Things To Do
in Palawan
Palawan is an island province in the Philippines renowned for its stunning natural beauty, characterized by crystal-clear waters, lush greenery, and diverse wildlife. It is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, which features an extraordinary underground river and unique limestone cliffs. Palawan's vibrant marine ecosystems make it a popular destination for diving, snorkeling, and ecotourism, particularly in areas like El Nido and Coron.
The province is also rich in cultural heritage, with indigenous communities that add to its unique charm and history.
- "Kumusta ka?" - How are you?
- "Salamat" - Thank you
- "Paalam" - Goodbye
- "Oo" - Yes
- "Hindi" - No
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $20 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing island hopping tour to the stunning El Nido lagoons. Snorkel in crystal-clear waters and admire the vibrant marine life.
Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch on a secluded beach. Continue exploring more islands and indulge in swimming and sunbathing.
Return to El Nido town and savor a local seafood dinner. Stroll along the beach while enjoying the sunset views.
Embark on a tour to the UNESCO-listed Underground River in Puerto Princesa. Marvel at the breathtaking rock formations while paddling through the cave.
Relax at Sabang Beach after your tour and enjoy a leisurely lunch at a beachfront restaurant. Go for a swim or explore the surrounding area.
Head back to Puerto Princesa city and sample some local delicacies. End your day with a quiet walk in the city park.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning natural beauty with pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters.
- Rich biodiversity, including unique marine life and lush forests.
- Ideal for water activities like diving, snorkeling, and island hopping.
- Relaxing atmosphere with less commercialized tourist areas.
- Cultural experiences with indigenous communities and local traditions.
- Travel restrictions or limited access during peak seasons.
- Infrastructural challenges, such as poor road conditions in some areas.
- Limited medical facilities, which may be a concern for emergencies.
- Potential for overcrowding in popular tourist spots.
- Environmental concerns due to tourism and development.
Best Activities in Palawan
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the stunning limestone cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and diverse marine life by visiting some of Palawan's stunning islands, including El Nido, Coron, and the Honda Bay.
Discover the vibrant underwater world of Palawan, which is home to beautiful coral reefs, tropical fish, and even shipwrecks, making it a paradise for snorkelers and divers.
Paddle through lagoons and mangroves, navigating the serene waters and getting close to nature while enjoying the scenic views of Palawan's landscapes.
Trek through lush forests and rugged mountains, with popular trails leading to beautiful waterfalls and breathtaking viewpoints, such as Mount Pulag or the trails around Puerto Princesa.
Explore the underground rivers and stunning rock formations in places like the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Observe diverse wildlife in its natural habitat by visiting places like the El Nido Marine Reserve Park and the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, known for its rich biodiversity.
Spend nights under the stars on one of the many beautiful beaches or islands in Palawan, allowing for a peaceful escape into nature.
Tours
Uncover the best of Palawan with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Palawan
Visit one of these nice places.
Famous for its stunning limestone cliffs and crystal-clear waters, El Nido offers breathtaking views and numerous spots for picturesque photos, especially at sunrise and sunset.
Renowned as one of the cleanest lakes in the Philippines, Kayangan Lake provides panoramic views from its viewpoint, perfect for capturing stunning landscape photographs.
With its towering limestone cliffs and turquoise lagoons, Coron Island is a photographer's paradise, offering unique rock formations and clear water for breathtaking shots.
This stunning lagoon is surrounded by majestic limestone cliffs and is famous for its vibrant blue waters, making it an ideal location for photography.
Similar to Big Lagoon but with more secluded spots, Small Lagoon features lush green surroundings and tranquil waters, perfect for intimate photos.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, this underground river features impressive rock formations and a unique ecosystem, providing captivating photography opportunities both inside and outside the cave.
With its elevated viewpoint, Taal Vista Lodge offers sweeping views of the surrounding landscape, especially during sunrise or sunset.
This beautiful beach boasts a long stretch of golden sand and azure waters, providing perfect opportunities for beach photography, particularly during twilight.
A tranquil fishing village, Port Barton has stunning sunsets and laid-back charm, making it ideal for capturing serene beach scenes.
Known for its soft white sand and crystal-clear water, Banol Beach is a popular spot for relaxation and photography, especially during vibrant sunsets.
Food in Palawan
Palawan Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional fish soup made with fresh fish, vegetables, and local spices. Highly recommended at local eateries along the coast.
Must-Try!
Woodworm soup (actually a mollusk) often served with vinegar. Commonly found at seafood markets and local restaurants in Puerto Princesa.
A Vietnamese-inspired noodle soup that has become a local favorite. Best enjoyed at local cafes and eateries in Puerto Princesa.
Filipino spring rolls filled with meat and vegetables, popular as a snack or appetizer, available in most restaurants.
A local twist on adobo using tuna jaw, marinated and cooked until tender. Typically found in seaside restaurants.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Palawan better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market where locals shop for fresh seafood, produce, and snacks. Don't miss the grilled seafood stalls outside, especially in the evening.
A street food strip known for a variety of local delicacies, including skewered meats, fish balls, and sweet snacks. It's a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Palawan, as in many parts of the Philippines, showing respect to elders is crucial. This can be demonstrated through simple gestures such as greeting them politely, using 'po' and 'opo' in conversations, and allowing them to speak first.
A common way to greet someone in Palawan is by saying 'Magandang araw' (Good day). In some communities, especially in indigenous groups, a traditional gesture known as 'mano' may be used, where one takes the hand of an elder and brings it to their forehead as a sign of respect.
When visiting villages and local communities, it is important to dress modestly. Respect for local customs and traditions is demonstrated through appropriate attire, especially when visiting sacred sites or participating in local ceremonies.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Palawan with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Palawan
Ensure a smooth experience
In Palawan, as in many parts of the Philippines, tipping is generally appreciated but not mandatory. It is customary to leave a small tip for services in restaurants, typically around 10% of the bill, especially if the service is exceptional. For taxi drivers, rounding up the fare or giving a small tip is common. In tourist-oriented areas, tipping may be more expected as it contributes to the income of service workers.
Payment methods in Palawan include cash, credit/debit cards, and mobile payments. Cash is widely accepted and often preferred in smaller establishments, while larger hotels and restaurants generally accept credit cards. ATMs are available in major towns, but it is advisable to carry cash for transactions in rural areas or markets. Mobile payment solutions are gaining popularity, especially among the younger population, providing convenient alternatives for transactions.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Palawan.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
This is considered the best time to visit Palawan as the weather is generally sunny and dry, ideal for outdoor activities like island hopping, snorkeling, and diving. Expect pleasant temperatures and less humidity.
This season brings heavy rains and occasional typhoons. While the landscape becomes lush and green, many outdoor activities may be disrupted. However, it's a great time for budget travelers as fewer tourists mean lower prices.
This transitional period can be a good time to visit as the rains start to lessen. The weather is relatively dry, and the crowds are thinner. It's a great time for those looking to enjoy fewer tourists and decent weather.
Palawan at Night
Hiking in Palawan
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A protected area that offers a range of hiking trails through diverse flora and fauna, showcasing the beauty of the Palawan wilderness.
A prominent peak in the El Nido area that features spectacular views of the surrounding islands and is accessible via established hiking paths.
While primarily known for its archaeological significance, the surroundings provide various hiking trails that lead through lush landscapes and impressive cliffs.
A scenic hiking route that offers breathtaking views over landscapes and a chance to explore the volcanic terrain of Palawan.
Located within the Puerto Princesa region, this mountain provides a moderately challenging hike with rewarding views at the summit.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Palawan through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Palawan by plane.
The main airport serving Puerto Princesa, the capital of Palawan, offering domestic and limited international flights.
Located in Busuanga, this airport serves the northern part of Palawan, particularly Coron, with domestic flights and access to international destinations.
Located in Davao City, approximately 400 km from Palawan, this is the largest airport in Mindanao, with international and domestic flights.
Located near Boracay but serves as a significant access point for travelers coming from Palawan to Boracay, primarily offering domestic flights.
Another airport serving Boracay located in Kalibo, Aklan, providing a larger international terminal compared to Caticlan Airport.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The Cuyunon people are one of the indigenous ethnic groups of Palawan, primarily residing in the Cuyo Archipelago and parts of southern Palawan.
The Tagbanwa are another indigenous group in Palawan, known for their rich cultural heritage and traditional practices, mainly found in the northern and central parts of the island.
The Bajau people, often referred to as 'sea nomads,' are historically maritime dwellers of the coastal regions of Palawan, engaging in fishing and trading.
The Palaw'an are an indigenous group residing predominantly in the central and southern areas of Palawan, with unique cultural practices and beliefs.
The Visayan demographic includes settlers and migrants from the Visayas region, who have contributed to the cultural and economic landscape of Palawan.
Ilocanos are among the migrant groups in Palawan, originally from the Ilocos region in northern Luzon, known for their agriculture and fishing practices.
Tagalogs are another migrant group in Palawan, coming primarily from Central Luzon, contributing to the diverse cultural mix in the province.
The Soul of Palawan
Discover the essence of Palawan through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Basketball is one of the most popular sports in Palawan, with many local leagues and community courts available across the province.
Given Palawan's beautiful beaches, beach volleyball is a favored sport, with numerous tournaments held annually.
Palawan is renowned for its underwater beauty, making diving and snorkeling popular recreational activities and competitive sports.
Certain areas in Palawan, especially along the coasts, are known for surfing, attracting both locals and tourists.
Football is commonly played at both amateur and youth levels, with various clubs and teams in the area.
Badminton is played recreationally and in competitions, with many courts available in urban centers.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Palawan.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While meat is prevalent, many local dishes can be adapted. Vegetarian options are available at most restaurants, and fresh vegetables are abundant in markets.
Vegan options can be limited but are growing, especially in health cafes in Puerto Princesa. It's advisable to inquire about dishes or make special requests.
Gluten-free options are available, especially in seafood dishes and local vegetables. Always check for soy sauce and other gluten-containing ingredients when ordering.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Palawan with these cultural adventures.
