Palawan

Palawan is the Philippines' western island province — limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons and some of the clearest water in Asia. It suits honeymooners and beach travellers happy with small boats and simple towns. Visit November to May; monsoon months cancel boat tours.

• Island-hop El Nido's Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon (Tours A and C are the classics, from about ₱1,200-₱1,400 / $19-$23 plus lagoon fees)
• Snorkel Japanese shipwrecks and swim Kayangan Lake in Coron
• Cruise the Puerto Princesa Underground River, a UNESCO site (permit needed, book ahead)
• Beach day at Nacpan Beach, 45 minutes from El Nido town

Fly via Manila or Cebu — domestic flights reach Puerto Princesa, El Nido and Busuanga (Coron) in about 1-1.5 hours. Book flights early and carry plenty of cash: El Nido's ATMs are few, fees are high, and machines run dry in peak season.

Palawan is a one-island trip, not an add-on. Give it 4-5 days minimum — boat tours run on island time, and you should never fly out of the country the same day you leave the island. See our Philippines guide for entry rules and route planning.