Palawan sights
Top Things to See in Palawan
Palawan's must-visit natural wonders, lagoons, and islands — with locations and tips for each
Top Sights & Landmarks
Puerto Princesa Underground River
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature — an 8 km navigable underground river winding through a vast limestone cave of stalactites and chambers, explored by paddle boat from the village of Sabang.
El Nido Island Hopping
The signature Palawan experience — boat tours (A, B, C, D) through Bacuit Bay's maze of jagged limestone islands to hidden lagoons, secret beaches, and coral gardens. The Big and Small Lagoons are the headline stops.
Kayangan Lake
Often called the cleanest lake in the Philippines — a brackish, crystal-clear lake cradled in karst cliffs on Coron Island, reached by a short climb that passes the famous postcard viewpoint over Coron Bay.
Mount Tapyas Viewpoint
A climb of more than 700 steps above Coron town to a hilltop crowned by a giant cross, rewarded with a sweeping panorama over Coron Bay and its scattered islands — the classic spot for sunset.
Lakes, Bays & Wildlife
Twin Lagoon
Two lagoons on Coron Island separated by a towering limestone wall, linked by a small gap you swim under at high tide or a ladder over it. Inside, cool freshwater meets warm seawater in a shimmering, hazy blend.
Barracuda Lake
A world-famous freediving and scuba lake on Coron Island, prized for glassy visibility and a dramatic thermocline where the water suddenly jumps from cool to warm, set among submerged rock formations and cliffs.
Honda Bay
Puerto Princesa's easy island-hopping bay, dotted with small islands like Cowrie, Luli, and Starfish — white sand, shallow turquoise water, sandbars, and snorkelling, all within a half- or full-day trip from the city.
Calauit Safari Park
An unusual island game reserve off Busuanga where African giraffes and zebras — descendants of animals brought in the 1970s — roam free alongside endemic Palawan wildlife such as the Calamian deer and mousedeer.
Beaches & Islands
Nacpan Beach
A four-kilometre stretch of golden sand and palm trees north of El Nido town, far longer and more open than the island-hopping coves. Relaxed, scenic, and good for a swim, a beach bar, and an unhurried day.
Las Cabanas Beach
The closest great sunset beach to El Nido town, a relaxed curve of sand with beach bars, island views, and a zipline running out over the water to a tiny offshore islet. The go-to spot for an evening drink at golden hour.
Coron Shipwreck Diving
Coron Bay holds one of the world's best clusters of WWII shipwrecks — a fleet of Japanese supply ships sunk in 1944, now coral-encrusted dive sites in clear, sheltered water suitable for both snorkellers and divers.
Port Barton
A laid-back fishing village between Puerto Princesa and El Nido, with no big resorts, a sleepy beach, and island-hopping to sandbars, coral, and reliable sea-turtle sightings. The quiet, slow-paced alternative to El Nido.
Plan your Palawan trip
Browse where to stay, what to eat, and the best areas of Palawan to base yourself.