Palawan: Rivers, Reefs and Island Worlds

The Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park offers a striking introduction to Palawan’s natural attractions. It is located on the west coast of Palawan, about 76 kilometers northwest of Puerto Princesa. A 8.2-kilometer underground river runs through the park and flows directly into the sea. A river cruise lets you experience the river for up to 4.5 kilometers inland. The two figures refer to different measurements: 8.2 kilometers is the length of the river; up to 4.5 kilometers describes how far inland you can travel on a river cruise.

Reefs, Protected Landscapes and Waterscapes

Palawan is home to the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is located in Cagayancillo, Palawan Province; its reefs are home to more than 360 coral species and nearly 700 fish species. These figures give the reef world a distinct profile: both coral and fish species are in focus.

A different kind of measurement applies to the Mt. Mantalingahan Protected Landscape: it covers 120,457 hectares. This brings two different perspectives into focus: at Tubbataha, the reef species; at Mt. Mantalingahan, the area of a protected landscape.

At Kayangan Lake in Coron, rugged rock formations and crystal-blue water shape the scenery. In contrast to Tubbataha’s biodiversity, the visible rock formations and water color take center stage here. For nature lovers, these offer two distinct ways to explore: marine biodiversity and a lake-and-rock landscape.

Tabon Caves: Permits and Access

The Tabon Cave Complex is located in Quezon, Palawan. To take a cave tour, you must first obtain an entry permit at the Tabon Caves Area Museum and Satellite Office in Barangay Alfonso XIII, Quezon. Only then should you continue to Tawa-Tawa in Lipuun Point. Check the current permit process before your trip. A new concrete road and a walkway lead to the cave entrance; a boat trip is not required. Check the current access conditions before your trip. The difference from a river cruise in the Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park is clear: at Tabon, the entrance is reached by road and walkway, while the underground river is experienced on a river cruise.

Balabac: Island Group and Island-Hopping

Balabac lies at the southernmost point of Palawan. The Balabac Islands comprise 30 islands, which you can explore by island-hopping. The islands have pink-sand beaches, vibrant coral reefs and diverse aquatic wildlife. Unlike a single named natural attraction, here the island group and island-hopping take center stage together. This makes Balabac distinct from a cave tour or river cruise: the islands themselves and their marine landscapes define the experience.

Choose a Hotel Location to Match Your Travel Theme

When choosing a hotel location, the first thing to consider is the focus of your trip. An underground river, a cave tour, marine biodiversity, rock formations and island-hopping offer different nature experiences. Decide which destination you want to shape your stay, then narrow down your search for a hotel in Palawan.

Discover more destinations: Narra, Busuanga, Coron, Occidental Mindoro, Romblon, Oriental Mindoro.

Go to the overarching travel overview: Mimaropa.