Things to do in Palawan, Philippines
More than a dozen sublime travel bucketlist ideas on a paradise island
Discover Palawan and These Incredible Things to Do
Palawan is an island paradise, white sand and palm trees but also lots of space to escape the world and find private luxury.
Explore Palawan and the very best things to do on the island, including resorts, private beaches, snorkelling, yacht charter, wreck diving and an underground river.
Add these travel ideas to your bucketlist and one day you may be discovering Palawan for yourself.
Apulit Island Resort
Enter the eco-adventure isle by the resort's private and find paradise hidden from the outside world. Apulit is a seascape for chill-seekers and thrill-seekers alike. Indulge in a plethora of activities. Soak up the views of sprawling white sands lined with coconut palm trees and dramatic limestone cliffs.Facing the azure Taytay Bay are fifty luxurious overwater cottages. Traditionally designed with Filipino architecture combined with minimalist modern interiors, they set the scene for an intimate and calming getaway. Rappel off 60m limestone cliffs or take relaxing to another level in the spa, it’s up to you how you wish to unwind from the urban grind.
Calamian Islands Tour by Speedboat
Explore the unparalleled beauty of the Calamian Islands. Blue lagoons, towering limestone cliffs, coral gardens, sunken shipwrecks, enchanting lakes and secret beaches are just a few hidden gems to uncover.These bewitching islands are graced with the crystalline waters of Kayangan Lake, kaleidoscopic underwater gardens at Malwawey Reef, leisurely dips in the Twin Lagoons and eerie adventures at abandoned underwater war vessels. It’s raw beauty and undeveloped wilderness will leave you hypnotised.Travel in style and tour the area by speedboat. Arrive at your destinations much quicker, meaning you beat the crowds and have the lagoons all to yourself. Tailor-make your itinerary and discover secluded paradises with a private guide on this private speedboat tour.
Coron Culion Island Historical Tour by Speedboat
Immerse yourself in local culture and travel back in time to the 17th century. Appreciate pre-war architecture and rustic structures on the still peaceful and remote Culion Island.Enchanting scenery dominates its surroundings and you can feel the Spanish era rising around you. Enjoy strolling through the quaint town and soak up the genuine community spirit. It becomes obvious that the people are the true treasures of Culion Island. The Land of No Return boasts ethereal beauty on this once isolated isle. Embark upon a historical walking tour, brought to life by your own private storyteller guide. Explore the museum and traditional landmarks, then finish a leisurely day with snorkelling in Bogor Marine Park.
Island Stay at Club Paradise Palawan
Drift through nature’s playground to an exclusive island seascape nestled away in Coron. Luxuriating in panoramic views of the ocean, this haven is protected as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.Early birds stroll along the deserted beach for a rainbow-show sunrise. From your private dusk villa, a seductive sunset. From bottom fishing to snorkelling and patrolling the reserve, it’s up to you how you entice your senses.Club Paradise is a signature experience with a plethora of possibilities. From lounging, dining and island exploring, immerse yourself in an indulgent stay.
Long Distance Off-road Enduro Motorbike Riding
You have all the power at your fingertips. Hopping over fallen logs. Ducking under jungle vines. It’s a thrilling expedition and there is no better way to explore Palawan by jumping on a modern-day stallion with ultimate freedom. If you have a penchant for wandering, fly down rugged roads through untouched jungles surrounded by limestone cliffs. It’s well off-the-beaten-path, as you leave Palawan’s main attractions and submerge yourself in rural cultures. Indulge in leisurely rides with fascinating landscapes or enjoy intense off-roading that’s not for the faint-hearted. It’s a playful activity which is entirely customisable. Either way, you will be buzzing by the end of a day cruising Palawan on Honda CRF250.
Overnight Yacht Charter Around Palawan
Glide over emerald waters in opulence with the stargazer yacht, a nautical experience with a plethora of water sports on board. Relish in a day of kayaking, water skiing and paddleboarding sailing the shores at your leisure.Relax in sumptuous well-equipment cabins with AC and private bathroom. Unwind on deck after an active day at sea for a VIP dinner and seductive sunset cruise. Gentle waves wake you from a deep-sea sleep. On deck, bask in Filipino sunshine as you’re surrounded by limestone cliffs and turquoise waters. It’s easy to appreciate the peacefulness and it is exactly the morning routine you envisage when escaping the urban grind.
Private Island Camping Adventure at Toby & Thelma’s
Toby & Thelma’s exotic island appears to be like an oversaturated Instagram post, that nobody knows about. Leaning green palms, turquoise waves and white safari tents glistening in the distance. Yes, you have arrived in paradise! Toby’s boat whisks you away from the mainland, passing uninhabited islets and random sandbars. You start to wonder which tropical island will be your solitude. Toby awaits your arrival on white sands, soaking up the rays in his giant sun hat. With zero connection, time is of no importance. The only decision you’re faced with is whether to go paddleboarding to the nearby island, waterfall hunting by kayak, or swing in a hammock outside your tent.
Speedboat Caverns, Caves and Sandbar Tour in Palawan
Explore the Bacuit Archipelago, a haven for adventures from snorkeling and caving to strolling along sand bars. Crystalline waters surround limestone cliffs covered in tropical flora, as the beautiful scenery starts immediately after you leave the bay by speedboat. Feel as though you are walking on ocean water as you stroll along the slithering sandbar of Snake Island.The area is an archaeological site with diamond-shaped rock formations and artefacts discovered from the Sung Dynasty. Surrounded by caves and lagoons, you have the opportunity to take a dip in the cave’s turquoise swimming holes.
Speedboat Island Hopping Tour From El Nido
The Bacuit Archipelago is a fantasy-scape of marble cliffs, karst mountains and limestone islands. Hidden islands reveal secret beaches, blue lagoons and secluded coves, especially if you’re daring enough to venture between deep caves. Dive into turquoise waters brimming with marine life and psychedelic corals. Whether it’s snorkelling, scuba diving or taking a dip in the bay, island hopping in Palawan will leave you overwhelmed by beauty. Tailor-make your own moments from several awe-inspiring islands and beat the crowds with a counter-the-clock system, using expert skippers to ensure you have entire islands to indulge in all to yourself.
Stay at Amanpulo, Palawan
‘The Peaceful Island’ is a secluded paradise just north of Palawan Island. An oasis of serenity with sandy footpaths, hillside casitas and tree top canopies, this is not atypical luxury stay. It’s a sanctuary of seclusion and the most exclusive resort in the Philippines.From the moment you land on Pamalican Island, a buggy whisks you away to your private casita. Stroll out onto the private decked pool area, enjoy sweeping mountainous views, and breathe in the silence. From kayaking to snorkelling and hiking the hills, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this seascape paradise essay writer, whether it be through adventure or soaking up the tranquillity of your deluxe abode.
The Lagen Island Resort
Indulge in luxury at Lagen's haven of tranquillity. Nestled between the rainforest and a cerulean lagoon, feel like you’re floating in an eco-friendly water bungalow. The enchanting nature-scape is graced with limestone cliffs covered in tropical flora and singing wildlife. This is a chance to fully reconnect with Mother Nature. As you wade through shallow waters towards a private boat, the engine fires up, for where you are heading, you don't know. You arrive on a small secluded beach and dinner is prepared, illuminated by candlelight, arranged by the resort. Losing yourself on a private island is the ultimate relaxation, and that is exactly what this accommodation can offer you every day.
Underground River Tour of Sabang
An ominous atmosphere creeps around the caves. Sounds of seeping water from limestone rock formations are all you can make out. Anticipation grows as you go deeper into the cave. It’s eerie and exciting, how did this iconic natural wonder form millions of years ago? It’s otherworldly. Your private guide points out the endemic wildlife in the area while you carefully watch your back for monkeys and monitor lizards. Another cave entrance is approaching. Although it’s a well visited area, it's possible to have a section of this UNESCO site all to yourself. Exploring the area with a pioneer takes you downstream, accessing parts of the Sabang River standard tours are prohibited from entering.
Wreck Diving in Coron by Speedboat
Dive into an underwater portal and transport back to WWII. Penetrate through sunken Japanese warships encrusted by psychedelic corals and be blown away by this historic monumental site. Coron wreck diving provides an interesting change of scenery, especially with twelve sites to explore, ranging from open-water to advanced. Open cargo bays are easily accessible whereas some require venturing through nooks and crannies. Thrill-seekers can get lost inside shipwrecks for an eerie adventure and float around the engine room deep within. From deep wreck penetrations to snorkelling soft coral gardens, Coron is known as one of the world’s top dive sites. This will be a private scuba dive and if you’re lucky, you’ll swim with humongous sea turtles.