As with Bali there is a lot of Island hopping ― and that's half the pleasure of Bali ― you want to squeeze everything in before having to head off back home. Well, you have that exact same urge when holidaying on Palawan Island. It is certain that you'll not visit every Island and Islet in this archipelago though, because it's reckoned there are over 1,500 of them in all shapes and sizes.
What can we say about the beaches? It's a tropical paradise and you expect quality and that's what you've got. In spades. You have the soft white sand and long shorelines. You have clear pristine water and coconut palm trees for shade. You have the water sports and marine life to amaze you.
You get everything you can imagine. There are literally dozens of beaches all over Palawan and neighboring Islands. Far too many for us to dare cover in this guide so we'll just happen to mention a few for you:
We'll leave it to you to enjoy discovering all that there is on each beach and isn't that half the fun of not knowing what to expect?
The Philippines is well known and respected for their vast rain forests and marine wilderness. In our guide we have highlighted no less than three such natural attractions found on and around the Palawan Islands we believe, making your holiday more pleasurable.
Grasslands vibrate to the sounds of over 200 bird species and over 600 butterfly species can be found attracted to the many plants. Also, endangered turtles can be found on these Islands nesting in the white sands. There is no bigger natural attraction you could ask for, not with over 10,000 kilometers of coral reefs beneath the waves.
When traveling to Palawan you are greeted with quality food served in many restaurants regardless of what Island you happen to be on. The food you order may very well be a local specialist dish ― a local delicacy for example or fresh seafood or you can opt for an international dish you're more familiar with.
To enjoy your meal though, you first must accept that you eat with your hands as do many of the locals. You're on their turf after all so go with the flow. Also accept its custom to eat in large communal groups or gatherings. Sharing food over stories at the table is all part of the dining experience.
There is no easy access into Palawan unless you are flying from somewhere near hand. Say:
That's your pick. If you are coming in from elsewhere you are forced to make a connecting flight. And maybe even more than one connection. It could very well be a hassle.
We reckon you should book your flights ― seek guidance from your travel agent if you are booking through one ― with Philippines Airlines (no affiliation) as they fly out of Europe themselves, and the US coast-to-coast, direct to Manila.
Either that or you find yourself flying into an international airport elsewhere in southern Asia to only then get to Palawan via a flight from Manila. Just keep reminding yourself how amazing this holiday will be and you'll be in high spirits.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Puerto Princesa national park attracts tens of thousands of visitors year-round from all over the world. The world's second longest subterranean river ― Mexico has the one that tops this ― leads you to a nature trail through a forest onto a walkway to a cave system. You can paddle in a canoe until your heart's content.
You are in for a treat. Unique rock formations, stalactites and stalagmites and even religious symbols deep inside this 8km labyrinth.
The next big Island after Palawan there are rich flora and fauna spread out far and wide among stunning beaches and lakes. There are two smaller Islands on the outskirts of Busuanga, namely Culion and Coron within an easy boat ride. There's an incredible amount of activity you could cram in on one day:
It may interest you that Coron has the nearest airport to Busuanga making it an ideal escape route back to the Philippine mainland, by-passing Palawan altogether.
Both local and foreign tourists clamber for the top spot Coron Island is because of the stunningly gorgeous beaches and lagoons, and accessibility. But other Islands are playing catch up and Linapacan is one such Island. The one advantage Linapacan has over Coron and El Nido is it isn't as mature ― developed and overrun by tourists ― making it the perfect getaway:
There's a fascinating history to be uncovered with Spanish colonial influence still felt today.
An up-and-coming destination nestled in between El Nido and Puerto Princesa, San Vincente boasts having the longest beach in the Philippines and the second longest in southern Asia. Making it ideal for travelers who simply want to relax, stroll and see the sights:
And maybe do some lounging as well. Few other Islands off Palawan is there is this quietness permitting enjoyment.
If you doubted the beauty of the Philippines ― or that of southern Asia in fact ― you only need to count how many UNESCO World Heritage sites there are. We found 37. The natural reef reserve is limited to a four-month window for tourists, between March and June and the diving spot is remote.
If you can get to it then you are indeed blessed. You have a unique worldly experience of swimming with 600 odd fish species and hundreds more, again, coral species. Incredibly you are swimming with the big mammals as well:
Diving from Amos Rock to depths of up to 70 meters. Can you believe that? Do note that a permit is required for this attraction and you are to book early as permit numbers are limited, usually selling out months in advance.
Palawan's furthermost outpost in its chain of Islands. You need to go some distance to reach it. Well out of your way but that also means it's well out of the way for most tourists too. This is where you go if you want to disconnect from the world. Where no one can disturb your inner peace and tranquility. Get closer to nature for a once in a lifetime experience.
Surrounding Balabac are 36 smaller Islands within your easy reach. Some are inhabited whilst others are not and some may be privately owned.
Perfect for snorkeling, deep sea fishing and diving for shipwrecks. Famous because of the sunken WW2 Japanese ships found in the waters, this Island makes many top spots for diving as people flock to see those shipwrecks ― ten in total you can count. Each has aged well with an incredible level of detail remaining intact.
The other big deal about this Island are the 7 lakes it has scattered around. Those too are worth the trouble looking out for, especially lake Barracuda and Kayangan.
Being part of the Pacific Ring of Fire as you can imagine, the Philippines has a lot of active volcanoes. The Philippines has hot springs all over the place in fact but one in particular we are interested in is that one south of Busuanga Island. It's also within striking distance of Coron and aren't you feeling lucky?
If you travel as much for a holiday experience as for nature and wildlife then you are going to enjoy this attraction. Because this is a little piece of Africa right bang in the jungles of southern Asia and that's a remarkable sight to see in the tropics. Palawan and its many neighboring Islands have many eco-tourism hot spots of course but this sanctuary has to be number one on your list.
Set up to help preserve endangered African species towards the late 1970's there are now herds of animals to be seen:
There are also species native to Palawan on the acreage, including but not limited to the Calamian deer, Palawan Peacock Pheasant, Balabac Mousedeer and the Palawan Bear Cat. Even if you aren't a massive fan of wildlife, it's a safari that's family friendly ― if you have children with you.
We do not envy you in having to trouble yourself in which tropical Island paradise to holiday in. We are hopeful, however; our travel guides are some helps to you. We said it could be a hassle to get there and if that's the case, you'll have that hassle again on the return home. Many a holidaymaker would choose elsewhere, and you could too.
If you are used to travelling a great deal, anyway, then perhaps those connecting flights aren't such a deal breaker after all. Or maybe if you had planned to stay a day or two in Manila before holidaying then you'd be left thinking there's little to grumble about.
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