Palawan: Ultimate Guide to Luxury Resorts and Remote Islands

If the Philippines has more than 7,600 islands, about 1,700 of them belong to Palawan, a single province that feels like its own world.

Here, islands aren’t just dots on a map, but they’re 1,700 different ways to fall in love with the sea—from secret lagoons and coral gardens to resorts so private they don’t even have neighbors.

Palawan is where the country’s raw beauty and understated luxury meet. Move through it slowly, deliberately, with the right kind of curiosity, and you’ll find that paradise still exists.

At Explora Ahora, we design Palawan travel experiences that feel like your version of paradise: deeply personal, beautifully planned, and definitely unforgettable.

Here are a few islands you should not miss:

El Nido: The First Escape

Among Palawan’s 1,700 islands, El Nido is the one that almost everyone dreams of first, and for good reason, of course.

It’s the definition of “tropical paradise,” where it becomes something you can actually touch: limestone walls in turquoise water, hidden lagoons visible with the tide, and sunlight sparkling through clear waters.

Mornings here begin quietly: glide into the Big Lagoon, where the surface is so clear it mirrors the cliffs above. By noon, drift toward Shimizu Island, where lunch is laid out on a sandbar and the scent of grilled seafood fills the air. Later, take a swim inside the Small Lagoon.

Luxury in El Nido reveals itself through the details: the way staff anticipate what you need before you ask, how villas are built to frame the view instead of block it, and how time seems to slow between sunrise and dinner.

‍Pangulasian Island Resort: Blends eco-design with indulgence, perfect for travelers who like their comfort guilt-free.

‍Miniloc Island Resort: Keeps the soul of Filipino hospitality alive, where you can snorkel with reef fish before breakfast.

‍Lagen Island Resort: Hides between forest and lagoon, ideal for anyone chasing stillness.

El Nido is the first stop that convinces most people that Palawan’s 1,700 islands will never be enough because after this one, you’ll want to see how the rest of the story unfolds.

Coron: The Quiet Side of Paradise

If El Nido is where you fall in love with Palawan, Coron is where you slow down and stay a little longer. 

Coron is famous for its clear blue lakes and shipwrecks from World War II that are now covered in coral. Divers from around the world come here to explore them. But even if you don’t dive, you’ll still find magic above water—like Kayangan Lake, known as the cleanest lake in Asia, or Twin Lagoon, where warm and cool water meet when you swim through a small opening in the rocks.

A perfect day in Coron starts on a boat, moving from one lagoon to another, stopping to swim, snorkel, and take photos. Lunch is simple but delicious: grilled fish, rice, and tropical fruit eaten right on the beach.

When it’s time to rest, the best resorts make it easy to do nothing at all:

‍Club Paradise Palawan: A small private island where the reef is just a few steps from your room.

‍Two Seasons Coron Island Resort & Spa: Perfect for travelers who want quiet comfort and a touch of luxury.

‍Sunlight Eco Tourism Island Resort: It comes with overwater villas and wide-open views of the sea.

In Coron, it feels like time stops for a while. You wake up with the sound of waves and end the day watching the sky turn gold. It’s peaceful in a way that makes you want to stay just one more day—or maybe two!

💡 Explora Tip: Explore Coron by visiting the lagoons before the crowds and sail back just as the light turns gold. From private boat charters to resort coordination, our Explora Team ensures your Coron experience feels smooth, scenic, and seamless.

San Vicente: Long Beach, Longer Days

Nestled between El Nido and Puerto Princesa, this coastal town hides a gem: Long Beach. It boasts nearly 15 kilometers of soft, white sand that stretches endlessly.

There are no crowds here, no rush, and no loud bars competing with the sound of waves; fishermen head out at sunrise, the smell of salt is in the air, and the horizon glows every afternoon.

You can walk barefoot for hours and meet only a few locals along the way. Swim when the water warms, nap under a palm tree, and watch the sun show off at its brightest.

Here, you won’t find crowds or chain hotels. Only a few handpicked stays understand what true rest feels like. Club Agutaya Resort sits next to the beach, featuring an eco-friendly design and providing warm, local hospitality. 

A little closer to the town center, Peace and Love Resort offers laid-back comfort and perfect sunset views from its balconies.

San Vicente is what most people imagine when they dream of Palawan: slow mornings, endless sand, and the kind of peace that makes you forget the rest of the world for a while.

Balabac: The Far Edge of Paradise

At the southern tip of Palawan lies Balabac, a cluster of islands that still feels like a secret the world hasn’t fully discovered.

Here, the sea shifts from turquoise to clear glass, and sandbars stretch so far they seem to fade into the sky. The beaches aren’t crowded; many don’t even have names—just stretches of sand, salt wind, and open water.

Spend a day at Onok Island, where the water is so clear you can count starfish from your boat. Stroll on the soft pink sands of Comiran Island, or allow time to linger on Candaraman, where sunsets glow with a golden hue.

There are no big Palawan resorts here—only small lodges and island stays run by locals who know these waters by heart. What Balabac offers instead is something rarer: privacy, simplicity, and a sense of discovery that’s hard to find anywhere else.

Balabac reminds you why you travel in the first place: to see the world in its rawest and to feel something that can’t be captured on a screen.

💡 Explora Tip: Getting here takes time—a flight, a drive, and a boat ride—but Explora Ahora makes the journey effortless. From arranging private island transfers to working with local hosts who know every tide and current, our team handles the details so you can focus on the beauty unfolding around you.

Puerto Princesa: The Gateway to Every Palawan Experience

Often called the island’s gateway, Puerto Princesa is more than a stop between adventures. This coastal city has its mix of nature, history, and local life that makes you feel at home the moment you arrive.

Here, you begin your day at the world-famous Underground River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. Glide through its limestone caves by boat and watch light dance across tall, cathedral-like walls.

In the afternoon, head to Honda Bay, where small islands wait just minutes away from the city. You can snorkel with bright fish, hop between sandbars, or simply float in warm, clear water as the sun begins to set behind the mountains.

When evening comes, Puerto Princesa slows to a gentle pace. Locals gather at the Baywalk to enjoy grilled seafood, music, and the ocean breeze. It’s a simple scene, but one that shows how life on this island flows.

Before or after exploring Palawan’s faraway islands, this is the perfect place to rest. Choose from a collection of resorts and boutique stays that match every kind of traveler:

‍Princesa Garden Island Resort: Quiet villas surrounded by water and gardens, perfect for those seeking calm and comfort.

‍Daluyon Beach and Mountain Resort: Beachfront serenity in Sabang, just minutes from the Underground River.

‍Astoria Palawan: A stylish eco-luxury resort by the sea in San Rafael, known for its modern villas and infinity pool.

Hue Hotels & Resorts Puerto Princesa: A modern city hotel with resort-like amenities and easy access to local dining and shops.

Puerto Princesa is where every Palawan journey comes full circle: calm, familiar, and unforgettable.

A Thousand Islands, One Journey

Across Palawan’s 1,700 islands, every place tells a story: El Nido’s bright lagoons, Coron’s quiet lakes, San Vicente’s endless shores, Balabac’s untouched beauty, and Puerto Princesa’s gentle calm.

Each one reveals a different face of paradise, but together they remind you of one simple truth: you have to go out there, meet the world, and experience it in its rawest, most beautiful form.

In the end, paradise isn’t just one place. It’s Palawan, with 1,700 ways to fall in love, one island at a time.

Explore Palawan with Explora Ahora 

If Palawan is next on your list, make it effortless with Explora Ahora’s Explore Coron experience, a curated journey designed for elevated travelers who want to see the islands beautifully and seamlessly. 

From private transfers to stays in luxury island resorts, every detail is planned with care and comfort in mind. With Explora Ahora, you’ll experience Palawan like no other.