On the western coast of the Philippines lies one of the country’s most famous destinations: Palawan. Its indisputable beauty and charm have been captivating visitors for decades, and visiting this blissful place is a no-brainer. But in case you needed some more convincing, here are ten reasons why you should consider Palawan as one of your must-visit travel spots:

1. It is considered as The Philippines’ “Last Ecological Frontier”

Palawan has impressive biodiversity that is considered one of the best not just in the Philippines, but in the whole Southeast Asian region. The province comprises more than 1,700 islands that are blessed with lush forests, impressive mountains and caves, a fascinating underwater ecosystem, diverse wildlife, and other natural resources.

2. Hailed as one of the best islands in the world

Over the years, Palawan and its municipalities have been making waves among local and international travelers due to its beauty. In 2020, Palawan bested the world’s top island destinations when it was hailed as the Best Island in the World by Travel + Leisure Magazine.

3. World-class beaches and attractions

One of the reasons why Palawan is considered one of the top islands in the Philippines is its beaches. From Puerto Princesa’s Sabang Beach to the islands of El Nido, Coron, and the exclusive Amanpulo, Palawan prides itself on its stunning seas and coastlines. One such testament to the beauty of Palawan’s shores was when El Nido’s Hidden Beach was cited as one of the Best Beaches in the World by Conde Nast Traveller.

Aside from the beaches, Palawan is also home to other captivating attractions, both natural and manmade. Some of its famous tourist destinations are Honda Bay, Ugong Rock, Port Barton, Iwahig, Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center, Plaza Cuartel, Mitra’s Ranch, and Baker’s Hill.

4. The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

One of Palawan’s prized gems and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is a protected area that features magnificent karst mountain landscapes, thriving forests, and distinctive wildlife. It is also home to the Puerto Princesa Underground River which is considered one of the world’s most impressive cave systems. This ecological wonder located around 80 kilometers away from the city proper was also hailed as one of the World’s New Seven Wonders of Nature in 2012.

5. Underwater wonders: Palawan’s marine ecosystem and famous diving spots

Palawan is known for its marine ecosystem, which includes the Tubbataha Reef Marine Park, another UNESCO World Heritage Site in the province. Aside from coral reefs, Palawan’s sea beds are also filled with historic artifacts such as war shipwrecks.

Because of these reefs and wrecks, diving and snorkeling became two of the most famous activities in the province. Some of the well-known diving and snorkeling spots in Palawan are Honda Bay, Miniloc Island in El Nido, as well as Coron’s Barracuda Lake, Siete Pecados, Coral Garden, and numerous war shipwrecks.

Another fun fact: due to the abundance of coral reefs in Palawan, pearl farming is also a widespread industry in the province. Pearl products such as jewelry, home decor, and other accessories are common staples in the pasalubong centers that line the streets of Puerto Princesa. If you fancy yourself a timeless pearl piece then Palawan is the place to visit.

6. Accommodation options for every budget

Whether you’re looking for budget accommodations in the middle of the city or top-notch luxury villas in Palawan, the island offers a wide range of options for every type of traveler. Puerto Princesa is home to various hostels, bed and breakfast accommodations, and hotels, while island destinations such as El Nido, Coron, and Amanpulo are well known for their resorts and villas.

7. Pleasant tropical climate

Palawan has a tropical climate that is suitable for traveling all year round. Like the rest of the Philippines, it only has two seasons: wet and dry. This makes travel planning much easier as you don’t need to worry about extreme weather changes. Its location on the western-most side of the archipelago also proved to be beneficial because the province is not commonly hit by typhoons coming from the Pacific Ocean on the east. This is also one of the major reasons why Palawan has constantly been listed as one of the best islands for destination weddings in the Philippines.

8. A cultural melting pot of friendly locals

Palawan is home to three indigenous tribes namely Batak, Tagbanua, and Palaw’an. While it might not be common for tourists to encounter them, their influence is strongly engraved in the veins of Palawan’s culture. On tours, you would often hear tour guides talk about these tribes with fondness and pride, and we often see their handmade products being sold as souvenirs. Aside from these tribes, Palawan is also home to some of the most disciplined, hospitable, and ingenious Filipinos there are.

9. Fresh seafood at affordable prices

Fishing is one of Palawan’s main sources of income thus it comes as no surprise that fresh seafood is abundant in the province. Tourists often get to sample mouth-watering seafood dishes during island hopping tours which are a very common tourist activity in the province. If you prefer to cook it on your own, you can also pay a visit to one of the local wet markets to avail yourself of the fresh catch of the day.

10. Tasty delicacies

Aside from seafood, Palawan is also known for delicacies such as cashew nuts, honey, and baked goodies from Baker’s Hill which are usually bought as pasalubong items. Vietnamese dishes like pho and chao long are also common food staples in Palawan due to the influence of Vietnamese settlers in the province. And of course, a trip to Palawan would not be complete without a taste of their signature exotic dishes, tamilok (woodworm) and crocodile meat.

While the Philippines have its fair share of top-tier attractions, one must not miss the chance to visit Palawan. With its diverse natural wonders, hospitable locals, and charming culture, it is not hard to see why a lot of visitors hail this province as one of the country’s best.

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Featured Photo: Janka Travelhacker