Hello, Lykkers! Stretching across the western Philippines, Palawan is a tropical paradise of limestone cliffs, turquoise lagoons, underground rivers, coral reefs, and sandy beaches.

From Puerto Princesa to El Nido and the quieter shores of San Vicente, the province offers unforgettable adventures for nature lovers. Here are seven remarkable places and experiences worth discovering.

1. Puerto Princesa Underground River — Journey Beneath the Mountains

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is one of Palawan's most important natural attractions and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its underground river passes through an extraordinary limestone cave system filled with impressive formations and chambers.

Visitors travel to Sabang before taking a boat to the park entrance, then board smaller paddle boats to enter the cave. Visitor numbers are limited to 900 per day, and a Visitor Entry Permit must be secured in advance under the park's "No Permit, No Entry" policy.

Entrance Fee: Approximately ₱500 per person, plus ₱150 environmental fee and ₱85 audio guide.

Opening Hours: Tours are generally scheduled from 8:00 AM–4:00 PM.

Getting There: Travel from Puerto Princesa to Sabang, then continue by boat.

2. Big Lagoon — Paddle Through El Nido

Big Lagoon is one of El Nido's signature attractions. Enormous limestone walls rise above turquoise water, creating a natural corridor leading into a peaceful lagoon. Motorized boats remain outside, so visitors usually continue by kayak or another paddle-powered craft. Visitor numbers are controlled, so availability should be confirmed when arranging an island-hopping tour.

Entrance Fee: Approximately ₱200 per person

Eco-Tourism Fee: Budget ₱400 per visitor unless included by your tour operator.

Getting There: Accessible by island-hopping boat from El Nido.

3. Nacpan Beach — Escape to a Tropical Shore

Around 17–20 kilometers north of El Nido town, Nacpan Beach offers a peaceful alternative to the busy lagoons. Its approximately four-kilometer stretch of golden sand provides plenty of room for swimming, walking, and relaxing. Palm trees line the shore, while restaurants and small businesses provide food and basic facilities.

Entrance Fee: Free; El Nido's Eco-Tourism Development Fee may still apply.

Parking: Approximately ₱20–50

Getting There: Around 45–60 minutes from El Nido town by tricycle, motorbike, or van.

4. Honda Bay — Island Hop Near Puerto Princesa

Honda Bay provides convenient access to beaches, snorkeling areas, and tropical islands near Puerto Princesa. Popular itineraries may include Cowrie Island, Luli Island, Starfish Island, and Pambato Reef. Visitors can swim, snorkel, explore beaches, or relax between boat rides. Tours depart from Sta. Lourdes Wharf, making Honda Bay an easy full-day island-hopping experience.

Environmental Fee: Approximately ₱150 per person

Shared Tour: Around ₱1,500–2,200 per person depending on inclusions.

Getting There: Sta. Lourdes Wharf is approximately 20–30 minutes from central Puerto Princesa.

5. Las Cabanas Beach — Watch El Nido's Sunset

For coastal scenery without another boat trip, Las Cabanas Beach is an easy escape near El Nido town. Also associated with the Marimegmeg and Vanilla Beach area, the coastline offers pale sand, calm water, palm trees, and views toward offshore islands. Late afternoon is particularly popular as the setting sun turns the sky and sea shades of orange and gold.

Entrance Fee: Free

Getting There: A short tricycle ride south of El Nido town.

6. Port Barton — Discover Palawan's Quieter Side

Port Barton, located in San Vicente, offers a slower alternative to El Nido and Puerto Princesa. The coastal village is surrounded by islands, reefs, beaches, and clear water ideal for relaxed island-hopping. Boat tours commonly combine snorkeling areas with beaches and small islands. Shared tours generally include the boat, snorkeling equipment, lunch, and applicable island entrance fees, although the environmental fee is usually separate.

Environmental Fee: ₱200 per visitor

Shared Island-Hopping Tour: Around ₱1,500 per person

Getting There: Vans and buses connect Port Barton with Puerto Princesa and other parts of Palawan.

7. Ugong Rock — Find Adventure Near Puerto Princesa

Ugong Rock offers a different experience away from Palawan's beaches. Located in Barangay Tagabinet, this limestone formation rises above rice fields and countryside along the route toward Sabang. Visitors can climb through the limestone landscape toward the summit for views of surrounding hills. The site is also known for its zipline. The name "Ugong" refers to the resonating sound produced when certain rock formations are tapped.

Getting There: Around 1 hour and 20 minutes from central Puerto Princesa.

Transport Cost: Shuttle fares are approximately ₱130–150+ per person; private transport costs more.

Activity Cost: Spelunking and zipline prices vary by package, so confirm current rates before visiting.

Final Thoughts

Palawan offers far more than beautiful beaches. The Underground River reveals an extraordinary subterranean world, while Big Lagoon showcases El Nido's famous limestone scenery. Nacpan and Las Cabanas provide relaxing coastal escapes, Honda Bay offers convenient island hopping, Port Barton brings a quieter atmosphere, and Ugong Rock adds adventure to the journey.

Whether you come for snorkeling, kayaking, caves, beaches, or sunsets, Palawan offers remarkable natural scenery and a different adventure around every corner.