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.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Honda Bay Island Hopping
Visit multiple islands in the calm, sheltered waters of Honda Bay including Starfish Island where children can touch starfish in shallow water, Luli Island, and Pandan Island with its beautiful beach and snorkeling reef.
Duration: Full day (6 hours)
Puerto Princesa Underground River Boat Tour
A UNESCO World Heritage experience that captivates all ages — the boat tour through 1.5km of dramatic stalactite formations is genuinely awe-inspiring. Children particularly love the bats and the cave atmosphere.
Duration: 4-5 hours (including transport)
Calauit Safari Park Giraffe Feeding
The unforgettable experience of hand-feeding giraffes on a tropical island — Africa meets the Philippines. The safari park also has zebras, impalas, and Philippine wildlife. Children who have never seen these animals in person are completely thrilled.
Duration: 4-5 hours (including transport from Coron)
Palawan Wildlife Rescue Center
Meet rescued Palawan wildlife including Philippine crocodiles, Palawan bearcats (binturong), civets, hornbills, and peacock-pheasants. An educational and accessible wildlife experience ideal for younger children.
Duration: 2 hours
Iwahig Firefly River Evening Tour
A magical boat tour after dark on the Iwahig River where millions of synchronized fireflies light up the mangrove trees — like nature's own Christmas light display. Children are absolutely enchanted.
Duration: 2 hours
El Nido Tour A Island Hopping
The classic El Nido island-hopping experience visiting the Big and Small Lagoons, Seven Commandos Beach, and snorkeling sites. Suitable for older children who are comfortable on boats and can snorkel in calm water.
Duration: Full day (7-8 hours)
Nacpan Beach Day
A full day at Nacpan's calm, shallow beach — perfect for building sandcastles, collecting shells, and swimming in warm, clear water away from boat traffic. Bring everything you need as facilities are minimal.
Duration: Full day
Maquinit Hot Springs Soak
Soaking in the naturally heated saltwater pools of Maquinit Hot Springs on Coron Island with views over the sea. The warm (39°C), mineral-rich water is soothing after a day of activity — enjoyed by all ages.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Beginner Snorkeling at Siete Pecados
Siete Pecados Marine Park near Coron has shallow, protected reef sites ideal for learning to snorkel for the first time. Dive shops in Coron offer snorkel tuition for beginners including children aged 12+.
Duration: 3-4 hours
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Dos Palmas Island Resort and Spa
An island resort in Honda Bay with beach access, swimming pool, and organized activities for families. The all-inclusive package is particularly good value for families.
Family features: Children's activities program, pool, beach access, family villas, babysitting available
Princesa Garden Island Resort and Spa
A beachfront resort in Puerto Princesa with a large garden and pool, close to city attractions and the airport.
Family features: Family rooms, large pool, playground area, floating restaurant, tour desk for family activities
Daluyon Beach and Mountain Resort
Eco-certified resort near the Underground River in Sabang, ideal for families wanting the underground river experience.
Family features: Family cottages, pool, beach, underground river tours, wildlife spotting at resort
El Nido Cove Resort
A pleasant mid-range resort on Corong-Corong Beach with calm swimming waters and easy access to El Nido tours.
Family features: Beach access, family rooms, tour desk, calm bay swimming
Club Paradise Coron
Island resort on Dimakya Island with exceptional snorkeling and resident dolphins — a magical family experience.
Family features: Island setting, snorkeling, dolphin watching, family villas, dive center, restaurant
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Most Filipino restaurants welcome children warmly and go out of their way to accommodate families
High chairs are available at mid-range and above restaurants but not usually at local eateries
Kids menus are rare in Palawan — rice, grilled chicken, and egg dishes are universally available and child-friendly
Fresh fruit shakes (mango, buko, dalandan) are nutritious, safe, and universally loved by children
The Puerto Princesa Baywalk Night Market has child-friendly options like corn on the cob, grilled chicken, and fruit
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
The best family base in Palawan is Puerto Princesa — best infrastructure, hospital access, and calm Honda Bay
Book underground river permits well in advance — the experience is unmissable for children of all ages
Pack children's reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+) from home — specialty products cost significantly more in Palawan
Schedule activities for mornings when children are fresh and heat is manageable
Most boat tours last 6-8 hours — bring children's seasickness medication and snacks
El Nido is best for families with children over 8; younger children are better served by Honda Bay
Bring children's sandals with back straps for rocky beach walking and coral reef areas