5 / 5 - 2 reviews
How to get there
1hr flight from Manila
When to go
From December to June to avoid the rainy and typhoon seasons.
Minimum stay
One week
Palawan (The Philippines)
©
Nicolas Hillaire
Practical information on Palawan
Reviews of Palawan
An island between the South China Sea and the Sulu Sea, Palawan Province is a little gem.
My suggestion:
Whilst you're in Palawan, I recommend you spend a night or two in Port Baron, a little corner of paradise on the road between Puerto Princesa and El Nido.
My review
Whether you're in a town, visiting a coastal village or taking a dip in the sea, you won't be disappointed by Palawan. I landed at Puerto Princesa, a lovely town that's the provincial capital. But the best attractions are further to the north.
I began my Philippines holiday with a trip to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, at 70km from the town. It's a classified UNESCO site and considered by the Swiss New Seven Wonders Foundation to be one of the new seven wonders of the world. You really shouldn't miss this one out - it's not every day that you'll get to hop on a boat and navigate your way through a cave for several kilometres.
The other highlight on this island is El Nido Bay. Imagine a landscape of karstic rocks overlooking a bay with turquoise waters, hidden beaches and a superb marine life. It's like a mini Ha Long Bay but even hotter!
Unfortunately, the ferry I was due to take to the Busuanga Archipelago was cancelled due to a typhoon, so I was forced to turn back. I was really disappointed, as I was looking forward to an amazing dive - the area's famous for being the final resting place of dozens of Japanese warships that sank during the Second World War. I just hope you guys get better weather when you're there!
©
Nicolas Hillaire
An island between the South China Sea and the Sulu Sea, Palawan Province is a little gem.
My suggestion:
Whilst you're in Palawan, I recommend you spend a night or two in Port Baron, a little corner of paradise on the road between Puerto Princesa and El Nido.
My review
Whether you're in a town, visiting a coastal village or taking a dip in the sea, you won't be disappointed by Palawan. I landed at Puerto Princesa, a lovely town that's the provincial capital. But the best attractions are further to the north.
I began my Philippines holiday with a trip to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, at 70km from the town. It's a classified UNESCO site and considered by the Swiss New Seven Wonders Foundation to be one of the new seven wonders of the world. You really shouldn't miss this one out - it's not every day that you'll get to hop on a boat and navigate your way through a cave for several kilometres.
The other highlight on this island is El Nido Bay. Imagine a landscape of karstic rocks overlooking a bay with turquoise waters, hidden beaches and a superb marine life. It's like a mini Ha Long Bay but even hotter!
Unfortunately, the ferry I was due to take to the Busuanga Archipelago was cancelled due to a typhoon, so I was forced to turn back. I was really disappointed, as I was looking forward to an amazing dive - the area's famous for being the final resting place of dozens of Japanese warships that sank during the Second World War. I just hope you guys get better weather when you're there!
©
Nicolas Hillaire
