Palawan Beaches: The Last Frontier

Palawan has earned its title as the Last Frontier of the Philippines through its untouched natural beauty and diverse ecosystems. This long, narrow island stretches 450 kilometers and encompasses some of the world's most spectacular beaches, hidden lagoons, and underwater wonderlands. Voted the World's Best Island by Travel + Leisure readers multiple times, Palawan delivers experiences that justify every superlative written about it.

From the dramatic limestone karsts of El Nido to the pristine waters of Coron and the underground river of Puerto Princesa, Palawan offers diverse beach experiences that range from easily accessible to wonderfully remote. This guide covers the best beaches and practical information for planning your Palawan adventure.

El Nido: Limestone Paradise

El Nido sits at Palawan's northern tip, famous for its towering limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, and some of the most photographed beaches in the Philippines. The town serves as a base for exploring the surrounding Bacuit Archipelago through organized island-hopping tours.

Big Lagoon

Perhaps El Nido's most iconic destination, Big Lagoon features dramatic karst formations rising from emerald waters. Kayaking through the narrow entrance reveals a hidden world of towering cliffs reflected in crystal-clear water. The lagoon is deepest at its center, with spectacular underwater limestone formations visible through the clear water.

Small Lagoon

Accessible only through a small cave opening, Small Lagoon offers a more intimate experience than its larger neighbor. Swimming through the entrance during low tide reveals a perfectly calm lagoon surrounded by vertical cliffs. The sense of discovery entering this natural sanctuary is unforgettable.

Nacpan Beach

About an hour from El Nido town, Nacpan Beach stretches for 4 kilometers of golden sand backed by coconut palms. Unlike the lagoons, Nacpan offers a traditional beach experience perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and watching spectacular sunsets. Its twin beach, Calitang, is accessible via a short walk over the headland.

Secret Beach

True to its name, Secret Beach is hidden within a limestone formation, accessible only by swimming through a small hole in the rock wall. Inside, you will find a private pocket of white sand beach completely enclosed by cliffs, creating an almost supernatural sense of isolation.

Coron: Wreck Diving Capital

While known primarily for world-class wreck diving, Coron offers equally impressive beach and lagoon experiences. The town of Coron serves as the gateway to Coron Island and the surrounding Calamian Islands, home to pristine beaches and natural wonders.

Kayangan Lake

Often called the cleanest lake in the Philippines, Kayangan Lake is reached by climbing limestone steps to a viewpoint, then descending to the lake itself. The water clarity is extraordinary, with visibility revealing underwater rock formations and fish in perfect detail. Swimming here feels like floating in liquid crystal.

Twin Lagoon

Connected by a small opening in a limestone wall, Twin Lagoon's two sections have different water temperatures due to hot springs in one lagoon. During low tide, you can walk through; at high tide, swimming under the rock wall connects the two. The warm lagoon provides a unique natural spa experience.

Malcapuya Island

A 45-minute boat ride from Coron, Malcapuya Island presents the quintessential tropical beach: powdery white sand, crystal-clear turquoise water, and minimal development. The shallow water extends far from shore, perfect for swimming and snorkeling over coral gardens.

Banana Island

Named for its shape, Banana Island offers excellent snorkeling directly off the beach and a peaceful atmosphere for beach relaxation. The resident marine life includes colorful reef fish, starfish, and occasional sea turtles in the surrounding waters.

Palawan's beauty lies not just in its beaches but in how they remain relatively untouched. Here, nature still takes the lead, reminding visitors that some places in the world retain their wild magic.

Puerto Princesa Area

The capital city serves as Palawan's main gateway and offers several beach destinations worth exploring, particularly for those with limited time or combining a beach trip with a visit to the famous Underground River.

Honda Bay

Just 45 minutes from the city, Honda Bay provides easy island hopping without the long journey to El Nido or Coron. Islands like Starfish Island, Luli Island, and Cowrie Island offer white sand beaches, clear water, and affordable tours that can be completed in a single day.

Sabang Beach

The gateway to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, Sabang offers a pleasant beach experience before or after your underground river tour. The beach faces the sunset, and the surrounding forest adds a wild atmosphere different from other Palawan beaches.

Best Time to Visit Palawan

Palawan enjoys a slightly different weather pattern than the rest of the Philippines, with the dry season generally running from December to May. However, specific timing considerations apply to different areas:

• El Nido: December to May offers the best conditions. March to May sees the calmest seas but also the highest temperatures.
• Coron: November to May provides optimal diving visibility and calm waters. June can still offer good conditions before the heavy rains.
• Puerto Princesa: Year-round accessibility, though January to May delivers the most reliable weather.

Getting to Palawan

Several options exist for reaching Palawan's different beach destinations:

• Puerto Princesa Airport: The main gateway with flights from Manila, Cebu, and other cities. From here, travel to El Nido takes 5-6 hours by van or 1 hour by small plane.
• El Nido Airport (Lio): Small airport with limited flights from Manila, significantly reducing travel time to El Nido's beaches.
• Busuanga Airport: Serves Coron with flights from Manila and Cebu. The airport is about 30 minutes from Coron town.
• Ferry Services: Boats connect El Nido and Coron (approximately 4 hours), allowing combination trips.

Accommodation Options

Palawan offers accommodation ranging from basic beachfront cottages to luxury eco-resorts:

• El Nido Town: Budget to mid-range options concentrated along the beachfront and main streets. Book well ahead during peak season.
• Lio Beach: Upscale resort development near El Nido with planned communities and higher-end options.
• Coron Town: Primarily budget and mid-range hotels and guesthouses centered around the town proper.
• Island Resorts: Several islands host exclusive resorts offering private beach experiences at premium prices.

Practical Tips for Palawan Beaches

• Bring cash as ATMs can be unreliable outside main towns
• Reef-safe sunscreen is essential to protect the marine ecosystem
• Water shoes help on rocky beach entries and coral areas
• Environmental fees apply at most destinations (typically 200-400 PHP)
• Bring your own snorkeling gear for better quality equipment
• Book island hopping tours at least one day in advance during peak season

Final Thoughts

Palawan delivers on its reputation as one of the world's most beautiful island destinations. Whether exploring hidden lagoons by kayak, diving crystal-clear waters around WWII wrecks, or simply relaxing on pristine white sand, the province offers experiences that create lasting memories. The relatively longer travel times compared to other Philippine beach destinations are well worth the effort for those seeking natural beauty that feels genuinely unspoiled.