Palawan Island Philippines: Nature’s Last Frontier Unveiled. Paradise at Risk of Being Overlooked. If someone told you that the Philippines has an island that consistently ranks among the best in the world, boasting limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, vibrant coral reefs, and a UNESCO-listed subterranean river, would you know its name?
The island is Palawan, and despite international acclaim, it remains surprisingly under-visited by global travellers compared to more commercialised destinations like Bali or Phuket. For adventurers, eco-travellers, and culture-seekers, this is a missed opportunity. Why? Because Palawan isn’t just another tropical island, it’s an immersive natural, cultural, and marine experience.
Palawan Island Philippines: Yet the biggest issue?
- Underrepresentation in mainstream travel circuits
- Confusion about logistics and travel routes
- Lack of real-time case studies showing its transformative travel value
Palawan is not just about beautiful beaches. It’s about the entire ecosystem of experience—one that speaks to nature lovers, cultural explorers, and conservation-conscious travellers.
So let’s break down why Palawan Island, Philippines, deserves a top spot on your travel radar.
Why Palawan is More Than Just an Island
1. Geography That Stuns With Every Turn
Palawan is an elongated island province located in the MIMAROPA region of the Philippines. It’s around 450 kilometres southwest of Mindoro and Borneo. It includes:
- The main island of Palawan
- Smaller islands like Busuanga, Coron, and Cuyo
Palawan Island Philippines: Key Cities and Areas:
- Puerto Princesa – Capital city and eco-tourism hub
- El Nido – Known for island hopping and limestone karsts
- Coron – Wreck diving capital
- Port Barton – A quieter, lesser-known beach town
2. Recognition from Global Travel Authorities
Palawan is not some hidden island—it’s globally celebrated:
- Condé Nast Traveller: Voted Palawan as the Best Island in the World multiple times
- Travel + Recreation: Known as Asia’s Top Island
- UNESCO named the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park a World Heritage Site.
Yet, it still maintains its raw, unfiltered charm.
3. The Puerto Princesa Underground River
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River is one of Palawan’s most well-known landmarks. Here are some hard facts:
- Length: 8.2 kilometres (navigable underground river)
- Recognition: One of the New 7 Wonders of Nature
- Biodiversity: Hosts over 800 plant species, 165 bird species, 30 mammal species
- Unique Aspect: The river empties directly into the ocean and features a comprehensive mountain-to-sea environment.
This site alone draws thousands annually, yet it’s just one part of Palawan’s puzzle.
4. Marine Biodiversity Like Nowhere Else
Palawan lies in the Coral Triangle, often referred to as the Amazon of the Sea.
Palawan Island Philippines: Key Marine Stats
- More than 600 species of fish
- Over 100 species of corals
- Endangered species: Dugongs, whale sharks, sea turtles
Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, another UNESCO site off Palawan’s coast, is one of the world’s top dive spots.
“It’s like swimming in an alien city built out of colour and movement.” – Diving enthusiast, 2022.
5. Adventure Tourism: A Natural Playground
Palawan appeals to the active traveller:
In El Nido:
- Island Hopping Tours A, B, C, D
- Kayaking to Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon
- Climbing Taraw Cliff
In Coron:
- Wreck Diving: WWII Japanese shipwrecks
- One of Asia’s cleanest: Lakes is Kayangan Lake.
- Twin Lagoon: Accessible via a narrow passage or underwater swim
Puerto Princesa:
- Firefly Watching in Iwahig River
- Honda Bay Snorkelling
- Ugong Rock Adventure – caving and ziplining
6. Cultural Encounters With Indigenous Tribes
Palawan isn’t just about nature. It’s about people.
- The Tagbanua Tribe is acknowledged as Coron Island’s native guardians.
- Batak Tribe – Hunter-gatherers in northern Palawan
- Cuyonon People – Known for traditional dances, music, and cuisine
The Tagbanua people have ancestral domain rights, meaning sustainable tourism is a part of their livelihood and heritage protection. Meeting them adds real context to your journey.
7. Sustainability Efforts in Action
Palawan has been declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, and notable local activities include:
- Strict visitor limits at some islands and dive sites
- No plastic policies in certain municipalities
- Local travel to locations such as San Vicente and Port Barton
- Marine protected areas with patrols by locals and NGOs
How You Can Experience Palawan the Right Way
Guide to Planning a Trip
Best Time to Visit:
- Dry season-November to May
- Peak: December–April
- Avoid rainy months (June–October) if possible.
How to Get There:
- Fly to Manila or Cebu
- From there, take a plane to Busuanga (Coron), El Nido (Lio Airport), or Puerto Princesa.
Sample Itinerary (7 Days):
- Puerto Princesa (Underground River, Fireflies)
- El Nido (Island Hopping, Lagoons)
- Coron (Wreck Diving, Kayangan Lake)
Recommended Activities:
- Island hopping (choose between Tours A-D in El Nido)
- Visit Hidden Beach (ranked among the world’s best beaches)
- Snorkelling or diving in Tubbataha (for experienced divers)
- Cultural visit to the Tagbanua territory (with permission)
What to Pack:
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Dry bags for boat trips
- Lightweight clothing
- Water shoes for rocky areas
- Snorkelling gear (optional, can be rented)
Travel Tips:
- Bring cash, ATMs are rare in remote areas
- Internet access is limited—download offline maps
- Local SIM cards work better than international roaming
- Always ask before photographing locals, especially indigenous people
Budget Snapshot (Estimated in USD):
| Item | Cost |
| Domestic flight (RT) | $80–150 |
| Accommodation (7 nights) | $120–700+ |
| Food (local & int’l mix) | $100 |
| Tours & entrance fees | $150–300 |
| Transport (van/trike) | $30–50 |
| Total (mid-range) | $500–1,000 |
Ethical Travel Reminders:
- Choose eco-certified tours
- Never touch coral or marine life
- Support local handicrafts
- Respect indigenous customs
- Minimise plastic waste
Final Thoughts: Why Palawan Deserves Your Presence, Not Just Praise
Palawan isn’t a place you check off. It’s a destination that checks in with you—physically, mentally, spiritually. It’s one of those rare places where adventure and serenity coexist, where you can dive one morning and sip coconut water by sunset in a hammock.
But like all ecosystems and indigenous cultures, Palawan’s future depends on responsible tourism. The people of Palawan are not just hosts—they’re guardians of a fragile but flourishing paradise.
So when you travel here, you’re not just visiting. You’re participating in something bigger.
Quick Summary in Bullet Points:
- Location: Southwest Philippines, near Borneo
- Main Attractions: Underground River, El Nido, Coron
- Marine Biodiversity: Coral Triangle, Tubbataha Reefs
- Activities: Island hopping, diving, trekking, cultural tours
- Indigenous Groups: Tagbanua, Batak, Cuyonon
- Sustainability: UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
- Best Time: Nov–May (dry season)
- Cost (7 days): $500–$1,000 (mid-range)
Ready to Explore Palawan?
You don’t need to be a millionaire, influencer, or hardcore explorer. All you need is curiosity and respect for nature. Book that flight. Pack that bag. And get ready to meet the wild, wonderful world of Palawan.