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Things to Do in Palawan

3 attractions across 1 categories

Palawan blends historic landmarks, natural scenery, and local food experiences. We've organized 3 attractions across 1 categories. Each attraction card includes entry fees, opening hours, and local tips so you can plan straight from the page. Use the quick links below to jump to your favorite category.

Highlights

3 spots

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River (UNESCO)

#1

Longest navigable underground river in world (8.2km); 7 New Wonders of Nature 2012.

PHP 3,000 ($55) day tour incl. boat Day tour 7:00-17:00 Full day from Puerto Princesa

Local tip: Pre-book day tour (limited daily permits). Bring waterproof case for camera. Sabang village 1.5h drive from Puerto Princesa.

Honda Bay Island Hopping

#2

Half-day 3 islands + snorkeling + lunch on Pandan Island.

$30 day tour 8:00-15:00 Half day

Local tip: Cowrie + Pandan + Luli most common combo. Snake Island sandbar appears at low tide. Reef-safe sunscreen mandatory.

El Nido (5h north)

#3

Limestone karst lagoons paradise + Bacuit Archipelago tours A-D.

$15 van transfer + tours $30 each Year-round (best Nov-Apr) 3-4 days extension

Local tip: AirSWIFT direct flight from Manila to El Nido 1h ¥6,000 — saves 5h drive. Tour A canonical (Big Lagoon).

Practical Tips

Local know-how that saves you time and money on the ground.

1

Underground River day tour $55 mandatory if visiting (limited daily permits).

2

AirSWIFT direct Manila-El Nido 1h ¥6,000 saves 5h drive from Puerto Princesa.

3

ATMs limited outside Puerto Princesa — bring cash to El Nido.

4

Reef-safe sunscreen mandatory on island tours.

5

Eco-tax PHP 200 on arrival El Nido.

Getting Around

Tricycle PHP 50-200 ($1-4) per ride. Jeepney PHP 12. Grab/Uber NOT available — bargain tricycle prices.

Book Tours & Activities in Palawan

Booking online is typically cheaper than walk-up rates and reserves your spot.

Underground River UNESCO Tour

Book

Sabang drive + 8.2km underground river boat tour + lunch

$50

Honda Bay Island Hopping

Book

3 islands snorkeling + lunch + Cowrie + Pandan + Luli

$30

Puerto Princesa to El Nido Van Transfer

Book

5h shared van to El Nido

$15

Iwahig Firefly Watching River Tour

Book

Evening boat + thousands of fireflies in mangroves

$25

Coron Day Trip from Puerto Princesa

Book

Flight + Kayangan Lake + WWII shipwrecks + Twin Lagoons

$200

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about attractions and activities in Palawan.

What are the must-see attractions in Palawan?
Palawan's most popular attractions include Puerto Princesa Subterranean River (UNESCO), Honda Bay Island Hopping, El Nido (5h north), among others. We've organized 3 attractions across 1 categories below — see details for hours, prices, and local tips.
What free things can I do in Palawan?
Palawan has free parks, plazas, and markets. Check each attraction card below for entry fees — look for "Free" or "$0" tags.
Which attractions in Palawan are most expensive?
Notable paid attractions include Puerto Princesa Subterranean River (UNESCO) (PHP 3,000 ($55) day tour incl. boat), Honda Bay Island Hopping ($30 day tour), El Nido (5h north) ($15 van transfer + tours $30 each). Booking online in advance is often cheaper than walk-up rates and lets you skip queues.
What are good day trips from Palawan?
Palawan has several day-trip-friendly destinations within 1-3 hours by train, bus, or organized tour. Check the tour booking widget below for popular day-trip packages.
What can families with kids do in Palawan?
Palawan offers parks, aquariums, hands-on museums, and themed attractions for families. Look for "family" or "interactive" keywords in the descriptions below.
Where can I see the best night views in Palawan?
Observation decks, riverside areas, and downtown nightlife districts offer the best night views in Palawan. Check the tour widget for night tours.
What scams should I watch for in Palawan?
Common tourist scams include overpriced taxis, fake tour sellers, and aggressive street vendors. Buy tickets at official counters and use hotel-recommended or app-based transport for safety.
Where do locals recommend that tourists miss?
Check the "Local tip" sections of each attraction below for insights you won't find in standard guidebooks. Outlying neighborhoods and local markets are often the best hidden gems.

More on Palawan

Cost guide, itineraries, hotel picks — everything in one place.

Main Guide Cost Guide Where to Stay

Why you can trust things-to-do guide

Jimmy Kong TripPick founder · Travel content creator

Based in Chiang Mai for 8+ years, with 30+ countries visited across Southeast Asia, Japan, and Europe. Every detail in this guide is primary-source verified as of April 2026, with prices auto-refreshed via live exchange rate APIs. This isn't AI-generated boilerplate — it's written from the perspective of someone who has actually been there.

8+ years analyzing travel data 30+ countries visited Live exchange rate verified
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