PALAWAN TOURISTS SPOTS
Explore the beauty of Palawan Island and make the most out of your vacation by taking an extra adrenaline adventure with lots of nearby well-known tourist attractions.
Puerto Princesa Underground River (Puerto Princesa)
The world's second-longest subterranean river is the Puerto Princesa Underground River. It's the one that attracts thousands of tourists here and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The drive going to the jump-off point in Sabang Wharf will treat you to a refreshing view of the rural landscape.
After this, you will board an outrigger boat that will take you to where the underground river is. After disembarking, there is a brief trek through a forested nature trail and wooden pathways until you reach the cave opening where paddle boats going inside the cave are docked.
Tubbataha Reef (Cagayancillo Islands)
Situated in the southern region of the island is a marine sanctuary called the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, one of the best diving spots in the Philippines and the world This beautiful area can be found in the waters of the Cagayancillo town and is also recognized as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Philippines. The whole sanctuary comprises two atolls, or ring-shaped reefs, that are home to an array of colorful aquatic animals and corals.
In fact, you can find over a thousand different marine animals here, such as sea turtles, sharks, manta rays, and clownfish. Aside from the water-dwelling creatures, about 100 species of birds can also be found here, with some of them even making their nests in the trees that cover the surrounding islands.
When visiting the Tubbataha Reef, diving is a must-try experience and is the best way to witness the wonderful diversity found here. Vibrant corals provide picturesque scenes as you dip under the waves. If you have more experience with diving, you can head past the corals to swim deeper where rarer animals such as moray eels, barracudas, and parrotfish can be seen.
Calauit Safari Park (Busuanga)
Housing thousands of endangered and endemic species, Calauit Safari Park remains to be the Philippines' only game reserve and wildlife sanctuary.
Its resident species include African animals that were transported from Kenya in 1976, including the reticulated giraffe and the world's most endangered zebra species, the Grevy's zebra.
These animals can be found freely roaming in the sanctuary's 3,700-hectare expanse, along with mouse deer, bearcats, and the Calamian deer, which is in here.
Visitors who are participating in a Calauit Safari Park tour are allowed to do guided feeding to giraffes while on foot, providing a thrilling experience that's at par with Kenyan safaris.
The safari park has the porcupine and the Binturong (bearcat) of the Philippines. There's also the bearded pig of Palawan, one of the country's endemic four wild pig species.
The Philippine freshwater crocodile is also being taken care of here. Under the Philippine Red List of Threatened Wildlife, all are endangered species.
Secret Lagoon (El Nido)
Also known as Hidden Lagoon, it's a must-visit destination during your trip to El Nido and is part of island-hopping tours in El Nido. Your boat will first head for a small white sand beach in the southern part of Miniloc Island.
You're going to pass via an opening like some hollow rocky cave, so be extra careful and dock your head. If it is low tide, you can easily wade into the entrance.
Once inside, a small natural pool surrounded by extremely high limestone cliffs will welcome you, which is the Secret Lagoon. In its lovely white sand, you can plunge in the natural cold pool or just lounge and relax. Appreciate and enjoy the surrounding scenery while in the lagoon.
The water is colder here due to the cliffs that cover it from the sun rays, compared to the Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon. The Secret Lagoon's mystery is what makes it a worthy destination. It's a significant component of island-hopping tours in El Nido and is loved by the locals.
Mt. Tapyas (Coron)
A journey to Mt. Tapyas' viewing deck is worth it. Despite the 724-step ascent, it'll be worth all the sweat because you'll see Coron's unusual perspective that gets better as you go higher.
You'll see a big white cross when you reach the top, which you can also know when you're in town but not as panoramic as in the viewing deck.
From the city center, Mt. Tapyas is easy to reach. You can travel to the base by walking, join a sightseeing tour in Coron, or rent a tricycle.
The mountain is easy to climb because most of it involves walking on concrete steps, and there are several platforms and benches where visitors can stop and rest before going on.
Before you reach the top, there are about 700 steps. Don't worry as, during your way up, there are rails to hold on.
Feel the fresh air and see the city from a panoramic point of view as you slowly reach the top. Rest a while before going down; wait until sunset to watch the blue sky turn red and then dark.
Mt. Tapyas is an ideal half-day trip for those who are looking for a different activity aside from the usual Coron island-hopping tours.
Twin Lagoon (Coron)
The Twin Lagoon in Coron Island, Palawan province is picturesque lagoons divided by towering limestone walls. Visiting the lagoons offers a bit of adventure.
From the town proper, they are accessible only by boat, which will take you through a maze of giant karst walls. If you're eager for a hassle-free adventure, you can book a Twin Lagoon tour.
oats dock on the first lagoon, and then visitors must swim from here to reach a rickety wooden staircase that leads to the second. At low tide, you can instead wade through a cavern that connects both lagoons.
Other times you need to swim utterly underwater for a few meters and resurface on the separate pool. It’s one of the best attractions included in a Coron ultimate tour.
The ethnic Tagbanua tribe is the guardian of the Twin Lagoons. To the tribe, all such areas are sacred. However, the Tagbanua has had to lease a few of these tourist sites to outside companies.
Thankfully, non-profit groups are now helping to empower the Tagbanua to operate some of Palawan island-hopping tours, which include immersive camp programs in their traditional beach homes.
Iwahig Firefly Watching (Puerto Princesa)
Iwahig Firefly Watching Area is a famous evening riverboat cruise in Puerto Princesa. They let tourists view flickering insects, also known as "fireflies" or "lightning bugs." This educational firefly watching activity is one of the community-based sustainable tourism initiatives and eco tours of the city.
It started in 2007 and now being managed by the locals of Barangay Iwahig. It's temporarily closed due to rehabilitation purposes, but it'll be opened soon to the public.
This tourist attraction is among the bucket lists of tourists as it also gives them a chance to have a close encounter with fireflies. The watching site, which is around 45 minutes away from the city proper, opens at 6 p.m. as the fireflies usually come out in the evening.
Fireflies live in the mangroves and trees situated along the banks and Sicsican and Iwahig Rivers. They typically thrive in pollution and noise-free areas. Using flash photography during the tour is, however, discouraged as this may disturb the fireflies which are inhabiting the area.
Onok Island (Balabac)
Sitting off the shores of Balabac town in the southwestern portion of Palawan is Onok Island, a peaceful, privately-owned island surrounded by clear waters and covered with a forest of palm trees. From the island also stems a sandbar that you can walk on when the tide is low. To get here, you will need to go on a boat ride from Rio Tuba town.
Upon reaching the island, you will dock set foot on soft powdery sand. You can then walk around the perimeter of the island to find the perfect spot to lay down and sunbathe or head over to the wooden walkway that leads to wooden huts built on stilts. After settling down in your preferred spot, it's time to get in the water for a leisurely swim. If you want to see the marine life in the area, you can rent paddle boats and go towards deeper spots where you can snorkel.
Under the waves, you will find coral reefs, schools of fish, and some giant clams. When you return to the island to rest, you can also enjoy the unobstructed view of the pristine sea.
Kayangan Lake (Coron)
Coron is a laid back destination that has plenty to offer visitors. The island has lakes, lagoons, and beautiful white-sand beaches. This tropical destination lets you relax, unwind, and get away from the daily grind. One of the best attractions in Coron island-hopping tours is no other than Kayangan Lake.
Before you can reach this amazing tourist place in Coron, you will do a brief walk when your ship docks at the entrance. Note the impressive formations of limestones and azure waters as you approach the bay.
You'll have to walk a flight of stairs to a vantage point when you reach the cove so you can see the most iconic image of this attraction. It's the area's best-known place and where you can take photos before you go to the lake. It is the highlight of Coron's ultimate island hopping tour.
From there, you can walk down to the lake, the salty water of which is quite refreshing. The mixture of saltwater and freshwater makes the lake's surface look like a mirror. It seems shallow, and from the walking platform, you can almost see the bottom!
In its turquoise waters, you can swim, dive, and attempt to get as close as you can to the bottom. The water's clarity encourages you to see as far as you can when you plunge underneath. Make sure to try a tour in Kayangan Lake for a memorable experience in Coron.
Cagayancillo Fort (Cagayancillo Islands)
To protect the town of Cagayancillo from invaders in the late 16th century, the Spanish forces that colonized the area at the time decided to build the Cagayancillo Fort. This naval fortress, however, took over a hundred years to complete and was only fully constructed in the early 18th century under the leadership of a Spanish priest. In contrast to other forts built in Palawan under the Spanish regime, this one was built using sea rocks and limestones.
The whole structure was also constructed in the shape of a diamond instead of the more common rectangular forts. Its walls are about 12 meters high and 3 meters thick. Like the Cuyo Fort, Cagayancillo's also houses the town's church to ensure that the locals could safely practice religious rites.
Ugong Rock Adventures
(Tagabinet, Puerto Princesa City)
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Explore Ugong Rock as your guide takes you rappelling and spelunking through the picturesque cave
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Ascend Ugong Rock, which offers a panoramic view of the limestone formations and the jungle beneath
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Bring out the daredevil in you as you descend on a 71 meter drop single-rider zipline
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Be harnessed with top-of-the-line verticality and climbing gears, tools and equipment
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Enjoy a delectable and scenic lunch in Sheridan Beach Resort
Estrella Falls
(Puerto Princesa)
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Dip in the clear waters of Estrella Falls with a backdrop of the beautiful tropical rainforest
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Enjoy a sumptuous picnic lunch and take a cool, relaxing swim in the several natural pools of Estrella Falls
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Bask in the natural state of the area, with the lush vegetation surrounding it
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Get a chance to see monkeys and butterflies play all around you as you relax
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Convenient pick up and drop off service from Puerto Princesa City to Estrella Falls
Cowrie Island
(Puerto Princesa)
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named after the sea snail common to the area, Cowrie, the Cowrie Island was opened as an alternative tourist area for tourists away from the Pandan Island, located nearby
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Cowrie Island is located on Honda Bay, about 8 kilometers northeast of Puerto Princesa, Palawan. The island got its name from a marine mollusk that has a smooth and polished, patterned shell with a long and narrow opening. Cowrie is perfect for a day trip; hence it is part of the island hopping tour packages offered in Honda Bay. with
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Families or groups of friends enjoy staying at Cowrie Island. Aside from swimming or snorkeling in its clear waters, tourists enjoy the picturesque view from the island. It is perfect for taking amazing photos as keepsakes of their adventure. Some friendly locals even offer to take artistic pictures of the tourists, free of charge.
