Palawan Island is one of the largest islands in the Philippines and offers some of the most beautiful locations, rich cultural heritage, and pristine beaches in the Philippines. There are plenty of things to do. So get out your itinerary and plan an amazing trip to the best tourist spots to visit in Palawan.
Port Barton
Port Barton is an often-overlooked idyllic fishing village on the west coast of Palawan. It offers much of the same island-hopping excursions as the more popular El Nido. But with far fewer tourists to compete with for the best sunbathing spot. You can also explore on foot to the picturesque Pamuayan Falls.
If you’re going to visit Port Barton, you’re in for some quality relaxation. Walk (or paddle) to nearby White Beach to get away from the fishermen and take in a glorious sunset. It can’t get more peaceful than this, the hostels are cheap and local food is plentiful!
Iwahig Firefly Watching
A unique site in Palawan is the Iwahig fireflies who gather in droves in the Mangrove swamps of the Iwahig River just outside of Puerto Princesa. Book a tour through your hotel for an on-site pickup and dinner on the river. You can also hail a tricycle to take you there and sign up when you arrive.
Tour guides will take you through the swamp and show you the fireflies. If you’re lucky, you might also see photoluminescent plankton and be able to do some stargazing.
Kayangan Lake
Right off the bay in Coron Island, Kayangan Lake is the most beautiful freshwater lake in Palawan. And it is known as the cleanest lake in the Philippines. The stunning location is popular among tourists looking for a unique experience and a killer Instagram post. You will need to take a boat to get there. But the boat ride and the bay you arrive at is almost more beautiful than the lake itself.
Once you get to Kayangan Lake, you will be overcome by the natural beauty and clarity of the waters. It is required that you wear the clunky orange life vest, as several swimmers have drowned in the past. For this reason, we recommend getting there early to enjoy the views in peace, minus the flotation devices of other visitors.
Snake Island
Officially named Vigan Island, Snake Island is not actually an island full of snakes. It is named after the sandbar that appears at low tide that appears in an ‘S’ shape and snakes its way back toward the main island of Palawan. This island is a stop on Tour B of El Nido, or you can hire your own boat to do a custom tour!
The ‘S’ shaped sandbar is definitely the main attraction on Snake Island so make sure to go at low tide. Boats will moor right up alongside it and you can walk along the entire length to explore the crystal blue waters of Bacuit Bay.
Cadlao Island
Cadlao Island a stunning island in Bacuit Bay and boasts the tallest peak in El Nido. It offers beautiful views of its classic limestone cliffs from your balcony or beachfront in El Nido. But the best views are up close and personal. Cadlao Lagoon (also known as Ubugun Cove) rivals the most beautiful lagoons in Bacuit Bay and also offers snorkeling in the shallow coral reef just off the lagoon.
You can take a tour trip from El Nido to get here or rent a sea kayak and take your own trip! Either way, the views can’t be beaten.
Twin Lagoon
The Twin Lagoon in Coron is one of the most amazing sights in Coron. And one of the best-known tourist spots in Palawan. It consists of two dazzling blue lagoons set off by karst limestone walls, separated by a narrow cliff. You can use steps to climb the cliff easily at high tide and swim underneath it at low tide. Your boat will moor at the first lagoon, and, if you don’t feel like swimming, there is usually a kayak there to take to the second lagoon.
This is a popular destination for tourists out of El Nido. So try to leave early in the day or make Twin Lagoon your first stop to beat the crowds.
Nacpan Beach
Probably the most famous and beautiful beach in Palawan, Nacpan Beach is a must for any visitor to the island. Rent a motorbike or take the shuttle about 45 minutes from El Nido, and spend the day at Nacpan Beach and its next-door neighbor Calitan Beach.
The white sand, crystal blue water, and luscious palms of Nacpan Beach are a traveler’s dream. The order of the day at Nacpan is relaxation and there are plenty of places to get snacks and drinks to waste the day away in paradise!
Seven Commandos Beach
One of the most beautiful beaches in El Nido is Seven Commandos Beach. Local legend has it that there were seven soldiers who were stranded there during World War II, hence the name. This beach is everything you would expect from Palawan, white sand, stunning views, and friendly locals. The beach is settled beneath dramatic limestone cliffs which descend into forest and palm trees before reaching lush white sand. Hop a tour here to take in the views and relax. Visitors can enjoy swimming and sightseeing along the coast and snorkeling along the beach. Go out and explore or just kick back on the beach and grab a coconut to sip on from a local vendor. Top 10 Breathtaking Palawan Beaches
Puerto Princesa Underground River
The Puerto Princesa Underground River is a UNESCO Heritage Site. And was recently added to the New 7 Wonders of Nature. It is easily accessible from the city and you can book a tour there, or through your hotel in Puerto Princesa. This and Big and Small Lagoon are so far the best tourist spots in Palawan.
The unique caverns of limestone karst in the 8.2 km long river underground river have made it a natural treasure and a must-see when visiting the Philippines. Only 4.3km of the cave system are open to tourists for safety reasons, but you will be mesmerized by the natural beauty and wildlife endemic to the caves.
Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon
If you have seen a picture of the Philippines on Instagram, it was probably taken at Big Lagoon or Small Lagoon in El Nido, Palawan. These lagoons are the most popular destination in El Nido and feature stunning limestone cliffs and mesmerizing green waters. Tours to the lagoons are easy to find out of El Nido and will allow you time to swim, kayak, and explore to your heart’s content! We recommend bringing or renting a snorkel to check out the incredible underwater views as well.
Palawan Island is one of the largest islands in the Philippines and has so many more tourist spots to offer. Start discovering for yourself.
Leave a reply