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Palawan is a dream destination—where limestone cliffs tower over turquoise waters, secret lagoons hide behind rock formations, and powdery white sand beaches stretch for miles. Whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation, or cultural discoveries, this island paradise offers some of the best travel experiences in the Philippines.
From the world-famous El Nido beaches to the mystical caves of Tabon, here's your updated guide to the top Palawan tourist spots, plus travel tips on where to stay and how to get there.
Top Tourist Spots and Attractions in Palawan
Ready to pack your bags for your big Palawan trip? Here's the lowdown on the best places to visit:
1. Puerto Princesa
Puerto Princesa, the capital of Palawan, is likely your first stop when you arrive on the island. As the most urbanized city in the province, it offers a vibrant mix of restaurants, nightlife, and accommodations, making it a convenient base for exploring the rest of the island. Whether you're a history lover, nature enthusiast, or culture buff, Puerto Princesa has something for you.
What to Do
Start your trip with a boat tour of the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features a limestone cave system with an underground river that flows directly into the sea. It’s located about 80 kilometers north of the city center, and day tours are widely available.
To learn more about Palawan’s indigenous heritage, visit the Palawan Butterfly Ecological Garden and Tribal Village in Barangay Sta. Monica. Here, you can interact with butterflies, reptiles, and native tribes who demonstrate traditional crafts, music, and way of life.
If you’re up for outdoor thrills, head to Ugong Rock Adventures, located in Barangay Tagabinet, just a short drive from the underground river. You can climb inside a limestone karst formation, go spelunking through narrow caverns, and ziplining over forest canopies—perfect for adrenaline junkies.
Of course, Puerto Princesa also has its share of white-sand beaches, such as Nagtabon Beach and Pristine Beach—great for day trips and catching the sunset.
Understand Palawan’s past.
Beyond nature and adventure, Puerto Princesa is also rich in history. If you want to take a step back in time, head south to Tabon Caves in Quezon, about two hours from the city, followed by a boat ride. This cave system is known as the “Cradle of Philippine Civilization,” where archaeologists discovered Tabon Man, the oldest known human remains in the country. Inside, you’ll find prehistoric rock carvings and artifacts dating back thousands of years.
In the city proper, don’t miss the Palawan Heritage Center located along Fernandez Street, inside the Provincial Capitol Complex. This interactive museum features displays on Palawan’s indigenous groups, traditional tools, and early trade—a must-visit for history lovers and first-time visitors.
History buffs should visit Plaza Cuartel in downtown Puerto Princesa, just across from Immaculate Conception Cathedral. This former military garrison was the site of the 1944 Palawan Massacre, where over a hundred American prisoners of war were executed during WWII. Today, it stands as a peaceful memorial park, with stone ruins, plaques, and shaded benches that offer time to reflect on the city’s past.
How to get there: Ferry or direct flights from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to Puerto Princesa International Airport (approx. 1.5 hours) via Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and AirAsia.
Where to stay:
- Hue Hotels and Resorts Puerto Princesa, Puerto Princesa North Road, Brgy. San Miguel, Puerto Princesa City
- Aziza Paradise Hotel, BM Road, Brgy. San Manuel, Puerto Princesa City
- Canvas Boutique Hotel, Rizal Avenue Extension, Puerto Princesa City
2. Coron
Coron is one of the most breathtaking Palawan tourist spots, known for its dramatic limestone cliffs, crystal-clear lakes, and world-class diving sites. Whether you’re into hiking, snorkeling, or simply lounging on the beach, Coron has something for every traveler.
What to Do
Swim in Kayangan Lake, the cleanest lake in the Philippines, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and emerald-green waters. Before taking a dip, hike up to a breathtaking viewpoint for a panoramic view of the bay.
For a unique diving experience, explore Barracuda Lake, where the mix of freshwater and saltwater creates a surreal underwater thermocline. If you’re looking for a quieter escape, relax on Banul Beach, a secluded stretch of white sand perfect for a beach picnic.
Explore wrecks and swim in lakes.
Join a Coron island hopping tour, which includes stops at Kayangan Lake, Barracuda Lake, and Banul Beach. You can also visit Twin Lagoons, where you’ll swim through a narrow passage between limestone cliffs. For a touch of history, explore Coron’s WWII shipwreck diving sites, some of the best in Southeast Asia.
How to get there: Ferry or direct flights from NAIA to Francisco B. Reyes Airport (Busuanga Airport) (approx. 1 hour) via Cebu Pacific, PAL, and Sunlight Air.
Where to stay:
- Two Seasons Coron Island Resort & Spa, Malaroyroy Peninsula, Coron Island, Palawan
- The Funny Lion, Sitio Jolo, Barangay Poblacion 5, Coron Town
- MO2 Lagoon Coron, Sitio Dipulao, Brgy. Poblacion 6, Coron
3. El Nido
El Nido is Palawan’s most famous tourist destination, known for its dramatic limestone formations, hidden beaches, and vibrant nightlife. If Coron is for divers, El Nido is for those who want to island-hop, explore secret lagoons, and unwind on some of the best beaches in Palawan. The town has more resorts, restaurants, and nightlife options than Coron, making it a lively but sometimes crowded getaway.
What to Do
For a laid-back beach escape, head to Nacpan Beach, a 4-kilometer stretch of golden sand where you can sunbathe, swim, or sip on fresh coconut juice while enjoying the view. For something more secluded and adventurous, visit Hidden Beach, tucked away behind limestone cliffs—you’ll have to swim through a narrow passage to get there, but it’s worth it.
Check out secret beaches and more.
El Nido’s island hopping tours are a must—choose from four different tours, each featuring lagoons, secret beaches, and snorkeling spots, including Seven Commandos Beach. For those who want to explore inland, hike to Nagkalit-kalit Waterfalls, where you’ll pass through lush forests before reaching cascading pools. You can also try kayaking through the island’s caves and lagoons for a closer look at El Nido’s untouched natural beauty.
How to get there: Ferry or direct flights via AirSWIFT from NAIA Terminal 4 to Lio Airport, El Nido (1 hour 20 minutes). Alternatively, fly to Puerto Princesa, then travel 6 hours by van or bus.
Where to stay:
- El Nido Resorts, Miniloc Island, Lagen, Pangaluasian
- Cauayan Island Resort, Bacuit Bay, El Nido
- Spin Designer Hostel, Balinsasayaw Road, Barangay Maligaya, El Nido
4. San Vicente
Tucked between the popular destinations of El Nido and Puerto Princesa, San Vicente remains one of Palawan's most underrated tourist spots—but that's exactly what makes it special. With long stretches of untouched shoreline, friendly locals, and minimal crowds, San Vicente is perfect for travelers looking to slow down and soak in nature without the commercial buzz.
What to Do
The highlight here is Long Beach—the longest white sand beach in the Philippines, stretching 14 kilometers across several barangays. Despite its size, the beach remains peaceful and largely undeveloped, offering plenty of room for sunbathing, swimming, and sunset-watching.
Explore San Vicente.
Beyond the beach, San Vicente is an ideal base for island hopping and marine activities. Head to Port Barton, a small coastal village about an hour away, known for its laid-back charm and access to pristine coral reefs. From here, you can snorkel with sea turtles, kayak through mangroves, and visit beautiful island stops like German Island, Exotic Island, and Twin Reef.
For a bit of soft adventure, try hiking to Bigaho Falls, a scenic trail that ends with a refreshing waterfall and natural pool—perfect for cooling off after a walk through the jungle.
How to get there: Direct flights to San Vicente Airport (SWL) via Sunlight Air from Clark and NAIA Terminal 4.
Where to stay:
- Club Agutaya, Long Beach, Barangay San Isidro, San Vicente, Palawan
- Ausan Beach Front Cottages, Port Barton, San Vicente, Palawan
- Parrots Boutique Resort (Port Barton), Port Barton, San Vicente, Palawan
6 Tips to Keep in Mind When Traveling to Palawan
1. Bring cash.
ATMs and mobile payments like GCash aren’t always available, especially in places like Port Barton and San Vicente. Carry enough small bills in a waterproof pouch, especially when you’re island hopping.
2. Pack medical and dietary essentials.
Palawan is remote, and while towns have pharmacies and basic medical supplies, they may not carry the specific medications or specialty products you need.
3. Choose the right season.
If you’re after clear skies and calm seas, the dry season (March to May) is the best time to go. However, it’s also peak season, so expect bigger crowds and higher prices—especially in El Nido and Coron.
Prefer a more peaceful experience? The wet season (June to August) brings off-peak discounts and fewer tourists. You’ll trade sunshine for the possibility of rain showers, so be flexible with your itinerary.
Pro Tip: The months of January to early March often offer a nice balance of good weather and fewer crowds.
4. Prepare for power and signal loss.
Palawan’s natural beauty comes with some trade-offs. Electricity and mobile signal can be unstable, especially in more remote areas like Port Barton, San Vicente, and island resorts.
Bring a power bank (or two), and download offline maps, tickets, and reservations in advance. If you’re working remotely or need strong internet, double-check with your accommodation in Palawan before booking.
5. Plan, but stay flexible.
Book tours and lodging early, but leave room in your itinerary for spontaneous detours, quiet beaches, or a lazy afternoon nap.
6. Respect the locals and the environment.
Palawan is one of the cleanest and most eco-conscious provinces in the Philippines. Locals work hard to preserve its natural and cultural heritage, so follow posted guidelines at tourist sites, especially those involving marine life, wildlife, or indigenous communities.
Enjoying Palawan on Go
From its fascinating historical sites to its unparalleled beaches and waters, Palawan’s tourist spots offer something for everyone!
Of course, your trip to this tropical paradise will be more enjoyable with a reliable mobile connection—whether it’s for keeping in touch with family and friends or sharing your memorable Palawan moments on social media. International travelers can get Globe’s Traveler SIM, while locals can power their trip with the right Postpaid plan or Prepaid promo. What are you waiting for, go enjoy your fun in the sun!
