Best Beaches in Palawan 2025
Discover the most beautiful beaches and coastal experiences in Palawan.
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 10 Beaches
The best beaches Palawan has to offer.
Nacpan Beach
A 4-kilometer crescent of white sand backed by swaying coconut palms with few facilities and a fraction of the tourist crowds of the main El Nido beach. At low tide, it connects to Calitang Beach to the north creating a 7km continuous sand strip. The sunsets here are extraordinary.
Long Beach San Vicente
At 14.7 kilometers, Long Beach is the longest white-sand beach in the Philippines. The shallow, warm turquoise water extends for hundreds of meters at low tide. Development is underway but the beach remains largely pristine and practically empty compared to El Nido. Sunrise over the Sulu Sea from the northern end is spectacular.
Seven Commandos Beach
A postcard-perfect crescent of brilliant white sand named after seven Filipino soldiers who hid here in WWII. Part of the popular Tour A island-hopping circuit, the beach features calm, shallow water excellent for swimming and a small beach bar serving coconuts. Best visited in the morning before the crowds arrive.
Las Cabanas Beach
A beautiful bay with golden sand, clear water, and one of the most dramatic sunset backdrops in El Nido — limestone karst islands silhouetted against vivid orange skies. The beach features the only sunset zip-line in El Nido, running from a clifftop across the sea to a sandbar.
Corong-Corong Beach
A gentle bay beach popular with locals and budget travelers staying at the beachside guesthouses. The sunsets from here — with limestone karst islands forming the backdrop — are among the most beautiful in the Philippines and best enjoyed from one of the beachside hammocks.
Coron Island Beaches (Coron Island)
The beaches of Coron Island proper are among the most dramatic in Palawan, with stark white sand framed by towering limestone karst cliffs. Access is regulated by the Tagbanua indigenous community and requires a fee. The beaches adjacent to Kayangan Lake and Twin Lagoon are the most visited.
Port Barton Beaches
The beaches around Port Barton village are clean, uncrowded, and backed by coconut palms with good fringing reef for snorkeling. Several uninhabited islands accessible by bangka offer even more pristine sand with no day-trip crowds from major tourist centers.
Honda Bay Beaches (Starfish Island, Luli Island)
Honda Bay contains a cluster of small, sandy islands with excellent snorkeling over coral gardens. Starfish Island is famous for its resident starfish, Luli Island disappears at high tide, and Pandan Island has the best forest. Ideal for families and day-trippers.
Matinloc Beach
A beautiful beach on Matinloc Island surrounded by dramatic limestone karst and a small cove with intense turquoise water. The Matinloc Shrine sits above the beach and a viewpoint above the shrine offers panoramic archipelago views. Included in Tour C.
Siete Pecados Beach (Coron)
Siete Pecados (Seven Sins) is a cluster of seven tiny limestone karst islets in a marine sanctuary near Coron with exceptional snorkeling over colorful coral gardens. The islets have tiny strips of beach but the main attraction is the underwater world.
Beaches by Vibe
Find the perfect beach for your style.
Quiet & Peaceful
Long Beach San Vicente, Nacpan Beach (weekdays), and Port Barton beaches offer peaceful retreats far from tourist crowds
Family-Friendly
Honda Bay's Starfish Island and Seven Commandos Beach have calm, shallow water and good facilities for families with children
Water Sports
Las Cabanas Beach with its zipline and kayaks, and the beaches around Coron for diving and snorkeling, cater to active travelers
Lively Scene
El Nido's main beach strip and Corong-Corong are the most social beaches with beach bars and a gathering traveler community
Complete Beach Guide
Detailed beach profiles, packing lists, and seasonal recommendations.
Beach Activities
Things to do at the beach and in the water.
Snorkeling
World-class snorkeling throughout Palawan over coral reefs, alongside WWII wrecks, and in crystal-clear lagoons. Equipment rental available at most beach areas.
Island-Hopping
The quintessential Palawan activity — joining a bangka tour to visit multiple beaches, lagoons, and snorkel sites in a single day.
Kayaking
Sea kayaking to secluded coves and through limestone cave passages. Available for rent at Las Cabanas Beach and El Nido lagoons.
Scuba Diving
World-class diving from Coron's WWII wrecks to El Nido's reef dives to Tubbataha's pristine walls. Dive shops in El Nido, Coron, and Puerto Princesa.
Sunset Zip-lining
A unique activity available only at Las Cabanas Beach — zipline over the sea at sunset for an unforgettable experience.
Practical Information
What you need to know before heading to the beach.
Best Season
November to May for swimming and island-hopping; December to February is peak season; June to September has rough seas
Facilities
El Nido town beach and Las Cabanas have good facilities; most island beaches have basic or no permanent facilities
Access
Public beaches are free; island beaches charge ₱50-200 environmental fees; Coron Island beaches require Tagbanua entry permits
Costs
Island-hopping tours ₱1,200-2,000 per person; beach resort sunbeds ₱200-500/day at resort beaches; public beaches free to access
What to Bring
- Sun protection (high SPF sunscreen, hat, sunglasses)
- Plenty of water to stay hydrated
- Beach towel or mat
- Modest swimwear (check local customs)
- Water shoes for rocky areas
- Cash for vendors and rentals
- Waterproof bag for valuables
Beach Safety
Stay safe while enjoying the water.
Always check local conditions and follow lifeguard instructions. Swim in designated areas only.
Be aware of currents, tides, and marine life. Don't swim alone or when flags indicate danger.
Protect yourself from sun. Apply sunscreen regularly and seek shade during peak hours (11am-3pm).
Keep valuables secure or leave them at your accommodation. Don't leave belongings unattended.
Explore Palawan's Best Beaches
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