Palawan Shopping Guide 2025
Find the best markets, malls, and unique souvenirs 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.
What to Buy
Unique local products worth bringing home.
Tagbanua/Palawan Woven Baskets
Handwoven rattan and bamboo baskets made by indigenous Palawan artisans using traditional weaving techniques passed down through generations
Palawan Pearl Jewelry
South Sea pearls cultured in Palawan's pristine waters, considered among the finest in the world, crafted into necklaces, earrings, and bracelets
Narra Wood Carvings
Carved figurines, bowls, and decorative items made from Palawan hardwoods, depicting local wildlife including the Palawan peacock-pheasant and hornbill
Cashew Products
Palawan is famous for its cashew nuts — roasted cashews, cashew brittle, cashew wine, and cashew butter make excellent and delicious gifts
Palawan Tribal Cloth
Hand-loomed fabric featuring traditional Palawan tribal patterns in natural dyes, used for clothing, scarves, and wall hangings
Virgin Coconut Oil and Coconut Products
Cold-pressed virgin coconut oil, coconut sugar, and coconut vinegar produced from Palawan's abundant coconut groves
Shell Jewelry and Decorations
Locally made shell necklaces, bracelets, and home decorations made from Palawan sea shells (ensure they are legally sourced and not protected species)
Palawan Landscape Paintings
Watercolor and oil paintings by local Filipino artists depicting El Nido's iconic limestone karst landscapes and Palawan marine life
Markets & Bazaars
Experience authentic local shopping culture.
Puerto Princesa Public Market
The main wet market in Puerto Princesa with fresh seafood, tropical fruits, vegetables, and local food products. An authentic slice of Palawan daily life.
Puerto Princesa Pasalubong Center
The dedicated souvenir market in Puerto Princesa with the widest selection of Palawan gifts including pearls, cashew products, indigenous crafts, and food specialties.
El Nido Public Market
Small morning market with fresh fish, tropical produce, and local vendors. Busy and lively in the early morning when fishing boats return.
Puerto Princesa Baywalk Night Market
Evening market along the waterfront with street food stalls, occasional artisan vendors, and a festive atmosphere.
Coron Public Market
Coron's main market serving the local community with fresh catch from local fishermen and imported goods.
Complete Shopping Guide
Bargaining phrases, souvenir recommendations, and budget tips.
Shopping Districts
Where to find different types of shops.
Rizal Avenue Puerto Princesa
Puerto Princesa's main shopping boulevard lined with souvenir shops, pharmacies, banks, restaurants, and local businesses. The Pasalubong Center is the highlight for gift shopping.
El Nido Town Center
A compact area with small shops selling beach supplies, souvenirs, and essential items. Several dive shops sell equipment and gear.
Coron Town National Highway
The main road through Coron town has a handful of souvenir shops, dive gear stores, and general merchandise stores.
Malls & Modern Stores
Air-conditioned shopping options.
Robinsons Place Puerto Princesa
The largest shopping mall in Puerto Princesa with supermarket, clothing stores, restaurants, cinema, and SM-affiliated shops. The best place to stock up on supplies before heading to El Nido or Coron.
Gaisano Capital Puerto Princesa
Department store and supermarket in Puerto Princesa with clothing, household goods, and a well-stocked grocery section.
Bargaining Tips
How to negotiate prices in local markets.
Bargaining is acceptable at public markets, night markets, and with individual street vendors but not in fixed-price shops
A friendly smile and respectful tone goes much further than aggressive bargaining — Filipinos respond to warmth
Starting at 60-70% of the asking price is reasonable; going below 50% may cause offense
Buying multiple items gives better leverage for a combined discount
Cashew nuts and pearl jewelry have less flexible pricing — quality determines value more than bargaining
When NOT to Bargain
- Fixed-price shops and malls
- Government emporiums
- Restaurants and hotels
- Supermarkets and pharmacies
Customs & Export Rules
What you need to know about taking purchases home.
Export Restrictions
Coral, shells from protected species, and certain marine specimens cannot be taken from the Philippines. Sea turtles and their eggs are strictly protected. Wildlife products require permits.
Tax Refunds
No tourist VAT refund scheme operates in Palawan
Duty-Free Limits
Filipino citizens and foreign travelers may bring in up to PHP 10,000 worth of goods duty-free. Duty-free shops operate at Puerto Princesa Airport (departures).
Shipping
The Puerto Princesa Post Office and some souvenir shops offer international shipping for larger items
Shop Smart in Palawan
Get our complete shopping guide with bargaining phrases, quality assessment tips, and budget planner.
Download Shopping Guide