Explore Palawan: Top 10 Things to Do
Ever wondered why Palawan is called the Philippines’ “last ecological frontier”? It’s a tropical paradise, only 80 minutes by plane from Manila. It offers beautiful scenes, clear waters, and a mix of life. This guide takes you through the Top 10 Things to Do in Palawan. You’ll see stunning beaches and rich culture. It’s a call for those seeking both adventure and peace. Dive into the wonders and adventures that await in this amazing place.
Nacpan Beach: A Slice of Paradise
Nacpan Beach is just north of El Nido, known as a Palawan gem. It boasts a 4-kilometer golden sand beach. The beauty here comes from clear waters and dense coconut trees. Nacpan, along with Calitang Beach, ranks among the world’s top 10 beaches.
White Sand Beaches
The beach offers majestic views and natural marvels. Its long stretch of sand provides room for everyone. You can swim or surf in the gentle waves. For those wanting peace, Duli Beach and Mariposa Beach are great.
Ideal for Sunbathing and Water Sports
Sunbathers and adventurers love Nacpan Beach. You can kayak or paddleboard here. Staying options include everything from hostels to glamping. For food, try Sunmai Sunset Restaurant or Ruby Restaurant for great views and meals.
Pueblo de Puerto Princesa: Exploring the Capital
Pueblo de Puerto Princesa is the lively capital of Palawan. It is a gateway to cultural experiences and tasty food. The city is more than a stopover. It offers fun activities, making it a top spot in Palawan. You can see its rich history in festivals and arts.
Cultural Experiences and Local Food
In Puerto Princesa, dive into real Filipino culture. You can enjoy local festivals and art showing local talent. Try delicious food at places like Kalui, known for its artsy vibe and Filipino meals. Kinabuchis offers great bar food and local beers. It’s perfect for eating out after exploring.
Historical Sites in Puerto Princesa
The city’s history is seen in its historical spots. One is Taytay Fort, built to keep pirates away. It lets visitors see into the past. Another must-see is the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River. It’s a UNESCO site not far from the city. This 8 km river flows through caves, showing off the area’s beauty and history.
Puerto Princesa Underground River: A UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Puerto Princesa Underground River is a breathtaking natural marvel in Palawan. It’s recognized worldwide as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The river stretches for 8.2 kilometers underground and flows into the sea. It boasts a unique underground ecosystem with stunning rock formations, diverse wildlife, and amazing speleothems. It’s the ideal spot for those craving adventure mixed with the beauty of nature.
Unique Ecosystem and Rock Formations
The park extends over 22,202 hectares and features eight types of forests, such as mangroves and forests on mineral-rich soils. It’s vital for preserving biodiversity in Palawan. The park is home to huge cave chambers, some as wide as 120 meters and as high as 60 meters. These caves display gorgeous rock formations created over thousands of years.
Paddling through the Subterranean River
Tours of the underground river take about 45 minutes and cover 4.3 kilometers of the waterway. These boat tours start in Sabang, which is 40 kilometers north of Puerto Princesa. You need a permit to enter, and it’s wise to book early. Everyone gets helmets and life jackets for a safe journey. You’ll see lots of wildlife, like bats and birds. Visiting the Puerto Princesa Underground River is an experience you’ll never forget.
Island Hopping Adventures: The Best in El Nido
El Nido island hopping is an unforgettable journey. It takes you through stunning landscapes of the Philippines. With 45 islands in Bacuit Bay, the beauty around you is breathtaking. Visitors often stay 3 to 5 days to soak in everything El Nido has to offer.
Big Lagoon: A must-visit Destination
Big Lagoon is a highlight of El Nido island hopping. Its blue waters and limestone cliffs are mesmerizing. You can swim or kayak, enjoying the beauty around you. Most adventurers put Big Lagoon on their Tour A list, making it a favorite spot.
Small Lagoon: Serenity in Nature
The Small Lagoon offers a peaceful escape in nature. It’s perfect for floating in calm waters, surrounded by greenery and rocks. This spot is ideal for capturing the beauty of El Nido in photos. On your Palawan adventure, make sure to visit this tranquil place.
Kayangan Lake: Stunning Views and Clear Waters
Kayangan Lake, in Coron, is famous for its clear waters and stunning views. It’s one of Palawan’s top spots, a must-see for travelers. If you’re checking out a Palawan travel guide, make sure Kayangan Lake is on your list.
Hiking to the Iconic Viewpoint
The hike to Kayangan Lake’s viewpoint is an adventure. You’ll climb a wooden staircase to a breathtaking vista. This short climb offers panoramic views of turquoise waters. To avoid crowds, try to arrive before 7 am. This ensures a peaceful visit.
Activities at Kayangan Lake
Kayangan Lake has activities for everyone. Some options include:
- Freediving and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters
- Exploring Awuyuk Kayangan Cave
- Relaxing by the lakeside
- Drone flying for stunning aerial photos
It’s often part of the Coron Ultimate Island Hopping Tour. With nearby attractions like Barracuda Lake and Twin Lagoon, exploring is easy. You can choose from various boat tours – either full-day island hops or personalized trips.
Kayangan Lake has a special mix of 70% freshwater and 30% saltwater. This makes it one of Asia’s cleanest lakes. It’s sacred to the Tagbanua people, adding cultural depth to your visit.
The best time to visit is from November to May, during the dry season. This weather is perfect for outdoor fun. Kayangan Lake continues to shine as one of Coron’s top attractions. It’s a highlight in any Palawan travel guide.
Coron Bay: Diving into History
Coron Bay is a top spot for diving fans. It’s famous for World War II shipwrecks under the sea. These wrecks give a unique view of history mixed with vibrant sea life. It’s ideal for divers at any level.
World War II Shipwreck Diving
Coron Bay has ten shipwrecks, ranking it high for shipwreck diving globally. The famous wrecks include:
| Wreck Name | Length | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| Morazan Maru | 367 feet (111 meters) | 82 feet (25 meters) |
| Akitsushima Maru | 289 feet (118 meters) | Varies |
| Olympia Maru | 426 feet (130 meters) | 82 feet (25 meters) |
| Irako | Varies | 108-138 feet (33-42 meters) |
These wrecks can be explored by most scuba divers. However, the biggest ones might need more diving skill and training. Inside the wrecks, you can see up to 66 feet (20 meters) away, making it great for looking around.
Marine Life Around the Wrecks
There’s more to see than just shipwrecks in Coron Bay. The sea life makes each dive special. You can see:
- Turtles
- Colorful fish
- Tropical angelfish
- Unique species within the Coral Garden
Diving here is not just about history, but also nature’s beauty. Plus, you might see Dugongs with just a short boat trip. It makes your dive trips even more exciting.
Tubbataha Reef: A Diver’s Paradise
Tubbataha Reef became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993. It’s known for its amazing underwater worlds and diverse sea life. Located in the Sulu Sea, 171 km south of Palawan, it features two atolls perfect for diving.
The reef is home to whale sharks, manta rays, and various sharks. Divers here can see beautiful coral gardens and robust marine ecosystems. This highlights why protecting our oceans is critical.
Getting to Tubbataha Reef requires a liveaboard boat, and the trip takes about five days. This includes additional travel days. For adventure lovers, the best time to visit is from March to June.
Aside from diving, visitors can explore the ranger station and its bird sanctuary. In 2019, over 3,475 people visited the reef. Their visits help fund conservation work.
Top 10 Things to Do in Palawan: Adventure and Relaxation
Palawan is full of natural wonders and memorable adventures. It offers activities for those who seek thrills and those who want to relax. This region has about 1,780 islands, showing off beautiful landscapes and colorful marine life. It’s a perfect place for exploring and relaxing.
Hidden Beaches and Secret Lagoons
Palawan’s beauty goes beyond its famous spots. Look for hidden beaches and secret lagoons for a private experience. Places like Hidden Beach and Seven Commandos Beach offer great spots for sunbathing under the blue sky. Surfers will find Duli Beach and Nagtabon Beach exciting for their waves.
Sightseeing and Nature Tours
Seeing Palawan means seeing incredible views and a diverse array of life. You can go island hopping in El Nido with 45 islands to see and snorkel with colorful fish. Kayangan Lake in Coron is one of the Philippines’ cleanest lakes, perfect for a swim. Nature tours let you walk through dense jungles, connecting you with the island’s vibrant life.
| Activity | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Island Hopping | El Nido | Explore 45 stunning islands and lagoons. |
| Diving | Tubbataha Reef | Dive into a World Heritage Site with diverse marine life. |
| Sunbathing | Long Beach | Relax on the longest beach in the Philippines. |
| Trekking | Puerto Princesa | Discover lush forests while hiking nature trails. |
| Wildlife Watching | Southern Palawan | Encounter unique wildlife in natural habitats. |
Palawan has everything, from surfing to nature tours. You can create your ideal adventure. Enjoy the thrill and relaxation in this beautiful natural setting.
Calauit Safari Park: A Unique Experience
Calauit Safari Park is a standout attraction in Palawan. It offers a chance to see African wildlife in the Philippines. The park was set up in 1976 to be a haven for different animals. It mixes ecosystems within its tropical setting. Touring the park, visitors see many animals and learn about their lives.
Encounter African Wildlife in the Philippines
Walking through the park, you’ll see giraffes, zebras, and antelopes. They live with local animals like the Calamian deer and Philippine crocodiles. This setting helps visitors appreciate animals from Africa and the Philippines. It also supports conservation work. The park helps save endangered animals while educating its guests.
The park stretches over 3700 hectares and is home to more than 2000 animals. With guided tours, you learn about these animals, the need for conservation, and the challenges they face. Joining a group tour offers more insights and comes with a knowledgeable guide.
Plan your visit well to enjoy it fully. Arriving early means less crowding and better chances to see animals. Wear comfy clothes and shoes for walking on uneven ground. Protect yourself from the sun with hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen. And remember to bring snacks and water to stay energized and hydrated.
| Animal Species | Population (as of 2016) | Conservation Status |
|---|---|---|
| Reticulated Giraffe | 27 | Vulnerable |
| Grévy’s Zebra | 34 | Endangered |
| Philippine Crocodile | Varied | Critically Endangered |
| Calamian Deer | Varied | Vulnerable |
| Palawan Peacock-Pheasant | Varied | Near Threatened |
It’s important to respect the wildlife and follow park rules. Keep the park clean by carrying a trash bag. Calauit Safari Park offers a chance to see Palawan’s amazing wildlife. It’s an experience you won’t forget in this beautiful place.
Conclusion
Exploring Palawan is an enriching journey. It’s a mix of stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and historical significance. The Palawan travel guide shows the best spots, from the underground river in Puerto Princesa to El Nido’s beautiful beaches and lagoons. Whether it’s the thrill of scuba diving in Coron or relaxing kayaking, each adventure is unforgettable.
As you check out the top 10 things to do in Palawan, there’s fun for everyone. The island hopping in Coron and El Nido offers amazing views and secret spots. Enjoy romantic nights under the stars, fun nightlife, and amazing marine life. Together, they make the perfect setting for a Palawan getaway.
Your adventure in this tropical paradise will be full of precious memories. With its beauty known worldwide, this guide will help you discover Palawan’s treasures. Let it ensure your trip includes all the wonders of this island.
