Hidden lagoons, limestone cliffs and private islands surrounded by protected reefs. Palawan lives up to every photo you have seen.
Club Paradise Palawan
A private, protected island off Palawan with white beaches, coral reefs and only a handful of guests.
Palawan is a long, narrow island province in the west of the Philippines, stretching between the South China Sea and the Sulu Sea. It is regularly named one of the most beautiful islands in the world, thanks to its turquoise water, limestone karst islands and rich marine life.
Much of the province is protected, and the reefs and mangroves around it are home to turtles, dugongs and countless species of fish. Read more about the wider country in our Philippines holidays guide.
Life below the surface
Snorkelling and diving are among the best things to do in Palawan, with healthy reefs just off many beaches.
In El Nido, join a boat tour to the Big and Small Lagoons, Secret Lagoon and the beaches of the Bacuit Archipelago. In Coron, swim in the clear Kayangan Lake and dive the Japanese shipwrecks from the Second World War.
Near Puerto Princesa, the Underground River runs through a cave system out to the sea and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For a quieter alternative, Port Barton and San Vicente are much less developed.
Award-winning resort
Club Paradise has won awards for its setting on a private island surrounded by a protected marine reserve.
El Nido and Coron have a wide choice of guesthouses and hotels, but Palawan is also famous for its island resorts, where you might share an entire island with only a few dozen other guests.
Picolo's favourite is Club Paradise, a luxury resort on a private, protected island, with beach villas, a house reef and romantic dinners on the sand.
Romance at the water's edge
Dinner on the beach at sunset is one of the highlights of a stay at Club Paradise.
The best time to visit Palawan is during the dry season, from about December to May. The sea is calm, which is ideal for island hopping, and visibility for diving is good. March to May is the hottest and sunniest period.
From June to November it is the rainy season, and boat tours may be cancelled in rough weather. Prices are lower and there are fewer visitors, but plan with some flexibility.
Most visitors fly from Manila or Cebu to Puerto Princesa, El Nido or Busuanga, the airport for Coron. There are also ferries between El Nido and Coron. Many island resorts arrange boat or flight transfers directly from the nearest airport.
El Nido is best for lagoons, beaches and classic island hopping, while Coron is the place for wreck diving, lakes and a slightly quieter atmosphere. If you have a week or more, take the ferry between them and see both.
Allow at least five to seven days to see one area properly, such as El Nido or Coron. With ten days to two weeks, you can combine El Nido, Coron and a few nights on an island resort or in Port Barton.
The main tourist areas of Palawan, such as El Nido, Coron and Puerto Princesa, are generally considered safe and welcoming for visitors. As anywhere, take normal precautions, follow local advice on boat trips and check your government's travel advice before you go.
Choose El Nido or Coron for island hopping and lagoons, or Puerto Princesa if you want to see the underground river. El Nido has the most hotels and beach bars, while Coron is known for diving on Second World War wrecks. For luxury and peace, there are private island resorts such as Club Paradise.
