Introduction
Palawan is consistently voted the world’s best island — a long, narrow province at the western edge of the Philippines with three distinct destinations that each deserve several days.
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El Nido
The most famous destination. A small town surrounded by dramatic limestone karst islands, hidden lagoons, and white sand beaches.
Island Hopping Tours
El Nido’s island hopping tours (A, B, C, D) are the main attraction. Each visits different lagoons, beaches, and snorkeling spots by outrigger boat.
Tour A (most popular): Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island. Full day, ~฿1,200 PHP.
Tour C: Hidden Beach, Secret Beach, Matinloc Shrine, Helicopter Island. Full day, ~฿1,200 PHP.
Big Lagoon: Most photographed — towering karst walls surrounding a turquoise lagoon. Kayak inside for ¥500 PHP extra.
Beaches Near El Nido
Nacpan Beach: Long, undeveloped beach 45 minutes from El Nido town. One of the Philippines’ finest beaches.
Las Cabanas Beach: 15 minutes from town. Good sunset views and zipline over the water.
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Coron
A completely different character from El Nido. Famous for:
WWII Shipwreck Diving: A Japanese fleet was sunk here in 1944. The wrecks are now covered in coral and teeming with fish — some of the world’s best wreck diving.
Kayangan Lake: Crystal clear mountain lake inside a karst island. The most Instagrammed spot in Coron. Best before 9am.
Twin Lagoon: Two connected lagoons at different temperatures. Accessible by boat and swimming through a small rock passage.
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Puerto Princesa
The capital of Palawan. The main reason to visit:
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park: UNESCO World Heritage. An 8.2km underground river accessible only by boat. Book well in advance (permits required). Tours depart from Puerto Princesa.
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Getting Around Palawan
El Nido and Coron are both accessible by air from Manila (1 hour) or by fast ferry between each other (4 hours, ₱2,500). Puerto Princesa has the main airport.
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El Nido Tour A and Coron shipwreck diving day trips are bookable on Klook. Puerto Princesa Underground River permits are highly limited — book weeks ahead.
Book Palawan island hopping & diving on Klook →
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