Run To Paradise At 8 Of The Best Beaches In Palawan
Explore the best beaches in Palawan, from white-sand shores in El Nido to pristine islands near Coron and hidden gems around Puerto Princesa.
The Philippines is an archipelago of more than 7,000 islands scattered across the western Pacific Ocean. Each island group offers its own character, from bustling cities and rice terraces in Luzon to the laid-back beaches of the Visayas and the remote wilderness of Mindanao. Travellers are drawn to its mix of Spanish-influenced heritage, modern urban energy, and centuries-old traditions that still shape everyday life.
What makes the Philippines especially appealing is the sheer variety of experiences it offers. One day you can be diving into vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life, the next you might be hiking through volcanic landscapes or wandering centuries-old stone churches. Food is another highlight, with regional dishes that reflect a fusion of Malay, Chinese, and Spanish influences, making the cuisine as diverse as the islands themselves.
Tourism here has grown steadily because the country balances adventure with accessibility. English is widely spoken, flights link the islands efficiently, and the warmth of Filipino hospitality leaves an impression long after the journey ends. While destinations like Boracay and Cebu have become household names, many travellers also seek out regions that feel wilder, quieter, and closer to nature. Among these, Palawan stands out.
Palawan is often called the Philippines’ last frontier, celebrated worldwide for its clear turquoise waters, limestone cliffs and long stretches of white sand that rank among the country’s finest beaches.
What is Palawan known for?
Often described as the Philippines’ last frontier, Palawan is known for white-sand beaches, dramatic limestone cliffs, turquoise lagoons, and some of the richest marine biodiversity in the world. From Puerto Princesa in the centre to Coron and El Nido in the north, Palawan consistently earns a place on lists of the world’s most beautiful islands, making it the perfect focus for those searching for the best beaches in the Philippines.
Beyond its beaches, Palawan is also famous for unique natural wonders. The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, flows for more than 8km underground before meeting the sea, while Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is considered one of the best diving spots on the planet. Inland, the island is covered in thick jungle, home to rare wildlife species and communities that still follow traditional ways of life, adding depth to the region’s appeal.
Palawan is equally known for offering a sense of escape that is increasingly rare. Many parts of the island remain relatively undeveloped, and even its most popular destinations balance tourism with conservation. This reputation for unspoiled beauty has made Palawan not only a holiday destination but also a symbol of the Philippines’ natural heritage - a place where travellers can experience both adventure and serenity in one journey.
How many islands are in Palawan?
Palawan is more than just one long island. It is a province made up of around 1,700 islands and islets stretching between the South China Sea and the Sulu Sea. The main island of Palawan runs for about 450km from north to south, with smaller islands scattered off both coasts. This chain gives the province its distinctive geography and explains why it is home to such a wide variety of beaches, coves, reefs and lagoons.
Many of these islands remain uninhabited, fringed with mangroves or coral reefs that serve as vital habitats for marine life. Others are home to fishing communities and small towns where life still moves at a slower pace. For travellers this mix means there is always something new to explore, from well known destinations like Coron and El Nido to remote corners such as Balabac at the southern tip.
With so many islands, Palawan offers different experiences depending on where you go. Some are easy day trips from Puerto Princesa or El Nido, while others require longer boat rides or flights, rewarding visitors with a true sense of discovery. This diversity is part of why Palawan is celebrated as one of the most beautiful island provinces in the Philippines.
Palawan is made up of more than a thousand islands, each with its own charm, from remote fishing villages to tropical hideaways. Malcapuya stands out with its powdery white sand and calm, crystal-clear waters that make it one of the most inviting island beaches to visit.
Where are the best beaches in Palawan?
Palawan’s coastline is lined with beaches that rank among the finest in the Philippines. From El Nido’s famous island hopping spots to Coron’s secluded coves, the province offers countless places to swim, snorkel and unwind by the sea. If you’re looking for the perfect stretch of sand to kick back on, these are a few of our picks for the best beaches in Palawan.
Nacpan Beach - El Nido
Nacpan Beach is one of the most celebrated shorelines in northern Palawan. Located around 45 minutes by road from El Nido town, it offers a change of pace from the busy island hopping routes that the area is famous for. The beach itself stretches for four kilometres, a wide expanse of golden sand lined with coconut palms and dotted with a few simple cafés and guesthouses. The waves here are usually gentle, making the beach suitable for swimming as well as long walks along the shore. Visitors can also climb the nearby hill for sweeping views of Nacpan and its neighbour, Calitang, which together form the striking Twin Beach formation.
The size of Nacpan Beach is part of its charm. Unlike the smaller beaches tucked between cliffs or accessible only by boat, this beach feels endless and open. Travellers often spend hours wandering up and down its length, pausing to dip into the water or settle under a tree for shade. The middle section tends to attract the most people, but walking a little further north or south brings a sense of solitude even on busier days. For photographers, the contrast of wide blue sky, clean sand, and the silhouettes of fishing boats anchored offshore creates a classic Palawan scene.
Nacpan has remained more relaxed than some of the Philippines’ other famous beaches. Development has been slow, and while a handful of small resorts are found near the main entrance, the beach still feels largely unspoiled. Visitors can enjoy a plate of grilled fish at a local shack or simply bring snacks for a picnic, with the soundtrack of waves and rustling palms around them. For those seeking one of the best beaches in Palawan that balances accessibility with beauty and space, Nacpan is consistently ranked as a highlight.
Malcapuya Island - Coron
South of Coron town lies Malcapuya Island, a favourite stop on full day boat tours of the Calamian group. Reaching the island takes about an hour by outrigger, passing through waters where dolphins are sometimes spotted. As the boat approaches, the first view of Malcapuya is its crescent shaped shoreline of white sand curving into calm, shallow water. The bay is sheltered, keeping the sea glassy and inviting, and the beach itself is dotted with coconut palms providing natural shade. Many visitors remark that it feels like stepping into a postcard version of an island paradise.
The water at Malcapuya is exceptionally clear, and snorkelling conditions are excellent. Coral gardens lie just off the beach, with parrotfish, angelfish and other colourful marine life easily visible in the shallows. Families often favour this stop because the gradual slope of the seabed makes swimming safe and enjoyable for children, while couples appreciate the calm setting for its sense of romance. During the middle of the day, several tour boats may anchor here, but there is usually enough space for everyone to find their own patch of sand.
Malcapuya differs from Coron’s better known attractions, which often focus on lagoons or wreck diving. Instead of adventure, this island emphasises relaxation. Visitors spend hours sunbathing, swimming, or simply lying in the shade and watching the water shift between turquoise and deep blue as the sun moves overhead. Because it is both accessible and naturally beautiful, Malcapuya is often called the best beach in Coron for those who want a pure island escape.
Hidden Beach - El Nido
Hidden Beach is one of the most remarkable sights in the Bacuit Archipelago. True to its name, it cannot be seen from the open sea, as it lies concealed behind limestone cliffs. To reach it, boats anchor nearby and visitors swim or wade through a narrow opening in the rocks that leads into a sheltered lagoon. Inside, a small sandy shoreline curves gently against the cliffs, surrounded by calm, shallow water. The dramatic reveal is part of the experience and makes the beach one of the most photographed places in El Nido.
The limestone walls surrounding Hidden Beach are steep and weathered, rising like fortress walls around the cove. This creates a sense of enclosure and protection, keeping the water still and clear even when waves roll outside the cliffs. Snorkellers enjoy the coral and fish that live in the shallows, while swimmers appreciate the calm conditions. Because the space inside is relatively small, it often feels crowded when multiple tour groups arrive, yet the beauty of the setting still impresses.
Hidden Beach shows the otherworldly character of El Nido’s seascape. While wide open beaches like Nacpan impress with size and space, this spot delights through intimacy and surprise. It is one of the most dramatic examples of Palawan’s limestone coastline, where nature seems to have carved a secret place just for visitors to discover. For many travellers, stepping through the narrow rock passage into the hidden lagoon is an unforgettable highlight of their time on Palawan island.
Ditaytayan Cove - Culion
Ditaytayan Cove lies off the island of Culion, part of the Calamian group that includes Coron. The approach by boat reveals a long sandbar that stretches into the sea, changing shape with the tide. On one side lies a turquoise lagoon, on the other, deeper water that glimmers under the sun. This natural feature is what draws most visitors, as it offers one of the most striking landscapes in northern Palawan.
The cove itself is calm, making it an ideal anchorage for small boats. The beach has soft sand and clear shallows where children can play safely. Snorkelling just off the sandbar reveals coral gardens with a variety of reef fish, and further out, the water deepens into areas favoured by larger marine species. Many tours from Coron include Ditaytayan, but it is less crowded than more famous sites, allowing for a more peaceful visit.
What makes Ditaytayan appealing is the combination of scenery and quiet. Visitors can swim across both sides of the sandbar, snorkel in the lagoon, or simply rest on the beach while watching the shifting tide. Because it is less publicised than other Calamian attractions, it retains a sense of discovery. Travellers who spend time here often remark that Ditaytayan feels like a complete day out in itself, with beach, reef, and striking scenery all in one stop, and some even call it the best beach in Coron for a balance of swimming and snorkelling.
Banul Beach - Coron
Banul Beach lies only a short boat ride from Coron town, yet it feels like a tucked away spot. It is a narrow strip of sand pressed beneath dramatic limestone cliffs, with water that shifts between turquoise and emerald depending on the light. The beach is small compared to others in Palawan, but its size adds to its charm.
Boat tours often stop here for lunch, and simple huts have been set up to provide shade and a place to eat. From the beach, swimmers can wade into shallow water, which remains calm thanks to the protective cliffs. While the time spent here may be short, the combination of towering rocks and brilliant water makes a strong impression.
Banul is particularly photogenic. The contrast between the dark limestone and the pale sand is striking, and boats lined up along the shore create the kind of image that travellers associate with Palawan. It may not be large or remote, but it provides a compact and memorable snapshot of the natural beauty that defines the area and earns it a place amongst the best beaches in Coron.
Onok Island - Balabac
Onok Island is part of the Balabac group at the southern tip of Palawan, a region rarely included in first time itineraries. The island is encircled by sand so white it seems to glow, while the sea shifts between shades of turquoise and jade. The setting feels untouched and far from the busier hubs of northern Palawan.
Reaching Onok requires effort. Most travellers journey overland from Puerto Princesa to the town of Balabac and then take a boat across the strait. The long trip is rewarded by solitude, as visitor numbers are still very limited. Those who make it here find themselves on a beach with almost no infrastructure, where the only sounds are waves and seabirds.
Onok is also an important site for marine life. Green sea turtles feed in the surrounding seagrass beds, and pods of dolphins are sometimes seen just offshore. For adventurous travellers who value remoteness and pristine conditions, Onok represents Palawan at its most raw and beautiful, a genuine frontier among the best beaches in Palawan for those seeking adventure.
Long Beach - San Vicente
San Vicente’s Long Beach is the longest continuous white sand beach in the Philippines, running for 14 kilometres. Unlike the small coves and lagoons that make El Nido and Coron famous, this beach impresses through scale. Standing on the sand, the horizon stretches endlessly in both directions, with mountains rising faintly in the background.
Although development has begun, Long Beach still feels empty. A few resorts and homestays line sections of the coast, but much of the shoreline remains open and quiet. This makes it attractive for travellers who want a sense of space and calm, something increasingly rare in Palawan’s busier destinations.
The appeal of Long Beach lies in its simplicity. There are no dramatic cliffs or hidden lagoons, just an endless sweep of sand meeting the sea. Visitors can walk for hours, swim in clear water, and enjoy sunsets that seem to go on forever. It is often compared with the best beaches in Palawan but stands out for its sheer size and unhurried atmosphere.
Nagtabon Beach (Puerto Princesa)
Nagtabon Beach lies about an hour west of Puerto Princesa city and is beloved by locals as a weekend getaway. The beach is broad and sandy, backed by hills covered in forest, and faces directly into the West Philippine Sea. Unlike many of Palawan’s other beaches, Nagtabon often has waves, which makes it popular with surfers during the season.
The atmosphere at Nagtabon is casual and welcoming. Simple huts and eateries serve meals and drinks, and it is common to see families setting up picnics along the sand. Travellers can spend the day swimming, body surfing, or just watching the sun set into the open horizon. Compared with the polished resort areas further north, Nagtabon feels grounded and authentic.
Nagtabon offers a contrast to the lagoons and island beaches that dominate Palawan’s image. Its open setting, rolling waves, and lively social scene show a different side of the province’s coastline. For those staying in the city, it is often called the best beach in Puerto Princesa, and it remains a rewarding option for visitors looking for character close to the capital.
Palawan’s coastline is remarkably diverse, with hidden coves, tiny cays and sweeping stretches of sand that each offer something different. Ditaytayan Cove captures this variety perfectly, with its shifting sandbar, calm lagoon and turquoise waters framed by forested hills.
What’s the best month to go to Palawan?
The best time to visit Palawan is during the dry season, which usually runs from November through May. These months bring plenty of sunshine, calm seas, and clear skies that are ideal for island hopping, snorkelling, and long days on the beach. Travellers can expect warmer days with lower chances of heavy rain.
Within the dry season, December to March is particularly popular as temperatures are pleasant and conditions are reliable. This is also peak tourist season, so accommodation and tours book up quickly. April and May are hotter months, but the water visibility is excellent for diving and snorkelling, making them attractive for underwater enthusiasts.
The wet season runs from June to October, when rain showers and occasional storms can affect travel plans. While this time of year sees fewer visitors and lower prices, boat trips are sometimes cancelled due to rough seas. For most travellers planning a holiday focused on beaches and outdoor activities, the dry months remain the best choice.
Is it better to stay in El Nido or Coron?
Choosing between El Nido and Coron depends on the style of holiday you want. El Nido is famous for its dramatic limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons and island hopping tours around the Bacuit Archipelago. It has a wider range of accommodation and dining, from simple guesthouses to luxury resorts, as well as a livelier evening atmosphere.
Coron, by contrast, is quieter and less developed, with a small-town feel that appeals to travellers seeking a slower pace. It is known around the world for wreck diving, with Japanese ships from the Second World War resting on the seabed. Coron also has stunning lakes such as Kayangan and Barracuda, as well as calm coves and smaller beaches.
El Nido and Coron are about 130 kilometres apart, separated by the Sulu Sea. The most common way to travel between them is by ferry, which takes around four to five hours and runs on most days. For those who prefer speed and comfort, there are also small plane flights that connect the two towns in under an hour, making it easy to include both destinations in one trip.
Many travellers visit both, but if you have limited time the decision comes down to interest. El Nido suits those who want dramatic scenery, lagoons and variety, while Coron is best for divers and visitors who prefer fewer crowds. Both capture the essence of Palawan, and together they show why the province is regarded as one of the most beautiful parts of the Philippines. When in doubt, consider adding both to your Philippines travel itinerary.
Coron offers a quieter charm than El Nido, with its glassy lakes, hidden coves and famous shipwreck diving sites. While El Nido is known for dramatic lagoons and limestone cliffs, Coron stands out for its rugged landscapes and more relaxed small-town atmosphere.
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