Best things to do in Palawan

Palawan's Absolute Essentials

This collection spans Palawan’s diverse landscape, from the limestone formations of El Nido and Coron to the historical landmarks of Puerto Princesa. It includes natural sites like the emerald Cadlao Lagoon and the multi-tiered Bulalacao Waterfalls, alongside cultural heritage sites such as the 17th-century Fort Santa Isabel and the WWII memorial at Plaza Cuartel. The list also features wildlife conservation efforts at the Crocodile Farming Institute and the limestone caves of Ugong Rock.

Tuderna / CC BY 3.0

Cadlao Lagoon

Secluded emerald lagoon on Cadlao Island framed by high limestone peaks. It is the largest lagoon in the El Nido area.

Maximilian Felkel / CC BY-SA 3.0

Hidden Lagoon

Secluded pool accessible through a small opening in the limestone rocks, located near Coron's coastal waters.

Firth m / CC BY-SA 4.0

Lapus Lapus Beach

White sand beach in El Nido accessible by boat or kayak, featuring a backdrop of steep limestone cliffs.

CC BY-SA 4.0

CYC Beach

Public beach in Coron known for its shallow waters and mangrove trees. It is one of the few beaches in the area without an entrance fee.

Karel Stojaspal Jr. / CC-BY-SA

Pristine Beach

Shallow beach in Puerto Princesa located near the airport, featuring calm waters suitable for swimming during high tide.

KS / CC-BY-SA

Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center

Research facility dedicated to the conservation of the Philippine Crocodile and the Saltwater Crocodile, featuring a hatchery and a small zoo.

Palawan Museum

Cultural center housing archaeological artifacts from the Tabon Caves and ethnographic displays of Palawan’s indigenous groups.

Jimaggro / CC BY-SA 4.0

Fort Santa Isabel

17th-century Spanish coral-stone fortress built to protect the town of Taytay from naval pirate raids.

Nagkalit-Kalit Waterfalls

Natural waterfall in El Nido reached via a forest trail, featuring two separate pools for swimming.

Bulalacao Waterfalls

Multi-tiered waterfall located in the forest near El Nido, accessible by a moderate hiking trail.

Ugong Rock

75-foot limestone formation offering cave exploration and a zipline descent over the surrounding rice fields.

Immaculate Conception Cathedral

Gothic-style blue cathedral built in 1961 on the site of the first mass in Puerto Princesa.

Plaza Cuartel

Restored WWII ruins and park commemorating the site where 143 American prisoners of war were executed in 1944.

Michelabian / CC BY-SA 4.0

Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm

Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines is one of seven operating units of the Bureau of Corrections…