Top 6 Must-Visit Beaches in Palawan
Palawan is home to stunning beaches with crystal clear water and limestone cliffs that are out of this world. This island province in the Philippines is an island-hopping paradise that has some of the best beaches in Asia, not to mention jungle hikes to hidden waterfalls and mysterious caves! If you're planning a trip to the Philippines, here are some of the Top 10 Must-Visit Beaches in Palawan that you can't miss. Exploring these locations is a great way to start your list of things to do in Palawan.
Nacpan Beach
One of the most beautiful beaches in the Philippines, Nacpan Beach is situated near El Nido and known for its sublime pale sandy beach, crystal clear water, and hundreds of palm trees. It's also a great spot to watch the sunset, and you can even stay at one of the many luxury glamping resorts that are located right on the beach. Watching a sunset at Nacpan should definitely be on your list of things to do in Palawan.
Long Beach
Another stunning beach in the Philippines, Long Beach is located in a small town called San Vicente, which is less crowded than the other popular beach destinations in Palawan, such as El Nido and Port Barton. The beach is famous for its pristine waters, unique S-shaped sandbar that appears during low tide, and abundant marine life, including wild sea turtles and giant clams. Walking along the S-shaped sandbar at low tide is one of the fascinating things to do in Palawan.
Shimizu Beach
A must-visit beach in El Nido, Shimizu Beach is a beautiful stretch of white sand that's covered by high limestone cliffs and has a stunning reef right off the shore. It's also a favorite snorkeling spot where you can see a variety of fish and even sea creatures like Nudibranchia! Snorkeling here is among the top things to do in Palawan.
Pamuayan Beach
Located near the town of Port Barton, this unspoiled beach is known for its white sand that extends for almost a mile. This makes it a perfect place for beach enthusiasts who want to commune with nature and relax in peace! It's also a great location for those who are looking to take a break from the hustle and bustle of busy cities and towns in the Philippines. Pamuayan Beach offers a quiet escape, making it an essential stop for things to do in Palawan.
Araceli Beach
The best-kept secret in Palawan, Araceli Beach is a must-visit beach for those who love to enjoy the sun and surf. This beach is far from the tourist center of Puerto Princesa and is a nesting site for the Green Turtle. It's also a great place to snorkel because of its well-preserved marine life and crystalline waters.
Sabang Beach
The longest beach in the Philippines, Sabang Beach is a popular spot for both local and international surfers. The beach is surrounded by mountains that give it an incredible natural beauty and is a great place to experience the true beauty of the Philippines. It's easy to get to Sabang Beach, which is just a two-hour bus ride from Puerto Princesa.
When you think of Palawan, thoughts likely turn to crystal clear blue waters, awe-inspiring limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons and picturesque beaches. While all of these things are a must-see in the breathtaking archipelago, exploring them is just the start of the many things to do in Palawan. One of these special spots is the small lagoon inlet of Secret Lagoon, a tranquil pool of turquoise water enclosed within towering limestone cliffs that captivates travelers with its otherworldly beauty.
This enchanting spot lies on the island of Miniloc, just a short distance from El Nido town and is easily accessible by boat. It is a must-visit for anyone seeking a more secluded and relaxing island experience, far from the bustling tourist spots that many other visitors flock to when they visit El Nido. Visiting Secret Lagoon is one of the top things to do in Palawan for those looking for tranquility.
As the name suggests, this secluded and tranquil pool of water is indeed a secret that is kept by the locals. Only a few people know of this place, and those that do can’t stop raving about the experience. The calming water, secluded nature and natural splendor of the surrounding cliffs creates a serene experience that is sure to calm the mind and relax the body. Taking a moment to absorb the serene beauty here is one of the rejuvenating things to do in Palawan.
The secluded lagoon is also home to various wildlife, including monitor lizards and other bird species that add to the tranquil atmosphere. This is a place to pause and enjoy the simple beauty of the natural world around you and is a great escape from the hectic and busy lives we lead. Observing the wildlife in its natural habitat adds to the list of things to do in Palawan.
There are several different ways to visit Secret Lagoon, but the most popular way is by joining a tour. You can choose from the exciting island hopping tours offered in El Nido (Tour A, Tour B and Tour C), or you can go on a more intimate adventure with just yourself and a few other friends by booking a private tour. Participating in these tours is a great way to cover multiple things to do in Palawan in a structured manner.
When you visit the small lagoon, it will be much less crowded than other popular tourist destinations in Palawan because only a few tour companies offer this experience. However, it’s still a good idea to arrive early for the small lagoon as the opening is tight and can get cramped quickly if the water is rough.
The next place on our list is the Big Lagoon, a stunning hidden lagoon in the Bacuit Archipelago that is known for its crystal clear water and pristine beach. This is a must-visit for those looking for an adventure that will give them the opportunity to see beautiful hidden lagoons, secluded beaches and impressive cliffs. The Big Lagoon is a little bit harder to reach than the Small Lagoon, as you need to enter through an opening that’s a bit bigger than the one in the Secret Lagoon and can be pretty tricky if the ocean is rough.
The Philippines’ warm waters and thriving marine ecosystem make it an underwater dream for snorkelers. Whether you’re an experienced diver or just getting started, the crystal-clear waters of the islands promise a truly memorable experience. Imagine swimming alongside majestic sea turtles, observing kaleidoscopic schools of fish, or discovering intricate coral formations. From secluded coves to vibrant reefs, exploring the best snorkeling spots is one of the top things to do in Palawan.
Coron, Palawan
Coron is a top destination for island hopping tours and stunning lagoons but it’s also home to incredible snorkeling spots like Kayangan Lake, Twin Lagoon, Malcapuya Island, and Siete Pecados. But one snorkeling spot that doesn’t get as much recognition is Banana Island. This island is home to a resort and looks ordinary from the surface but dive in with your snorkel gear and you’ll discover a rich underwater ecosystem of colorful corals and fish. Adding snorkeling at Banana Island to your list of things to do in Palawan can be a highlight of your trip.
It’s important to remember when snorkeling that coral is fragile and can be easily damaged by touching or stepping on it. It’s best to only swim in areas that are free of rocks or other hard objects, and to avoid walking on the bottom of the ocean floor. This will prevent you from damaging the delicate coral and causing injury to yourself. If you’re unsure of where to go for your snorkeling trip in Coron, talk to your tour operator. They will be able to recommend the best spots based on your preferences and fitness level. Finding the best snorkeling spots in Coron is one of the essential things to do in Palawan for marine enthusiasts.
El Nido, Palawan
El Nido and the Bacuit Archipelago is a snorkeling hotspot because of its gorgeous lagoons and steep cliffs that plunge into turquoise water. You’ll find countless snorkeling tour companies offering standardized boat trips to these popular snorkeling spots but don’t let this discourage you. Just ask your tour operator for some of the more secretive snorkeling spots in El Nido and you’ll have a unique snorkeling experience away from the crowds. Discovering hidden snorkeling spots is another one of the exciting things to do in Palawan.
Port Barton, Palawan
Located between Puerto Princesa and El Nido is the sleepy town of Port Barton. It may not be a big-name tourist destination but its underwater beauty is just as impressive as that of its famous cousins. The waters here are calm and clear making it an excellent choice for beginners who’d like to explore the reefs without a lot of fuss. The best thing about Port Barton is that it’s a good place to spot sea turtles! Snorkeling in Port Barton is certainly one of the serene things to do in Palawan.