Regularly voted the world’s best island, Palawan’s limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, and underground river make it the Philippines’ premier natural destination.
Why Visit Palawan
Palawan has topped international best island rankings repeatedly, its El Nido lagoons and limestone karst formations creating scenery that rivals Thailand’s most famous islands. The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New7Wonders of Nature, offers a boat trip through one of the world’s longest navigable underground rivers. Coron, in northern Palawan, adds World War Two shipwreck diving to the island’s appeal, giving Palawan a rare mix of beach relaxation and genuine adventure.
Top Experiences
- El Nido Lagoons: hidden turquoise lagoons surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs, reached by island hopping boat tours.
- Puerto Princesa Subterranean River: a UNESCO listed underground river system, one of the longest navigable underground rivers in the world.
- Coron Shipwrecks: World War Two Japanese shipwrecks now popular dive sites in crystal clear water.
- Kayangan Lake: often called the cleanest lake in the Philippines, surrounded by limestone cliffs in Coron.
- Nacpan Beach: a long, less crowded beach near El Nido known for its wide stretch of white sand.
Book Palawan Tours & Activities
Island hop through El Nido’s lagoons, dive Coron’s shipwrecks, or cruise the underground river with guided tours around Palawan.
El Nido to Coron Group Palawan Expedition 3D2N all inclusive
Practical Tips
- El Nido’s island hopping tours are divided into routes (A, B, C, D), each covering different lagoons and beaches.
- The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River requires a permit, book through a tour operator in advance.
- Coron and El Nido are both in Palawan but require separate travel, plan an itinerary that does not try to rush between them.
- Dry season from November to May offers the best conditions for island hopping and diving.
FAQ
Is Palawan really the best island in the world?
It has topped several international travel publication rankings for best islands, largely due to its limestone karst scenery, lagoons, and underground river.
Should I visit El Nido or Coron?
El Nido is best for lagoon island hopping and beaches, while Coron is best for wreck diving and Kayangan Lake, many visitors combine both if time allows.
Final Thoughts
Palawan’s combination of hidden lagoons, an underground river, and wreck diving explains why it consistently ranks among the world’s best islands, and why a single visit rarely feels like enough.
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