Possessing one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world, there are few more gorgeous places on the planet then the islands of The Philippines – and this Southeast Asian nation is filled with them, being an archipelago of 7,641 of them. And although only around 2000 or so of the nation’s many islands are inhabited, that still gives the promising expat, traveler, retiree, or digital nomad enough places to discover that one could almost never get to see all of this beautiful land – even if they tried!
Yet, in an effort to prioritize your Philippine island hopping, may I turn your attention to an island now considered by many global publications to not only be the shining gem of the nation, but quite simply one of, if not the most beautiful island on earth. Of course, I am talking about the gorgeous long strip of sun-kissed land that is known as Palawan, situated south-west of the main island of Luzon, and stretching off into the Sulu Sea.
Containing some of the most jaw-dropping island scenery on the planet, Palawan often eschews simply being beautiful by earthly standards, by sharing it’s stunning views that truly seem all too alien, too unbelievable, and too good to be true. But you better believe the hype, and your eyeballs – because Palawan is the real deal, and after having been blessed enough to spend time on this incredible island, I am here to share with you, dear traveler, the top 5 best things to do on Palawan, so your trip won’t just be the adventure of a lifetime – but one that takes you beyond the ocean, to a whole new world.
#1: Stay in Picturesque El Nido
Firmly atop my list as one of the top 5 best things to do on Palawan is a stay in one of the islands most gorgeous little towns – the truly awe-inspiring, vision of a city that is El Nido. Situated on the northern half of the main sliver of the island, El Nido is a beautiful little slice of paradise, situated between two outcroppings of mountains on either side of a lovely stretch of sand, giving it a sort of mini Rio de Janeiro vibe, with its obvious similarities to the world famous Copacabana Beach.
Containing a plethora of unique and incredibly delicious cafes, restaurants, and pretty little hotels and hostels dotted all along and within its borders, El Nido may mostly serve as one of the main starting points of the famous boat tours taking most tourists and expats alike to see the most remarkable (albeit semi-remote) parts of the island, but unlike its nearby cousin of Coron, is certainly a destination you must see to believe in its own right – and certainly fits the bill as one of the best things to do on Palawan by far.
#2: Climb to the Top of Mt. Tapyas
Across a small stretch of sea from El Nido is the smaller town of Coron, which albeit is certainly not one of my favorite destinations to actually spend much time in while on Palawan, does indeed have one great thing to see that absolutely must count as one of the best things to do on Palawan. That one thing would of course have to be the view of the island from the summit of Mt. Tapyas, giving a breathtaking vista of the crystalline blue waters below.
Also of note is the Hollywood-esque ‘Coron’ sign built into the side of the mountain, as well as the very large Christian cross, which is also illuminated at night, serving as the main focal point of this northern-most part of the Palawan. Despite Coron’s shortcomings (of which there are unfortunately many), if you do plan to base yourself here instead of El Nido, then definitely do not miss Mt. Tapyas – a sight so good, that a stay in Coron won’t even seem to matter, and remains one of the best things to do on Palawan.
#3: Float while Awestruck by Kayangan Lake
Perhaps the most famous, stunning, and absolutely unreal natural sights to be seen, not just in The Philippines, but in the world, has to be the alien, grey and black jagged cliffs that jut into and out of the impossibly blue waters of the Kanyangan Lake – one of the best things to do on Palawan, and most gorgeous island destinations on Earth.
Words truly fail to describe this place – floating in the natural, protected lake as you simply stare up at the huge stone structures all around you, it is easier to feel as if you were transported to the movie set world of Pandora, in James Cameron’s Avatar, then it is to believe you are really in The Philippines, actually experiencing this. If you plan on trying one of the 5 best things to do on Palawan, make sure that this special place makes the cut – it will make for incredible memories you are sure to never forget!
#4: Take a Boat Trip to Malcapuya Island
Meanwhile, for those looking for a more traditional beach holiday setting to bask under the sun, and gaze out at the eye-numbing bright, electric blue waters for hours, then look no further than taking a boat trip out to Malcapuya Island – yet another one of my top 5 best things to do on Palawan! Best reached by one of the many tour boats leaving from the docks in Coron, Malcapuya is easily one of the most idyllic island settings to be found anywhere in Southeast Asia, and worth at least a full day of relaxation minimum.
Although most boat tours will only briefly visit Malcapuya Island for less than 2 hours, I highly recommend paying up a little bit extra for a private tour so you can spend all the time you wish to on this absolute gem of a beach, allowing you to enjoy one of the best things to do on Palawan as long as you like!
#5: Relax & Recharge at Barracuda Lake
Rounding out my top 5 best things to do on Palawan, is yet another sight best visited via boat tour from Coron – the unbelievably relaxing, visually stunning Barracuda Lake. Considered to be one of the most unique diving spots in the country for those in the know, Barracuda Lake is one of the rare places in the world that experiences thermocline – where the water actually gets warmer, the deeper one dives!
But for those wishing to remain above the surface, Barracuda Lake is also a great place to simply unwind, as like is also the case with Kanyangan Lake, floating around the vivid blue water, and enjoying the surrounding tropical mountain scenery is highly recommended. Ultimately, it is a strong contender to round out my top 5 best things to do on Palawan – and should definitely be one of yours as well!
DESTINATION: The Philippines, An Unearthly Beauty Beyond Words
It should be of no surprise that in a nation where some of the friendliest people, best food, and most amazing views all come together to create one of the most surprising and beautiful of experiences, that the most lovely island of them all also resides, deep within the Philippine heartland – the profoundly fascinating, gorgeous Palawan. For any lucky visitors who intend to visit this enchanted island nation, be sure to not miss these top 5 best things to do on Palawan – and prepare to be greeted by a world of wonder!
Meanwhile, if reading about the top 5 best things to do on Palawan has only made you deeply desire to not only visit, but perhaps even live in The Philippines as well, then be sure to check out my in-depth article on why moving to this country might be one of your best decisions right here. Or if you are looking for further comparison to other nations within the Southeast Asia region, feel free to look at my top rated nations for relocation within the region here as well – you’ll be glad you did!