Looking for your next island getaway? Visitors almost universally refer to these islands as a stunning tropical paradise.
Palawan is a rich and fascinating island archipelago that boasts beautiful beaches, stunning landscapes, and 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. And it’s blowing up!
In fact, more than a million travelers visited Palawan in the first half of the year according to the Provincial Tourism Promotions and Development Office (PTPDO).
The same report also showed that the highest percentage of international tourists to the island were from the U.S.
Here’s why American travelers are flocking to this island paradise:
Why Visit Palawan?
Palawan isn’t just one island.
This incredibly popular Philippines hot spot is actually an archipelago comprising 1780 islands and islets. Meaning you’ll soon find your own definition of paradise here.
But the main island is the 5th largest in the Philippines, and this is where the vast majority of tourists choose to base themselves when they visit Palawan.
Time for a quick geography lesson!
Palawan is actually as close to Borneo as it is to Manila and this explains why it feels different to the rest of the Philippines. It has different cultural influences too.
The main attraction of Palawan is just how beautiful it is: it really has to be seen to be believed!
Think a lush and dense rainforest interior, and then sugar white beaches fringed with crystal clear water.
If it’s beaches you’re interested in, then the town of El Nido is the place to be.
Along with the obligatory white sand and gently lapping waters, you’ll also find towering limestone cliffs to the rear of the beaches and abundant marine life in the water.
El Nido Paradise offers scuba tours and boat tours of the smaller islands that surround El Nido.
An island-hopping tour will cost P9,600 ($170) and this includes the convenience of a hotel pick up.
For thrill-seekers, Tubbataha Reef is the best spot in Palawan for scuba divers.
It is home to some of the finest coral reefs in the world and is considered the best diving spot in the Philippines.
A Fascinating Cultural Heritage
It’s so easy to be distracted by the outstanding natural beauty of Palawan: it’s like a paradise on earth.
But what makes Palawan unique when compared to other pretty islands is its unique cultural heritage.
Take a trip to the Fayu Temple, which is a Chinese Buddhist temple in Honda Bay, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. There are only 2 Fayu temples in the Philippines: the other is in Manilla.
Palawan boasts a rich Chinese culture, and this is a great place to explore this. As an added bonus, entry is free of charge making it a great break from the beach for travelers on a budget.
Perhaps the most famous cultural attraction in Palawan are the Tabon caves. This mega cave complex is made up of 225 caves and 8 of these can be visited by tourists.
As important as they are beautiful, these caves are considered the “cradle of civilization” for the Philippines thanks to the number of jar burials and prehistoric human remains found here.
The water is vibrant blue, and the cave structure itself is fascinating.
It’s also worth noting that the people on the islands are warm and welcoming to tourists.
Laid-back, easy-going, and happy to share their culture, the people of Palawan will play a key role in making your vacation both interesting and stress-free.
Getting To Palawan
The best time of year to visit Palawan is during the island’s dry season.
This runs from November to April, meaning that now is the perfect time to start planning your trip!
And I’m not going to lie and say that getting to Palawan is easy: there is no direct flight from the U.S. But it isn’t hard either!
You’ll simply need to fly to Manilla and then take a flight from there to Puerto Princesa International Airport.
Despite having international in its name, Puerto Princesa International Airport flies primarily domestic routes with the main route being to Manila.
An example flight would see you fly from LAX to Manila with Philippine Airlines.
You’ll then have a short layover in Manila before flying onto Puerto Princesa International Airport.
From November 1 to November 9, a return economic flight on this route will cost $1,266.
Although flights aren’t cheap, once you’re on the island, it is considered a very affordable destination for travelers on a budget.
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