DiscoverPalawan
Discover the natural beauty, culture and heritage of Palawan.
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Top 10 Reasons to Visit Palawan
Reason 01
A Sneak Peak into Palawan
- Palawan is a tropical paradise located in the western part of the Philippines.
- It is a group of islands with stunning white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and diverse marine life.
- One of the top destinations in Palawan is El Nido, a town known for its breathtaking lagoons, towering limestone cliffs, and picturesque beaches.
- It's a great island hopping, snorkelling, and diving spot.
- Coron, another popular destination in Palawan, is famous for its shipwrecks that have become home to various sea creatures.
- Visitors can explore these underwater marvels through snorkelling or diving tours.
- Puerto Princesa, the capital city of Palawan, offers a different kind of experience with its famous Underground River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- The river is located inside a cave and is navigable by boat, providing visitors with a unique and exciting adventure.
- For those seeking a more secluded getaway, Palawan has numerous hidden beaches and islands that can only be accessed through private boat tours.
- These secret spots offer a peaceful and serene escape from the crowds.
- Overall, Palawan is a destination with stunning natural beauty and a relaxing tropical experience.
- It's a must-visit for any traveller exploring the Philippines with Our Holiday Vibes are Good Vibes Only!
- Capital: Puerto Princesa
- International airport: Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS)
- Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP)
- Time: UTC+8
- Driving side: Right-hand side of the road.
- Main electricity: 220V/60Hz
- Official languages: Filipino and English. English is widely spoken and understood in Palawan, particularly in tourist areas.
- Religion: Christianity
Reason 02
Highlights
- El Nido - A beautiful hamlet located in the northern portion of Palawan. It is famous for its beautiful lagoons, towering limestone mountains, and clear waters. Island hopping excursions allow visitors to explore the town's many islands, where they can swim, snorkel, and relax on the beaches.
- Coron - Coron is another popular destination in Palawan renowned for its shipwrecks that have become home to diverse marine life. Snorkelling and scuba diving excursions allow visitors to explore these aquatic marvels. Beautiful beaches and hiking trails are also worth investigating in Coron.
- Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park - This national park is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Puerto Princesa Underground River. Visitors can take a boat excursion through the cave, filled with beautiful rock formations and wildlife.
- Honda Bay – A collection of islands located just off the coast of Puerto Princesa, Philippines. Visitors can explore the islands and enjoy snorkelling, swimming, and sunbathing on the beaches through island-hopping excursions.
- Calauit Safari Park - Located on Calauit Island, this wildlife sanctuary is home to various exotic creatures, including giraffes, zebras, and antelopes. The park offers safari tours where visitors can get up close and personal with these majestic creatures.
- Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park – A UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the centre of the Sulu Sea. Its pristine coral reefs and diverse marine life make it a popular diving and snorkelling destination.
Reason 03
Seasons to Travel
- The best time to visit Palawan is during the dry season, from December to May.
- Visitors can experience sunny weather and calm seas during this time, making it ideal for island-hopping, snorkelling, and diving.
- From January to April is the peak season in Palawan so travellers can anticipate higher prices and larger crowds.
- Palawan's monsoon season begins in June and lasts until November.
- Although it is still possible to visit during this time, visitors should be prepared for heavy rainfall and rough seas, which can make certain activities difficult or impossible.
- The ideal time to visit Palawan is contingent on the activities you wish to engage in and your tolerance for crowds and higher prices.
- The dry season from December to May is the best time to visit to experience the finest weather and avoid crowds.
Reason 04
Worth A Visit
El Nido
- Explore the town's many beautiful islands and lagoons through island hopping tours
- Swim and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of Small Lagoon, Big Lagoon, and Secret Lagoon
- Admire the stunning limestone cliffs of Matinloc Island and take a hike to its viewpoint
- Relax on the beautiful beaches of Nacpan and Las Cabanas
- Go kayaking or paddleboarding in Bacuit Bay and explore the hidden beaches and caves
- Visit the Taraw Cliff viewpoint for a stunning panoramic view of El Nido town
- Experience the local culture by visiting the traditional village of Sibaltan and watching the weavers create their beautiful handicrafts
Coron Island
- Dive or snorkel among the many shipwrecks that have become home to a variety of marine life
- Explore the beautiful Kayangan Lake, known for its crystal-clear waters and towering limestone cliffs
- Relax on the beautiful beaches of Malcapuya Island and Banana Island
- Visit the stunning Twin Lagoon, where a limestone cliff separates two lagoons
- Take a hike up to Mt. Tapyas viewpoint for a breathtaking panoramic view of Coron town
- Experience the local culture by visiting the Tagbanua tribe on Calauit Island and learning about their traditions
- Go island hopping and explore the many beautiful islands around Coron, including Bulog Dos, Dimanglet, and Pass Island
Puerto Princesa Underground River
- Take a boat tour through the underground river and marvel at the stunning rock formations and diverse wildlife
- Explore the Sabang Mangrove Forest and its many hidden lagoons and beaches
- Visit the nearby Ugong Rock Adventure Park and climb up the limestone rock formation for a stunning view of the surrounding area
- Relax on the beautiful beaches of Sabang and Nagtabon
- Visit the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center and see the native animals up close, including the Philippine crocodile and bearcat
- Take a city tour of Puerto Princesa and visit the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Plaza Cuartel, and Baker's Hill
- Go island hopping and explore the nearby islands of Cowrie, Starfish, and Snake Island
Honda Bay
- Take an island hopping tour and visit the many beautiful islands of Honda Bay, including Luli, Starfish, and Cowrie Island
- Snorkel or dive in the vibrant coral reefs of Pambato Reef and Pandan Island
- Relax on the beautiful beaches of Pandan Island and Pambato Reef
- Visit the nearby Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm and learn about their unique rehabilitation program
- Take a Mangrove River Cruise and explore the hidden lagoons and mangrove forests of Honda Bay
- Experience the local culture by visiting the Batak tribe and learning about their traditions
- Go on a food tour and sample the local delicacies, including tamilok (woodworm) and crocodile sisig
Calauit Safari Park
- Take a safari tour of the park and see the many exotic animals up close, including giraffes, zebras, and antelopes
- Visit the nearby Black Island and its many beautiful beaches and lagoons
- Go island hopping and explore the nearby islands of Culion, Busuanga, and Coron
- Relax on the beautiful beaches of Busuanga and Concepcion
- Visit the Calauit Island Wildlife Sanctuary and learn about the conservation efforts to protect the local wildlife
- Experience the local culture by visiting the Tagbanua tribe and learning about their traditions.
Reason 05
Discover More
Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park
- Dive into some of the best diving spots in the world and explore the pristine coral reefs and diverse marine life.
- Swim with whale sharks, sea turtles, and manta rays.
- Take a liveaboard diving tour and spend several days exploring the park's many dive sites.
- Visit the Bird Islet and see the many species of birds that call the island home.
- Relax on the park's beautiful beaches and soak up the sun.
- Experience the local culture by visiting the nearby Cuyo Island and learning about the traditions of the Cuyonon people.
- Take a city tour of Puerto Princesa and visit the Palawan Museum and the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.
Sabang
- Visit the nearby Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park and take a boat tour through the underground river.
- Explore the Sabang Mangrove Forest and its many hidden lagoons and beaches.
- Relax on the beautiful beaches of Sabang and Nagtabon.
- Go on a food tour and sample the local delicacies, including tamilok (woodworm) and crocodile sisig.
- Take a Mangrove River Cruise and explore the hidden lagoons and mangrove forests of Honda Bay.
- Experience the local culture by visiting the nearby Batak tribe and learning about their traditions.
- Take a city tour of Puerto Princesa and visit the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center and Baker's Hill.
Port Barton
- Relax on the beautiful beaches of Port Barton and soak up the sun.
- Go island hopping and explore the nearby islands of Exotic, Inaladelan, and Twin Reef.
- Snorkel or dive in the vibrant coral reefs of Port Barton and see the many species of marine life.
- Take a Mangrove River Cruise and explore the hidden lagoons and mangrove forests of Port Barton.
- Visit the nearby Pamuayan Waterfalls and take a refreshing dip in the cool waters.
- Experience the local culture by visiting the nearby Tagbanua tribe and learning about their traditions.
- Go on a food tour and sample the local delicacies, including seafood dishes and banana pancakes.
San Vicente
- Relax on the beautiful beaches of San Vicente and soak up the sun.
- Go island hopping and explore the nearby islands of German Island, Double Island, and Inaladelan Island.
- Visit the nearby Long Beach and take a long walk on its pristine white sand.
- Snorkel or dive in the vibrant coral reefs of San Vicente and see the many species of marine life.
- Experience the local culture by visiting the nearby indigenous communities and learning about their traditions.
- Take a city tour of San Vicente and visit the Poblacion and the Municipal Hall.
- Go on a food tour and sample the local delicacies, including seafood dishes and coconut milk-based desserts.
Balabac
- Explore the many beautiful islands of Balabac through island hopping tours.
- Relax on the beautiful beaches of Candaraman and Punta Sebring.
- Snorkel or dive in the vibrant coral reefs of Balabac and see the many species of marine life.
- Visit the nearby Onuk Island and swim with the turtles and other marine life.
- Experience the local culture by visiting the nearby Jama Mapun community and learning about their traditions.
- Go on a food tour and sample the local delicacies, including seafood dishes and coconut milk-based desserts.
- Take a city tour of Balabac and visit the Balabac Museum and the Balabac Lighthouse.
Reason 06
Culture Traditions
- Palawan is an island province in the Philippines with a rich cultural heritage.
- The indigenous peoples of Palawan are known as the Palawano, Tagbanua, and Batak, and they have different cultural practices and beliefs.
- One of the most notable aspects of Palawan culture is its music and dance.
- The Tagbanua people have a traditional dance called "tango," which involves intricate footwork and colourful costumes.
- The Palawano have their own music and dance traditions, with instruments such as the bamboo flute and drum used in their performances.
- Another important aspect of Palawan culture is its cuisine.
- Palawan is known for its seafood dishes, including grilled fish, shrimp, and squid.
- They also have unique delicacies such as "tamilok," a woodworm eaten raw or marinated in vinegar and spices.
- The Palawan people are also strongly connected to nature and the environment.
- They practice traditional farming techniques such as "kaingin," which involves clearing a small land area for cultivation.
- They also deeply respect the forests and rivers, which are considered sacred and protected.
Reason 07
Food Fun Fashion
Food
- Kinilaw - This seafood dish is similar to ceviche, made with fresh raw fish or seafood marinated in vinegar, calamansi juice, onions, ginger, and chilli peppers.
- Tamilok - A popular delicacy in Palawan, tamilok is a woodworm found in mangrove trees. It is typically eaten raw or marinated in vinegar and spices.
- Chicken Inasal - This grilled chicken dish is marinated in vinegar, calamansi juice, garlic, ginger, and annatto oil, giving it a distinct flavour and bright orange colour.
- Pakbet - A vegetable dish made with eggplant, bitter melon, squash, okra, and string beans, sautéed with garlic, onions, and tomatoes.
- Adobo - This is a classic Filipino dish with meat (chicken, pork, or beef) cooked in soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and spices.
- Lechon - A popular dish for special occasions, lechon is a whole roasted pig that is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
- Seafood - Palawan is surrounded by waters teeming with fish and other seafood. Try grilled or fried fish, shrimp, squid, and crabs.
- Buko Pie - A sweet dessert made with young coconut meat and custard, baked in a flaky pastry crust.
Fun
- Island hopping - Palawan has many small islands and islets with pristine beaches and turquoise waters. Take a boat tour to visit some islands, such as El Nido, Coron, and Honda Bay.
- Snorkeling and scuba diving - Palawan is home to some of the world's best dive sites, with coral reefs, shipwrecks, and diverse marine life. You can see colourful fish, sea turtles, and even whale sharks.
- Underground river tour - The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world's longest underground rivers. Take a boat tour through the cave system and see unique rock formations and bats.
- Zip-lining and canopy walk - Experience the thrill of flying over the forest canopy in Sabang, Palawan. You can also take a canopy walk to see the flora and fauna of the forest up close.
- Hiking and trekking - Palawan has many mountains and nature trails that offer scenic views of the landscape and wildlife. You can hike to Mount Tapyas in Coron or trek to Taraw Peak in El Nido.
- Kayaking and paddleboarding - Explore the calm waters of Palawan's lagoons and bays by kayak or paddleboard. You can rent equipment or join a guided tour.
- Beach bumming - Palawan has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, with powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters. Relax and soak up the sun at Nacpan, Long Beach, and Las Cabanas.
Fashion
- Traditional clothing - The indigenous tribes of Palawan, such as the Tagbanua and Batak, have traditional clothing made from natural fibres like abaca and cotton. The Tagbanua women wear colourful wrap-around skirts called "lucid," while the Batak men wear loincloths and embroidered shirts.
- Beachwear - With its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters, Palawan is a popular destination for beachgoers. You can find a wide range of beachwear, from bikinis and board shorts to cover-ups and sarongs.
- Handwoven fabrics - Palawan is known for its beautiful handwoven fabrics, such as the "banig" mats made from pandan leaves and the "enable" textiles made by the Ilocano people. These fabrics are often used to make clothing, accessories, and home decor items.
- Tribal jewellery - The indigenous tribes of Palawan are known for their intricate and colourful jewellery made from shells, beads, and other natural materials. You can find these unique pieces at local markets and shops.
- Eco-friendly fashion - Palawan strongly focuses on sustainable and eco-friendly fashion, with many local designers using organic and recycled materials in their clothing and accessories. These items are not only fashionable but also help to promote environmental awareness and conservation.
Reason 08
Nature Safari
- Coral reefs - Palawan is home to some of the world's most diverse and vibrant coral reefs, with over 600 species of coral and thousands of fish species. You can go snorkelling or scuba diving to explore these underwater wonderlands.
- Beaches - Palawan has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, with powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters. Some popular beaches include El Nido, Coron, and San Vicente.
- Lagoons - Palawan is also known for its stunning lagoons, such as the Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon in El Nido. These calm waters are perfect for kayaking or paddleboarding.
- Forests - Palawan has several protected forests, such as the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park and Cleopatra's Needle Forest Reserve. These forests are home to diverse wildlife, including monkeys, birds, and rare species like the Palawan bearcat.
- Caves - Palawan has many limestone caves, such as the Puerto Princesa Underground River and the Ugong Rock Cave. These caves have unique rock formations, stalactites, and stalagmites.
- Waterfalls - Palawan has several stunning waterfalls, such as the Tapiutan Falls and the Nagkalit-kalit Falls. These are often located in remote areas and require a hike to reach.
- Mangrove forests - Palawan has several mangrove forests, such as the Sabang Mangrove Forest and the Iwahig River Mangrove Forest. These ecosystems are important for protecting shorelines and providing habitat for wildlife.
Reason 09
Events Fiestas
- Baragatan Festival - This is the biggest festival in Palawan, held every June to celebrate the province's foundation day. It features colourful parades, street dances, music, and food, showcasing Palawan's different cultures and traditions.
- Cuyo Fiesta - Held every August in the town of Cuyo, this festival is a celebration of the town's patron saint, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. It features a fluvial parade, street dances, and cultural performances.
- Feast of the Forest - Held every September in Brooke's Point, this festival celebrates the town's natural resources and biodiversity. It features a street parade, cultural presentations, and a showcase of local products.
- Sibaltan Heritage Day - Held every October in El Nido, this festival celebrates the town's cultural heritage and traditions. It features traditional dances, music, food, and demonstrations of local handicrafts.
- Puerto Princesa Foundation Day - Held every March in Puerto Princesa, this festival celebrates the city's foundation day. It features a grand parade, cultural shows, and a showcase of local products and cuisine.