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Breathtaking Islands To Visit In Palawan

If you are planning a trip to Palawan, a province in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines, prepare to fall in love island after island. 

Known as “the last frontier,” Palawan is nestled between the South China Sea in the northwest and Sulu Sea in the southeast. This island province has captured the world’s attention because of its robust biological diversity and stunning assemblage of nature’s wonders, from waterfalls and rivers to limestone forests.

This is evident in islands found in the most visited municipalities in Palawan: Puerto Princesa, El Nido, and Coron. 

 

Puerto Princesa, Palawan

via Fotolia

Puerto Princesa is the capital of Palawan and the second-largest city in the Philippines by land area. While it is now peppered with malls and hotels to accommodate more tourists, Puerto Princesa still maintains the charm of the Puerto Princesa Underground River, which was hailed one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature in 2012.

Settled on the eastern shore of the island of Palawan, Honda Bay offers city visitors their first island-hopping adventure in Palawan because it is accessible from the town proper. Honda Bay Island Hopping tours can take them to several small islands: 

  • Starfish Island – Enjoy watching starfish scattered in shallow waters.
  • Luli Island – Soak in the water under the Palawan sun.
  • Pandan Island – Eat by the beach and check out the coral garden.
  • Cowrie Island – Ride a banana boat and go kayaking.

 

 

El Nido, Palawan

QueroViajarMais via Pixabay

El Nido, bursting with so much splendor in the northernmost tip of mainland Palawan, grabbed the fourth spot in Condé Nast Traveler’s list of “20 Most Beautiful Beaches in the World” in 2019. Beyond its dramatic seascape and limestone cliffs, El Nido is made of diverse wildlife, interesting caves and lagoons, and coral kingdoms.

To know El Nido is to feel the sands, waters, and energy of its islands. You can take three different tours to completely enjoy everything this gem has to offer.

The first tour can take you to its big and small lagoons by Miniloc Island. Meander through crystal waters surrounded by rock walls. See the coral reefs of Shimizu Island and relax at the Seven Commando Beach. 

Capture moments at Snake Island, Pinagbutayan Island, Cathedral Cave, and Entalula Beach in your second tour

The third tour will allow you to uncover the El Nido’s hidden attractions, such as Secret Beach and Matinloc Shrine and snorkel with exotic marine life by Helicopter Island.

 

 

Coron, Palawan

jahcordova via Pixabay

Located in the Calamian Islands in northern Palawan, Coron is a quiet island with a unique character defined by its exotic marine life, lush mountains, lakes, and shipwrecks. 

Coron is also known for water activities like diving and snorkeling. You can explore the underwater paradise of Coron Bay with the guidance of a professional dive center and see Japanese WWII shipwreck sites in the area. 

You can take a Coron island beach tour to experience the beauty of Malcapuya Island, which is known for its crescent-shaped white beach. Feel the sun and the soft breeze on Coco Beach and stroll along Waling-waling Island or Ditaytayan Island. Spot more coral reefs and tropical fish on Banana Island. Walk on the long sandbar surrounded by clear ocean waters at Bulog Dos.

If you want a closer look at coral gardens and shipwrecks, take a snorkeling tour and be enthralled by what Lusong Island and Pass Island will reveal to you. See the wreckage of Lusong Gunboat and East Tangat Wreck. You can also take on a trek and catch sight of Concepcion Falls on the west of Busuanga Island.

 

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