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.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items 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
Price: ₱150-800
Where: El Nido Crafts Center, Puerto Princesa Pasalubong Center
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
Price: ₱500-50,000+
Where: Puerto Princesa jewelry shops, Palawan Pearl Farm shop
Narra Wood Carvings
Carved figurines, bowls, and decorative items made from Palawan hardwoods, depicting local wildlife including the Palawan peacock-pheasant and hornbill
Price: ₱200-2,000
Where: Puerto Princesa Public Market, El Nido Crafts Center
Cashew Products
Palawan is famous for its cashew nuts — roasted cashews, cashew brittle, cashew wine, and cashew butter make excellent and delicious gifts
Price: ₱80-400 per pack
Where: Puerto Princesa Pasalubong Center, airport duty-free
Palawan Tribal Cloth
Hand-loomed fabric featuring traditional Palawan tribal patterns in natural dyes, used for clothing, scarves, and wall hangings
Price: ₱300-1,500
Where: El Nido Crafts Center, Puerto Princesa indigenous craft stalls
Virgin Coconut Oil and Coconut Products
Cold-pressed virgin coconut oil, coconut sugar, and coconut vinegar produced from Palawan's abundant coconut groves
Price: ₱120-600
Where: Puerto Princesa public market, supermarkets
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)
Price: ₱100-500
Where: Beach vendor stalls in El Nido and Puerto Princesa
Palawan Landscape Paintings
Watercolor and oil paintings by local Filipino artists depicting El Nido's iconic limestone karst landscapes and Palawan marine life
Price: ₱800-8,000
Where: Artcafe El Nido, El Nido Boutique and Art Hotel gallery
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
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.
Where: Malvar Street, Puerto Princesa
Hours: 5:00 AM - 6:00 PM
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.
Where: Rizal Avenue, Puerto Princesa
Hours: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
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.
Where: El Nido town center
Hours: 5:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Puerto Princesa Baywalk Night Market
Evening market along the waterfront with street food stalls, occasional artisan vendors, and a festive atmosphere.
Where: Rizal Avenue Baywalk, Puerto Princesa
Hours: 5:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Coron Public Market
Coron's main market serving the local community with fresh catch from local fishermen and imported goods.
Where: Coron town center
Hours: 5:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
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.
Best for: Souvenirs, essentials, food 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.
Best for: Beach supplies, dive gear, small souvenirs
Coron Town National Highway
The main road through Coron town has a handful of souvenir shops, dive gear stores, and general merchandise stores.
Best for: Dive equipment, basic souvenirs, groceries
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
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.
Hours: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Gaisano Capital Puerto Princesa
Department store and supermarket in Puerto Princesa with clothing, household goods, and a well-stocked grocery section.
Hours: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
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
Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
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 Refund: No tourist VAT refund scheme operates in Palawan
Duty Free: 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