Palawan: The Last Frontier of the Philippines

About Palawan

Palawan, often called "The Last Frontier of the Philippines," is an archipelagic province consisting of 1,780 islands and islets. This paradise has consistently been ranked among the world's best islands by major travel publications, and for good reason. The province stretches from Mindoro to Borneo and is blessed with an incredible combination of pristine beaches, limestone cliffs, crystal-clear lagoons, and rich biodiversity both above and below the water.

The province is divided into three main tourist destinations: Puerto Princesa, the capital city famous for its Underground River; El Nido, known for its stunning limestone cliffs and lagoons; and Coron, renowned for its world-class diving sites and crystal-clear lakes. Each area offers unique experiences while maintaining the pristine natural beauty that makes Palawan special.

Palawan's rich ecosystem hosts more than 100 species of birds, 600 kinds of butterflies, and numerous endangered species including the Philippine pangolin and the Palawan peacock-pheasant. The surrounding waters are home to dugongs, sea turtles, and an incredible variety of marine life, making it a paradise for nature lovers and underwater enthusiasts.

Beyond its natural wonders, Palawan is home to several indigenous groups, including the Tagbanua and Batak peoples, who maintain their traditional ways of life. The province also has a fascinating history, from ancient tribal settlements to Spanish colonial influences and World War II sites.

Today, Palawan strikes a delicate balance between tourism development and environmental conservation. The province has implemented strict ecological guidelines to preserve its natural beauty while providing world-class accommodations and experiences for visitors, from luxury resorts to eco-friendly hostels.

Top Attractions

• Puerto Princesa Underground River - A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring an 8.2-kilometer navigable underground river system with impressive cave formations.
• El Nido Lagoons - Famous for its Big and Small Lagoons, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and crystal-clear waters perfect for kayaking and swimming.
• Coron Twin Lagoons - Two stunning lagoons separated by a limestone wall, offering unique swimming experiences in both fresh and saltwater.
• Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park - A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world's best diving destinations, featuring pristine coral reefs and marine biodiversity.
• Nacpan Beach - A 4-kilometer stretch of pristine white sand beach in El Nido, known for its unspoiled beauty and twin beach formation.
• Kayangan Lake - Often called the cleanest lake in Asia, surrounded by limestone cliffs and offering crystal-clear waters for swimming.
• Honda Bay - Perfect for island hopping, featuring several islands with great snorkeling spots and beach activities.
• Barracuda Lake - A unique diving spot in Coron known for its thermocline, where warm and cold waters meet.
• Port Barton - A quiet alternative to El Nido, offering pristine beaches and a laid-back atmosphere.
• WW2 Shipwreck Sites - Coron Bay houses several Japanese shipwrecks from World War II, providing fascinating dive sites.

Practical Travel Information

Getting There: Palawan is accessible by air and sea. The main entry point is Puerto Princesa International Airport, which offers direct flights from Manila, Cebu, and other major cities in the Philippines. Many airlines, including Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and AirAsia, have daily flights to Puerto Princesa. If you’re heading to El Nido or Coron, both destinations have their own smaller airports – El Nido Airport (Lio Airport) and Francisco B. Reyes Airport in Coron, respectively. Direct flights to these airports are available from Manila and Cebu, though they are serviced by smaller carriers like AirSWIFT.

Once in Palawan, traveling between destinations such as Puerto Princesa, El Nido, and Coron is relatively easy thanks to an extensive network of van transfers, buses, and boats. Vans are the most common mode of transportation between Puerto Princesa and El Nido, taking around 5 to 6 hours. For those traveling between El Nido and Coron, ferry services operated by companies such as Montenegro and Phimal Fast Ferries provide daily connections across the islands. The ferry journey takes about 3.5 to 4 hours, making it a convenient option for island hopping.

Best Time to Visit: Palawan enjoys a tropical climate, making it a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is during the dry season from November to May. During this period, the skies are clear, the waters calm, and temperatures range between 25°C and 32°C (77°F to 89°F). December to February is considered the peak travel season due to the cooler, more comfortable weather, perfect for activities like island hopping, snorkeling, and diving.

The rainy season in Palawan typically runs from June to October, with July and August being the wettest months. While it's still possible to visit during this time, heavy rains and occasional storms may disrupt travel plans, particularly island-hopping tours. If you're looking to avoid crowds and don’t mind the chance of occasional showers, traveling during the shoulder months of May and October can offer a more peaceful experience with fewer tourists.

Local Cuisine: Palawan’s culinary scene is rich with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, particularly seafood. One of the must-try delicacies is *tamilok*, a type of woodworm found in mangroves, which is typically served raw and eaten with vinegar. Adventurous eaters may also enjoy crocodile sisig, a local twist on the traditional Filipino dish made from crocodile meat. Palawan’s cuisine offers a unique mix of traditional Filipino flavors with an exotic touch.

Don’t miss trying *kinilaw*, the Filipino version of ceviche made from raw fish marinated in vinegar, lime, ginger, and spices, which is a refreshing dish ideal for hot island days. Local fruits like mangoes, coconuts, and bananas are also plentiful, and tropical fruit shakes or halo-halo (a popular Filipino dessert made with crushed ice, milk, and a variety of sweet toppings) are perfect for cooling down after a day of exploring.