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Palawan stands as the largest island province in the Philippines, comprising 1,780 islands, large and small, with the bustling city of Puerto Princesa as its vibrant capital. Palawan, the main island, still retains its pristine scenery with dense forests, towering mountains, long stretches of fine white sand beaches, and clear azure waters.
Palawan, the largest island province in the Philippines, consists of 1,780 islands, large and small, with Puerto Princesa as its bustling capital. The main island still preserves its untouched beauty with dense forests, towering mountains, long stretches of fine white sand beaches, and clear azure waters.
Due to its surreal beauty and high biodiversity, Palawan Island is regarded as the 'Final Ecological Frontier of the Philippines.' It has also been recognized by National Geographic and CNTraveler as one of the most beautiful islands in the world.
Most tourists head north to El Nido or the town of Coron - the starting points for island hopping and diving adventures in Bacuit and Calamianes. Overall, Palawan boasts 3 most beloved destinations: Puerto Princesa, El Nido, and Coron, each offering unique attractions.
Puerto Princesa serves as the culinary hub and main gateway to Palawan's fantastic destinations. This area features a bustling town with attractions like the ancient Immaculate Concepcion Church, the underground river in Sabang, museums, lively streets, and night markets. Puerto Princesa's cuisine is highly acclaimed for its affordability, fresh ingredients, and unique preparation methods. Visitors can dine at popular restaurants such as Kalui, Captain Ribs, Kinabuch Bar & Grill, or La Terrasse. Hotel prices are relatively reasonable, ranging from 400,000 to 1,500,000 VND per night, with many budget accommodations available. The waters around Puerto Princesa offer numerous beautiful diving spots, where tourists can encounter spinner dolphins, sea turtles, rays, and a myriad of marine fish amidst vibrant coral reefs. Some reputable diving tour companies include Dive Puerto Princesa (No. 1 and No. 2) and Let’s Dive, offering prices for scuba diving tours ranging from 400 to 500 USD for tank dives, or 80 to 100 USD for regular dives.
From Puerto Princesa, tourists can take a bus or van to El Nido, approximately 200km away. El Nido mesmerizes visitors with its majestic limestone cliffs and dazzling underwater world. The fare for transportation to El Nido ranges from 230,000 to 330,000 VND per trip, with a travel time of about 5 to 7 hours. Here, tourists have plenty of accommodation options, from budget guesthouses (250,000 - 400,000 VND per night) to luxury hotels and resorts (1,000,000 - 5,000,000 VND per night). The food scene is incredibly diverse, featuring mainly rice dishes and traditional seafood specialties at very affordable prices, around 40,000 VND for a simple meal, or 70,000 - 150,000 VND at restaurants and cafes. Don't miss out on beachside BBQ parties priced at around 100,000 - 200,000 VND per person.
In El Nido, tourists can rent kayaks (priced at around 400,000 VND per day) and explore the nearby small islands or visit the stunning beaches of Nacpan and Dagmay for relaxation and water activities. Of course, island hopping and diving tours remain the main attractions in El Nido, offering 4 types of tours - A, B, C, and D, each with different destinations. Tours A and C are the most popular choices, priced at around 550,000 - 700,000 VND, featuring scenic spots and beautiful sea areas. For those interested in scuba diving, tourists can join tours with reputable dive centers like Palawan Divers, Submariner Diving, or Deep Blue Dive Seafari to explore the magnificent underwater world of El Nido, teeming with diverse coral reefs, fish, and marine life.
El Nido has the charm to captivate island enthusiasts, but if you have more time, don't miss out on Coron, a cluster of islands boasting breathtaking scenery akin to paradise. Located about 8 hours by boat from El Nido (with only one daily trip, ticket price around 700,000 VND). If heading straight to Coron, you can fly from Manila. In Coron alone, you can spend a week without getting bored, exploring island tours, water adventures, pristine white sandy beaches, snorkeling among coral reefs, and visiting the shipwrecks in Barracuda Lake. It's advisable to charter a private boat if traveling in a large group to fully appreciate the scenery. Hotels, guesthouses, and resorts in Coron are relatively pricey, starting from 350,000 VND (shared accommodation). The cost of island tours is reasonable, around 300,000 - 600,000 VND, excluding equipment rental.
The best time to visit Palawan is from October to May when the weather is not too hot and there's less rainfall, ideal for sea activities. The peak months in Palawan fall during the summer season, with fewer tourists around in September - October. From Vietnam, travelers can fly to the capital Manila of the Philippines, then continue flying to Puerto Princesa (with many flights at reasonable prices) or fly directly to El Nido.
Posted by: Kiet Tran
Keywords: Palawan, the ideal marine diving paradise in the Philippines
