Palawan (El Nido, Coron)
The last ecological frontier 🛶🏝️
Palawan is regularly cited as one of the most beautiful islands in the world, and for good reason. Its dramatic karst limestone cliffs rising out of turquoise waters create a movie-like backdrop for family vacations. The province is vast, so families typically choose one or two bases: Puerto Princesa, El Nido, or Coron.
Puerto Princesa is the most accessible entry point. The headline attraction here is the Subterranean River National Park. Families board small paddle boats to enter a massive cave system filled with stalactites and bats. It is a gentle, awe-inspiring tour suitable for school-aged children. Afterward, the nearby mangrove paddle boat tours offer a quiet chance to spot snakes and monkeys in the trees.
El Nido, located at the northern tip of the mainland, is famous for island hopping. Tour A and Tour C are the most popular routes, taking you to secret lagoons and hidden beaches. Kayaking in the Big Lagoon is a highlight; the water is calm and shallow enough in parts for kids to splash around safely while parents paddle. The town has grown rapidly, offering plenty of pizza places and smoothie bowls that appeal to younger travelers. Be aware that the boat rides between islands can be 30-45 minutes long, so sun protection and life vests (provided by operators) are essential.
Coron, on a separate island group to the north, offers similar scenery but with a focus on snorkeling and diving. Kayangan Lake, a mix of fresh and saltwater, is famous for its clarity. The climb up to the viewpoint is steep (hundreds of steps), so it’s better for active kids. Coron also has the Calauit Safari Park, where giraffes and zebras roam freely—a surprising slice of Africa in the tropics.
Travel between these hubs involves vans or ferries. The van ride from Puerto Princesa to El Nido is notoriously winding and takes about 5-6 hours; families prone to motion sickness might prefer flying directly into El Nido’s small airport (Lio Airport), which is more expensive but much faster.
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Activities & Best Times
Hiking, wildlife, outdoor exploration, ecotourism
Home to unique karst ecosystems and the UNESCO-listed Puerto Princesa Underground River, offering authentic wilderness exploration. The dry season (Jan–Apr) is optimal for safe trail navigation and lagoon access, while heavy rainfall exceeding 250mm/month in the off-season often results in site closures and murky waters.
Beach resorts, marine activities: diving, snorkelling, kite surfing, wind surfing, sailing
A global benchmark for island beauty, featuring world-class shipwreck diving in Coron and pristine hidden lagoons in El Nido. Peak months offer the dry conditions (<60mm rain) and high visibility (>20m) required for a premium marine experience, whereas the monsoon season brings rough seas and heavy precipitation.
Spa retreats, wellness centers, peaceful getaways
Host to some of the world's most exclusive private island eco-resorts that provide high-end spa facilities and total seclusion for discerning families. Peak conditions align with low humidity (64-65%) and pleasant sea breezes; however, the extreme humidity and storm risks of the wet season can detract from the luxury experience.
Sport tourism, fitness activities, active recreation
Offers exceptional sea kayaking, paddleboarding, and world-class technical wreck diving for active travelers. The calm, turquoise waters of the dry season provide ideal conditions for water-based recreation, while monsoon-driven swells during the off-months make active maritime exploration hazardous.
Learning experiences, scientific sites, historical education
Provides significant learning opportunities regarding WWII maritime history through well-preserved shipwrecks and complex tropical geology. Educational site access is most reliable during the stable weather of the peak months, while tropical depressions in the latter half of the year can limit scientific and historical tours.
