Palawan Island

Overview

Palawan is called the most beautiful island in the world, with pristine lagoons, diverse marine life and an underground river.

History

Palawan, known as the Philippines' last frontier, stretches 450 kilometres and comprises more than 1,780 islands. Historically home to Tagalog and other indigenous Filipino peoples, it remained largely untouched under Spanish colonial rule. The Puerto Princesa Underground River, at 8.2 kilometres the longest navigable subterranean river in the world, was named one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature in 2012 and is also a World Heritage Site. The waters around Coron, littered with Second World War wrecks, are among the world's top diving destinations.

Highlights

• •A boat journey into the world's longest navigable underground river
• •The translucent green lagoons of El Nido
• •Coron's underwater museum of tropical fish and wartime wrecks
• •The Secret Beach, revealed only at low tide
• •Bioluminescent plankton glowing at night

Practical tips

• •The dry season is the best time to visit
• •Some areas require a permit in advance

Practical information

Best time

November to May

Tickets

Underground river about PHP 800; El Nido island-hopping tours about PHP 2,000 to 3,000

Opening hours

Underground river 8:00 to 16:00, booking required

Local food

Seafood, coconut dishes and grilled fish

Getting around

The underground river requires a tour from Puerto Princesa and a permit arranged in advance

Visa

A visa is required; holders of a valid US, Japanese or Schengen visa may stay visa-free for seven days, subject to official Philippine announcements.

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