Palawan is much more than just pretty pictures. It’s a place where you can explore hidden beaches, swim in clear turquoise waters, meet friendly local people, and discover a world that’s far from the ordinary tourist spots. This article will take you beyond the Instagram filters, showing you the real Palawan experience.
El Nido: More than Just Island Hopping
Sure, El Nido is famous for its island hopping tours – and for good reason! The Bacuit Bay, with its towering limestone cliffs and secret lagoons, is breathtaking. But El Nido offers so much more than just hopping from one stunning location to another. Take some time to explore the town itself. Wander through the small streets, discover local eateries serving fresh seafood, and chat with the friendly locals.
Try kayaking on your own! Rent a kayak and explore the coastline at your own pace. You might discover hidden coves and beaches that the tour boats don’t visit. Just be sure to check the weather conditions first and bring appropriate safety equipment.
Consider visiting the less crowded beaches. While the main beaches in El Nido town can get packed, there are several beautiful beaches just a short tricycle or boat ride away. Las Cabanas Beach (also known as Maremegmeg Beach) is a great option for sunset views and a more relaxed atmosphere. Nacpan Beach, a long stretch of golden sand, is perfect for a day of swimming, sunbathing, and escaping the crowds. Public transit can be accessed through the local tricycle drivers like in any other places in The Philippines.
Don’t just eat at the tourist restaurants. While there are many excellent restaurants catering to tourists, be sure to try some of the local eateries. You’ll find delicious and affordable Filipino dishes like adobo (meat braised in soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and peppercorns), sinigang (a sour and savory soup), and fresh seafood grilled to perfection.
For example, you can learn more about Filipino cuisine and ingredients on sites like Allrecipes.
Take a cooking class! Several businesses offer cooking classes where you can learn to prepare traditional Filipino dishes. This is a fun and interactive way to learn about the local culture and impress your friends and family with your newfound culinary skills.
Coron: Shipwrecks and Hot Springs
Coron is another must-visit destination in Palawan, known for its stunning diving and snorkeling spots. The area is famous for its sunken Japanese warships from World War II, which offer a unique and fascinating diving experience. But even if you’re not a diver, there’s plenty to see and do in Coron.
Kayangan Lake and Barracuda Lake are two of the most popular attractions in Coron. Kayangan Lake is a crystal-clear freshwater lake surrounded by towering limestone cliffs. It’s often considered one of the cleanest lakes in Asia. Barracuda Lake, on the other hand, is known for its unique thermoclines (layers of water with different temperatures). Snorkeling or swimming in these lakes is an unforgettable experience.
Climb Mount Tapyas. For panoramic views of Coron town and the surrounding islands, hike up Mount Tapyas. The climb involves ascending over 700 steps, but the stunning sunset views from the top are well worth the effort. Be sure to bring water and wear comfortable shoes.
Relax in the Maquinit Hot Spring. After a day of exploring, unwind in the Maquinit Hot Spring, a natural saltwater hot spring located near Coron town. The warm, mineral-rich waters are said to have therapeutic benefits and are the perfect way to soothe tired muscles.
Visit the local market. Immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting the Coron Public Market. Here, you’ll find fresh seafood, fruits, vegetables, and other local products. It’s a great place to experience the sights, sounds, and smells of everyday life in Coron.
Consider joining a dive course. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider taking a scuba diving course in Coron. With its numerous shipwrecks and vibrant marine life, Coron is an excellent place to learn to dive. Many reputable dive shops offer courses for beginners. You can learn more about diving certifications from organizations like PADI.
Puerto Princesa: More Than Just the Underground River
Puerto Princesa, the capital of Palawan, is often seen as just a gateway to other destinations in the province. However, Puerto Princesa itself has a lot to offer. Of course, the Puerto Princesa Underground River is a must-see attraction, but don’t overlook the other gems in the area.
Explore Honda Bay. Honda Bay is a cluster of islands located just off the coast of Puerto Princesa. Island hopping tours in Honda Bay are a popular activity, allowing you to visit beautiful beaches, snorkel in clear waters, and enjoy a relaxing day in the sun. Starfish Island, Luli Island, and Cowrie Island are some of the most popular islands in Honda Bay.
Visit the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm. The Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm is a unique and unusual attraction. It’s a minimum-security prison where inmates are allowed to roam freely and work in the community. Visitors can interact with the inmates, learn about their stories, and even purchase handicrafts made by them.
Discover the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center (Crocodile Farm). Learn about the conservation efforts in Palawan and see crocodiles up close at the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center, also known as the Crocodile Farm. The center also houses other animals, such as birds and monkeys.
Try a firefly watching tour. Take a magical evening tour to see fireflies light up the mangrove forests along the Iwahig River. This is a truly enchanting experience that you won’t soon forget.
Explore the city center. Take a stroll through the city center of Puerto Princesa and visit the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, a beautiful church with a unique blue facade. You can also visit the Plaza Cuartel, a historical site that served as a Japanese garrison during World War II.
Off the Beaten Path: Discovering Hidden Gems
While El Nido, Coron, and Puerto Princesa are the most popular destinations in Palawan, there are many other hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
Port Barton is a small, laid-back village located between Puerto Princesa and El Nido. It’s a great place to escape the crowds and enjoy a more relaxed pace of life. You can go island hopping, snorkeling, swimming, or simply relax on the beach.
San Vicente is home to Long Beach, the longest beach in the Philippines. With its 14 kilometers of pristine sand, Long Beach is a paradise for beach lovers. You can also explore the nearby islands and waterfalls.
Balabac is a remote archipelago in the southern part of Palawan. It’s home to pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and diverse marine life. However, Balabac is not for the faint of heart. It’s a remote and undeveloped area with limited facilities.
Calauit Safari Park lets you experience African wildlife in the Philippines. Transferred years ago, the islands now host animals like giraffes and zebras. To learn more about zoological establishments and their animal management practices, explore official resources like the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
These quieter locations help provide a genuine Palawan experience.
Respecting the Environment and Culture
Palawan is known for its natural beauty, and it’s important to protect it. Here are some tips for responsible travel:
Reduce your plastic consumption. Bring your own reusable water bottle, shopping bag, and reusable utensils.
Dispose of your trash properly. Don’t litter. Keep trash to yourself until you find a place to properly dispose of it.
Use reef-safe sunscreen. Many sunscreens contain chemicals that can harm coral reefs. Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect the marine environment.
Support local businesses. Buy souvenirs from local artisans and eat at local restaurants.
Respect the local culture. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites and be mindful of local customs and traditions. The Philippines is a largely Catholic country, so please dress and act accordingly. Learn a few basic Tagalog phrases.
Food and Drink: A Taste of Palawan
Palawan offers a diverse culinary scene, with influences from Filipino, Spanish, and Chinese cuisine. Here are some of the must-try dishes:
Seafood. Being an island province, Palawan is known for its fresh seafood. Grilled fish, prawns, and squid are popular choices.
Kinilaw. Similar to ceviche, kinilaw is a dish made with raw fish marinated in vinegar, onions, ginger, and chili peppers.
Tamilok. Also known as woodworm, tamilok is a type of shipworm found in mangrove trees. It’s considered a delicacy in Palawan.
Halo-halo. A popular Filipino dessert consisting of shaved ice, milk, and various sweet ingredients such as fruits, beans, and jellies.
Cashew nuts. Palawan is known for its cashew nuts, which are grown locally. You can find them in various forms, such as roasted, salted, or candied.
Getting Around Palawan
Getting around Palawan can be done through:
Tricycles. Tricycles are a common mode of transportation in towns and cities. They’re affordable and convenient for short distances.
Jeepneys. Jeepneys are shared taxis that operate on fixed routes. They’re a cheaper option than tricycles, but they can be crowded.
Buses. Buses are used for traveling between towns and cities. They’re a comfortable and affordable option for long distances.
Vans. Vans are also used for traveling between towns and cities. They’re faster than buses but also more expensive.
Boats. Boats are used for island hopping tours and for traveling to remote islands.
Accommodation Options
Palawan offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets, from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious resorts.
Hostels. Hostels are a great option for budget travelers. They offer dormitory-style rooms and common areas where you can meet other travelers.
Guesthouses. Guesthouses are small, family-run accommodations that offer a more personal experience.
Hotels. Hotels offer a range of amenities and services, such as swimming pools, restaurants, and room service.
Resorts. Resorts are luxurious accommodations that offer a wide range of activities and amenities.
Camping. Camping is an option in some areas of Palawan. Permits may be required.
Safety Tips
Palawan is generally a safe place to travel, but it’s important to take precautions to protect yourself from crime.
Be aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to your surroundings and be wary of suspicious people.
Don’t flash your valuables. Keep your valuables out of sight and don’t wear expensive jewelry.
Avoid walking alone at night. If you have to walk alone at night, stick to well-lit areas and avoid dark alleys.
Don’t drink too much alcohol. Alcohol can impair your judgment and make you more vulnerable to crime.
Be careful when swimming. Swim in designated areas and be aware of the currents.
Get travel insurance. Travel insurance can protect you from unexpected expenses, such as medical bills and lost luggage. The US State Department has a helpful guide to buying international health insurance which can be found here.
FAQ Section
What is the best time to visit Palawan?
The best time to visit Palawan is during the dry season, which runs from November to May. During this time, the weather is sunny and dry, making it ideal for island hopping, swimming, and other outdoor activities. The wet season, which runs from June to October, can bring heavy rains and typhoons.
How many days should I spend in Palawan?
The number of days you should spend in Palawan depends on your interests and budget. If you want to see all the major attractions, such as El Nido, Coron, and Puerto Princesa, you should plan to spend at least 10-14 days. If you have less time, you can focus on one or two areas.
How much does it cost to travel to Palawan?
The cost of traveling to Palawan depends on your travel style and budget. Budget travelers can expect to spend around $30-50 per day, while mid-range travelers can expect to spend around $50-100 per day. Luxury travelers can expect to spend upwards of $100 per day.
What are some essential things to pack for Palawan?
Some essential things to pack for Palawan include: sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat, sunglasses, swimwear, comfortable shoes, a first-aid kit, and any necessary medications. It’s also helpful to bring a reusable water bottle and a dry bag to protect your belongings from water damage.
Do I need a visa to travel to the Philippines?
Citizens of many countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and most European countries, can enter the Philippines visa-free for a period of up to 30 days. However, it’s important to check the visa requirements for your specific country before you travel. Information on visa requirements can be found on the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs website.
References
PADI
Allrecipes
Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)
Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs
US State Department
Ready to experience the real Palawan? It’s time to stop dreaming about those Instagram photos and start planning your adventure. Book your flights, pack your bags, and prepare to be amazed by the beauty and charm of this incredible island. Don’t just see Palawan – experience it!
