Palawan is an archipelagic province, that is part of the Philippines. It is the largest province in the Philippines in terms of total area and it was a population of around 850,000 people. It lies on the South China Sea and the Sulu Sea and the capital is Puerto Princesa. What are the best things to do in Palawan Philippines?
In Palawan, you can enjoy exploring the abundance of rivers, caves, lagoons, reefs, waterfalls, beaches, and national parks. Palawan is also home to two named UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which are Tubbataha Reef Marine Park as well as Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park.
In this post, we will go through things to do in Palawan Philippines. Let’s get started!
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Palawan Worth Visiting?
Palawan is worth visiting especially if you want to relax at the beach with an amazing coastline or go exploring the national parks which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The biggest draw to Palawan is the beach.
Things To Do In Palawan Philippines
Palawan is an archipelagic province located in the South China Sea and the Sulu Sea. It is blessed with amazing beaches, caves, lagoons, and more. There are fun things to do in Palawan that will keep you busy for a couple of days.
Here is our list of things to do in Palawan Philippines.
Explore The Underground River
When in Palawan, make sure that you don’t forget to go on an adventure in the world-renowned underground river. Located 65 km away from the city of Puerto Princesa. You will get the chance to see yourself ride a paddleboat on an 8.2 km long underground river. It is one of 7 Nature Wonders of the World.
When you enter the cave, the water is still and clear. Inside, you will be amazed by various rock formations that you’d wonder how nature was able to carve into such a masterpiece.
Tour prices start from PHP 300 per person.
Take City Tour To See Puerto Princesa
This would take you around the beautiful city of Puerto Princesa.
You will see Iwahig Penal Colony, Mitra’s Ranch, Baker’s Hill, Crocodile Farm, Plaza Catuel, Immaculate Conception Cathedral, and some other spots you may like to visit.
Dive In Coron Bay
More than diving, there are still lots of things you can do in Coron Bay but there is no doubt that scuba diving is the best water sport to try if you are in the area. Found in Palawan’s northern part, Coron Bay is currently one of the island’s most visited destinations.
It is not a big surprise considering that this is a true paradise on earth that boasts of breathtaking views. Nestled between Busuana and Culion Islands is the best diving spot in Coron.
This is even dubbed as one of the best wreck diving in the world. The magnificent rock formations give tourists the chance to snorkel as well.
Visit Beaches In El Nido
There are some awesome and beautiful beaches found in the north of Palawan in the province of El Nido. Nearly all the beaches have clear blue water, white sand, corals, and fish.
Nacpan Beach is popular the most popular beach. Hidden Beach has tucked away in a cove, the same as Secret beach. Las Cabanas Beach is also a popular beach, particularly for swimming.
Tour Around El Nido Marine Reserve
At around 238 kilometers away from Puerto Princesa, the El Nido Marine Reserve boasts stunning rock formations and bay views. From there, it is also a must to drop by Bacuit Bay and the country’s biggest wildlife preservation area.
The diverse ecosystems which include coral reefs, limestone cliffs, mangroves, rainforests, and white sand beaches never fail to make tourists feel in awe.
You can also be up close and personal with the dugong or sea cow, hawksbill turtles, and other types of marine mammals that can only be found in this part of the world.
Go Island Hopping To Honda Bay
The islets and reefs offered by Honda Bay will surely amaze you because of the different fishes and sea life that vary in colors and shapes. You can explore the shallow waters that cover the beach’s powdery white sand.
Whether you like to snorkel or take a swim, it’s an ideal place for everyone.
Snorkel At Pambato Reef
The Pambato Reef is one of Palawan’s best snorkeling spots where you can swim with live corrals, clownfish, and sea anemones. The best thing about this activity is that there is no time limit.
So, you can see a variety of sea life underwater and have fun. Making this one of the top things to do in Palawan.
Scuba Diving In Tubbataha Reefs
Any visit to Palawan would not be complete if you do not scuba dive in Tubbataha Reefs. It is a national park that offers an underwater sanctuary with amazing marine life.
In case you did not know, it’s actually included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site and a national marine park that was first constructed in the country of the Philippines.
Explore Tabon Caves
The Tabon Caves are significant for the Philippines. People lived in these caves 50,000 years ago and left them about 700 years ago, making them home to one of the oldest discoveries of human inhabitants.
There are 2 large caves to explore, called Diwata Cave and Liyang Cave. It takes about a 20 to 30-minute boat ride to get to the other side of the mountains where the caves are located.
It is recommended to wear aqua shoes as sharp corals and stones are all over the seabed. Prices start from PHP 800 per person.
USEFUL TRAVEL RESOURCES
Book Accommodation
Booking.com has a large range of properties from hotels, hostels, guesthouses, and resorts where you will find the best deals. Airbnb and Hostelworld also have a good range of places to stay at good prices.
Booking Flight
Skyscanner is a flight search comparison website that searches millions of flights all at once. Ultimately it is the best flight comparison website online at the moment.
Booking Transportation & Things To Do
Rome2rio and 12Go are useful to plan how to get anywhere by searching train, bus, car, and ferry routes. Especially useful in countries like Vietnam or Thailand. While Klook is great for exploring things to do in each place.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is cheap and more than likely you will never need to use it but you will have peace of mind if something does happen, you are covered in case of an emergency. World Nomads have great customer service and competitive prices.
Check out our resource page for the best companies to use when you travel.
Wrapping Up
Finally, Palawan is a good place to visit especially if you want to relax by the beach or go exploring the national parks and see the waterfalls, lagoons, and caves. It is also a go place to go scuba diving and snorkeling cause the sea is full of life. Palawan has so must more to offer and for you to discover.
And that’s it for now! I’d love to know if this guide on the things to do in Palawan Philippines has helped you. Let me know if you have any questions and let me know if there is more to add.
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