Why Palawan is the Philippines' Crown Jewel
Palawan has earned countless "Best Island in the World" titles — and for good reason. Stretching over 1,700 islands and islets, this province in the western Philippines offers some of the most dramatic scenery you'll find anywhere: towering limestone karsts rising from electric-blue water, hidden lagoons accessible only by kayak, and coral reefs teeming with marine life.
Whether you're drawn to the luxury resorts of El Nido, the shipwreck diving of Coron, or the UNESCO-listed Underground River in Puerto Princesa, Palawan delivers a travel experience that stays with you forever.
Top Destinations Within Palawan
Coron — Wreck Diving & Lagoons
Coron is famous for its Japanese shipwrecks from WWII — a paradise for divers. But even non-divers are stunned by the scenery: the Twin Lagoon (two connected lagoons at different water temperatures), Kayangan Lake (one of the cleanest lakes in Asia), and Barracuda Lake with its remarkable thermocline.
- Twin Lagoon — swim between two lagoons separated by a limestone cliff
- Kayangan Lake — crystal-clear freshwater lake perched above the sea
- Skeleton Wreck — iconic above-water wreck perfect for snorkeling
- Coron Town — colorful market, local restaurants, and sunset views
El Nido — Island Hopping Paradise
El Nido is Palawan's most iconic destination — a town flanked by massive limestone cliffs and surrounded by some of the most beautiful island hopping routes in the world. Tour A, B, C, and D each visit different islands, lagoons, beaches, and snorkeling spots.
- Big Lagoon & Small Lagoon — must-do kayak adventures
- Secret Beach — hidden cove only accessible by swimming through a rock gap
- Nacpan Beach — 4km of pristine white sand, often empty
- Matinloc Island — stunning beach and chapel views
Puerto Princesa — The Urban Gateway
The capital of Palawan, Puerto Princesa is home to the UNESCO-listed Puerto Princesa Subterranean River — an 8.2km navigable underground river through a spectacular cave system. The city also offers excellent dining, a clean environment, and is the main gateway to both Coron and El Nido.
Pro tip: El Nido and Coron are 4-6 hours apart by ferry — or just 45 minutes by small plane. Consider the island hopper flight that stops in both for a scenic experience.
Best Time to Visit
The dry season runs from November to May, with the peak months being December to April. The sea is calmest, skies are clear, and island hopping conditions are ideal. June to October is the wet season — some tours may be cancelled due to rough seas, but prices drop significantly and crowds are minimal.
Getting There
Flights from Manila operate daily to Puerto Princesa (1 hour), Coron/Busuanga (1 hour), and El Nido (1.5 hours). Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, and AirAsia all service these routes. We can book your flights, arrange airport transfers, and set up multi-destination itineraries combining two or more areas of Palawan.
Travel Tips
- Bring cash — ATMs are limited in El Nido and Coron
- Pack reef-safe sunscreen to protect the coral reefs
- Book island hopping tours in advance during peak season (Dec–Mar)
- Bring a dry bag for your electronics on boat tours
- No visa required for Filipinos traveling domestically