Activities in Palawan

Palawan Activities

Palawan, possesses the greatest and most varied natural beauty. The main island like a huge rampart lies between the South China and the Sulu Seas. In the north, Palawan ends in a ragged confusion of bays, deep inlets and hundreds of island and is the largest province in Philippines.

The friendly capital of Puerto Princesa, on a sheltered bay of the same name, lies half-way down the long narrow island. The town was hewn out of the virgin jungle as recently as 1872. There is much to see and do and visitors certainly won’t know the meaning of the word ‘boredom’, while here.


Batak Tribal Community

Batak Tribal Community is one of Palawan's indigenous groups. The Bataks are mountain people who dwell in the river valleys north of the provincial capital. They are of Negrito stock and, since only less than 500 of them thrive today, are considered a "disappearing people."


Butterfly Garden

Butterfly Garden Witness the exciting emergence of a young butterfly and observe the interesting early stage and other unusual creatures such as the praying mantis, stick and leaf insects, giant scorpions, atlas beetles and other jungle insects at the Palawan Butterfly Garden, Santa. Monica, Puerto Princesa.


Calauit Island Wildlife Sanctuary

Calauit Island Wildlife Sanctuary This 3,700 hectare area is devoted to a wildlife preserve. African animals from Kenya such as giraffes, elands, zebras and gazelles co-exist with endemic Philippine animals like the Palawan bearcat, mousedeer and peacock pheasant. Tourists are required to secure a permit at the Office of Palawan Council for Sustainable Development located in Coron. There are no regular transportation facilities in the area, thus, tourists are advised to hire a vehicle.


Coron Reefs

Coron Reefs Seven enchanting lakes surrounded by limestone cliffs attract hundreds of nature lovers to this island in northern Palawan, near the town of Coron.


Cuyo Fort

Cuyo Fort Built during the early Spanish period purposely to protect the people from their enemies it is considered one of the most ancient and unique forts in the Philippines. Within its wall are the church, the convent and the only Perpetual Adoration chapel in Palawan.


Diwata Cave

Diwata Cave is the highest (at 30 meters above sea level) and most beautiful cave in Quezon.


El Nido Marine Reserve

El Nido Marine Reserve Occupying an area of 96,000 hectares, this popular nature spot boasts diverse ecosystems such as a rainforest, mangrove swamps, white sand beaches, coral reefs and limestone cliffs. It is now one of the country's premier destinations. Blessed with extraordinary natural scenery, El Nido is the sanctuary for various forms of wildlife. Countless varieties of fish are also found here. Manta rays are a common sight; when in season, divers may see one of the world's rarest marine mammals, the sea cow (known locally as "dugong"). This animal by the way is the creature sailors of old used to think was a mermaid.


Honda Bay

Honda Bay consists of several islets with shallow reefs bordering fabulous beaches which have become the favourite swimming, snorkelling, and diving destination of residents and tourists alike. These islets are the Cannon (Cowrie) Island, Bat Island, Lu-li Island (derived from the word "lulubog-lilitaw", meaning floating and sinking island), that is visible only during low tide, Meara Marina, Starfish Island (known for its fine white sand and clear water that teems with starfish), Snake Island (an island with a long stretch of white sand), Pandan Island and Señorita Island (the breeding site of Lapu-Lapu fish).


Irawan Crocodile Farming Institute

Irawan Crocodile Farming Institute aims to preserve and further research studies on endangered species of crocodiles. There is a "Hospital" for sick and disabled crocodiles and they make good use of the raw materials derived from crocodile skin. There is also a Mini-Zoo featuring some of Palawan's endemic animals. Visiting hours are from 1:30 to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday and 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon and 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., Saturday. Feeding time is every Monday and Thursday afternoon.


Iwahig Penal Farm

Iwahig Penal Farm encompasses a 37 hectare scenic farm planted with coconut palms, rice and other crops cultivated by the prisoners and their families. The prison’s populace is about 4,000 and many inmates live with their families in so-called rehabilitation areas. Within the farm is the Balsahan River known for its cascading waters and picturesque scenery. Iwahig is more like a modern farm rather than a prison. The inmates work their farms unguarded and are allowed to earn an income by working in the many shops which turn out various handicrafts. Most popular of which are the hand-carved items made from Mahogany wood. The farm is definitely a good stop for tourists.


St. Paul Subterranean River National Park

St. Paul Subterranean River National Park Here the river flows deep within a cavern under rugged limestone and marble cliffs, a special feature of the park. Known as one of the world's wonders, this river stretches eight km deep into an underground lagoon with crystalline waters. Within the hallowed recesses stalactites, rock formations and domed amphitheatres are revealed.


Tubbataha Reefs National Marine Park

Tubbataha Reefs National Marine Park is reputed as the country's best dive spot. The park was named a World Heritage Site because of its abundant marine life. The reef itself is gradual in slope with a good variety of invertebrates and reef fish. Tubbataha Island consists of two islets with lots of soft corals and small caves where tip and nurse sharks reside, as well as turtles and manta rays. The northern islet, called "Bird Island", has coasts which abound with fish schools, rays, leopard shark and other marine creatures.


Palawan Puerto Princesa National Museum

Palawan Puerto Princesa National Museum showcases the history, culture, music, arts and crafts of Palawan. On exhibit are archaeological, geological, ethnological collections such as jars and porcelains, hunting and trapping tools used ancestral man, musical instruments and brassware’s, some artefacts from the Tabon Caves as well as antiques and Spanish era artefacts found near Cuyo. Books on Philippine history, anthropology, archaeology and flora and fauna are also found.


Palawan State Museum

Palawan State Museum showcases the history, culture, music, art and crafts of Palawan.  Its exhibits show the archaeological, ethnological, collections; such as jars and porcelains, hunting and trapping tools used by the early ancestors, musical instrumental and brassware, some artefacts from Tabon Caves as well as antiques and diggings from Cuyo during the Spanish Era.

The museum has a library where books on Philippine and Palawan history, anthropology, archaeology, entomology, literature and flora and fauna can be found. 

There are also magazines pamphlets, write-ups and other publications about Palawan, which are helpful; and useful for research work.