Palawan

Balabac is the southernmost frontier of Palawan, a remote archipelago of 36 islands just north of Borneo. This is raw, untouched Palawan with pink-sand beaches, crystal waters rivaling the Maldives, and virtually zero tourism infrastructure. Getting here is an adventure in itself, requiring multiple transfers from Puerto Princesa. But those who make the journey are rewarded with some of the most stunning and isolated beaches in the entire Philippines. Onuk Island with its massive sandbar, Candaraman Island with pink sand, and the Mansalangan Reef system are the highlights. There are no resorts, so you camp on beaches or stay with local families. This is expedition-level travel.

A southeast-coast market town in the shadow of Mt. Mantalingahan, Palawan's highest peak. This is base camp country: the classic trailheads for the mountain start here and in neighboring Rizal, and almost nobody else comes this far south.

Coron is a world-renowned destination famous for its WWII Japanese shipwrecks, stunning freshwater and saltwater lakes, and dramatic limestone formations. Located on the northern tip of Busuanga Island, Coron town is the main hub for exploring the surrounding islands. The area is a paradise for divers: the sunken Japanese fleet from 1944 creates some of the best wreck diving in the world, accessible to both beginners and advanced divers. Above water, Kayangan Lake and Twin Lagoon are among the most photographed spots in the Philippines. Coron offers a more rugged, adventurous feel compared to El Nido, with fewer crowds and a more local atmosphere. Hot springs, safari parks, and island-hopping tours round out the experience.

An island town near Coron with one of the most affecting histories in the Philippines: for half a century it was the world's largest leper colony, isolated by law. Today it's a quiet heritage town: a moving museum, a church built into Spanish fort walls, and almost no tourists.

El Nido is the crown jewel of Palawan, famous for its towering limestone karst cliffs, hidden lagoons, and pristine white-sand beaches. Located at the northern tip of mainland Palawan, it serves as the gateway to the Bacuit Archipelago, a stunning collection of 45 islands and islets. The town itself is a laid-back beach community with a growing food scene, beachfront bars, and a vibrant mix of backpackers, families, and luxury travelers. Island-hopping tours (A, B, C, D) are the main attraction, each visiting different combinations of beaches, lagoons, and snorkeling spots. Beyond the tours, El Nido offers world-class diving, kayaking through secret lagoons, cliff climbing, and some of the most photogenic sunsets in Southeast Asia.

Linapacan is an island group midway between El Nido and Coron, famous for having the clearest water in the world, officially measured with visibility exceeding 30 meters. The islands are sparsely populated and almost completely undeveloped for tourism. Most visitors experience Linapacan as part of an expedition boat trip between El Nido and Coron (3-4 day journey instead of the direct ferry). This allows stops at remote beaches, snorkeling spots, and fishing villages that few travelers ever see. The main settlements of San Miguel and Linapacan town have basic homestays. The surrounding islands (Cagdanao, Calibang, Maosonon) have beaches that rival anything in the Bacuit Archipelago with a fraction of the visitors.

An agricultural town south of Puerto Princesa known as the rice granary of Palawan and, offshore, home to Rasa Island, one of the last strongholds of the critically endangered Philippine cockatoo. Waterfalls in the foothills, conservation at sea, zero tourist bustle.

Port Barton is a sleepy fishing village turned backpacker haven, tucked along the western coast of Palawan between Puerto Princesa and El Nido. It's the antidote to over-tourism: a place where roosters still serve as alarm clocks and the beach is your front yard. The village has a handful of beachfront guesthouses, reggae bars, and dive shops. Island hopping here is excellent and far less crowded than El Nido or Coron. The surrounding islands have pristine coral reefs, white sand beaches, and sea turtle nesting sites. Electricity was intermittent until recently, and Wi-Fi is still spotty, which is exactly the point. Port Barton attracts travelers who want to disconnect and enjoy Palawan at its most authentic pace.

Puerto Princesa is the capital city of Palawan and the main gateway for most travelers. While many visitors pass through quickly on their way to El Nido or Coron, the city and its surroundings offer several worthwhile attractions. The highlight is the Puerto Princesa Underground River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. The 8.2km navigable underground river winds through a dramatic limestone cave system. The city also offers Honda Bay island-hopping, firefly watching tours on the Iwahig River, and a range of restaurants serving fresh seafood. It's the most developed city in Palawan with banks, hospitals, and shopping malls.

A southwest-coast town whose claim to fame is enormous: the Tabon Caves, the "cradle of Philippine civilization", where human remains tens of thousands of years old were unearthed. The caves open onto the sea from a limestone headland: archaeology with a view.

The jungle-backed beach village that serves as the doorway to the Underground River. Most people see it for twenty minutes between van and boat, but stay a night and you get a wide, wave-washed beach, karst cliffs, and mangrove rivers with almost no one around.

San Vicente is Palawan's best-kept secret. It's home to Long Beach, a 14-kilometer stretch of white sand that is one of the longest beaches in the Philippines. Unlike the more developed tourist areas, San Vicente retains a quiet, undiscovered feel. The area is rapidly developing but still has very limited infrastructure compared to El Nido. This is the place to go if you want empty beaches, stunning sunsets, and a glimpse of what Palawan was like before mass tourism. Port Barton, a small fishing village within San Vicente municipality, is a popular backpacker stop with its own island-hopping tours and a relaxed bohemian vibe.

Palawan's first Spanish capital, wrapped around a bay guarded by a 17th-century stone fort. Today it's a fishing town most travelers speed past between El Nido and Puerto Princesa, which is exactly why it's worth stopping: the fort, Palawan's largest freshwater lake, and dolphin-watching in Malampaya Sound.