Palawan, often hailed as the “Best Island in the World,” is a tropical paradise in the Philippines that has captured the hearts of travelers around the globe. With its white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and towering limestone cliffs, it’s no wonder that Palawan has become a must-visit destination for adventurers, nature lovers, and beach bums alike.
In this Palawan guide, I’ll take you through everything you need to know about Palawan, from how to get there to must-see spots like El Nido, Coron, Port Barton, and the famous Nacpan Beach. Ready to dive into paradise? Let’s do this Palawan Guide
Palawan Guide – What the Palawan?
Palawan is a long, narrow archipelago made up of 1,780 islands, stretching from Mindoro in the northeast to Borneo in the southwest. This unique geography gives it a mix of incredible natural diversity—from lush rainforests and mangroves to coral reefs and dramatic karst cliffs. The main island of Palawan serves as a gateway to some of the Philippines’ most beautiful destinations, including the world-famous El Nido and Coron.
Why Palawan is Called the Best Island in the World
Palawan has won the title of Best Island in the World multiple times, and if you’ve ever seen pictures of El Nido’s lagoons or Coron’s shipwrecks, you’ll understand why. It’s the definition of tropical paradise: postcard-perfect beaches, sparkling waters, and some of the world’s most amazing spots for snorkeling, diving, and island hopping. And despite its growing popularity, Palawan still retains a laid-back vibe that hasn’t been ruined by mass tourism—yet.
How to Get to Palawan
Getting to Palawan isn’t as complicated as its far-flung location might suggest. Here’s how to do it:
By Air:
The easiest and fastest way to get to Palawan is by flying. Puerto Princesa International Airport is the main gateway, with direct flights from Manila, Cebu, and even some international locations like Hong Kong and Taiwan. You can also fly directly into El Nido Airport (Lio Airport) or Coron (Busuanga Airport), depending on where you want to start your trip.
By Ferry:
For a more scenic (but longer) option, you can take a ferry from Manila or Mindoro to Coron or El Nido. It’s not the most time-efficient, but it’s an adventure in itself, especially as you approach Palawan’s spectacular coastline.
Getting Around:
Once you’re in Palawan, your main options are buses, vans, and motorbikes. Tricycles (local tuk-tuks) are available for shorter distances, and boat transfers are common for hopping between islands.
El Nido
Now, let’s talk about the crown jewel of Palawan: El Nido. This little town on the northern tip of the main island has become synonymous with paradise, and for good reason. With its emerald lagoons, towering karst cliffs, and vibrant marine life, El Nido is a dream come true for beach lovers and adventurers alike.
How to Get to El Nido:
If you’re flying into Palawan, you’ve got a few options to reach El Nido:
- From Manila: You can fly directly into El Nido Airport (Lio), or you can take a flight to Puerto Princesa and then hop on a 5-6 hour van or bus ride north to El Nido. Vans are quicker but cramped, while buses offer a bit more comfort.
- From Coron: You can catch a ferry from Coron to El Nido, which takes about 4-5 hours.
Things to Do in El Nido:
El Nido is all about island hopping, so prepare yourself for some of the most stunning landscapes you’ll ever see.
1. Island Hopping Tours:
The main draw in El Nido is the Bacuit Archipelago, a collection of over 45 islands. The most popular tours are Tour A and Tour C, which take you to highlights like the Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island, and Hidden Beach. Expect turquoise waters, hidden beaches, and mind-blowing rock formations.
2. Snorkeling and Diving:
El Nido is also home to some great spots for snorkeling and diving, with colorful coral reefs and an abundance of marine life. You’ll find snorkeling opportunities on almost every island hopping tour, but if you’re serious about diving, check out Dilumacad Island (Helicopter Island) or Cadlao Lagoon.
3. Nacpan Beach:
About 45 minutes from the main town, Nacpan Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches you’ll ever see. With its long stretch of soft white sand and crystal-clear waters, Nacpan is perfect for a day trip or even an overnight stay at one of the laid-back resorts.
4. Hike Taraw Cliff:
For stunning panoramic views of El Nido, take on the Taraw Cliff hike. It’s a steep and challenging climb, but once you reach the top, the view over Bacuit Bay is nothing short of spectacular.
Coron
If El Nido is paradise above water, Coron is heaven below. Coron is famous for its WWII shipwrecks, making it one of the best diving spots in the world. Even if you’re not a diver, you’ll find plenty to do on this quieter, more laid-back island.
Things to Do in Coron:
- Wreck Diving: Coron is home to some of the world’s best wreck diving sites, with Japanese WWII shipwrecks sitting at various depths. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, Coron offers a unique underwater experience.
- Kayangan Lake: Often considered the “cleanest lake in Asia,” Kayangan Lake is a must-see when visiting Coron. The crystal-clear waters and stunning limestone surroundings make it perfect for a swim or a snorkel.
- Twin Lagoon: This is another iconic spot in Coron. Twin Lagoon offers a unique experience of swimming between two lagoons through a narrow passage or a small tunnel, depending on the tide.
Port Barton
If you’re looking for something quieter and more relaxed, Port Barton is the place to be. Located between Puerto Princesa and El Nido, Port Barton offers a more off-the-beaten-path experience with fewer tourists, chilled-out vibes, and unspoiled nature.
Things to Do in Port Barton:
- Island Hopping: Like El Nido, Port Barton offers some great island hopping opportunities, but with far fewer crowds. Some of the top islands include German Island, Inaladelan Island, and Twin Reef, all of which offer great snorkeling.
- Relax: This is the place to kick back, swing in a hammock, and enjoy the peaceful beach atmosphere. You won’t find any big resorts here, just small beachside guesthouses and chill vibes.
You can read a Port Barton Guide here.
Nacpan Beach
A short drive from El Nido, Nacpan Beach is the perfect spot for those looking to escape the crowds. It’s 4 kilometers of pure white sand, calm waters, and stunning views. There are a few beach bars and small resorts if you want to stay overnight, but it’s also perfect for a day trip from El Nido.
Things to Do in Nacpan:
- Sunbathing and Swimming: The calm waters make Nacpan ideal for swimming, while the soft sand is perfect for relaxing.
- Beach Bars: There are a few laid-back beach bars where you can grab a drink and watch the sun go down over the horizon.
Final Thoughts the Palawan Guide!
Personally I visit Palawan every year for a tour with YPT and I do this because I truly think it is one of the best islands in the world. In fact I neatly brought an island here.
And it is a place constantly evolving with El Nido now having an amazing nightlife including great seafood and pizza while Port Barton is like the “next big thing”.
I am sure it will eventually become saturated, but for now at least it is still Paradise.
You can check out my broader Philippines Tours here.