MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Palawan is one of the country’s crown jewels, and rightfully so. There are dozens of activities in Palawan with picturesque backgrounds, which is why it’s no surprise to see that it has bagged another prestigious accolade, this time as one of the Trending Destinations in the World for 2024 on Tripadvisor, the world’s largest travel site for travel deals and reviews.
This latest recognition comes on the heels of back-to-back global citations from international magazines for Palawan in 2023 as one of the World’s Most Desirable Countries for Adventure, to Travel + Leisure’s top Islands, to Condé Nast Traveler’s Most Beautiful Places in the World and Top Readers’ Choice, cementing the continued winning streak of Palawan’s sites’ enduring appeal as a sought-after travel destination.
“As Palawan continues to turn heads and warm hearts across the globe, this latest accolade from Tripadvisor is but a testament to the island’s timeless allure. Ensuring the sustainability of Palawan’s tourism development and promoting an enhanced tourism experience for travelers is of utmost importance which is why the national government is engaging in collaboration and partnership with the local government units of Palawan,” Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said of the global citation, citing sustainable practices, conservation efforts and community engagement initiatives as integral components of ensuring that Palawan’s natural heritage is preserved for generations to come – especially when it comes to preserving the Tagbanuan culture in Palawan.
“We could not be more grateful to the travel community for placing Palawan at the forefront of global travel trends. This singular achievement motivates us to maintain our commitment to sustainable tourism and showcase the beauty of Palawan to the world. Further to this, Palawan’s winning streak on Tripadvisor will certainly have a positive impact on its tourism industry. With the global recognition, the island is poised to attract a surge in visitors, providing a boost to the local economy and reinforcing Palawan’s position as a top-tier travel destination,” she added.
Renowned for its unparalleled natural beauty and unique charm, Palawan boasts some of the country’s pristine and crystal-clear turquoise waters, lush tropical landscapes, and idyllic white-sand beaches. The island destination has long been celebrated for its responsible and sustainable tourism practices while preserving its natural heritage and biodiversity. That being said, it’s no wonder that Palawan is full of places to see and things to do that’ll keep any visitor’s itinerary full.
What to Do in Palawan
Palawan’s picturesque sites are more than just a place to see, it’s also the backdrop of many activities for tourists looking to experience Palawan’s cool blue waters and diverse ecosystems. If you’re planning a trip to Palawan and you’re still not sure where to begin, here’s a list of things you may want to consider.
Scuba Dive
Palawan is full of various underwater sites to behold that only scuba divers can explore. As one of the top diving sites in the Philippines, scuba divers may sift through history by diving at shipwreck sites or explore Palawan’s reefs and see its underwater ecosystem come alive in the ocean.
There’s no shortage of choice dive sites in Palawan, whether you choose to go to South Miniloc, Barracuda Lake, or Coron. You’ll find adventure at every spot.
Zipline at El Nido
For thrill-seekers who want to see Palawan’s beauty unobstructed, they can harness up and fly through El Nido’s Sabang Beach. Sabang X Zipline will give you a view like no other as you zip through Sabang Beach’s skies and admire its clear blue waters.
Island Hop
Are you looking for a port where you can embark on your island-hopping adventure? Thankfully, Palawan has five areas that can accommodate your wanderlust. The best part? Whether you’re hopping on a boat at Honda Bay, Port Barton, El Nido, Balabac, or Coron, you’re guaranteed to visit pristine beaches like no other. No tour is ever the same because each jump-off point has something different to offer its visitors.
Boat Through the Underground River
Puerto Princesa’s Subterranean River National Park is a UNESCO heritage site that’s known for its limestone karst landscapes, diverse ecosystem, and impressive cave system. This national park has an 8.2 km long underground river that flows out to the sea. The national park also contains a mountain-to-sea ecosystem, which houses some of the most important forests in Asia.
As you navigate through the winding caves on a small banca, you’ll find yourself in awe of the beautiful limestone formations – just make sure to watch out for bats as they glide through the inner chambers.
Bird Watch
For bird-watching enthusiasts, Palawan has many sites where they can spot migratory birds and some of the country’s endemic species. If you’re lucky, you may even spot critically endangered avians that you can add to your lifer list.
Who knows, maybe during your birding adventure you’ll bump into other endemic animals, sans wings, just like just like Pandi the Pangolin, who returned to Palawan in 2021 after taking a brief vacation in Manila.
Swim in Lakes
Of course, Palawan’s clear blue waters would be for nothing if you don’t enjoy it. Make sure to make time to jump into Palawan’s waters and swim off the humid tropical weather.
A good place to start is Kayangan Lake in Coron. Kayangan Lake is one of the cleanest lakes in Southeast Asia. This volcanic lake features caves and islets, which has made it one of Palawan’s most iconic spots.
Visit Calauit Island
When you arrive at Calauit Game Preserve and Wildlife Sanctuary, you’re transported to an African Safari. This is because Calauit Island is inhabited by antelopes, giraffes, and zebras, which were imported from Africa. These animals live in harmony with some of the country’s local fauna.
A Slice of Heaven
The list of “what to see in Palawan” never seems to end because of the island’s geography and biodiversity. The island’s recognition by Tripadvisor solidifies its status as a must-visit destination for global explorers seeking an immersive and unforgettable experience. Tripadvisor’s recognition reflects the island’s ability to captivate the imagination of travelers seeking unique and awe-inspiring experiences.
Tripadvisor’s Trending Destinations list is highly anticipated each year, influencing travel decisions for millions of users. Travelers praise Palawan as “a slice of heaven, a sliver of an island that teems with exotic wildlife, quaint fishing villages, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.”
Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best winners are destinations whose hotels, restaurants, and things to do received a high volume of above-and-beyond reviews and opinions from its users over a 12-month period. Fewer than one percent of Tripadvisor’s eight million listings are awarded Best of the Best, signifying the highest level of excellence in travel. A digital travel guide behemoth, Tripadvisor is renowned for its discerning users and comprehensive reviews. It annually curates a list of destinations that capture the attention and admiration of travelers.
