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Information about Palawan Island

Type
Island
High season
Spring
Family-friendly
Yes
Area
14,650 sq km

Palawan Island

El Nido Palawan

Palawan Island is one of the most breathtaking destinations in the Philippines and has earned its title as the country’s “Last Frontier.” Located in Western Philippines, this long, narrow island is world-famous for its unspoiled beaches, dramatic limestone cliffs, turquoise lagoons, and diverse marine life. Whether you’re into snorkeling, diving, island hopping, or nature adventures, Palawan Island tours offer an incredible variety of experiences.

From the bustling city of Puerto Princesa to the tropical charm of El Nido town, the historic shipwrecks of Coron town, the serene coastlines of San Vicente town, and the untouched shores of Balabac Island, Palawan showcases some of the best attractions that the Philippines has to offer.

Top Destinations in Palawan Island

Puerto Princesa City: Palawan’s Capital and Gateway to Nature

The capital of Palawan Island, Puerto Princesa City, is known for its accessibility, eco-tourism efforts, and iconic landmarks. The city is home to the world-renowned Puerto Princesa Underground River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This impressive cave system flows beneath a karst landscape and is best explored via guided Underground River tours. Visitors can begin their journey here through pre-arranged Puerto Princesa tour packages for a hassle-free trip.

The Honda Bay island hopping tour is another must-try, where visitors explore scenic islets such as Starfish Island, Cowrie Island, and Luli Island. You can also join a Puerto Princesa City tour to explore cultural and historical spots like Plaza Cuartel, Baker’s Hill, and the Palawan Heritage Museum.

Travelers can book daily flights to Puerto Princesa, and easily arrange airport transfers to reach their hotel or tour starting point. A wide range of Puerto Princesa hotels makes it easy to base yourself in the city before exploring further into the island.

Multi-stop itineraries like the 5-Day Palawan Island Beach & Nature Package from Manila City and Palawan island tour packages to Puerto Princesa City and El Nido Town combine Puerto Princesa with top destinations like El Nido for a seamless travel experience.

El Nido Town: The Iconic Gateway to Bacuit Bay

El Nido town, on the northern tip of Palawan Island, is a paradise for beach lovers and adventurers. Known for its dramatic karst formations, white-sand beaches, and crystal-clear lagoons, El Nido is best explored through the famous El Nido island hopping tours. Tour A (which includes Big Lagoon and Shimizu Island) is the most popular, while Tours B, C, and D cover other beautiful parts of Bacuit Bay.

El Nido town is accessible via land from Puerto Princesa or by limited direct flights to Lio Airport. Visitors can book guided El Nido tours, stay in a wide variety of hotels in El Nido, from eco-resorts to beachfront inns, to suit their travel style.

Coron Town: Dive into History and Natural Wonders

Located in the northern part of Palawan Island, Coron town is famous for its crystal-clear lakes, limestone cliffs, and WWII shipwreck dive sites. Coron island hopping tours include visits to Kayangan Lake, Barracuda Lake, Twin Lagoon, and nearby white-sand beaches.

Coron is also one of the best places in the country for wreck diving, with many scuba diving packages offered for beginners and experienced divers. Travelers can book Coron tours, accommodations in top-rated hotels in Coron, and daily flights to Busuanga Airport, with easy access to accommodations via Coron airport transfers. For a hassle-free vacation,  pre-arranged tour packages in Coron are also available. 

If you're planning to visit both, you can book convenient Coron to El Nido Palawan Tour Packages that include accommodations, transfers, and curated tours to maximize your stay.

San Vicente Town: Palawan’s Emerging Coastal Retreat

San Vicente town is a peaceful and lesser-known destination in Palawan Island, best known for Long Beach, which stretches over 14 kilometers—one of the longest beaches in the country. Here, visitors can enjoy quiet coastlines, island hopping to Port Barton, and waterfall hikes. San Vicente tours are ideal for travelers looking for a more relaxed and less crowded alternative to El Nido or Coron.

Balabac Island: The Hidden Tropical Gem of Southern Palawan

In the far south of Palawan Island lies Balabac Island, a remote and untouched paradise filled with powdery beaches, sandbars, and turquoise waters. Popular spots like Onok Island and Candaraman Sandbar offer postcard-perfect views and rich marine life. Adventurous travelers can book a tour package to Balabac Island, which typically includes boat transfers, accommodations, meals, and guided tours to its most pristine islets.

Plan Your Trip to Palawan Island

Palawan Island is served by three main airports: Puerto Princesa International Airport, El Nido Airport, and Busuanga Airport (for Coron). Multiple flights to Puerto Princesa and flights to Coron operate daily from Manila, Cebu, and Clark. 

Transfers between towns are available by van, ferry, or private transport. Visitors can also book Puerto Princesa transfers or arrange car rental for added flexibility.

Expertly planned Palawan Island packages and guided tours are available for travelers who want a seamless and curated experience. These may include accommodations, island hopping tours, guided activities, and transport.

For a hassle-free vacation across the province's best destinations, consider booking a Coron-El Nido-Puerto Princesa tour package that lets you experience all the top spots in one seamless itinerary.

The 2-Week Palawan Island Stunning Beaches Tour Package from Manila City is perfect for those who want to enjoy the island at a slower pace, covering iconic sites in Coron, El Nido, and Puerto Princesa City.

 

 

Frequently asked questions
What are the top destinations to visit in Palawan Island?
Palawan Island is home to several must-visit spots including Puerto Princesa City, known for the Underground River tours; El Nido town, famous for dramatic limestone cliffs and stunning El Nido island hopping tours; Coron town, a top destination for scuba diving packages and island hopping; San Vicente town, home to Long Beach; and the remote Balabac Island, accessible through guided tour packages to Balabac Island.
How do I get to Palawan Island?
You can reach Palawan Island via multiple entry points. There are direct flights to Puerto Princesa from Manila, Cebu, and Clark; flights to Coron (Busuanga Airport) for those visiting the northern part of the island; and limited flights to El Nido. From the airport, you can arrange Puerto Princesa transfers, van rides to El Nido or San Vicente, or take ferries between Coron and El Nido.
What is the best time to visit Palawan?
The best time to visit Palawan Island is during the dry season, from November to May. This period offers clear skies and calm seas, ideal for Palawan island hopping tours, diving, and beach exploration.
How many days should I spend in Palawan?
A 5 to 7-day trip is ideal if you're combining multiple destinations such as Puerto Princesa and El Nido. You can also consider joining curated multi-day itineraries like or explore multi-destinations. Learn more in this guide to planning a Palawan itinerary.
Do I need to join a tour or can I travel independently?
You can do both! Independent travelers can use car rental options and book boat transfers, but joining organized tours or all-inclusive packages is highly recommended for convenience, especially for first-time visitors or those who want to make the most of their stay in Palawan Island.
What are the best activities to do in Palawan?
Top activities include Puerto Princesa Underground River tour, island hopping in Honday Bay, El Nido, and Coron, scuba diving in shipwrecks of Coron, beach bumming in San Vicente, and joining a tour package to Balabac Island. Wildlife encounters, snorkeling, kayaking, and visiting heritage sites also enhance the Palawan Island experience.
Are there tours with pickup from Puerto Princesa cruise port?
Yes, many tour operators offer tours with pickup from Puerto Princesa cruise port, including visits to top attractions like the Underground River and Honda Bay. These excursions are tailored to cruise schedules, with guaranteed return-to-ship service for peace of mind.
What are the best Puerto Princesa day tours from cruise port?
Some of the best Puerto Princesa day tours from cruise port include the Underground River tour, Honda Bay island hopping, and guided city tours. These are among the most popular Puerto Princesa shore excursions for cruise passengers looking to make the most of their time on land.
Are there cruise-friendly day tours in Puerto Princesa?
Absolutely. Cruise-friendly day tours in Puerto Princesa are designed with early pickup times and guaranteed drop-off back at the cruise terminal. These include cultural sightseeing, nature trips, and island-hopping options that showcase the best of the city within a day.
Are there shore excursions from El Nido port?
Yes, there are shore excursions from El Nido port for cruise passengers, featuring highlights such as Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, and Secret Beach. These shore trips in El Nido, Philippines are perfect for visitors looking to explore the region’s famous limestone karsts and turquoise waters.
What are the best El Nido shore tours for cruise guests?
The best shore tours in El Nido, Philippines include half-day island hopping routes such as Tour A or Tour B, designed to fit within cruise schedules. These cruise excursions from El Nido port ensure you can experience El Nido’s natural wonders with reliable return-to-ship transfers.
Are there Coron tours with port pickup and dropoff?
Yes, many Coron tours offer port pickup and dropoff, making them perfect for cruise guests. Activities may include lake tours, beach hopping, or relaxing hot spring visits—all ideal Coron guided tours for cruise passengers with limited shore time.
What are the top-rated Coron shore excursions?
Top shore excursions near Coron cruise terminal include visits to Kayangan Lake, Barracuda Lake, and Twin Lagoon. These short tours in Coron for cruise ship guests are designed to give travelers a taste of Coron’s world-class natural beauty within a few hours.
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