Palawan Island, with its long history and natural charm, offers unforgettable travel experiences, from hidden beaches to amazing cultural riches.
Palawan is known as one of the islands with spectacular natural scenery. Its pristine natural beauty, charming beaches, and rich underwater ecosystem make it a paradise for tourists. This island also has a diverse cultural wealth, which can be explored by tourists.
Today, Palawan has developed into one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Philippines, with its extraordinary natural beauty and diverse attractions that attract tourists from all over the world.
Tracing a Long History
Palawan Island, located in the Philippines, is one of the most amazing tourist destinations in Southeast Asia.
The island has been inhabited by humans since prehistoric times, with archaeological evidence showing that humans first settled there more than 50,000 years ago.
Over time, Palawan has become an important trading center that has established cultural ties with various nations, such as China, Japan, and Spain.
This long history makes Palawan one of the islands rich in cultural and natural heritage and a must-visit when exploring the Things to do Philippines list.
In the 16th century, Spain came to the Philippines and made Palawan part of its colony. During the colonial period, Palawan served as a strategic location for sailors and traders.
Although the island was never a major administrative center, its natural beauty and wealth of natural resources made it an attractive place for colonizers and international traders.
The Unforgettable Attractions of Palawan Island
1. Combination of Beautiful Islands
Palawan consists of 1,780 islands, each with its own unique beauty and charm. From the bustling main islands of Puerto Princesa, to the remote areas of El Nido and Coron, every corner of Palawan Island offers a different experience.
The diversity of these islands allows tourists to enjoy various types of holidays, from nature adventures, sunbathing on the beach, to sailing around the exotic island clusters.
2. El Nido, The Jewel of Palawan
El Nido is often considered the jewel of Palawan Island. Known for its towering limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, and white-sand beaches, El Nido offers unmatched natural beauty.
One of the biggest attractions in El Nido is the Bacuit Islands, a group of small islands with stunning natural scenery.
Tourists can enjoy activities such as kayaking in hidden lagoons, snorkeling in crystal- clear waters, and enjoying the sunset at the enchanting Nacpan Beach.
3. Coron Underwater World
For divers, Coron is one of the best places in the world to explore the riches of the underwater world. Located in Coron Bay, there are wrecks of Japanese ships that sank during World War II.
These wrecks are now popular diving spots, where divers can enjoy beautiful coral reef views and various marine life such as tuna, grouper, and sea turtles.
In addition to the wrecks, Coron also has Kayangan Lake which is famous for its emerald water, surrounded by towering karst cliffs.
4. Puerto Princesa, the beautiful capital of Palawan
Puerto Princesa is the capital city of Palawan located in the southern part of the island. This city is the main gateway to various tourist destinations in Palawan.
One of the main attractions in Puerto Princesa is the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, which has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This underground river flows through beautiful limestone caves, and visitors can enjoy boat tours that take them along the river as it flows through a stunning network of caves.
5. Cultural Wealth of Palawan Island
Apart from its natural beauty, Palawan Island also has a very interesting cultural richness. There are several indigenous communities, such as Tagbanua and Batak, who still maintain their traditional life.
Tourists can interact with local people, learn about their traditions, and sample mouth-watering local cuisine.
In addition, the island also has various festivals that celebrate the cultural heritage and traditional life of the Palawan people, providing a rich and diverse experience for every visitor.
Tourist Ticket Prices on Palawan Island
Tickets to visit various tourist attractions in Palawan Island vary depending on the destination visited. To enter the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, visitors will be charged around 500 Philippine pesos or around 35 thousand rupiah.
Meanwhile, to visit Coron Island, ticket prices range from 100 to 200 Philippine pesos or around 7-14 thousand rupiah. These ticket prices are very affordable, considering the natural beauty and experiences that visitors can enjoy.
Interesting Things to Do in Palawan Island
If you visit the Philippines, it won’t be complete if you don’t visit Palawan Island.
The island offers a variety of interesting activities to do, from exploring hidden beaches, diving at shipwreck sites, to enjoying the natural beauty that is still pristine. Here are some interesting things to do on Palawan Island:
1. Visit the Hidden Beach in El Nido
El Nido is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Philippines, many of which are hidden among dramatic karst cliffs.
If you are looking for tranquility, you can explore the more secluded beaches in El Nido and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere away from the crowds. Many resorts are also available in El Nido to ensure a pleasant stay experience.
2. Cruising the Cabayugan River
The Cabaugan River located in the Puerto Princesa River Subterranean National Park offers a unique experience. This river flows along the Saint Paul mountains and parts of its course are navigable by boat.
During the trip, tourists can explore beautiful limestone caves and enjoy views of incredible rock formations.
3. Dive into the Shipwreck in Coron
Coron is a very popular spot for divers interested in the World War II shipwrecks that are found in the surrounding waters.
The Japanese ships that sank in 1944 are now a stunning dive site, where divers can explore the coral reefs and marine ecosystems. the rich.
4. Safari on Calauit Island
On Calauit Island, you can find various kinds of animals from Africa, including giraffes, zebras, and antelopes. This island is a mini safari park that allows visitors to interact with these animals in a natural setting.
5. Seeing Fireflies on the Iwahig River
For a more magical experience, visit the Iwahig River, where you can enjoy the beauty of fireflies glowing at night. You can take a boat ride to see the light of fireflies twinkling along the calm riverbank.
Tips for Palawan Island Visitors
- Bring snorkeling or diving equipment: Palawan has stunning underwater beauty, so make sure you bring the necessary equipment for diving or snorkeling.
- Bring cash: Not all tourist attractions in Palawan accept credit cards, so be sure to bring enough cash.
- Keep it clean: Always keep the environment clean, especially in these beautiful natural tourist spots, so that future generations can enjoy the same beauty.
Palawan Island is a destination that offers it all: incredible natural beauty, deep cultural richness, and a long history.
From stunning beaches to amazing dive sites, Palawan is a must-visit for adventurers and nature lovers, and a perfect complement to exploring Tourist Attractions in Manila for a complete Philippine experience.
Don’t hesitate to plan your trip to Palawan Island and enjoy an unforgettable travel experience!
