Palawan attractions

Not far from the coral-encrusted Lusong Gunboat Wreck, the bright hard and soft corals of Lusong Coral Garden glisten in the warm water. Butterflyfish, damselfish, shy clownfish, and more flicker amid sponges, anemones, and staghorn coral, with excellent visibility even as you descend the steep drop-off on the ocean side.

Coron’s top sunset viewpoint, Mt. Tapyas looms over Coron Town, adorned with a Coron sign and a giant crucifix that lights up after dark. As the sun sinks into the Sulu Sea and tints it bronze, rolling hills and offshore islands shade into silhouette. You can also hike up before dawn for a less crowded trek, and a mellow, ambient light for photos.

A soaring sea cave that gleams brilliant turquoise thanks to a hole in the ceiling, Cathedral Cave is the star attraction on tiny Pinasil Island (aka Cathedral Island). Stalactites drip from the ceiling like natural chandeliers and frame the entrance arch like pillars; the beauty of the limestone formations continues below the clear water.

At the heart of the Calamian Islands, Coron Bay lies between Busuanga Island, Culion Island, and Coron Island. Travelers know it for island-hopping adventures, but scuba divers come from around the world to explore the Sunken Japanese Wrecks, the remains of a supply fleet sunk by US bombers during World War II.

A white-sand strand with views across a narrow strait to the saddle of Matinloc Island, Star Beach is a private beach on Tapiutan Island (although some travelers call it Star Island and say it’s a private island). Snorkelers love not only the starfish that gave the beach its name but also the sheer reef drop-off that sometimes plays host to turtles.

On pocket-sized Shimizu Island, flying buttresses of jagged karst frame slender pale gold beaches. Sculptural rock formations, gin-clear waters, and colorful coral offer impressive snorkeling, while small caves and slithering monitor lizards add to the Lost World feel—all within easy reach of the ever-popular Secret Lagoon.

A rocky, jungle-clad islet with a long white tail of powder-soft sand stretching all the way to the mainland, Snake Island—officially known as Vigan Island—is one of El Nido’s most photogenic islands. It’s particularly striking at low tide, when a cavalcade of different shades of blue frames the brilliant white sandbar.

A gorgeous strip of creamy sand and lazy coconut palms backed by the same jungle-clad cliffs that tower over El Nido town, Seven Commandos Beach is one of the prettiest beaches around El Nido. Although it’s on mainland Palawan, you can only reach it from the water, and so it often features on Bacuit Archipelago island-hopping tours.

On sunny days, a light ray pierces the roof of Cudugnon Cave, creating a puddle of light that throws the limestone and lichen interior into moody relief and can make for epic selfies. Coupled with the entrance through a low tunnel in what looks like a solid rock wall, it’s an atmospheric experience, although the formations are not spectacular.

Long, narrow Matinloc Island wiggles its way through the waters of El Nido’s Bacuit Archipelago like the spine of an arching lizard. As well as a resort and an atmospheric shrine to the Virgin Mary, it’s home to two of the archipelago’s top island-hopping draws: Hidden Beach and Secret Beach.

Nestled amid jagged limestone, tropical forest, and clear azure waters, Smith Beach—also known as Smith Point Beach—is the type of tiny white-sand gem for which the Philippines is famed. A couple of simple beach shacks provide space to eat lunch, while the pretty Smith Coral Garden reef awaits not far off shore.

Jagged pinnacles and top-heavy flowers of dark karst surround white sand Payong-Payong Beach, making it one of the most beautiful beaches in El Nido’s Bacuit Archipelago. What it lacks in size it makes up for in atmosphere, with picturesque rock formations, brilliant turquoise water, and views across the small bay.

With tumbled limestone boulders; jagged, jungle-clad karst; a slim strip of pale sand; and turquoise water, Talisay Beach is a common stop on El Nido island-hopping tours. It perches on the strait between Tapiutan Island and Matinloc Island, so visitors looking to go snorkeling will find plenty of marine life to enjoy.