GalaTayo guide
Things to Do in Palawan
Palawan is three trips in one: El Nido's lagoons, Coron's lakes and Puerto Princesa's Underground River. Pick one base, or two if you have a week, because the trip between them takes most of a day.
- Palawan
- Mixed discovery
- 16 places
- ₱100 to ₱1,800 per head
- Updated October 2026
Top 10 Things to Do in Palawan
- 1
Ito ang tour na pinaka-iconic sa El Nido! Tour A takes your bangka through Bacuit Bay's towering limestone karsts to the famous lagoons of Miniloc Island: paddle a kayak into the emerald Big Lagoon, swim or kayak through the narrow gap of Small Lagoon, and squeeze through a hole in the rock into the tiny Secret Lagoon. Lunch is usually grilled seafood on a white-sand beach. Book through your hotel or an accredited agency, and pay the El Nido Environmental and Tourism Development Fee in cash. Best moment: an early dry-season start, when the water is glassy and the lagoons are still quiet.
- 2
Coron's signature shot – and one of the cleanest lakes in the country. From the boat dock, climb the steep steps and pause at the famous viewpoint over the cove for that postcard photo, then head down to a crystal-clear lake ringed by limestone cliffs. The water is so clear you can see underwater rock formations and garfish while floating. Kayangan is managed by the indigenous Tagbanwa, for whom it is one of 13 sacred lakes, so follow their rules. Life vests are required. Go early in the dry season to beat the tour-boat rush. Wow talaga!
- 3
Paddle into a river that flows under a mountain! The Puerto Princesa Underground River is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, and it lives up to the hype. From Sabang wharf, a short bangka ride takes you to the cave mouth, then a paddle boat glides you into the dark past giant stalactites, bats and cathedral-like chambers while an audio guide tells the story. Outside, monitor lizards and macaques roam the beach. Entry is capped daily, so book your permit or an accredited tour early. Go on a dry-season weekday morning for calmer seas and smaller crowds. Sulit na whole-day trip, and a must on any first Palawan visit.
- 4
Dalawang lagoon, isang pader ng bato, at tubig na parang emerald! Twin Lagoon on Coron Island is two lagoons split by a limestone wall. Your boat parks in the first one, then you cross to the second either by a short wooden walkway over the rocks or, when the tide allows, by swimming or kayaking through a small gap under the wall. Inside, sheer cliffs rise all around and you'll feel warm and cool layers where fresh and salt water mix. It's a standard stop on the Coron Island tour, with Kayangan Lake and Barracuda Lake nearby. Best moment: early in the day, before the big tour groups arrive.
- 5
The wilder, more adventurous El Nido tour – and many barkadas' favorite day. Tour C heads to the outer islands of Bacuit Bay: Hidden Beach tucked behind towering limestone cliffs, Secret Beach that you reach by swimming through a small gap in the rock, the abandoned Matinloc Shrine with a viewpoint over the karsts, and Helicopter Island for snorkeling. Because it crosses open sea, it's a bumpier ride than Tour A and gets cancelled when waves are high. Go in the dry season, leave a spare day in your itinerary, and bring aqua shoes. Pag tuloy ang tour, sulit na sulit!
- 6
Mahabang golden sand, coconut trees, at halos walang building! Nacpan Beach is a long curve of soft sand about 45 minutes north of El Nido town, backed by palms and just a few beach bars and cottages. It's the classic rest day between island tours: swim in calm turquoise water, lie under the coconut trees, and walk to the small hill that shows Nacpan and its twin, Calitang Beach, side by side. Rent a scooter or hire a tricycle for the trip. Best moment: late afternoon, when the light turns golden and you can stay for sunset with a fresh buko.
- 7
El Nido's favorite sunset spot, a short tricycle ride south of town. Las Cabanas is a white-sand beach with clear water facing Bacuit Bay, lined with laid-back beach bars. Grab a beanbag and a cold drink, swim while the sun is still up, then watch it sink behind the islands in a burst of orange. It's lively but chill – perfect for barkada or date night after a day of island hopping. Arrive by around 4:30pm to get a good spot, and arrange your ride back to town before dark.
- 8
A hidden lake with a hot secret. Barracuda Lake sits behind limestone walls on Coron Island, right beside Kayangan, and it's one of the most unusual dive sites in the world. Mixed fresh and salt water creates layers you can feel: as divers go deeper, the water suddenly turns warm, past 38°C. Even snorkelers love floating over jagged underwater rock formations in glass-clear water. You reach it with a short climb over rocks from the boat dock. It's part of Coron's ultimate-style island tours. Go in the morning during the dry season, bring snorkel gear and aqua shoes, and enjoy the eerie, beautiful silence.
- 9
Puerto Princesa's most famous restaurant – and you eat barefoot! At KaLui on Rizal Avenue, you leave your shoes at the door and walk on polished wooden floors in an old-style Filipino house filled with local art. The star is the daily seafood special for two, a set meal with fish or seafood plus a parade of sides like seaweed salad, vegetables and fruit. Pair it with a fresh fruit shake. It gets busy, especially for dinner, so reserve ahead. Perfect as your first-night or last-night dinner in Palawan with the family or the barkada.
- 10
Island hopping na hindi kailangang lumayo sa city! Honda Bay is just about 25 minutes from Puerto Princesa, and from Sta. Lourdes wharf, pumpboats take you to small islands with white sandbars and clear water. Spot starfish on Starfish Island, swim on Luli Island, whose name comes from "lulubog-lilitaw" because it sinks and reappears with the tide, and snorkel among fish at Cowrie or Pandan Island. Most islands are within 45 minutes by boat and the water is calm, making it a family favorite. Best moment: a dry-season morning, when the sea is flat and the sandbars are showing.
Good to know
What are the top picks for Things to Do in Palawan?
El Nido Island Hopping Tour A (Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon), Kayangan Lake and Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (Underground River) lead this guide. All 16 places are ranked on this page, best first.
How much should I budget?
Starting budgets for the top picks run ₱100 to ₱1,800 per head. Each place page breaks down what the money covers.
How are the places in this guide picked?
Only gala-worthy places make the list. Each one is scored on real evidence, like editorial lists, Philippine travel apps, Reddit threads, review volume and Michelin, plus how well it fits a day out. Plain eateries, chains and ordinary malls are left out, and the rest are ranked best first.
Can I plan a whole day from this guide?
Yes. Save the places you like, then start a plan: pick a date, invite the barkada with one link, and split the budget in the app.