Things to Do in Palawan

A new Seven Wonders of Nature, the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Puerto Princesa Underground River flows through a limestone cave system before spilling into the South China Sea. A paddle through this eerie ecosystem, filled with otherworldly cave formations and chattering bats, is one of the Philippines’ most unforgettable experiences.

A pristine channel of gin-clear waters framed by limestone cliffs, Big Lagoon meanders through forested Miniloc Island in the Bacuit Archipelago. Island-hopping boats from El Nido generally stop in the shallow water at the head of the lagoon, but travelers can discover the scenic coves or search for turtles by sea kayak.

One of Palawan’s most-Instagrammed natural wonders, the Small Lagoon in El Nido is a clear-water cove surrounded by dramatic limestone rock formations. Because of the shear, near-vertical walls, swimming or paddling through the Small Lagoon can make you feel like you’re on the set of a Hollywood action film.

Located in a small fishing village on the western coast of Palawan in the Philippines, Sabang Beach is framed by mountains and lapped by calm waters. The nearby Underground River—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature—is famous for its stalagmites and gaping caverns.