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Palawan
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Palawan, Philippines combines limestone lagoons, clear island waters, rainforest, Indigenous culture and coastal adventures from Puerto Princesa to Coron.

A Province of Sea and Stone

Palawan is not a conventional city but a long, highly diverse province in the western Philippines, stretching between the South China Sea and the Sulu Sea. Its best-known destinations include Puerto Princesa, the provincial capital; El Nido, famed for its limestone karst islands; Coron, on Busuanga Island; and San Vicente, home to Long Beach and the coastal community of Port Barton. The distances between these places are substantial, so Palawan is best understood as a collection of distinct landscapes rather than one urban destination.
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Lagoons, Reefs and Rainforest

The province's character is shaped by turquoise bays, forested mountains, mangrove wetlands and dramatic limestone formations. In the Bacuit Archipelago around El Nido, boat journeys pass cliffs rising directly from the sea, while Coron is known for sheltered coves, coral reefs and Japanese shipwrecks from the Second World War. Puerto Princesa provides access to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, where an underground river flows through a limestone cave system before reaching the sea. Inland, roads lead through rural settlements, palms and dense vegetation, with wildlife and marine habitats protected in several parts of the province.

Living Cultures and Coastal Communities

Palawan is also home to Indigenous peoples including the Tagbanwa, Palawano and Batak, whose histories and customary relationships with land and sea remain important to the province's identity. Visitors encounter a more developed tourism infrastructure in El Nido, Coron and Puerto Princesa, while places such as Port Barton retain a quieter, village-scale atmosphere. Responsible travel matters here: reef-safe practices, respect for Indigenous communities, careful waste management and compliance with conservation rules help protect the environments that define Palawan.

When is the best time to visit Palawan?

Best: November–January · 29–30°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January (best)3060
February3060
March3160
April3170
May3180
June3080
July3080
August3080
September3080
October3070
November (best)3060
December (best)2960

Getting to and around Palawan

How to get there

Palawan is served by several airports rather than one single gateway. Puerto Princesa International Airport is the principal entry point for the provincial capital and the central part of the island, while El Nido Airport serves the Lio area near El Nido. Busuanga Airport, also known as Francisco B. Reyes Airport, is the usual air gateway for Coron and northern Palawan, and San Vicente Airport serves the San Vicente area. Domestic flights connect these airports with major Philippine hubs, although routes and schedules vary. Long-distance buses and vans link Puerto Princesa with settlements along the main island, while ferries and fast boats connect some coastal destinations and nearby islands.

Transportation

Transport varies greatly between Palawan's different destinations. Puerto Princesa has tricycles, taxis, vans and buses, while tricycles, motorbike hire and local transfers are common in smaller coastal settlements. Shared vans are widely used for overland journeys along the main island, though travel can be slower than distances on a map suggest because roads pass through rural and mountainous terrain. Boats are essential for island-hopping around El Nido, Coron and Port Barton, and sea conditions can affect departures. In Puerto Princesa and larger resorts, walking is practical for short distances; elsewhere, agree the fare and destination with a tricycle driver before setting off.

Best attractions in Palawan

Palawan's attractions are spread across several distinct areas rather than concentrated in one city. Puerto Princesa's principal excursion is the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, where guided boats enter a limestone cave system beneath a forested karst landscape. In El Nido, island-hopping routes explore the Bacuit Archipelago, including enclosed lagoons, white-sand beaches and towering cliffs, while the town provides access to coastal viewpoints and reef-filled coves. Coron offers a different setting around Busuanga Island, with clear freshwater lakes, coral gardens and well-known Second World War shipwreck dive sites. San Vicente is associated with Long Beach, an expansive shore backed by low hills, while Port Barton has a smaller-scale island and snorkelling scene. Inland rivers, mangroves and rural villages reveal a side of the province beyond its famous seascapes.

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Best landmarks in Palawan

Palawan's most significant landmarks are closely tied to landscape, memory and Indigenous heritage. The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River is both a natural landmark and a protected geological system, with a navigable cave extending beneath karst hills before reaching the sea. The Tabon Caves at Lipuun Point are among the Philippines' most important archaeological sites, preserving evidence of very early human occupation and long Indigenous use of the landscape. In Puerto Princesa, Plaza Cuartel recalls the city's wartime history beside the Cathedral Parish of the Immaculate Conception, whose blue-and-white Gothic-inspired form is a prominent civic landmark. Coron Bay is marked by mountainous islands and Japanese shipwrecks lying underwater, linking its scenery to the Second World War. El Nido's limestone cliffs form the province's most recognisable natural architectural backdrop.

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Explore Palawan on the map

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Best restaurants in Palawan

Palawan's food culture reflects its coastal geography and the movement of people between the Visayas, Luzon and neighbouring maritime regions. Fresh fish, prawns, squid and shellfish are common, often grilled or prepared simply with rice, vinegar, citrus and aromatics. Puerto Princesa has the widest range of Filipino restaurants, bakeries, cafés and international dining, while El Nido and Coron combine local eateries with restaurants serving seafood, Filipino comfort food and dishes aimed at international visitors. Kinilaw, raw fish cured in vinegar and citrus, is a useful introduction to regional coastal cooking when prepared hygienically. Markets and small roadside stalls may offer grilled skewers, noodles, rice meals and tropical fruit, although selection varies outside the main towns. In rural and Indigenous communities, food traditions and ingredients differ by locality, so respectful curiosity is more appropriate than expecting one uniform Palawan cuisine.

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Best bars in Palawan

Palawan's nightlife is concentrated in a few tourist centres and is generally informal rather than club-led. Puerto Princesa has casual bars, karaoke venues, live music and restaurants that remain active into the evening, particularly around established commercial areas. El Nido's compact waterfront and town streets offer the province's most recognisable holiday-night atmosphere, with beach bars, acoustic music and relaxed venues where visitors gather after boat trips. Coron has a smaller selection of bars and places for sunset drinks, while Port Barton is quieter, with low-key beachfront gatherings and occasional live music rather than large nightclubs. Outside these centres, evenings often revolve around dinner, conversation and the stars. Sea conditions, local licensing and conservation concerns shape late-night activity, and travellers should keep noise modest near villages and respect the residential character of coastal communities.

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Best nightclubs in Palawan

Palawan's nightlife is concentrated in a few tourist centres and is generally informal rather than club-led. Puerto Princesa has casual bars, karaoke venues, live music and restaurants that remain active into the evening, particularly around established commercial areas. El Nido's compact waterfront and town streets offer the province's most recognisable holiday-night atmosphere, with beach bars, acoustic music and relaxed venues where visitors gather after boat trips. Coron has a smaller selection of bars and places for sunset drinks, while Port Barton is quieter, with low-key beachfront gatherings and occasional live music rather than large nightclubs. Outside these centres, evenings often revolve around dinner, conversation and the stars. Sea conditions, local licensing and conservation concerns shape late-night activity, and travellers should keep noise modest near villages and respect the residential character of coastal communities.

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Best shops in Palawan

Shopping in Palawan is practical and locally rooted, with the broadest selection in Puerto Princesa and smaller ranges in El Nido, Coron, San Vicente and Port Barton. Public markets sell fruit, seafood, dried goods, rice products and everyday supplies, while town shops stock beachwear, woven items, snacks and modest souvenirs. Visitors may find baskets, mats, carved objects and other handicrafts associated with Palawan communities, but provenance varies, so buyers should ask whether a product is locally made and avoid objects made from protected wildlife, coral or archaeological material. Pearls are sold in the province, yet quality and authenticity differ considerably; reputable sellers should provide clear information rather than relying on dramatic claims. Contemporary boutiques in the principal tourist areas tend to focus on resort clothing, small artworks and reusable travel goods rather than large-scale retail.

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Palawan essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the Philippine peso, written as PHP or ₱. Cards and digital payments are more commonly accepted in established hotels, resorts, restaurants and tour offices in Puerto Princesa, El Nido and Coron, but smaller eateries, boats, market stalls and rural accommodation may require cash. Cash machines are available in the principal tourist centres, although access becomes less predictable in remote coastal communities and on smaller islands. Carry enough pesos for transport, meals, local fees and contingencies, using discreet storage rather than displaying large amounts. International visitors should also check whether their bank applies foreign transaction or cash-withdrawal charges.
Safety
The main practical concerns are changing sea conditions, slippery boat landings, sun exposure, dehydration and limited medical facilities outside major settlements. Wear a properly fitted life jacket on boat journeys, follow crew instructions and avoid swimming or snorkelling when operators advise against it. Keep valuables secure in crowded transport areas and do not leave phones or bags unattended on beaches or boats. Roads can be poorly lit outside town centres, so take care with motorbikes and avoid unfamiliar rural journeys after dark. Strong rain and rough seas can disrupt plans, making flexible itineraries and travel insurance particularly useful.
Emergency Situations
The Philippines uses 911 as the national emergency number for police, fire and medical assistance, although mobile reception may be weak in remote islands and coastal areas. In an emergency at sea, alert the boat crew or local coastguard contact immediately and follow their instructions. Puerto Princesa has the province's broadest range of hospitals and medical services, while El Nido and Coron have smaller clinics and emergency facilities; serious cases may require transfer. Keep your accommodation details, travel insurance information and passport copy accessible, and ask local staff about the nearest clinic before travelling to isolated beaches or islands.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress modestly when visiting villages, churches and Indigenous communities, and ask before photographing people, ceremonies or private property. Remove footwear where requested and follow local guidance at culturally significant places. On beaches and reefs, do not collect shells, coral or marine life, feed wildlife, or leave rubbish behind; conservation rules are actively applied in popular island destinations. Use licensed or authorised tour arrangements where permits are required, and respect limits on visitor numbers and access. Bargain politely when customary, but do not treat local workers or small businesses dismissively, and confirm what a quoted boat or tricycle fare includes.
Local Tips
Choose an itinerary that allows for weather delays rather than attempting to cover the entire province in a few days. Puerto Princesa works well as a mainland base for the Underground River, while El Nido and Coron are separate destinations requiring their own travel time; San Vicente and Port Barton offer a quieter coastal alternative. Early departures can make boat trips more comfortable and help avoid the strongest midday heat. Ask accommodation staff about current sea conditions, tide levels and trusted transport arrangements, and learn a few Filipino courtesy words such as 'salamat' for thank you. Bring a reusable water bottle where refill stations are available.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloKumusta[koo-MOO-sta]
GoodbyePaalam[PAH-ah-lam]
YesOo[oh-oh]
NoHindi[hin-dee]
Please/You're welcomeMangyaring / Walang anuman[man-GYAR-eeng / wah-LANG ah-NOO-mahn]
Thank youSalamat[sa-LAH-mat]
Excuse me/SorryPaumanhin / Pasensya[pah-oo-MAHN-heen / pah-SEN-syah]
How are you?Kamusta ka?[ka-MOO-sta ka?]
Fine. And you?Mabuti. Ikaw?[mah-BOO-tee. ee-KOW?]
Do you speak English?Nagsasalita ka ba ng Ingles?[nag-sa-sa-LEE-ta ka ba ng een-GLES?]
I don't understandHindi ko maintindihan[hin-dee ko main-tin-DEE-han]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseGusto ko sanang makita ang menu, mangyaring[GOO-sto ko sa-NANG ma-KEE-ta ahng MEH-noo, man-GYAR-eeng]
I don't eat meatHindi ako kumakain ng karne[hin-dee AH-ko koo-MAH-kain ng KAR-neh]
Cheers!Mabuhay![mah-BOO-hay]
I would like to pay, pleaseGusto ko sanang magbayad, mangyaring[GOO-sto ko sa-NANG mag-BAH-yad, man-GYAR-eeng]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Tulong![too-LONG]
Go away!Lumayo ka![loo-MAH-yo ka!]
Call the Police!Tawag ka ng pulis![tah-WAHG ka ng poo-LEES!]
Call a doctor!Tumawag ka ng doktor![too-MAH-wahg ka ng DOK-tor!]
I'm lostNawawala ako[nah-wah-WAH-lah AH-ko]
I'm illMay sakit ako[mahy SAH-kit AH-ko]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Gusto ko bumili ng...[GOO-sto ko boo-MEE-lee ng...]
I'm just lookingNagtitignan lang ako[nag-tee-TEE-nyan lang AH-ko]
How much is it?Magkano ito?[mag-KAH-no EE-to?]
That's too expensiveMasyadong mahal iyan[mah-SYA-dong ma-HAL ee-YAHN]
Can you lower the price?Pwede mo bang babaan ang presyo?[PWEH-deh moh bahng bah-BAH-ahn ahng PRES-yo?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Anong oras na?[ah-NONG OH-rahs nah?]
It's one o'clockAlas-uno na[ah-LAHS-oo-no nah]
Half past (10)Ala-una y media[ah-LAH-oo-nah ee MEH-dya]
MorningUmaga[oo-MAH-gah]
AfternoonHapon[HAH-pon]
EveningGabi[GAH-bee]
YesterdayKahapon[kah-HAH-pon]
TodayNgayon[NGAH-yon]
TomorrowBukas[BOO-kas]
1Isa[EE-sah]
2Dalawa[dah-LAH-wah]
3Tatlo[TAHT-loh]
4Apat[ah-PAT]
5Lima[LEE-mah]
6Anim[ah-NEEM]
7Pito[PEE-toh]
8Walo[WAH-loh]
9Siyam[SEE-yahm]
10Sampu[SAHM-poo]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Nasaan ang...[nah-SAH-ahn ahng...]
What's the address?Ano ang address?[ah-NOH ahng ah-DRESS?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Pwede mo ba akong ipakita (sa mapa)?[PWEH-deh moh bah AH-kong ee-pah-KEE-tah sa MAH-pah?]
When's the next (bus)?Kailan ang susunod (bus)?[kah-EEL-ahn ahng soo-SOO-nod (boos)?]
A ticket (to ....)Isang tiket (papunta sa ....)[ee-SAHNG TEE-ket (pah-POON-tah sa ....)]

History of Palawan

Early Human Settlement

Palawan has a very long human history, documented most famously at the Tabon Caves on Lipuun Point in southern Palawan. Archaeological finds there, including human remains and stone tools, indicate occupation extending back tens of thousands of years and have earned the caves the informal description 'Cradle of Philippine Civilisation'. The island's position between mainland Southeast Asia and the Philippine archipelago also made it part of wider prehistoric movements across the region. Later communities developed maritime, hunting, farming and trading traditions suited to Palawan's forests and coasts. The Tagbanwa, Palawano and Batak are among the Indigenous peoples whose histories are deeply connected with particular territories, waters and customary practices.

Maritime Kingdoms and Trade

Before Spanish rule, Palawan's coastal communities participated in regional exchange networks linking the Philippines with Borneo, the Sulu zone and other parts of Southeast Asia. Trade in forest products, marine goods and other commodities moved through coastal settlements, while political influence varied between local communities and neighbouring sultanates. The Cuyonon people, whose language and culture became particularly influential in northern and central Palawan, also developed strong maritime connections. These centuries of movement help explain the province's cultural diversity, which includes Indigenous traditions alongside influences from Visayan, Moro and wider Southeast Asian communities.

Spanish Colonial Expansion

Spanish influence reached Palawan through missionary activity, military outposts and the wider colonial administration of the Philippine archipelago, although control was uneven across the province's mountainous and island terrain. Puerto Princesa was established as a Spanish settlement in 1872 and later became the principal administrative centre. Forts, churches and colonial institutions were concentrated in places where Spanish authorities could maintain a regular presence, while many remote communities retained considerable autonomy. Spanish rule also connected Palawan more closely to the political and commercial systems centred elsewhere in the Philippines, laying foundations for the later importance of Puerto Princesa.

American Rule and Provincial Administration

After the Spanish-American War, Palawan entered the American colonial period and experienced new forms of administration, public education and infrastructure development. Government authority gradually extended beyond the main coastal settlements, while migration from other Philippine islands altered the demographic and cultural balance. Puerto Princesa grew as an administrative and commercial centre, and roads and public services expanded slowly. The American period did not erase older Indigenous land relationships, however, and later disputes over territory and resource use would reflect the tension between customary ownership, state administration and commercial development.

War, Conservation and Modern Tourism

Palawan was occupied by Japan during the Second World War, and Puerto Princesa became associated with the Palawan Massacre of December 1944, when American prisoners of war were killed by Japanese forces. After the war, the province's economy developed through agriculture, fishing, forestry and small-scale trade, while Puerto Princesa became the seat of a growing provincial government. From the late twentieth century, conservation became increasingly central to Palawan's public identity, including the protection of the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River and extensive marine habitats. Tourism later expanded rapidly in El Nido, Coron and other coastal areas, bringing employment and investment alongside continuing debates about environmental limits, waste, land rights and sustainable development.

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Palawan, Philippines

Discover Palawan with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide covering top attractions, restaurants, hotels, and more. Plan, book, and explore effortlessly.

  • Detailed information on top attractions, landmarks, and restaurants
  • Comprehensive maps and contact details
  • Local tips and rich descriptions
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Unlock the best of Palawan with Evendo, the ultimate free travel guide app. From pristine beaches to vibrant nightlife, our app offers everything you need for an unforgettable trip.

  • Easy hotel, tour, and ticket booking
  • History and travel essentials for Palawan
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Planning a trip to Palawan? Let Evendo be your ultimate travel companion. Whether you're exploring the crystal-clear waters of El Nido, trekking through the lush jungles of Puerto Princesa, or dining at the finest restaurants in Coron, Evendo has got you covered. Our app provides detailed information on all the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities across Palawan.

Discover hidden gems like the Underground River, a UNESCO World Heritage site, or relax on the powdery white sands of Nacpan Beach. Craving local cuisine? Evendo highlights top eateries like Kalui Restaurant and La Terrasse. Each location comes with comprehensive details, including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact information, making it easy to plan and organize your trip.

With Evendo, booking hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences is a breeze. Say goodbye to the hassle of searching for what to do and how to get there. Our app consolidates everything in one place, ensuring you can focus on enjoying your trip. Plus, our 'Near me' feature lets you see what's around you, no matter where you are, offering curated local tips so you can experience Palawan like a local.

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