Palawan Island: A Handy Guide For A Visit To The Most Exotic Place On Earth!

Looking for an exotic and exquisite destination for your next vacation? Consider Palawan Islands. Palawan Island, Philippines– a UNESCO World Heritage site, is truly a slice of heaven, and a sliver of an island that teems with quaint fishing villages and exotic wildlife. Palawan isn’t short of admirers who travel the length and breadth of the world to revel in the beauty, calm, and serenity of this gem tucked away from peering eyes.

With over 1200 miles of beautiful coastline, and over 1,750 islands and islets, there is a plethora of great places to visit and things to do on your Palawan vacation. Though the island is rather underdeveloped at this time, it still offers some fabulous vacation spots and great avenues to make the best of your vacation, no matter which part of the world you are coming from.

Best Time To Visit Palawan Island

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Be sure to check Palawan island weather before you book your tickets to the island. Travelers planning to head out to Palawan must know that there is a long rainy season on the island, that is best avoided. While the dry season can be a tad bit humid, it is the best time to plan a vacation to Palawan wherein Early March is the best time as the weather is not unbearably hot and the rains would have tapered off.

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Palawan Island Map

Best Places To Visit In Palawan Island

Listed below are a few must-visit Palawan island destinations:

1. El Nido

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If you love nature, be sure to visit El Nido, located at the very northernmost tip of the mainland to enjoy some of the best overwater scenery. The island is filled is with majestic karst mountains that act as a perfect backdrop for various adventurous activities in this tropical paradise. It is also a sanctuary to various forms of exotic wildlife particularly different kind of fish wherein manta rays are common. A number of tour operators throw a trip to this island as part of a Palawan island all-inclusive package.

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2. Puerto Princesa

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The capital of Palawan, Puerto Princessa is popular among El Nido bound tourists as this beautiful city has a number of spectacular sites that you can explore. Start with a trip to the underground river in Puerto Princessa. This Palawan island underground river is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. After an underground adventure, spend a day lazing and snorkeling on an island-hopping tour around the Honda Bay. In the evening, be sure to feast on some fresh sea food delicacies in the many restaurants that dot the beachside.

3. Taytay

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Taytay can be found on your way to Puerto Princessa. These set of islands are just south of El Nido and make way for a great town experience. While at Taytay, stop by at the famous Taytay Fort – a Spanish-colonial fortress made of stone that was built way back in 1667. Other notable attractions include Pinto Art Museum, Tres Escalon Falls, and Blanco Family Art Museum. Be sure to check if a trip to this beautiful island is a part of your Palawan
island tour package.

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4. Linapacan Islands

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If you want to go off the grid and have a real blast, set sail to Linapacan islands. This group of 52 untouched islands lie in the waters between Coron and El Nido. This island was featured in a list of places with the clearest waters in the world. Tourists can enjoy activities such as snorkeling, diving and underwater photography here.

Top Things To Do In Palawan Island

There is a lot that you can do on Palawan island tours. Tourists who frequent the island, claim that Palawan island nightlife must be experienced at least once in a lifetime. Here are a few of the many thrilling activities you can indulge in on your Palawan island holidays.

1. Diving The Reefs

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The Tubbataha Reef national park is no less than a treasure trove of the most exotic and beautiful coral reefs. Rising from the volcanic depths of the sea, these magnificent atolls encompass a bewildering and stupefying diversity of marine life. This underwater sanctuary is the very first national marine park in Philippines and has also been declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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2. Explore The Caves

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Tabon caves is the perfect place for an off-the-beaten path adventure. The caves are located in Quezon town in South Palawan. It is an important archaeological site. History lovers are bound to enjoy exploring the cave formations and learning more about the archaeology diggings in the Tabon Cave Complex.

3. Sunbathe On San Vicente Long Beach

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San Vicente is yet another town that you can stop by at on your way between El Nido and Puerto Princesa. This dreamy town is home to Long Beach. This Palawan island beach is touted to be the longest and uninterrupted white sand beach. This is one of the few beaches in Philippines that is relatively quiet and a great place to soak up some sun in solitude.

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4. Eat Locally

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Palawan restaurants are considered among the very best in the Philippines as they cater to international food choices and tastes and dish out both local as well as foreign cuisines in a rustic and simple ambience. These restaurants add charm to your vacation and promise a unique Palawan experience. Reef café and Tambok’s El Nido are a few of the many restaurants that serve up a gastronomical experience ranging from spicy street food to Filipino delicacies.

Where To Stay In Palawan Island?

There are a number of Palawan island resorts that you can book online. Listed below are three such accommodations, that are truly value for money. Each resort has its own uniqueness and price range.

1. Princesa Garden Island Resort And Spa

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This is an upscale waterfront resort that not just offers cozy accommodation in chic rooms and luxurious amenities but also myriad water sport options. The resort has over water villas that feature decks. Some of the suites have hot water tubs, and direct pool access. A floating restaurant and bar, 5 other eateries, a kid’s club, a gym and spa, are just a few of the many luxuries you can enjoy during your stay at this posh resort on the shores of Sulu Beach.

Location: Caniguiran Barangay, Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines
Price per night: INR 10,515 onwards

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2. The Ivywall Hotel

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This Palawan island hotel is located on a leafy street in the city center and is at walkable distance from the airport. The hotel offers warm and informal rooms with wooden furnishings. The rooms have sitting areas with city views and are equipped with a mini bar and coffee makers. An outdoor pool with bar service, a grill and gym are other amenities that are offered to guests that make this hotel, the best Palawan island accommodation.

Location: Rizal Ave, Puerto Princesa, 5300 Palawan, Philippines
Price per night: INR 4,346 onwards

3. Marie Ville

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This is a simple and modest bed and breakfast located in Puerto Princesa and is ideal for backpackers. The property provides simple accommodation and complimentary breakfast. It also arranges tours and Palawan island airport transfer at an additional charge. There is also a kitchen and barbecue facilities on the premises.

Location: Padrones Rd. 2, Barangay San Pedro, Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines
Price per night: INR 5,660 onwards

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How To Get To Palawan Island?

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You can easily reach Palawan Island from Manila and other parts of the Philippines.

By Air:

Travelers can book a flight to one of the four gateways – Puerto Princesa Airport, El Nido Airport, Francisco Reyes Airport in Busuanga, and Cesar Lim Rodriguez Airport in Taytay. There aren’t any flights between Puerto Princesa and El Nido, so travelers will need to rely upon one day shuttle van transfers to visit both areas.

By Ship:

Travelers may also reach Palawan island via ships from Manila that anchor in Peurto Princesa and Coron.

Further Read: 18 Exotic Things To Do In Philippines For Your Unconditional Love For Adventure

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Frequently Asked Questions About Palawan Island