and snorkeling. March to May can be quite hot and is peak tourist season, so expect higher prices and crowded attractions. The shoulder months of November-February provide the most comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds while maintaining good weather conditions. The wet season (June-October) brings heavy rains, rough seas, and potential typhoons, though it's the most budget-friendly time with lower accommodation rates and fewer tourists, albeit with limited outdoor activities.

Insider Tips

Purchase the El Nido Environmental Fee (₱200) and Coron Environmental Fee (₱200) in advance online to skip queues and support conservation efforts

Bring reef-safe sunscreen as many tour operators and marine parks prohibit chemical sunscreens that damage coral reefs

Pack a dry bag for island hopping tours as boats can get wet, and bring your own snorkeling gear for better hygiene and fit

Things to Do in Palawan