Palawan, an archipelago of over 1,700 islands in the western Philippines, is a tropical paradise that has been consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful provinces in the country. Its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, lush forests, and unique wildlife make it a nature lover’s haven. With its rich cultural heritage and warm hospitality, Palawan has become a top tourist destination in the Philippines, attracting visitors from all over the world. In this blog post, we will explore the best tourist spots in Palawan, highlighting its most popular attractions, hidden gems, and off-the-beaten-path destinations.
El Nido: The Crown Jewel of Palawan
El Nido is a municipality in the northern part of Palawan, known for its breathtaking limestone cliffs, pristine beaches, and crystal-clear waters. It is considered one of the most beautiful destinations in the Philippines, and for good reason. El Nido is home to over 100 beaches, many of which are still untouched and unexplored.
Island Hopping in El Nido
One of the most popular activities in El Nido is island hopping. There are several tour packages available, each offering a unique experience. The most popular tour is the El Nido Tour A, which takes visitors to five islands, including Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Beach, Shimizu Island, and Matinloc Island. The tour includes snorkeling, swimming, and exploring the islands’ hidden beaches and lagoons.
| Island | Description |
|---|---|
| Big Lagoon | A large lagoon with crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. |
| Small Lagoon | A smaller lagoon with a hidden beach, accessible through a narrow passage. |
| Secret Beach | A secluded beach with a picturesque entrance, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs. |
| Shimizu Island | A small island with a beautiful beach and a historic lighthouse. |
| Matinloc Island | A large island with a stunning viewpoint, offering breathtaking views of El Nido. |
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River
The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Palawan. Located in Puerto Princesa City, the capital of Palawan, the river is a stunning natural wonder that features an underground river that flows through a limestone cave.
Exploring the Underground River
Visitors can take a guided tour of the underground river, which includes a boat ride through the cave. The tour takes around 45 minutes to an hour, and visitors can see stunning rock formations, stalactites, and stalagmites. The river is home to a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, bats, and birds.
Tips for Visiting the Underground River
Coron: The Wreck Diving Capital of the Philippines
Coron is a municipality in the northern part of Palawan, known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and historic shipwrecks. It is considered one of the best wreck diving destinations in the world, attracting divers from all over the globe. (See Also: Tourist Spots in Mount Abu? Hidden Gems Await)
Wreck Diving in Coron
Coron is home to over 10 shipwrecks, including the famous USS Kittens, a Japanese warship that sank during World War II. The wrecks are located in shallow waters, making it accessible to divers of all levels. The clear waters offer visibility of up to 30 meters, allowing divers to see the wrecks in stunning detail.
Popular Wreck Diving Sites in Coron
Other Popular Tourist Spots in Palawan
In addition to El Nido, Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, and Coron, Palawan has many other popular tourist spots that are worth visiting.
Ugong Rock
Ugong Rock is a unique geological formation located in Puerto Princesa City. It is a limestone rock that produces a loud, drum-like sound when hit, hence its name. Visitors can explore the surrounding area, which features a stunning viewpoint and a beautiful beach.
Firefly Watching
Firefly watching is a popular activity in Palawan, particularly in the evenings. Visitors can take a boat ride through the mangrove forests and witness the stunning display of fireflies lighting up the trees.
Honda Bay
Honda Bay is a popular beach destination in Puerto Princesa City, known for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters. Visitors can swim, snorkel, or simply relax on the beach.
Summary
In this blog post, we explored the best tourist spots in Palawan, highlighting its most popular attractions, hidden gems, and off-the-beaten-path destinations. From the stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters of El Nido to the historic shipwrecks of Coron, Palawan has something to offer for every type of traveler. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or an adventure seeker, Palawan is a must-visit destination in the Philippines. (See Also: Best Tourist Spots in Wisconsin – Hidden Gems to Discover)
Recap
In this blog post, we covered the following topics:
We hope this blog post has inspired you to visit Palawan and experience its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Palawan?
The best time to visit Palawan is during the dry season, from December to May. This is the best time to enjoy the beaches and outdoor activities.
How do I get to Palawan?
The fastest way to get to Palawan is by flying to Puerto Princesa City, the capital of Palawan. There are daily flights from Manila, the capital of the Philippines.
What are the must-try foods in Palawan?
Palawan is known for its fresh seafood, particularly its grilled fish and squid. Other must-try foods include crocodile meat, tamilok (woodworm), and binignit (a type of sweet potato). (See Also: Tourist Spots in Ilocos Norte – Unveiled Wonders)
Is Palawan safe for tourists?
Yes, Palawan is generally safe for tourists. However, it’s always best to take precautions, such as avoiding traveling alone at night and keeping valuables secure.
What is the best way to get around Palawan?
The best way to get around Palawan is by renting a van or hiring a private car. This allows you to explore the island at your own pace and visit remote destinations.