Palawan, a long narrow island at the western edge of the Philippine archipelago, is consistently voted the world’s best island by travel publications. Its dramatic scenery — sheer limestone karst towers rising from turquoise water, hidden lagoons accessible only by swimming through rock, and coral reefs among the richest in Asia — makes it unlike anywhere else on Earth.
El Nido
El Nido in northern Palawan is the centrepiece — a bay of dramatic limestone cliffs enclosing dozens of secret beaches, hidden lagoons, and coral gardens. Island-hopping tours by traditional bangka boat reveal new scenery around every headland. The Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon at Miniloc Island are among the most beautiful enclosed water bodies in Asia.
Coron
Coron in northern Palawan offers world-class wreck diving, volcanic lakes surrounded by limestone cliffs (Kayangan Lake — often cited as the clearest lake in Asia), and stunning open-ocean scenery around the Coron Island group.
Access
Fly from Manila to El Nido (1.5 hours) or Coron (1 hour). Puerto Princesa in central Palawan is the largest airport with more international connections. Ferries and bangka boats connect the main hubs.
