When dawn breaks over Palawan, sunlight spills across limestone cliffs and hidden lagoons, as fishermen head out to sea and travelers wade through waters so clear they blur the line between reflection and sky. This timeless beauty has earned global recognition: Frommer’s has named Palawan one of its “Best Places to Go” in 2026, celebrating destinations that combine authenticity, connection, and care for the planet.
Small Lagoon, El Nido, Palawan
Often called the crown jewel of the Philippines, Palawan captivates with contrasts. Towering karst cliffs rise from turquoise lagoons in El Nido, where Hidden Beach and Big Lagoon draw visitors, yet smaller sanctuaries like Cadlao Lagoon and Paradise Beach offer quiet solitude. In Coron, coral-covered World War II shipwrecks welcome divers, while in Balabac, pink-sand shores glow at dusk, preserving an unhurried island life.
Long Beach, San Vicente, Palawan
Palawan’s success lies not only in its natural wonders but also in the way locals protect them. Through the Tourism Promotions Board’s Community-Based Tourism program, coastal towns have refined homestays, trained guides, and preserved mangroves, ensuring tourism benefits both visitors and communities. In San Vicente, families transformed their homes into eco-lodges along the country’s longest white beach, while in Brooke’s Point and Taytay, guides lead responsible snorkeling and heritage tours, letting travelers see the island through local eyes.
“For Palawan, accolades reflect the communities who safeguard every reef, forest, and shoreline,” says Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles, TPB COO. Recent honors—from Travel + Leisure’s “Asia’s Best Island” to TripAdvisor’s top beach rankings—highlight the island’s enduring authenticity. Beyond awards, Palawan’s magic lies in shared moments: tasting local dishes, laughing with hosts, or watching the sun dip behind Bacuit Bay cliffs.
Frommer’s recognition invites travelers to experience Palawan responsibly, where every visit is a chance to enjoy and care for a paradise that thrives because of those who call it home. Plan your journey through the TravelPH app, available on the App Store and Google Play.
