Palawan

7,000 islands of reefs, rice terraces and white sand

• Passport strength: ≈75 visa-free destinations
• Language: English, Filipino · ~80% speak English
• Free-trade agreements: ≈13

Palawan — The Philippines' last frontier

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El Nido Lagoons Lagoon

Hidden lagoons and limestone islets of the Bacuit archipelago, toured by boat.

Best time: Nov–May — The dry season brings calm seas for island-hopping tours.

Things to do:

• Island-hop by boat visiting Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret Lagoon
• Kayak through limestone cliffs to hidden beach coves
• Swim and snorkel in turquoise waters surrounded by dramatic cliffs

Puerto Princesa Underground River Natural wonder

A navigable subterranean river winding through a vast UNESCO cave.

Best time: Nov–May — Dry-season conditions are best for the cave-river tour.

Things to do:

• Paddle a boat through an 8.2-kilometer underground river cave
• Witness stalactites, stalagmites, and limestone formations
• Spot bats and observe the cave ecosystem

Coron Shipwrecks Dive site

WWII Japanese wrecks and lagoons around Coron, world-class diving.

Best time: Nov–May — Calm, clear dry-season water is best for wreck diving.

Things to do:

• Dive or snorkel sunken Japanese military vessels from WWII
• Explore the Barracuda Lake with freshwater-saltwater thermocline
• Visit the Maquinit Hot Spring on Coron Island

Kayangan Lake Lake

Often called the cleanest lake in Asia, framed by karst cliffs on Coron.

Best time: Nov–May — The dry season gives the calmest, clearest water.

Things to do:

• Kayak the clear saltwater lake ringed by limestone cliffs
• Swim and snorkel in pristine waters with minimal crowds
• Hike to the viewpoint above the lake for panoramic photos

Bacuit Archipelago Beach

Island hopping experience among limestone cliffs and turquoise waters.

Best time: Nov–Mar — Spectacular seascape offering world-class diving, snorkeling, and tropical island exploration.

Things to do:

• Island-hop between limestone karst formations
• Snorkel crystal-clear tropical waters
• Visit hidden lagoons and secluded beaches
• Spot tropical fish, rays, and sea turtles

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Philippines?

It depends on where you go: every place has its own ideal season on this page. For example, Intramuros is best around Dec–Feb. Philippines has 8 featured cities and areas to plan around.

Is English spoken in Philippines?

Roughly 80% of people speak English. The main language is English, Filipino.

How strong is the Philippines passport?

The Philippines passport gives visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to about 75 destinations.

Is Philippines expensive to travel in?

This page lists indicative traveller costs for Philippines — medical, insurance, connectivity and education ranges — and the interactive travelogue holds the full breakdown.

What is there to do in Philippines?

Intramuros, San Agustin Church, Rizal Park, Manila Bay Sunset, National Museum Complex, Kawasan Falls — each with the best time to visit, why it is worth it, and specific things to do.