Palawan, a slender island province stretching southwest from the main Philippine archipelago, is a veritable Eden, a sanctuary of natural wonders that captivates travelers from across the globe. Renowned for its dramatic landscapes, where towering karst cliffs plunge into crystalline turquoise waters, Palawan stands as a premier resort destination within the Philippines, easily accessible with an 80-minute flight from the bustling capital of Manila. This idyllic island offers a treasure trove of experiences, from exploring pristine beaches and mysterious caves to venturing into lush jungles and engaging with local communities, savoring authentic Filipino cuisine, enjoying free-flowing beverages, and reveling in warm hospitality. Palawan promises unforgettable adventures both on land and at sea.
Let’s embark on a journey to discover ten remarkable activities that make Palawan a must-visit destination:
1. Swim in Kayangan Lake
Nestled on Coron Island, off the northern tip of Palawan, lies Kayangan Lake, a body of water celebrated for its exceptional clarity and purity. Often lauded as having some of the cleanest waters in the entire Philippines – a nation already famous for its pristine lakes and lagoons – Kayangan Lake is a sight to behold. Reaching this aquatic paradise requires a short but invigorating trek up a steep wooden staircase that winds its way through the island’s dense jungle. The ascent is rewarded not only by the refreshing embrace of the lake’s cool waters but also by the breathtaking panoramic vista that unfolds from one of Palawan’s most iconic viewpoints. From this vantage point, visitors can marvel at the stunning bay that separates Coron Island from Busuanga Island, a view that perfectly encapsulates the beauty of the region. Swimming in Kayangan Lake is not just a dip in the water; it’s an immersion into nature’s masterpiece. The lake’s surreal clarity allows you to witness the underwater world with unparalleled visibility. This unique experience is readily available through guided group tours or private excursions.
Address: Kayangan Lake, Coron, Palawan, Philippines
2. Catch the Sunset on Nacpan Beach
Palawan is blessed with numerous locations that offer spectacular sunset views, but Nacpan Beach stands out as a truly exceptional spot to witness this daily spectacle. Located a short distance from El Nido, the main town in northern Palawan, this nearly two-mile stretch of coastline is fringed with swaying palm trees and distinguished by a captivating sandbar that curves gracefully into the sea, culminating in two picturesque hills. The beach’s expansive shoreline and relatively secluded location provide an ideal setting for quiet contemplation as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky with vibrant hues of orange, pink, and purple. While many visitors opt for a day trip to Nacpan Beach, an increasingly popular option is to extend the experience by spending a night at the glamping resort located directly on the beach. The resort offers the allure of luxury in the form of air-conditioned tents, allowing you to fall asleep to the soothing sounds of the ocean.
Address: Nacpan Beach, Philippines
3. Sail to El Nido’s Secret Beaches
Across the shimmering waters from El Nido, on Palawan’s northernmost edge, lies Bacuit Bay, a scattering of limestone islands that beckon with the promise of exploration and discovery. This region of Palawan is tailor-made for island hopping, an activity that allows you to uncover hidden lagoons, secluded beaches, and dramatic rock formations. Numerous tour operators offer boat rentals, complete with experienced guides who are eager to share their knowledge of the bay’s hidden gems. These motorized outrigger boats, known locally as banca, can be easily chartered from various providers throughout El Nido. Whether you’re staying in a budget-friendly hostel or a luxurious resort, your accommodation can likely arrange a boat for hire or recommend a reputable operator. A highlight of island hopping in Bacuit Bay is kayaking through the Big and Small Lagoons on Miniloc Island, where you can paddle through narrow passages and admire the towering limestone cliffs that surround you. Another unforgettable experience is swimming through a narrow opening in the rock face to discover Matinloc Island’s Secret Beach, a hidden cove that feels like a world apart.
Address: Bacuit Bay, Philippines
4. Explore the World’s Longest Navigable Underground River
Venture into the depths of the earth at the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that encompasses over 22,000 hectares of pristine rainforest and dramatic karst landscapes. Here, you’ll find the Cabayugan River, which flows down from the Saint Paul mountain range before disappearing into a vast cave system, the park’s main attraction. Reaching the park requires a bus and boat journey from Puerto Princesa. Due to the limited number of tour slots available, it’s highly recommended to book your tour in advance through a local travel agency. The underground section of the Cabayugan River stretches for an impressive five miles, but only about half of this length is navigable by boat. Aboard a paddle-powered outrigger boat, you can glide into the cave’s mouth and journey approximately one mile into the grotto’s interior. Along the way, marvel at the intricately sculpted limestone formations that adorn the cave walls and ceilings, and keep an eye out for the bats and birds that call these inner chambers home.
Address: Cabayugan River, Leyte, Philippines
5. Spot the Philippines’ Rarest Birds
Palawan is a haven for birdwatchers, a crucial stopover for migratory birds traversing the East-Asian Australasian Flyway (EAAF). This flyway, which stretches from the Arctic Circle to New Zealand, sees over 170 species of migratory birds seeking refuge from the cold weather at either pole, with Palawan providing a welcome rest stop. Palawan also boasts 15 endemic bird species found nowhere else in the world, including the majestic Palawan hornbill (Anthracoceros marchei), the elusive Palawan scops-owl (Otus fuliginosus), and the cave-dwelling Palawan swiftlet (Aerodramus palawanensis). Whether you’re exploring the northern reaches of the island or the southern coast, you’re never far from some of the Philippines’ best birdwatching sites.
6. Go Wreck-Diving in Coron Bay
Coron Bay offers a unique diving experience for enthusiasts of all levels, featuring a collection of six shipwrecks dating back to 1944 and World War II. These submerged vessels provide a fascinating glimpse into history, offering both beginner and experienced divers the chance to explore a lost world beneath the waves. Novice divers can glide along the ships’ exteriors, admiring the coral-encrusted cranes, portholes, and armaments that have become havens for marine life. More experienced wreck divers can venture into the ships’ interiors, navigating through abandoned engine rooms, encountering scattered personal effects, and discovering bomb holes that open into the deep. The wrecks in Coron Bay range in depth from 10 feet to 140 feet, with an average depth of 60 to 80 feet. Motorized outrigger boats, known as banca, transport divers from Busuanga Island to the wrecks, which are conveniently clustered close together. You can easily spend several days exploring these shipwrecks, encountering a diverse array of marine life, including yellowfin tuna, groupers, scorpionfish, and sea turtles.
Address: Coron Bay, Philippines
7. Eat, Drink & Be Merry in Puerto Princesa
Puerto Princesa, the capital city of Palawan, is often treated as a mere stopover by travelers eager to reach El Nido or Port Barton. However, this vibrant city offers a wealth of culinary delights and entertainment options that are well worth exploring. Two of the city’s most popular restaurants showcase Filipino cuisine with distinct atmospheres. Kinabuch is an open-air restaurant and bar serving traditional Filipino dishes alongside local beer. Kalui Restaurant features Filipino art and a more artistic ambiance. After a satisfying meal, head to Palaweño Brewery for a selection of craft beers, and the bartenders are ready to serve you a flight of their current beers on tap!
8. Guard Against Invaders at Taytay Fort
Taytay Fort, known locally as Fuerza de Santa Isabel, stands as a testament to Palawan’s rich history. Constructed by the Spanish in the early 1700s, this coral and limestone fortress was built to defend the town of Taytay against pirates and slave raiders who frequented the region’s waters. The fort’s strategic location on an outcropping overlooking Taytay Bay allowed defenders to effectively repel invaders with cannon fire. Visitors can ascend the fort’s upper levels and discover a small park with benches and dormant cannons, offering panoramic views of Taytay Bay and a glimpse into the island’s past.
Address: RGH9+93M, Taytay, Palawan, Philippines
Phone: +63 930 241 8588
9. Go on an African Safari at Calauit Island
Calauit Island offers a surreal experience, a unique African safari in the heart of the Philippines. In 1976, then-President Ferdinand Marcos, in an unusual conservation effort, relocated several African animals, including giraffes, zebras, and antelopes, to Calauit Island. These animals have thrived on the island, coexisting with local species such as the Calamian deer and wild boar. Visitors can explore established trails and feeding stations to observe these African transplants in their adopted home. A safari to Calauit Island can be arranged from Coron, with many hotels and resorts partnering with tour agencies to provide this unique experience.
Address: Calauit Island, Busuanga, Philippines
10. Explore a Prison Without Walls at Iwahig
Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm, established in 1902 during the American colonial period, offers a unique perspective on incarceration and rehabilitation. Unlike traditional prisons, Iwahig is an open-air facility spread across over 20,000 acres. Inmates can choose to work on their own farms or create products to sell to tourists. Family members are even allowed to live with them. A merit system allows prisoners to earn points and profits towards their release. The tourist experience includes a dance routine performed by select inmates and a visit to a graceful old building—formerly a recreational center for prisoners—that now showcases the prisoners’ handiwork for sale.
Palawan, with its diverse landscapes and unique experiences, truly is a paradise waiting to be explored.
Address: PMV6+FMF Bgy, Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines
The island of Palawan provides you with many unforgettable experiences.
