15 best things to do in Palawan

Palawan, located in the western Philippines, is a place where nature truly shines and easily where you'll find some of the best islands in the Philippines. You’ll find dramatic limestone cliffs rising from crystal-clear waters, underground rivers winding through caves, and miles of untouched beaches. Known as the "Last Frontier" of the Philippines, this province has something for everyone, whether you're exploring the underwater world or diving into the local food scene. Here are some of the best things to do in Palawan.

#1 Puerto Princesa Underground River

The Puerto Princesa Underground River is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the longest underground rivers you can actually explore by boat, and it easily makes it to number one on our list of the best things to do in Palawan.

As you glide through the limestone caves, you'll get to see some pretty cool stalactites and stalagmites, plus the chance to spot wildlife like bats and swiftlets. 

The boat ride takes about 45 minutes, and your guide will point out rock formations that might look like religious figures or vegetables. Since there are limits on the number of visitors each day, it's best to book in advance.
 

#2 Calauit Safari Park

Calauit Safari Park is a little unexpected but definitely worth a visit if you're in Palawan. It's home to animals like giraffes, zebras, and antelopes, but also local wildlife like the Calamian deer and Palawan bearcat. 

The safari tours are guided, so you'll get a close look at the animals in their natural habitat. Morning visits are the best since that’s when the animals are most active. You can book your safari tour through operators in Coron or directly through the park’s website. This is by far one of the best things to do in Palawan, and the entrance fees go toward supporting wildlife conservation.

#3 El Nido's Hidden Beaches

El Nido is known for its gorgeous beaches (some of the best beaches in the Philippines), and there's a mix of busy spots with bars and quieter, hidden beaches that are only reachable by boat.

• Hidden Beach: To get here, you'll swim through a small crevice in the cliffs, and once you’re there, you’ll find soft white sand surrounded by tall limestone walls.
• Secret Beach (Lingayan Beach): This one feels like a secret getaway—you reach it by swimming through a small hole in the rock to discover a little cove enclosed by cliffs.
• Nacpan Beach: A long stretch of golden sand where you can swim and enjoy some of the best sunset views. There are small cafes nearby where you can grab fresh seafood and cold drinks.
• Seven Commando Beach (Pito Komatre): This beach has a laid-back vibe with palm trees, clear waters, and vendors selling fresh coconuts. It’s named after seven Japanese soldiers stranded here during World War II.
• Las Cabañas Beach: Great for watching the sunset with views across the Linapacan Strait. There are bamboo bars where you can relax and take in the peaceful surroundings.

#4 Kayangan Lake

Kayangan Lake is famous for being one of the cleanest lakes in Asia. It’s surrounded by limestone cliffs, and the clear turquoise water is perfect for swimming and snorkeling. 

The combination of fresh and saltwater makes for great visibility, especially if you like exploring the underwater rock formations. You’ll need to climb a short but steep path to get to the lake, but it’s well worth it for the views. It's one of the best things to do in Coron.

#5 Nacpan Beach

Nacpan Beach stretches over 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) of golden sand, and coming here is one of the best things to do in Palawan to escape the crowds of El Nido. The gentle waves are great for swimming and beginner surfers. Plus, the beach faces west, so you can enjoy some stunning sunsets over the South China Sea. 

It’s a laid-back spot, perfect for those traveling to the Philippines with kids and couples who are looking for a peaceful place to relax. 

At the northern end of the beach, take a short hike up Twin Beach Hill for a beautiful view of Nacpan and its sister beach, Calitang.
 

#6 Shipwreck diving in Coron

Coron Bay is known for its WWII shipwrecks, which were sunk during an Allied attack in 1944. These wrecks are in great condition and now teem with marine life, making it an amazing experience for divers. 

If you’re an experienced diver, you can explore deeper wrecks like the Irako, a massive supply vessel, or stick to shallower wrecks like the Lusong Gunboat if you're just starting out.

There are several PADI-certified dive shops in Coron Town that run diving trips and offer diving courses. You can also book multi-day packages to visit multiple wrecks. This is a great place to stay in the Philippines.

#7 Puerto Princesa Public Market

The Puerto Princesa Public Market is a great place to see local life in Palawan. It gets busy early in the morning, when fishermen bring in their fresh catches and farmers sell tropical fruits and veggies. 

It’s a fun place to wander around and check out the local ingredients, like purple yam, jackfruit, and fresh seafood. 

The wet market is full of fish, and the dry goods section has local handicrafts and souvenirs. It’s also a good spot to chat with the friendly vendors, who are happy to tell you about their products. And if you’re hungry, the food stalls nearby serve traditional Filipino breakfast dishes. See more travel advice in our round-up of our favorite Philippines travel tips.
 

#8 Try local cuisine in Palawan

Some Filipino classics like adobo and sinigang get a local twist with ingredients unique to Palawan. You’ll find a mix of sweet, sour, and savory flavors, with a lot of coconut milk, calamansi (Philippine lime), and fresh herbs.

• Tamilok (woodworm): Don’t let the name fool you! This shipworm mollusk is harvested from mangrove wood and served with vinegar, calamansi juice, and chili. It’s a must-try for anyone looking to experience something really local.
• Lato (sea grapes): These little seaweed clusters are fresh, briny, and pop in your mouth. You’ll find them served with vinegar or in salads, and they’re great alongside grilled seafood.
• Crocodile sisig: A twist on the classic sisig, this dish uses diced crocodile meat sautéed with onions, chili, and calamansi. It’s leaner than the usual pork version and is sourced from sustainable crocodile farms in Palawan.
• Danggit lamayo: Rabbitfish is marinated overnight in garlic and vinegar, then dried and fried to crispy perfection. It’s a traditional breakfast dish served with garlic rice and an egg.
• Halo-halo: This is the ultimate Filipino dessert! It’s a refreshing mix of shaved ice, sweet beans, jellies, fruits, and purple yam ice cream.

#9 Rock climbing at Taraw Cliff

If you're looking to add a bit of excitement to your time in El Nido, Taraw Cliff is the place. The climb is steep and pretty challenging, so it’s best suited for those with a bit of climbing experience. It's easily one of the best things to do in El Nido.

But once you reach the top, you’re treated to a stunning 360-degree view of Bacuit Bay—especially beautiful at sunrise when the water glows golden. Just make sure to go with a certified guide and wear proper safety gear, since the rocks can be sharp and the climb is pretty technical. 

If you’re not up for the climb, don’t worry—there’s the Taraw Peak Canopy Walk, which gives you similar views without all the effort.

#10 Trek to Nagkalit-kalit Falls

Want to see a different side of El Nido? Take a hike to Nagkalit-kalit Falls. It’s a short 45-minute walk through the jungle, and you’ll cross a few streams along the way.

The waterfall itself drops into natural pools where you can cool off after the hike. It’s a relatively easy trek, so it’s good for most travelers, including families with older kids. Along the way, you might spot some cool wildlife, like colorful birds and butterflies. Local guides are around if you want extra insight into the plants and ecosystem.

#11 Kayak through Big and Small Lagoons

If you enjoy being out on the water, kayaking through the Big and Small Lagoons is a must. The scenery is unreal—turquoise waters surrounded by towering limestone cliffs. It’s a great way to get up close to the coral gardens and explore spots that bigger boats can’t reach. 

The Small Lagoon feels super peaceful and private, while the Big Lagoon is wide open and dramatic. Both are great for snorkeling, with plenty of fish and vibrant coral. This is by far one of the best things to do in Palawan.

#12 Watch fireflies at Iwahig River

If you're in Puerto Princesa, a firefly tour along the Iwahig River is a unique experience you won’t forget. As night falls, thousands of fireflies light up the mangrove.

They often flash in sync, lighting up the trees in a way that feels almost magical. Your guide will share some cool facts about fireflies and their role in the ecosystem while you silently glide down the river. 

The lack of artificial light also makes for great stargazing if the sky is clear. Tours leave around 6 p.m.
 

#13 Guided mangrove paddle tour in Sabang

The Sabang mangrove paddle tour is a great way to explore Palawan’s unique coastal ecosystem. You’ll glide through the mangrove forests in traditional bamboo boats while local guides share their knowledge of the area. 

Many of these guides used to work as mangrove loggers but have since become conservationists, and they’ll point out hidden wildlife like mudskippers, crabs, snakes, and monitor lizards along the way.

If you’re a birdwatching enthusiast, the early morning tours are ideal, as that’s when the forest is most active. 

#14 Palaweño Brewery

Palaweño Brewery is Palawan’s first craft brewery, and it’s also the Philippines’ first female-owned microbrewery. They use local ingredients like honey, lemongrass, and tropical fruits to create beers that really capture the flavors of the island. 

The taproom has a cozy vibe, where you can try a flight of their beers and chat with the friendly staff about how they brew their beers. It’s a nice change of pace from the usual beach activities, especially if you’re a fan of craft beer. 
 

#15 Zip lining at Sabang X Zipline

For a bit of excitement, head to Sabang X Zipline, where you can zip through the treetops and take in stunning views of Palawan’s mountains and coastline. 

The 2,624 feet (800 meter) zipline lets you race side-by-side with a friend or partner 500 feet (150 meters) above the ground. There’s a short walk to the launch platform, and the staff will walk you through the safety steps before you take off. You'll want nerves of steel for this one, but once you do it, you'll have to agree it is by far one of the best things to do in Palawan.