54 places to discover
Apulit Island is a small limestone island in Taytay Bay, northeastern Palawan, Philippines, within the municipality of Taytay. Operated as a private eco-resort by El Nido Resorts, it is known for its dramatic karst cliffs, a 50-meter limestone cave running through the island, clear turquoise waters and overwater cottages. The island offers snorkeling, diving and kayaking in a protected marine setting surrounded by scattered islets.
Baker's Hill is a landscaped theme park and bakery complex in Barangay Sta. Monica, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. Originally a family bakery established in the 1960s by the Bacani family, it was expanded into a garden park covering several hectares. It is notable for its affordable baked goods such as hopia, crinkles and pastries, manicured gardens, life-size statues, and free public access, making it a regular stop on Puerto Princesa city tours.
Banol Beach is a small white-sand beach on the western coast of Coron Island in Coron, Palawan, Philippines. Accessible only by boat as part of Coron island-hopping tours, it is known for its clear turquoise water, fine sand, limestone cliffs and calm swimming area. The beach is a regular stop on the Coron Island Tour alongside Kayangan Lake and Twin Lagoon and is managed within the Coron Island Protected Area.
Barracuda Lake is a natural brackish lake on the northern coast of Coron Island in Coron, Palawan, Philippines. Enclosed by dramatic limestone karst cliffs, it is known for its striking thermocline where warm freshwater overlays cooler saltwater, and for its exceptionally clear water. A popular site for scuba diving, freediving and snorkeling, it is accessed only by boat as part of Coron Island-hopping tours.
Big Lagoon is a prominent natural lagoon on Miniloc Island in Bacuit Bay, El Nido, Palawan, Philippines, within the El Nido-Taytay Managed Resource Protected Area. Enclosed by towering limestone karst cliffs, it features shallow emerald waters with a narrow entrance accessible by boat or kayak. A core stop on El Nido Island Hopping Tour A, it is noted for its scenic karst landscape, calm waters, and opportunities for kayaking and swimming.
Bulog Dos Island is a small islet in Coron, Palawan, part of the Calamian Islands in the Philippines. It is known for its narrow white-sand sandbar, clear turquoise waters, and a low limestone hill with a viewing deck. Located near Two Seasons Coron Island Resort, it is a regular stop on Coron island-hopping tours and is valued for swimming, snorkeling, and photography.
Cadlao Island is the largest island in Bacuit Bay, El Nido, Palawan, Philippines, located southwest of El Nido Town. Known for its dramatic limestone cliffs, forested interior, and white-sand beaches, it is a central stop on El Nido island-hopping tours. The island features Cadlao Lagoon, Pasandigan Beach, and Paradise Beach, offering snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking. Its highest peak provides panoramic views of Bacuit Bay and surrounding islets.
Calauit Safari Park is a 3,700-hectare game preserve and wildlife sanctuary on Calauit Island in Barangay Buluang, Busuanga, Palawan. Established in 1976, it is known for its population of African giraffes and zebras translocated from Kenya alongside endemic Calamian deer and other Philippine wildlife. The park features open savanna grasslands and woodlands managed for conservation and tourism, offering guided safari tours accessible by boat from mainland Busuanga.
Coron Bay Japanese Shipwreck Dive Sites are a group of World War II Japanese supply fleet wrecks located in Coron Bay off Coron Island and Busuanga Island in Palawan, Philippines. Sunk on September 24, 1944, during a U.S. Navy air raid, the well-preserved wrecks lie at depths of 10 to 42 meters. The sites are internationally renowned for wreck diving, offering intact hulls, engine rooms, and abundant marine life within sheltered bay waters.
Cowrie Island is a small island in Honda Bay off the east coast of Puerto Princesa, Palawan. It is one of the main stops on the Honda Bay island-hopping tour. The island is known for its white sandy beach, clear shallow waters, and well-maintained facilities. It offers cottages, food outlets and water activities, making it a popular day-trip destination for swimming and snorkeling near Puerto Princesa City.
Cudugnon Cave is a limestone cave on Cabugao Island in Bacuit Bay, El Nido, Palawan, Philippines. Accessible only by boat as part of El Nido island-hopping tours, it is known for its low, narrow entrance that requires crawling to enter. The cave is an important archaeological site where Neolithic burial jars, human remains and artifacts were discovered, indicating ancient habitation. Its interior features rock formations and a small beachfront setting.
The Culion Museum and Archives is a history museum located in Tiza, Culion, Palawan, within the Culion Sanitarium and General Hospital compound. It preserves the history of Culion as a former leper colony established in 1906 under American colonial administration. The museum houses medical equipment, photographs, documents, and artifacts related to leprosy treatment and community life. It is notable for its extensive archives documenting patients and the island's transformation into a municipality.
El Nido Parish Church, also known as St. Francis of Assisi Parish Church, is a Roman Catholic parish church located in the town center of El Nido, Palawan. Situated on Real Street in Barangay Buena Suerte near the El Nido beachfront and municipal center, it serves as the main spiritual center for the town under the Apostolic Vicariate of Taytay. The modest church is notable for its simple facade, community role, and central location for visitors exploring El Nido town proper.
Estrella Falls is a two-tiered waterfall located in Barangay Estrella, municipality of Narra in southern Palawan, Philippines. Set within a forested area, it features clear natural pools at its base used for swimming and wading. The site is developed for day visits with cottages, picnic areas and changing facilities. It is one of the most accessible and frequently visited waterfalls near Puerto Princesa, known for its cool water and shaded surroundings.
Fort Cuyo is a 17th-century Spanish colonial fort located in the town of Cuyo on Cuyo Island in Palawan, Philippines. Built in 1683 by Augustinian Recollect friars, it is the oldest and only intact Spanish fort in Palawan. Constructed of coral stone blocks with thick walls and bastions, the complex encloses St. Augustine Church, a convent and chapel. It was built to protect the settlement from Moro pirate raids.
Fort Santa Isabel is a 17th-century Spanish coastal fort located in Barangay Poblacion, Taytay, northern Palawan, Philippines, overlooking Taytay Bay. Built primarily from coral blocks, it is one of the best-preserved Spanish forts in Palawan. Notable for its quadrilateral walls, bastions, cannons and small chapel ruins inside, the fort served as a defense against maritime raids and remains a National Historical Landmark and key heritage attraction in Taytay.
Helicopter Island, locally known as Dilumacad Island, is a small uninhabited island in Bacuit Bay, El Nido, Palawan, Philippines. Named for its distinctive helicopter-like shape when viewed from a distance, it features a long white sand beach, limestone cliffs, and clear turquoise waters. Part of the El Nido-Taytay Managed Resource Protected Area, it is a regular stop on El Nido island-hopping tours for swimming, snorkeling, and photography.
The Immaculate Conception Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral located on Rizal Avenue in Barangay Liwanag, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines. It serves as the seat of the Apostolic Vicariate of Puerto Princesa. Originally established in 1872, the present structure features Gothic-inspired architecture with a distinctive light blue facade and twin spires. Located in the city center near the bay, it is a prominent religious landmark and historic site for visitors.
Iwahig Firefly Watching is a community-managed ecotourism attraction along the Iwahig River in Barangay Iwahig, Puerto Princesa, Palawan. The nighttime paddle-boat tour takes visitors through a protected mangrove estuary where thousands of fireflies congregate on mangrove trees. Notable for its dark, quiet river setting, bioluminescent plankton, and sustainable tourism model, it offers an intimate wildlife experience about 30 minutes south of Puerto Princesa City proper.
Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm is a historic open-air penal colony located in Barangay Iwahig, Puerto Princesa, Palawan. Established in 1904 during the American colonial period, it spans approximately 28,000 hectares and is known as the "prison without walls." Inmates live in an open community and engage in farming and handicraft production. It is notable for its rehabilitation-focused model and as a cultural and historical visitor site.
Kayangan Lake is a natural brackish lake on Coron Island in Coron, Palawan, Philippines. Located within the ancestral domain of the Tagbanua people, it is widely regarded as one of the cleanest lakes in the Philippines. Surrounded by limestone karst cliffs and accessed via a steep climb to a famous viewpoint, the lake is known for its exceptionally clear turquoise water, underwater rock formations, and mix of fresh and saltwater.
Las Cabanas Beach, also known as Marimegmeg Beach, is a public sandy beach in Barangay Marimegmeg, about 2.5 kilometers south of El Nido town in Palawan, Philippines. It is known for its long stretch of light sand, calm turquoise water, limestone cliff backdrop, and wide sunset views over Bacuit Bay. The beach hosts resorts, bars and restaurants along its shore and serves as a popular sunset viewing and swimming spot near El Nido town.
Long Beach in San Vicente, Palawan is a 14.7-kilometer stretch of cream-white sand along the western coast of Palawan Island, recognized as the longest beach in the Philippines. Located in the municipality of San Vicente facing the South China Sea, it spans four barangays including Poblacion, San Isidro, Alimanguan and New Agutaya. Largely undeveloped compared to other Palawan beaches, it is noted for its extensive shoreline, fishing villages, and sunset views.
Malcapuya Island is a small tropical island off the coast of Culion municipality and commonly visited from Coron in northern Palawan, Philippines. Known for its long stretch of powdery white sand beach and clear turquoise waters, it is a popular stop on Coron island-hopping tours. The island features shallow waters, coconut palms, and fringing coral areas for snorkeling, offering a quiet beach setting away from Coron Town.
Maquinit Hot Spring is a natural saltwater hot spring located in Sitio Maquinit, Barangay Tagumpay, Coron, Palawan, Philippines. It is one of the few saltwater hot springs in the world, heated by underground geothermal activity and fed into two-tiered man-made pools surrounded by mangroves. Managed by the local community, it is known for therapeutic warm waters around 38-40°C and is a popular evening destination after island-hopping tours.
Matinloc Shrine is an abandoned Catholic shrine located on Matinloc Island in El Nido, Palawan, Philippines. Built in 1982 and dedicated to Our Lady of Matinloc, it features a small chapel with an altar, religious statues, and a domed structure overlooking the sea. Set amid limestone cliffs and forest, the shrine is accessible only by boat as part of El Nido island-hopping tours and is noted for its serene setting and panoramic views.
Mitra's Ranch is a hilltop ranch and viewpoint in Barangay Sta. Monica, Puerto Princesa, Palawan, overlooking Honda Bay and the city proper. Formerly the residence and ranch of the late House Speaker Ramon V. Mitra Jr., it is now a public tourist attraction known for its panoramic views, open grasslands, and preserved ranch house. Visitors come for sightseeing, photography, and leisure activities in a breezy upland setting.
Mt. Tapyas is a prominent hill and viewpoint in Coron Town on Busuanga Island, Palawan, Philippines. Rising about 210 meters above sea level, it is known for its 721-step concrete staircase leading to a large white cross at the summit. The hill offers panoramic views over Coron town, Coron Bay and surrounding islands. It is a popular spot for sunrise and sunset viewing and is accessible on foot from the town center without an entrance fee.
Nacpan Beach is a 4-kilometer long beach in Barangay Bucana, El Nido, Palawan, about 17 kilometers north of El Nido Town. Known for its wide stretch of cream-colored sand, coconut palms and clear waters, it forms the Twin Beaches with Calitang Beach on its southern end. It is noted for its relatively undeveloped, scenic setting compared to more central El Nido beaches.
Nagtabon Beach is a secluded sandy beach in Barangay Bacungan, Puerto Princesa City, on the west coast of Palawan, Philippines. Located about 30 kilometers northwest of the city center, it faces the West Philippine Sea and is known for its cream-colored sand, clear waters, and strong surf. Less developed than central Puerto Princesa beaches, it offers a quiet natural setting popular for swimming, surfing, and sunset viewing.
Ocam-Ocam Beach is a quiet white-sand beach located in Barangay New Busuanga in the municipality of Busuanga on Busuanga Island, Palawan, Philippines. Situated north of Coron town, it faces the South China Sea and is known for its calm, shallow waters, natural shoreline and relatively undeveloped setting. The beach is used for swimming, relaxing and day visits and is often visited as a short side trip from Coron and Busuanga town proper.
Onuk Island is a small privately owned island in the Balabac municipality at the southern tip of Palawan, Philippines. Known for its powdery white sand beach, turquoise lagoon and elongated sandbar, it lies within the Balabac island group facing the Balabac Strait. The island is managed as an exclusive day-visit and camping destination requiring prior permission, and is noted for clear waters, healthy coral reefs and pristine, undeveloped surroundings.
The Palawan Butterfly Ecological Garden and Tribal Village is a combined nature and cultural attraction in Barangay Sta. Monica, Puerto Princesa, Palawan. It features a net-enclosed butterfly garden showcasing native Palawan butterfly species, an insectarium and small wildlife exhibits, alongside a recreated tribal village presenting the traditional houses, crafts and customs of the indigenous Palaw'an people.
The Palawan Museum, also known as the Palawan Heritage Center, is a provincial museum in Mendoza Park along Rizal Avenue in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. It preserves and displays the natural and cultural heritage of Palawan, including archaeological finds from the Tabon Caves, ethnographic collections of indigenous groups, and historical artifacts. It is notable for its Tabon Man exhibit and comprehensive overview of the province's history and biodiversity.
The Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center is a wildlife rescue and conservation facility in Barangay Irawan, Puerto Princesa, Palawan. Formerly the Crocodile Farming Institute, it was established to conserve the endangered Philippine crocodile and saltwater crocodile. The center rescues, rehabilitates and breeds crocodiles and other Palawan wildlife, and operates as an educational tourist attraction with guided tours, exhibits and a hatchling nursery.
Pandan Island is a small island in Honda Bay off the east coast of Puerto Princesa, Palawan. It is one of the main stops on the Honda Bay island-hopping tour, known for its white sandy beach, clear shallow waters and fringing coral reef. The island is managed for day-use tourism with cottages and snorkeling areas, offering a typical tropical island experience close to Puerto Princesa City proper.
Payong-Payong Beach is a quiet sandy beach located in El Nido municipality in northern Palawan, Philippines. Situated near the Lio Beach area north of El Nido Town, it is known for its calm shoreline, views of the Bacuit Bay islands and relatively undeveloped setting compared to more commercial beaches. The beach offers a relaxed environment for swimming, walking and sunset viewing, and is often visited as part of El Nido's mainland beach circuit.
Pinagbuyutan Island is a small limestone island in Bacuit Bay off El Nido in northern Palawan, Philippines. Known for its dramatic karst cliffs, narrow white-sand beach and clear turquoise waters, it is a regular stop on El Nido Island Hopping Tour B and private boat tours. The island offers swimming, snorkeling and photography with views of surrounding islets, representing the classic karst seascape that makes El Nido a protected tourism area.
Plaza Cuartel is a restored World War II memorial park in central Puerto Princesa, Palawan, located on Taft Street near the Immaculate Conception Cathedral. It preserves the ruins of a former Japanese garrison where American prisoners of war were held. The site features a memorial wall, markers, and remnants of the original structure. It is notable as a historic landmark commemorating the Palawan Massacre of December 1944 and serves as a place of remembrance and education for visitors.
Port Barton is a coastal barangay and beach destination in the municipality of San Vicente in northwestern Palawan, Philippines, situated between Puerto Princesa and El Nido. Known for its long sandy beach, calm bay and offshore islands, it serves as a quieter alternative to busier Palawan hubs. The area is notable for island-hopping tours, snorkeling, mangroves and a laid-back fishing village atmosphere with low-rise accommodations along the shore.
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is a protected area in Cabayugan, about 76 km north of Puerto Princesa City in Palawan, Philippines. It features an 8.2-kilometer navigable underground river flowing through a limestone cave system directly into the West Philippine Sea. Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999, the park is noted for its karst landscape, intact old-growth forests, diverse ecosystems and impressive cave formations.
Sabang Beach is a long sandy beach in Barangay Cabayugan, Puerto Princesa, on the west coast of Palawan, Philippines. It serves as the main gateway to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The beach features grey to light brown sand, backed by resorts and forested mountains, facing the West Philippine Sea. It is notable for its scenic shoreline, boat departures to the Underground River, and tranquil coastal setting.
Sabang X Zipline is an 800-meter zipline attraction located in Barangay Cabayugan, Sabang, Puerto Princesa, Palawan, near the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. It runs from a forested hilltop to Sabang Beach, offering aerial views of the coastline, West Philippine Sea and surrounding karst landscape. Operated as a community-based tourism activity, it is notable for its coastal setting and as a popular side trip for visitors to the Underground River.
Secret Beach is a small, enclosed pocket beach on Matinloc Island in Bacuit Bay, El Nido, Palawan, Philippines. Accessible only through a narrow opening in towering limestone karst cliffs, it is a highlight of El Nido Island Hopping Tour C. The beach features white sand, clear turquoise water, and dramatic karst walls that completely surround it. It lies within the El Nido-Taytay Managed Resource Protected Area and is known for its secluded, pristine natural setting.
Secret Lagoon is a small seawater lagoon enclosed by towering limestone karst cliffs on Miniloc Island in El Nido, Palawan. Located within the El Nido-Taytay Managed Resource Protected Area, it is accessible only through a small opening in the rock. It is a major stop on El Nido Island Hopping Tour A and is notable for its secluded setting, calm emerald waters, and dramatic karst scenery.
Seven Commandos Beach is a white-sand beach on the mainland coast of El Nido in northern Palawan, Philippines, facing Bacuit Bay. Accessible only by boat as part of El Nido's island-hopping tours, it is known for its long stretch of powdery sand, coconut palms, limestone cliffs and clear turquoise water. The beach features a small bar and cottages and is a regular stop on Tour A itineraries.
Shimizu Island is a small limestone island in Bacuit Bay off El Nido in northern Palawan, Philippines. Known for its dramatic karst cliffs, white sand fringe and clear turquoise waters, it is a regular stop on El Nido Island Hopping Tours A and C. The island offers snorkeling over coral reefs, swimming and photography, with shallow waters and diverse marine life making it a popular day-trip destination within the El Nido-Taytay Managed Resource Protected Area.
Siete Pecados Marine Park is a protected marine sanctuary off the coast of Coron Island in Coron, Palawan, Philippines. Comprising seven small limestone islets, it is renowned for its clear turquoise waters, vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. Established as a marine protected area, it is a popular snorkeling stop on Coron island-hopping tours, offering shallow reefs ideal for observing tropical fish and coral formations close to Coron Town.
Small Lagoon is a sheltered marine lagoon on Miniloc Island in El Nido, Palawan, within the El Nido-Taytay Managed Resource Protected Area. Enclosed by towering limestone karst cliffs, it is known for its calm emerald waters and narrow entrance accessible only by kayak or swimming. A highlight of El Nido Island Hopping Tour A, it is valued for kayaking, swimming and snorkeling in a pristine natural setting.
Snake Island, also known as Vigan Island, is a small island in Bacuit Bay off El Nido, Palawan, Philippines. It is famous for its distinctive S-shaped sandbar that connects the island's two ends and is visible only at low tide. Accessible only by boat as part of El Nido's island-hopping tours, it offers white sand, clear waters, mangroves and a short hill trail with panoramic views of the bay.
Starfish Island is a small islet in Honda Bay off the east coast of Puerto Princesa, Palawan. It is a popular stop on the Honda Bay island-hopping tour, known for its white sandy beach, shallow clear waters and seasonal presence of starfish. The island offers swimming, snorkeling and beach relaxation with views of nearby islets and mainland Palawan.
Taraw Cliff is a prominent limestone karst cliff rising above El Nido town in Barangay Buena Suerte, Palawan. Located at the edge of the town proper, it offers panoramic views over El Nido, Bacuit Bay and surrounding islands. Notable for its sharp karst formation and via ferrata hiking trail, it is a popular viewpoint and adventure site requiring a local guide for the ascent.
Twin Lagoon is a pair of lagoons on Coron Island in Coron, Palawan, Philippines, separated by a towering limestone karst wall. The outer and inner lagoons are connected by a narrow crevice and a small underwater tunnel accessible at low tide. Known for its clear turquoise and brackish waters, dramatic cliffs, and calm sheltered setting, it is a highlight of Coron Island-hopping tours and is accessible only by boat.
Ugong Rock Adventures is an adventure tourism site centered on a 75-foot limestone karst formation in Barangay Tagabinet, Puerto Princesa, Palawan. Located near the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, it is known for its cave system, community-managed operations, and combination of spelunking and zipline activities. The site offers guided caving through narrow passages and a zipline descent, making it a popular side trip for visitors to the Underground River area.