Palawan, Philippines’s Amazing Lagoons, Underground Rivers & Island Hopping (2025)
Palawan, Philippines isn’t just a destination—it’s a living emerald necklace scattered across turquoise waters. Picture limestone cliffs rising from waters so clear you can count the starfish on the seabed, hear the gentle lapping of waves against bangka boats, and smell the salt-tinged air mixed with tropical blossoms. This is nature’s masterpiece at its most pristine.
Why Palawan, Philippines Stands Out
Two men wearing life vest on boat, Palawan, Philippines
- Historic Architecture: Immaculate Conception Cathedral (built 1872) showcases Spanish colonial architecture and served as a spiritual anchor during Palawan’s development.
- Cultural Scene: Baragatan Festival every June celebrates Palawan’s diverse cultures with street dancing, traditional music, and local crafts.
- Local Specialties: Tamilok (woodworm) harvested from mangrove trees offers a unique briny, oyster-like taste that adventurous eaters seek out.
Pro Tip: Visit from late February to early May for perfect weather with fewer crowds—avoid Holy Week (March/April) when domestic tourists flood the islands. Book Puerto Princesa Underground River tours 3 weeks in advance through official websites to secure morning slots before crowds arrive.
Map of Palawan, Philippines
Use these interactive maps to explore Palawan, Philippines and plan your route:
📍 View Palawan, Philippines on OpenStreetMap
🗺️ Open Palawan, Philippines in Google Maps
Planning Your Trip: Practical Essentials
Getting There and Around
- By Air: Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS) serves direct flights from Manila, Cebu, and Clark via Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and AirAsia. Airport vans to city center cost ₱150 ($3). Book flights at Skyscanner for best deals.
- By Train: No rail connections available in Palawan—island hopping and road transport are primary methods. For other Philippine destinations, check Trainline or the national railway website.
- By Car: Rent cars in Puerto Princesa for exploring northern Palawan—the 6-hour drive to El Nido offers stunning coastal views. Compare car rentals at RentalCars.com.
- Local Transport: Tricycles cost ₱20-50 ($0.40-1) per ride, van transfers between towns cost ₱500-800 ($10-16), and bangka boat tours range ₱1200-2000 ($24-40) per person.
Best Time to Visit
Palawan has two main seasons: dry (November-May) and wet (June-October). The optimal window is January-April for calm seas ideal for island hopping.
| Season | Weather | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 28-32°C, frequent rain showers | Lush green landscapes, fewer tourists, lower prices but some island tours canceled due to weather |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | 26-30°C, minimal rainfall | Perfect beach weather, excellent visibility for diving, crowded attractions requiring advance bookings |
| Shoulder (Apr–May/Sep–Oct) | 28-31°C, occasional brief showers | Best value period with good weather, manageable crowds, ideal for photography with dramatic skies |
Budgeting for Palawan, Philippines
A beach with a lot of trees on the side of it, Palawan, Philippines
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | ₱800-1,500 ($16-30) hostels/guesthouses | ₱2,500-5,000 ($50-100) boutique hotels | ₱8,000-20,000 ($160-400) luxury resorts |
| Meals | ₱150-300 ($3-6) carinderia meals | ₱400-800 ($8-16) restaurant dinners | ₱1,200-2,500 ($24-50) fine dining |
| Transport | ₱200-400 ($4-8) daily tricycles/public vans | ₱600-1,000 ($12-20) private transfers | ₱2,500-5,000 ($50-100) private boat charters |
| Activities | ₱500-1,200 ($10-24) public beach access | ₱1,500-2,500 ($30-50) guided island tours | ₱3,000-8,000 ($60-160) private guided experiences |
| Daily Total | ₱1,650-3,400 ($33-68) | ₱5,000-9,300 ($100-186) | ₱14,700-35,500 ($294-710) |
Top Attractions and Must-See Sights
| Attraction | Description | Hours | Entry Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puerto Princesa Underground River | UNESCO World Heritage site featuring 8.2km navigable underground river with spectacular limestone formations | 8:30 AM-3:30 PM | ₱450 ($9) including boat and guide |
| El Nido Big Lagoon | Breathtaking turquoise lagoon surrounded by limestone karsts, best explored by kayak at sunrise | 6:00 AM-5:00 PM | ₱200 ($4) environmental fee |
| Coron Island Kayangan Lake | Consistently ranked among world’s cleanest lakes with crystal-clear waters and dramatic rock formations | 8:00 AM-5:00 PM | ₱300 ($6) including guide |
| Tubbataha Reef Natural Park | UNESCO marine protected area with exceptional biodiversity, accessible via liveaboard diving trips | Seasonal March-June | ₱3,000-8,000 ($60-160) daily rate |
3-Day Itinerary: Palawan, Philippines’s Highlights & Hidden Gems
Day 1: Puerto Princesa Underground River & City Charm
- Morning: 7:00 AM pickup for Underground River tour (₱1,800/$36 including lunch) – arrive early to avoid 2-hour queues that form by 9 AM.
- Afternoon: 1:00 PM city tour including Plaza Cuartel WWII historical site and lunch at Ka Lui Restaurant (must-try grilled tuna belly ₱380/$7.60).
- Evening: 6:00 PM Iwahig Firefly Watching tour (₱600/$12) followed by dinner at Kinabuchs Grill for famous chicken inato (₱220/$4.40).
Day 2: El Nido Island Hopping Extravaganza
- Morning: 7:30 AM Tour A (₱1,200/$24) visiting Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, and Shimizu Island – bring waterproof bag for your camera.
- Afternoon: 12:00 PM beachside lunch at Seven Commandos Beach and snorkeling at Secret Beach through small rock opening.
- Evening: 6:30 PM sunset drinks at Las Cabanas Beach then dinner at Artcafe (try the seafood kare-kare ₱350/$7).
Day 3: Coron Wreck Diving & Hot Springs
- Morning: 8:00 AM flight to Coron (₱3,500/$70 one-way) then 10:00 AM wreck diving at Irako Maru (₱1,500/$30 including gear).
- Afternoon: 1:00 PM lunch at Lolo Nonoy’s Food Station (sinigang na hipon ₱280/$5.60) then visit Maquinit Hot Springs.
- Evening: 6:00 PM Mount Tapyas viewpoint for sunset then final dinner at Winnie’s Restaurant (crispy pata ₱450/$9).
Cultural Insights & Etiquette
- Language: Tagalog and local dialects; English widely spoken. Learn “Salamat” (thank you) and “Magkano?” (how much?).
- Customs: Remove shoes before entering homes, use “po” and “opo” for elders as respect gestures, avoid loud confrontations.
- Tipping: Not mandatory but appreciated—round up taxi fares, 10% for good restaurant service, ₱50-100 ($1-2) for tour guides.
- Dress Code: Conservative swimwear at beaches, cover shoulders/knees in churches, smart casual for better restaurants.
- Business Hours: Shops 9 AM-7 PM, banks 9 AM-3 PM weekdays, malls until 9 PM, many businesses closed Sundays.
Where to Eat: Palawan, Philippines’s Best Bites
Palawan’s cuisine reflects its island location with fresh seafood dominating menus, combined with Filipino classics and unique local ingredients like coconut vinegar and calamansi.
Must-Try Local Specialties
- Chicken Inato: Grilled chicken marinated in local spices and vinegar—best at Kinabuchs Grill in Puerto Princesa
- Lato Seaweed: Fresh green caviar-like seaweed salad with tomatoes and onions—available at most carinderias
- Halo-Halo: Iconic Filipino shaved ice dessert with tropical fruits and beans—perfect at Manalo Eco Park after touring
Restaurant Recommendations by Budget
| Type | Restaurant | Specialty | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | Badjao Seafront, Puerto Princesa | Fresh grilled squid with rice | ₱250-400 ($5-8) |
| Mid-range | Altrove, El Nido | Wood-fired pizzas and pasta | ₱450-800 ($9-16) |
| Fine dining | Hama Japanese, El Nido | Omakase sushi using local fish | ₱1,500-2,500 ($30-50) |
Where to Stay
Accommodation ranges from basic beach huts to luxury overwater villas. Puerto Princesa offers budget options, El Nido has mid-range beach resorts, while Coron features luxury diving resorts. Compare prices and book at Booking.com or Airbnb for apartments.
Best Neighborhoods for Accommodation
- Puerto Princesa City Center: Convenient for Underground River tours and flights, bustling with restaurants but less scenic beach access
- El Nido Town Proper: Walking distance to tour operators and restaurants, noisy at night but perfect for social travelers
- Coron Town: Best for wreck diving enthusiasts, basic amenities but incredible natural attractions nearby
Green trees near body of water, Palawan, Philippines
FAQs: Your Palawan, Philippines Questions Answered
1. Is Palawan, Philippines safe at night?
Generally very safe, especially in tourist areas. Exercise normal precautions: avoid dark isolated areas, don’t flash valuables, use registered tricycles. Puerto Princesa has a 10 PM curfew for alcohol sales.
2. What currency is used and are credit cards accepted?
Philippine Peso (₱). Credit cards accepted at hotels and upscale restaurants in main towns, but carry cash (₱2,000-3,000 daily) for markets, small eateries, and remote islands where ATMs are scarce.
3. How do I get from the airport to the city center?
Puerto Princesa Airport: air-conditioned vans cost ₱150 ($3) to city center, 15-minute ride. El Nido Airport: tricycles ₱150 ($3) to town, 10 minutes. Coron Airport: van transfer ₱200 ($4) to town, 30 minutes. Book airport transfers at GetYourGuide for convenience.
4. Do I need to speak the local language?
No—English is widely spoken in tourist areas. Learning basic Tagalog phrases like “Magandang umaga” (good morning) and “Saan ang CR?” (where’s the bathroom?) is appreciated but not necessary.
5. What’s the appropriate dress code?
Lightweight clothing for humid climate. Cover shoulders and knees when visiting churches. Resort wear acceptable at beaches but cover up when leaving beach areas. Smart casual for fine dining restaurants—no beachwear.
Final Thoughts: Palawan, Philippines Awaits
Palawan represents the Philippines at its most spectacular—where nature commands attention and simplicity brings the deepest satisfaction. From the cathedral-like chambers of the Underground River to the ethereal beauty of hidden lagoons, this archipelago delivers experiences that linger long after you’ve left its shores. The real magic lies in balancing iconic sights with spontaneous moments: watching fishermen mend nets at dawn, sharing stories with local guides, or simply floating in waters so clear they redefine blue. Come for the postcard-perfect landscapes, but you’ll return for the genuine warmth of its people and the soul-restoring connection to nature that modern life often lacks.
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