Palawan is a pristine island province in the western Philippines, often called the Philippines' Last Frontier for its untouched natural beauty. Home to the UNESCO-listed Puerto Princesa Subterranean River and the stunning limestone karst landscapes of El Nido and Coron, Palawan offers some of Southeast Asia's most dramatic scenery. Its turquoise lagoons, vibrant coral reefs, and white-sand beaches consistently earn it recognition as one of the world's best island destinations.
Top attractions
The most popular and significant attractions in Palawan.
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1
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature, this navigable underground river winds 8.2 km through a spectacular cave system before emptying into the sea. Visitors board small bangka boats guided by paddles through dramatic stalactite and stalagmite formations. Advance permits are required and tours must be booked through accredited operators.
Tip: Book permits at least 1 day in advance through the City Tourism Office or accredited operators · Arrive early to avoid crowds and afternoon closures · Bring insect repellent for the mangrove boardwalk
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2
El Nido Big Lagoon
Enclosed by soaring limestone karst cliffs, the Big Lagoon in El Nido is one of the most photographed locations in the Philippines. Accessible only by kayak or bangka boat at certain tides, the calm turquoise waters reflect the dramatic cliffs in surreal clarity. It is the crown jewel of Tour A island-hopping from El Nido.
Tip: Join Tour A from El Nido town for the full lagoon experience · Kayak rentals available at the entrance for independent exploration · High tide gives the best access and views
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3
El Nido Small Lagoon
The Small Lagoon on Miniloc Island features a narrow cave entrance that opens into a sheltered emerald basin ringed by karst walls draped in tropical vegetation. Visitors paddle through the cave entrance on kayaks to discover this hidden gem. The shallow, warm waters are ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
Tip: Kayaks are rented on-site for ₱200 · Visit at low tide for the clearest water · Swimwear essential
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4
Coron Island Kayangan Lake
Widely considered the cleanest lake in the Philippines, Kayangan Lake sits inside Coron Island atop a short but steep trail rewarded with a famous panoramic viewpoint. The crystal-clear lake has extraordinary visibility revealing submerged rock formations and is excellent for snorkeling. The journey includes a clifftop viewpoint that is one of Palawan's most iconic photo spots.
Tip: Visit on a weekday to avoid crowds from group tours · The viewpoint hike is about 15 minutes each way · Bring water shoes for the rocky lake bed
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5
Coron WWII Japanese Shipwrecks
Coron Bay contains 12 Japanese Imperial Navy ships sunk in a US Navy air attack on September 24, 1944, creating one of the world's premier wreck diving destinations. The wrecks now teem with marine life including lionfish, sea turtles, and schooling fish. Both scuba divers and snorkelers can experience several of the shallower wrecks.
Tip: Akitsushima (seaplane tender) and Olympia Maru are among the most accessible wrecks · Visibility is best December through April · Nitrox certification extends bottom time on deeper wrecks
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6
Nacpan Beach
A 4-kilometer stretch of golden sand fringed with coconut palms, Nacpan Beach is one of El Nido's best-kept secrets yet. Connected to Calitang Beach at low tide, the twin beaches offer exceptional swimming, sunbathing, and sunset views with far fewer crowds than the town beaches. Local vendors serve fresh coconuts and grilled seafood.
Tip: Hire a tricycle from El Nido town (45 min, ~₱500 round trip) · Bring your own food and drinks for longer stays · The north end is quieter and less visited
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7
Long Beach San Vicente
At 14.7 kilometers, Long Beach in San Vicente is the longest white-sand beach in the Philippines, surpassing Boracay's famous White Beach. This vast undeveloped coastline with calm, shallow turquoise waters offers a serene escape with no crowds. The area is rapidly developing but still retains its pristine, untouched character.
Tip: Access by van from Puerto Princesa (2.5 hours) or flying to San Vicente Airport · Accommodation options are expanding but book ahead · Sunrise from the northern end is spectacular
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8
Tubbataha Reef National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world's most pristine coral reef ecosystems, Tubbataha Reef lies 150 km southeast of Puerto Princesa in the Sulu Sea. The atoll supports over 600 fish species, 360 coral species, sea turtles, sharks, manta rays, and nesting seabirds. Access is limited to liveaboard dive vessels during the open season (March-June).
Tip: Book liveaboard trips 6-12 months in advance · Only accessible by liveaboard vessel from Puerto Princesa · Advanced open-water certification minimum required
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9
Twin Lagoon Coron
Twin Lagoon on Coron Island features two connected lagoons separated by a towering limestone wall with a small opening passable only at low tide. The outer lagoon is saltwater while the inner lagoon is warm freshwater, creating an unusual thermocline layer visible while snorkeling. The vivid green water against dramatic cliffs makes this one of Palawan's most stunning landscapes.
Tip: Low tide allows passage through the rock opening to the inner lagoon · Bring a waterproof camera · Included in most Coron island-hopping tours
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10
Honda Bay Island Hopping
Just 30 minutes from Puerto Princesa, Honda Bay offers a cluster of stunning islands including Starfish Island, Luli Island, and Pandan Island with excellent snorkeling over vibrant coral gardens. The area is ideal for day-tripping from the city and offers calmer seas than El Nido. Local boat operators offer full-day tours visiting multiple islands.
Tip: Hire boats at Santa Lourdes Wharf for better rates · Starfish Island has dense starfish populations · Bring reef-safe sunscreen
Attractions by category
Explore by your interests.
Landmarks
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River
UNESCO World Heritage underground river and New Seven Wonders of Nature
Tapyas Mountain Coron
700-step climb to hilltop cross with panoramic views over Coron Bay
Matinloc Shrine El Nido
Dramatic clifftop chapel overlooking turquoise coves in the Bacuit Archipelago
Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm
Unique open-air minimum-security prison farm open to respectful visitors
Museums
Tabon Caves Archaeological Site
Site of the Tabon Man fossils, among the oldest human remains in the Philippines
Palawan Museum
Provincial museum in Puerto Princesa covering Palawan's history, culture, and natural heritage
National Museum Puerto Princesa Branch
Branch of the National Museum featuring archaeology, natural history, and fine arts collections
Nature
Tubbataha Reef National Park
UNESCO World Heritage marine reserve with exceptional coral biodiversity
El Nido Big Lagoon
Iconic turquoise lagoon surrounded by limestone karst cliffs
Kayangan Lake Coron
The cleanest lake in the Philippines with extraordinary underwater visibility
Twin Lagoon Coron
Two connected lagoons with a fascinating saltwater-freshwater thermocline
Maquinit Hot Springs
Rare saltwater hot springs on Coron Island with sea views
Calauit Safari Park
African wildlife sanctuary on a Philippine tropical island
Cultural
Tabon Caves
Significant archaeological site with 47,000-year-old human remains
Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm
Open penal colony with cultural performances and handicraft workshops
Tagbanua Tribal Village
Indigenous Tagbanua community near Coron welcoming cultural visits
Practical information
What you need to know before you go.
- Hours
- Most natural attractions open 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM; island-hopping tours typically depart 8:00 AM
- Fees
- Island-hopping tours range ₱1,200-2,000; environmental fees of ₱200-500 are common
- Best Times
- Early morning for boats and lagoons; avoid midday heat by planning indoor or cultural visits then
- Booking
- Book underground river permits and El Nido tours at least 1 day ahead; Tubbataha liveaboards 6-12 months ahead
Tips for visiting attractions
Make the most of your sightseeing time.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen to protect Palawan's UNESCO-listed marine ecosystems
Always carry cash as most island destinations and boat operators do not accept cards
Book island-hopping tours the afternoon before through your accommodation for next-day trips
Respect indigenous Tagbanua communities and sacred sites on Coron Island
Weather conditions can cancel boat tours — build flexibility into your itinerary
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season to visit attractions in Palawan?
December to April for dry weather and calm seas; January and February are peak months
Are guided tours available for Palawan's attractions?
Island-hopping tours cost ₱1,200-2,000 per person; private tours ₱4,000-8,000 per boat
Can I take photos at attractions in Palawan?
Allowed at virtually all sites; drones require special permits and are prohibited over national parks
How much time do I need for Palawan's main attractions?
Plan at least 3 days in El Nido, 2 days in Coron, and 2 days in Puerto Princesa to cover major highlights