When you book your trip to the Philippines, which you must do, all the recommendations will send you to Palawan. This is for a good reason. Palawan has pristine beaches and crystal-clear water. I have never been somewhere that more deserves the tag of “paradise.”
But Palawan is not a small island. It is 14,649.73 square kilometers (5,656.29 sq mi). The drive from Puerta Princesa, the main city, to El Nido up north takes 6-7 hours. It is also no longer ‘off the beaten track.’ The incredibly popular island tours from Coron to El Nido, whilst still beautiful, are now very touristy.
Having explored the island, I can say the hidden gems, the real paradise, still exist. I have listed some destinations in Palawan below that I think are essential. They are undiscovered and less touristy, with white sand beaches, chilled island life, and crystal-clear water in a much more authentic setting.
Don’t get me wrong, I went to El Nido and had a fun night there, visiting the bars and embracing the tourist lifestyle, but I am so glad I did this alongside visiting the rest of the island. So please see below a detailed blog on the hidden gems of Palawan.
While there are multiple buses running between the main and popular towns, there are fewer going to the less touristy ones. This should not stop you from visiting the less touristy ones. There are still so many transport options, and everything is cheap and easily accessible.
One of the stops from El Nido
Getting to Palawan
Most flights go into Manila, we flew in and spent one night there. There are then a couple of options for getting to Palawan. Many of the blogs recommend going straight to El Nido, flights are roughly $200 return. This option is expensive and misses the best of Palawan.
Flying into Puerto Princesa is SO much cheaper. $30 a flight roughly, and you get better access to the best parts of the island. We flew into there and out of El Nido. I would recommend doing this.
We rented a Suzuki Jimny from Palawan Self-Drive Car Rental as it gave us a fun and convenient way to explore the island. This was more expensive but allowed us to be flexible.
Alternatively, taxis are cheap. For example, from Puerta Princesa to Sabang, where the underground river is (roughly a 2-hour drive), you can get a taxi for 3,000 pesos, split between a group this isn’t bad. You can then easily get buses from Sabang to Port Barton or San Vicente.
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)Arrival for underground river tour, beach with lizard
Sabang & the Underground River
The famous underground river is something to explore. The adventure begins with a scenic boat ride to a beautiful beach teeming with wildlife. We saw playful monkeys and a giant lizard when we arrived. Once inside the underground river, you travel kilometers into the dark depths on a small boat, surrounded by fascinating rock formations and countless bats. The eerie yet awe-inspiring atmosphere makes it a truly unforgettable journey into nature’s wonders.
Entrance to the underground river
Underground river
While it is called the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park and the Puerto Princesa underground river my first and strongly advised tip is don’t go from Puerto Princesa. Firstly, it is not a nice town, mainly just the capital for the island and transport hub, but secondly, the underground river is about a 2-hour drive from the city. Most tours all leave at the same time, and you arrive with swathes of people trying to get to the river.
Stay in Sabang. From the airport, you can get a taxi or rent a car to Sabang, a lovely beach town and port, then make sure you visit the river early in the morning and avoid the tourist rush. We got to the port at 8 am it was empty, and the tour was just us. When we came back at 11 am, the queue was a couple of hours long to get onto the boat to go to the river.
View from Bambua Cottages in Sabang
Accommodation
I would recommend staying in the Bambua Nature Cottages. It was great value, and I loved it. We saw monkeys as we arrived, and there was a beautiful view of the rainforest.
If you want to stay in Sabang on the beachfront, Daluyon Beach and Mountain Resort is beautiful.
There are some lovely beach restaurants in town. Whilst it isn’t the most beautiful beach in Palawan, I would highly recommend it for its laid-back nature and access to the river.
Port Barton
Port Barton
The next place I couldn’t recommend highly enough is Port Barton. Port Barton is a hidden gem. I honestly cannot recommend this place more. It is one of the best places I have ever visited in the world. There is a perfect mix of business, beauty, and things to do.
The town is all on the beach, with delicious restaurants, great bars, and a wonderful atmosphere. Spend your days on boat tours to untouched islands. It is never too busy. In the evening you can either have a quiet night or head to the one hostel open late for a party. There are plenty of restaurants all along the beach so make sure you are staying near the seafront to wander around at night and decide what to eat. I would recommend Barton Bistro for at least a drink, and Happy Bar is also a good place to stop.
Spend at least a couple of days here. You want one day on a boat tour, another just relaxing in the town, and another hiking or visiting other beaches such as Coconut Beach or White Beach, which I have outlined below.
Coconut Beach
Coconut Beach & White Sand Beach
Coconut Beach and White Sand Beach in Port Barton are stunning, must-visit spots known for their serene beauty. Reaching them can be a bit of an adventure—it’s about an hour-long hike each way or a quicker 10-minute tuk-tuk ride if you prefer. Coconut Beach boasts an idyllic setting with coconut trees, grassy areas, tables for relaxing, and a gorgeous shoreline with crystal-clear waters. White Sand Beach is equally captivating with its soft sand and tranquil vibe. A small shop at the beach offers snacks and drinks, and you might even spot friendly pigs wandering around.
Accommodation
Stay at the La Palapa Inn for three nights to enjoy its super chilled atmosphere. It is slightly further away but easily walkable and a beautiful place.
Rubin Resort is a great value option for a midway stay. On the beach, it wasn’t the cheapest, but it was very affordable and a lovely place.
For a cheap but also excellent option, I recommend Ausan Beach Front Cottages. They are in the best location and nice to stay in.
San Vicente
The quietest of all the locations but a must-visit is San Vicente. It is a hidden gem for travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path destination. Known for its pristine beaches, beautiful landscapes, and laid-back atmosphere, San Vicente offers a more tranquil alternative to the crowded tourist hotspots. Its most famous attraction is Long Beach, a stunning 14-kilometer stretch of white sand, making it one of the longest beaches in the country. Here, visitors can enjoy uninterrupted views of the turquoise waters, minimal crowds, and a serene connection to nature.
Activities include island hopping, snorkeling, and exploring nearby fishing villages. The sunsets over Long Beach are particularly breathtaking, providing a picture-perfect end to a day of relaxation or adventure.
While it is growing in popularity, its remote location and limited infrastructure keep it peaceful. Travelers can reach San Vicente via a small airport or by land from Puerto Princesa, Port Barton, or Sabang.
If you’re looking for a tranquil escape with natural beauty, authentic experiences, and a hint of adventure, San Vicente is a destination worth exploring before it becomes a mainstream hotspot.
Accommodations
Accommodations in San Vicente range from budget-friendly hostels to charming beachfront cottages and mid-range resorts. Notable places to stay include the Boayan Cottages, ideal for those seeking a rustic experience, and Club Agutaya, which offers comfort and eco-friendly luxury. For a more personalized stay, several homestays are available, providing opportunities to connect with the locals.
View from Dryft on Darocotan island
Darocotan Island
Darocotan Island, a tranquil haven off the coast of El Nido in Palawan, is a destination that promises pristine beaches, clear turquoise waters, and a sense of seclusion that’s hard to find elsewhere. While it remains off the beaten track, the island offers a few accommodation options for travelers seeking an intimate escape surrounded by nature.
One of the island’s unique features is its walkability—you can explore the entire island on foot. Among the must-see spots is a shipwreck just off the coast, offering some of the best snorkeling in Palawan. The site is teeming with marine life, making it an underwater paradise. For the best experience, visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday crowds that arrive by boat. After snorkeling, unwind at a cozy beach bar nearby, where you can enjoy a refreshing drink with your toes in the sand.
The beaches of Darocotan Island are breathtakingly beautiful, perfect for relaxation or light adventure. Paddleboarding, swimming, or simply lounging on the soft sands are popular pastimes. As the sun sets, the island takes on a magical glow, creating unforgettable moments for visitors.
Accommodation
Dryft accomodation for the night
At the heart of this island experience is Dryft, a standout eco-resort offering safari-style tents and wicker huts for an unparalleled stay. The resort’s centerpiece, a magnificent four-story bamboo structure, serves as a dining area where fresh, local seafood is displayed daily. Every meal is prepared with care, and the flavors are exceptional.
Dryft also features paddleboards, a volleyball court, and direct access to the island’s stunning beaches. For a hassle-free trip, they offer pick-up and drop-off services from El Nido. If you’re looking for a unique and sustainable retreat, Dryft on Darocotan Island is the perfect choice to complete your Palawan adventure.
Dryft is affordable but not cheap. There are other cheaper places to stay on the island if you still want to have your own private-ish island on a budget.
View from El Nido at sunset
El Nido
I will mention El Nido. It’s not off the beaten track, and it’s not a hidden gem, but it is a fun area to travel to. I would recommend a couple of nights here. The boat tours are busier but still go to beautiful spots. The snorkeling isn’t as good, but there are good dive spots.
Snake Island
Boat Tours: There are 4 different boat tours, A, B, C, and D. We did a private boat tour, so we were able to do the best mix of all four tours. If you want to save some money and do a shared one, I recommend Tour A or Tour B. Tour A has the Big Lagoon, it is very touristy, but it is also stunning, try and kayak away from the crowds. Tour B has Snake Island, which is so beautiful.
Restaurants: Check out Barracuda or AP Kala Beach Bar for great dining and a fun vibe.
Accommodation
We stayed in Rosanna’s Pension. It was good value and had clean rooms. Get a beachfront room, as the view is amazing. It was also in a great part of town.
Activities in Palawan
Palawan is the ultimate place to relax, however, if you need to keep busy there are plenty of activities to do on the island. There are boat tours that you can do, but if you need something more strenuous, I have listed some below.
One of the many islands from Port Barton
Diving in Palawan
Palawan is a diver’s dream, with some of the best dive spots in the world.
Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the crown jewel of diving in Palawan. Located in the Sulu Sea, this marine sanctuary boasts vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life, including sharks, turtles, and manta rays. It’s best visited between March and June. It takes a while to get there so you need to go on a dive boat over a couple of days.
Coron is famous for its hauntingly beautiful WWII shipwrecks. These underwater relics are now teeming with marine life, making it a top destination for wreck divers. Nearby, Barracuda Lake offers a unique diving experience with its thermoclines and stunning limestone formations.
El Nido also features excellent dive sites, including South Miniloc and Helicopter Island, where divers can encounter colorful coral reefs, sea turtles, and diverse fish species.
Surfing in Palawan
For surfers, Duli Beach, north of El Nido, is the place to be. Known for its long sandy stretch and consistent waves, it’s perfect for both beginners and seasoned surfers. Surf schools are available for those looking to catch their first wave, and the laid-back vibe of the area adds to its charm. Surf season typically runs from November to April.
Waterfalls and Hiking in Southern Palawan
If you’re looking for something different from the beaches, head south to explore Palawan’s lush landscapes.
Narra is home to Estrella Falls, a tranquil spot with cool, refreshing waters and picnic areas. The surrounding forest provides a serene backdrop for hiking and relaxation.
Brooke’s Point offers beautiful trails leading to stunning waterfalls like Mainit Falls. These trails are perfect for adventure seekers wanting to experience Palawan’s rugged beauty and natural tranquillity.
Palawan offers a mix of adventure and relaxation, from exploring underground rivers to lounging on secluded beaches. If you’re craving a tropical escape with stunning natural beauty, put this on your list immediately.
Port Barton at sunset
Conclusion
Pack your bags and prepare for the ultimate island getaway!
For more off-the-beaten-track tips, visit my blog, Annual Leave Explorers.
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