Palawan – The Wild, Untamed Frontier of the Philippines

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Palawan, affectionately known as the "Last Frontier" of the Philippines, is the ultimate playground for adventurers. Forget the well-trodden tourist traps—this place is where nature still reigns supreme, and every corner begs to be explored. Let’s highlight the distinguishing features of Palawan Island that are the most challenging in terms of activities for the adventurers, with numerous things to do and sights to see that remain unparalleled.

Where is it located?

Officially, the Province of Palawan, it is also known as Probinsya i'ang Palawan or Lalawigan ng Palawan. It's not just any province; it’s the biggest one in the Philippines, covering a whopping 14,649.73 km² (that’s about 5,656.29 sq mi for those who prefer square miles).

The capital is Puerto Princesa, which is also the largest city. Fun fact: Puerto Princesa is grouped with Palawan geographically but runs its own show administratively.

Palawan map
Palawan map

How to Reach Palawan?

Getting to Palawan? Air travel is your best bet. You’ve got three flight options. First up: El Nido.

Next, consider Puerto Princesa, the capital. It has more flight connections and larger planes. A smart choice for versatility!

Finally, there’s Coron. While it’s a nice spot, I recommend starting in Puerto Princesa and then heading to Coron for a smoother trip.

Whichever route you choose, flights from Manila to Palawan take about 90 minutes. Just a heads up: there are no direct flights or boats from Indonesia or Malaysia. You’ll always need to transit through Manila or Cebu City.

Where Untouched Beauty Meets Adventure

Palawan is an island with distinctive features that other islands in the Philippines lack in terms of physiognomy and geological history. The spectacular scenery includes uplifting limestone cliffs, dense tropical forests, a complex cave system and subterranean rivers, particularly the World Heritage Site of Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park.

 It also includes other biomes like coral reefs and mangroves which can harbour a lot of flora and fauna. Geologically, Palawan’s formation is the oldest landmass in South East Asia, created by the movement of tectonic plates and the eruption of volcanoes for millions of years. This striking geological feature adds to the unique beauty of the place which is filled with plants and birds.

Beautiful Palawan sunset
Beautiful Palawan sunset

While other Philippine islands get all the selfies, Palawan stays low-key, keeping its natural wonders gloriously pristine. Home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park and Tubbataha Reefs, Palawan’s lush rainforests and coral-packed waters will have you wondering why you didn’t visit sooner. If you’re looking for bragging rights, few places beat hiking through ancient jungles or snorkeling above neon-bright coral gardens.

10 Thrills You Can’t Miss

The only thing that will exhaust you in Palawan is doing absolutely nothing. Check out these must-try adventures that’ll make your trip unforgettable:

1. Island Hopping

Island hopping is the activity of traveling between multiple islands, typically by boat, to explore their unique attractions and landscapes. Explore El Nido and Coron’s mesmerizing lagoons, cliffs, and other terrains that are so beautiful that it seems they are landscapes from postcards. Stay at the popular Palawan resort and hotel Binga Beach for some of the best island hopping where they take you to the most secluded and gorgeous islands and beaches with no other tourists for miles around.

2. Scuba Diving

Dive deep into Tubbataha Reefs’ vibrant marine paradise and swim with the ocean’s coolest creatures.

3. Snorkeling

All you need for an unforgettable underwater adventure in Honda Bay and Bacuit Bay is a mask and snorkel—seriously, it's that simple! Forget fancy gear; just grab your trusty snorkel set and dive into a world where vibrant corals and colorful fish await.

4. Kayaking

Glide your kayak into the serene lagoons of El Nido and take in the breathtaking views for relaxation to the core.

5. Mountain Climbing

Stand at the peak of Mount Mantalingajan or Mount Tapyas and feel the world is at your feet because the view will be incredible. Do not leave without snapping a picture.

6. Caving

If exploring underground attractions interests you more than the outdoors, there is the famous Puerto Princesa underground river or the Ugong Rock cave systems.

7. Zip-lining

Get high on soaring through the skies above the lush green landscapes of Sabang and El Nido.

8. Wildlife Watching

From exotic animals in Calauit Safari Park to Palawan Wildlife Rescue Center, get up close and personal with nature’s rarest species. You can rub elbows with exotic animals like giraffes, zebras, and even the rare Calamian deer.

9. Surfing

Ride the waves at San Vicente and Nagtabon and channel your inner surf pro.

10. Camping

Wind down by the campfire on Nacpan or Duli’s secluded beaches, where the only noise is the sound of the waves (and maybe your marshmallows sizzling).

The Unexplored “Last Frontier”

As the “Last Frontier,” Palawan doesn’t just offer beauty—it serves up conservation goals on a silver platter. Its commitment to protecting biodiversity makes it the eco-warrior’s dream. With fewer crowds than hotspots like Boracay or Cebu, Palawan’s remoteness makes you feel like nature rolled out the red carpet just for you.

Stunning beaches
Stunning beaches

Wild and Rugged Geography

Palawan’s dramatic limestone cliffs, massive cave systems, and mountains stretching the island’s spine make it the rugged beauty pageant winner of the Philippines. This island’s adventurous edge comes from its unique geological history—once part of China’s continental shelf. Yep, that’s right. You’re literally walking on ancient history with every step.

Climate of Palawan

It’s very important for travelers to know about the climate of the place they are visiting before making detailed plans. Palawan has two main climate types. The first type is in the north, south, and west. It has six months of dry weather and six months of rain. The second type is on the eastern coast. It features a short dry season of one to three months. The rest of the year, there’s no significant rain.

The southern part is calm and rarely hit by tropical depressions. In contrast, northern Palawan experiences heavy rains in July and August. Summer months are peak season for visitors. Sea voyages are best from March to early June when the waters are calm. The average maximum temperature is about 31 °C (88 °F) year-round, with little variation.

Dive into Palawan's Culture and History

Palawan isn’t just about stunning views. It’s a treasure trove of culture and history. Want to know how the locals live? Swing by the Tagbanua and Batak communities. They’ll give you the lowdown on their traditions. Ever heard of the Tabon Caves? They hold the oldest human remains in the Philippines. Talk about ancient history! During WWII, Palawan was a hot spot, too. Check out museums and local festivals, like the Baragatan Festival, to get your cultural fix.

Eco-Friendly Fun in Palawan

Palawan is the eco-tourism champ of the Philippines. The locals are serious about keeping it green. They’ve got rules to protect the island’s beauty. Want to explore? Great! Just remember to follow conservation guidelines. Some areas are off-limits to keep the wildlife safe. And let’s be real—nobody wants to see plastic trash on paradise. Thanks to these efforts, Palawan remains a wild and beautiful frontier for everyone to enjoy, now and in the future!

Ready for adventure?

If adventure had an address, it’d be in Palawan. Whether you’re chasing thrills or seeking a peaceful nature retreat, this untouched gem has it all. So pack your bags, leave the touristy spots behind, and discover Palawan’s hidden treasures for yourself. It’s wild, it’s stunning, and it’s calling your name.

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