Palawan offers a wide variety of nature destinations: an underground river, coral reefs, striking rock formations, and an archipelago. When planning your trip, it helps to first consider which of these interests you most. That way, you can also choose where to stay based on the places you plan to visit.
Underground River and Reefs
On Palawan’s west coast lies Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park, about 76 kilometers northwest of Puerto Princesa. Its underground river is 8.2 kilometers long and flows directly into the sea. On a river cruise, the public can experience the river up to 4.5 kilometers inland. The two figures describe different aspects: the river’s length and how far inland the river cruise experience reaches.
Those interested in marine nature will find a different focus in Palawan’s Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site; its reefs are home to more than 360 coral species and almost 700 fish species. The river and the reef therefore represent different natural features: an underground river course on the one hand, and a species-rich reef area on the other.
Rocky Landscapes and Islands in the South
The Mt. Mantalingahan Protected Landscape covers 120,457 hectares. A different landscape defines Kayangan Lake in Coron: rugged rock formations and crystal-blue water shape its appearance. Each of these places adds its own distinctive features to Palawan’s natural attractions.
Balabac lies at Palawan’s southernmost point. The Balabac Islands comprise 30 islands connected by island-hopping trips. Pink sand beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and a diverse aquatic wildlife complement the picture. If you are especially interested in islands and island hopping when planning your trip, Balabac offers a specific focus for that.
Tabon Caves: Access and Visiting Sequence
The Tabon Cave Complex is located in Quezon, Palawan. To take a cave tour, you must first obtain an entry permit at the Tabon Caves Area Museum and Satellite Office in Barangay Alfonso XIII, Quezon. Only then do you continue to Tawa-Tawa in Lipuun Point. Access to the Tabon Caves includes a new concrete road and a walkway to the cave entrance; a boat trip is not required. Check the current permit procedure and access conditions before your trip.
Visiting the caves therefore differs from exploring the natural features of the river, reefs, and islands: here, the specific sequence of steps before your visit also matters. If you include Tabon in your plans, take this permit process into account from the start.
Choose Hotels to Suit Your Planned Visits
When searching for hotels in Palawan, it makes sense to first decide which places and activities you want to shape your stay. This keeps your search focused on your own travel priorities.
Discover more destinations: Busuanga, Coron, Narra, Oriental Mindoro, Romblon, Occidental Mindoro.
Back to the main travel overview: Mimaropa.
