Philippines 1/8/2026

Palawan: The Last Frontier of the Philippines - 2026 Guide

AdventureNatureIsland HoppingEco-Tourism

Palawan is often referred to as the “Last Frontier” of the Philippines, and for good reason. This elongated island province is a sanctuary of biodiversity, home to some of the most spectacular marine landscapes and prehistoric geological formations on the planet.

In 2026, Palawan remains a top destination for eco-conscious travelers who seek raw natural beauty combined with local Filipino hospitality. Consistently voted the “Best Island in the World” by major travel publications, Palawan offers a landscape that feels almost prehistoric: jagged limestone cliffs rising vertically from emerald waters, secret lagoons, and dense jungles.

Why Visit Palawan in 2026?

Unlike the more developed islands in Southeast Asia, Palawan has managed to maintain its rugged charm.

  • Unmatched Scenery: The karst limestone formations in El Nido and Coron are world-class, rivaling Halong Bay or Krabi but with clearer water.
  • Biodiversity: Palawan is a biosphere reserve. Above water, you have monkeys and rare birds; below, you have dugongs, turtles, and vibrant coral reefs.
  • Island Hopping: With roughly 1,780 islands in the province, the opportunities for exploration are endless. You can find your own private beach for the day.
  • Value: While prices have risen, it still offers incredible value compared to similar destinations like the Maldives or Bora Bora.

Best Time to Visit

  • Dry Season (December - May): The best time for clear skies and calm seas. March to May is the hottest period but perfect for swimming.
  • Rainy Season (June - November): Expect tropical downpours. However, fewer crowds and lower prices can make it attractive. August and September are usually the wettest.
  • Shoulder Season (November): A sweet spot as the rains fade and the landscape is incredibly lush.

The Three Jewels of Palawan

1. El Nido: The Gateway to Paradise

Located at the northern tip of the mainland, El Nido is the crown jewel.

  • Bacuit Archipelago: Take a boat tour (Tours A, B, C, or D) to explore the islands. The Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon are iconic, with towering walls of black stone surrounding turquoise water.
  • Beaches: Nacpan Beach is a 4km stretch of golden sand that is often uncrowded. Lio Beach provides a more upscale, organized beach experience.
  • Canopy Walk: For a bird’s eye view of the bay, climb the limestone cliffs via the canopy walk (Taraw Cliff).

2. Coron: The Diver’s Dream

Located on Busuanga Island, north of the mainland.

  • Shipwrecks: Famous for its fleet of sunken WWII Japanese supply ships. They are shallow enough for snorkelers to see, but divers can penetrate the massive hulls.
  • Kayangan Lake: Often cited as the cleanest lake in Asia. A mix of 70% fresh water and 30% salt water, nestled in jagged mountains. The view from the top of the stairs before you descend to the lake is the classic Coron postcard shot.
  • Twin Lagoon: Where fresh and salt water meet. You have to swim through a small hole in the rock (or climb over a ladder) to enter the inner lagoon, where the water temperature fluctuates with the mixing currents.

3. Puerto Princesa: The Capital

The entry point for many travelers.

  • Underground River: A UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. You take a small boat 8.2km into a massive cave system filled with bats and spectacular rock formations.
  • Firefly Watching: A magical evening tour on the Iwahig River. In total darkness, thousands of fireflies light up the mangroves like Christmas trees.

Sustainable Travel in Palawan

Palawan takes its environment seriously.

  • Plastic Ban: Single-use plastics are strictly regulated. Bring a reusable water bottle.
  • Eco-Fees: Visitors pay an environmental fee (ETDF) which funds conservation efforts.
  • Respect Marine Life: Do not touch the turtles or stand on the coral. Sunscreen should be reef-safe (look for non-nano zinc oxide).

Gastronomy: Filipino Flavors

  • Fresh Seafood: It doesn’t get fresher than this. Grilled squid, lapu-lapu (grouper), and crabs are staples.
  • Kinilaw: The Filipino ceviche. Raw fish cured in vinegar, calamansi (local lime), ginger, chili, and coconut milk.
  • Adobo: The national dish. Meat (usually chicken or pork) marinated in vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic.
  • Tamilok: For the brave—a woodworm mollusk found in mangroves, eaten raw dipped in vinegar. Tastes like an oyster!
  • Chicken Inasal: Grilled chicken marinated in lemongrass, calamansi, and achuete oil.

Where to Stay

  • El Nido: Choose between the main town (busy, convenient) or Corong Corong (great sunsets, quieter). For luxury, stay on a private island resort in the bay like Miniloc or Pangulasian.
  • Coron Town: A bustling base for boat trips. It doesn’t have a beach itself, so you take boats out each day.
  • San Vicente / Port Barton: For a chilled-out, backpacker vibe away from the crowds. Long Beach in San Vicente is 14km of undeveloped sand.

Essential Travel Tips

  • Cash is King: While ATMs exist, they often run out of money or reject foreign cards. Bring plenty of cash (Philippine Pesos).
  • Transportation: The most common way to get around towns is the tricycle. Between El Nido and Puerto Princesa, shared vans are the standard (expect a windy 5-6 hour drive).
  • Internet: WiFi can be spotty. Purchase a local SIM card (Globe or Smart) for the best connection.
  • Health: Bring insect repellent to protect against sandflies (nik-niks) on the beaches.

Conclusion

Palawan is a place that challenges your expectations of beauty. It is a destination that asks you to slow down, disconnect, and immerse yourself in the vibrant blue of the sea.

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? See our Instagrammable Islands guide or check out the Islands Registry.