Undeniably one of the best places to visit in the whole world is the largest island province in the Philippines, Palawan. This is a tropical paradise that has enjoyed international fame ever since the iconic Puerto Princesa Underground River was named one of the New7Wonders of Nature in 2012.
It’s right up there with the world’s famous Amazon Rainforest, Jeju Island, Halong Bay, and Komodo Island. There’s no doubt that Palawan is the Philippine pride of tourism as hundreds of thousands from different parts of the world travel all the way to our country to have a glimpse of its ravishing beauty.
Palawan is a huge island having an area of more than 17,000 sq. km. It also houses almost 1,800 different islands and islets that are all blessed with heavenly white-sand beaches, caves, and rock formations. Another stunning fact about Palawan aside from its abundant islands is its insanely long irregular coastlines spanning a length of 2,000 kilometers! That’s why it’s no surprise that Palawan has countless world-class hotels and resorts that international and local tourists are going crazy with.
Aside from its unparalleled natural beauty, Palawan is also a haven for adventurers and adrenaline junkies as the island is full of fun and exciting activities that they will surely love! The island’s biodiversity makes it the perfect sanctuary to explore nature and its greatest creations! From thriving ecosystems in rainforests, majestic waterfalls, crystalline rivers, and ancient caves, you’ll never run out of things to enjoy in Palawan!
In this article, we’re going to dive deeper into the best of the bests that Palawan has to offer. Join me as we go through Palawan’s most beautiful islands such as San Vicente, Puerto Princesa, Coron, and the iconic El Nido Island, and discover the 15 Best Beaches in Palawan!
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1. Nacpan Beach (El Nido)
The first one on the list is one of the most beautiful stretches of creamy white sand in the Philippines, the famous Nacpan Beach of El Nido, Palawan. What people love about this glorious beach is its unmatched beauty and calmness. Despite its popularity, the beach doesn’t get crowded mainly because it is also hard to reach. But you know what? It’s all definitely worth it!
With breathtaking views, calm waters, the eargasmic sound of the waves, mesmerizing sunsets, Nacpan Beach is definitely a must-see tropical paradise! Oh, and aside from chilling out all day and swimming around the turquoise waters, you can also hop on its twin beach, the Calitang Beach! Yup, Nacpan is actually part of the iconic twin beaches of El Nido. So now you get to experience two versions of a tropical paradise!
Read the Blog Post: Speechless with Nacpan Beach
2. Snake Island (El Nido)
Another premier destination in El Nido is the famous Snake Island. Its unique name is because of the mesmerizing “S-Shaped” sandbar that captures the hearts of many. So don’t worry, there aren’t any snakes living on this island!
What’s unique about Snake Island is that it’s actually connected to the main island through the iconic sandbar during low tide. When it’s high tide season, the island is totally separated from the main island of El Nido.
Tourists love to visit Snake Island mainly because of its seclusion from the rest of the crowd. This means you can have the whole island to enjoy by yourself. Chilling out at the white sand beach, watching the calm waters and its waves rustle lightly to your feet, and having a refreshing drink while you watch the mesmerizing sunset. Life’s so good when you’re at Snake Island, El Nido!Map
3. Seven Commandos Beach (El Nido)
Nestled below the limestone cliffs and formations that El Nido is famous for is another secluded tropical paradise that made several jaws drop throughout the years. Yes, that’s Seven Commandos Beach for you. With its glorious scenery of crystalline turquoise waters, white sand beach, beautiful caves, and rock formations, there’s no wonder why tons of tourists visit this beach despite its isolation.
The only way to reach Seven Commandos Beach is by taking a boat ride from the main island of El Nido. Its unique name is said to have come from the event of World War II when seven (7) commandos were stranded on this very island. Some even say that their names are written on the stones on the beach. Whether that story is true or not is for you to find out!
Read the Blog Post: Seven Commandos Beach Experience
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4. Long Beach (San Vicente)
Credit: Long Beach San Vicente Page
If you want to enjoy Palawan with not many people around you, then visiting San Vicente’s famous Long Beach is probably the best place you’re looking for. Peace and tranquility along with its dazzling beauty is something you’re guaranteed to witness here at Long Beach.
Its very name actually says a lot about this iconic beach. Long Beach is considered to be the longest white sand beach in the Philippines with an insane length of 14.7 kilometers. Yup, that’s three (3) times the length of the iconic White Beach of Boracay! Even if you run along the coast for 30 minutes straight you still won’t get to reach the end of it!
With its white sand beach, crystalline waters, and long lines of palm and coconut trees to give you a relaxing shade, chilling out at San Vicente’s Long Beach is definitely one of the best things to do when you’re in Palawan.
5. Shimizu Island (El Nido)
Are you ready? One of the most enchanting destinations in El Nido is the world’s famous Shimizu Island. Known for its iconic name and majestic black limestone mountains which perfectly compliments its crystalline turquoise waters, Shimizu Island is definitely a picturesque destination you’d want to cast yourself away at.
Aside from its heavenly features that undoubtedly resemble a tropical paradise, Shimizu Island is also a haven for snorkeling hobbyists as the island is known for its abundant marine and aquatic life.
Read the Blog Post: Shimizu Island Experience
6. Sabang Beach (Puerto Princesa)
Located at the famous capital of Palawan, Puerto Princesa is another tropical masterpiece to die for. Sabang Beach is a jewel of the entire country where you can enjoy the pristine beach surrounded by deep blue waters and towering mountains. It’s nothing short of a tropical paradise I must say.
However, the biggest star of Sabang Beach is that it’s actually home to one of the New7Wonders of Nature. That’s right, the iconic Puerto Princesa Underground River can be easily accessed from Sabang Beach. The 8.2 kilometer-long cave tour with mesmerizing rock formations, swarms of bats, and heavenly turquoise waters is definitely worth being part of your bucket list.
7. Hidden Beach (El Nido)
Finally, El Nido’s ultimate hidden gem, as we can deduce from its name, is the majestic Hidden Beach. Surrounded by dark, limestone mountains, lush greeneries, and waters with different shades of blue is a creamy white sand beach you’ll definitely fall in love with.
Chilling out while enjoying the calm waters and swimming around to explore the different mesmerizing features of the island is a no-brainer. It’s like a natural infinity pool with the eargasmic sound of the chirping birds around you. Oh, another interesting fact about Hidden Beach is that Survivor Sweden actually filmed here for three (3) whole months!
Read the Blog Post: Hidden Beach in El Nido (Experience)
8. Pamuayan Beach (Port Barton)
Credit: Fedor Odegov
A hidden paradise that resembles all the good things about El Nido is located in Port Barton, at the Pamuayan Beach. The best part about it is that if you’re looking for someplace to relax and enjoy nature’s unparalleled serenity and tranquility, then this is the perfect destination for you. The beach is located in a fishing village and reaching it is a challenge but definitely worth it!
With its white sand beach surrounded by turquoise waters, lush coconut trees, friendly people, and heavenly seafood dishes, Pamuayan Beach is truly a must-visit destination when in Palawan! Oh, and it is also nearby the iconic Pamuayan Waterfalls so while you’re at it, might as well grab the chance and visit it!
9. Marimegmeg Beach (El Nido)
Credit: Rappler
Yet another gem in El Nido is the popular Marimegmeg Beach. Blessed with a white sand beach, deep blue waters, and breathtaking scenery, Marimegmeg Beach is a popular destination for tourists that are seeking peace and tranquility. The waters are calm most of the time so chilling out at the beach or having long walks would be no problem here.
The beach is famous for its zipline that gives you a glimpse of the unmatched beauty of El Nido. Oh, and if you’re also looking for a good time, Marimegmeg Beach is surrounded by several bars and restaurants that serve some of the best-tasting dishes in Palawan!
10. Banul Beach (Coron)
Credit: TrotterHop
Ah, finally! Now we’re at another jewel of Palawan, the famous Coron Island where one of the best beach destinations in the world can be found. Banol Beach is a short stretch of white sands surrounded by tall, black limestone mountains and crystalline turquoise waters. It’s like you’re at the set of Cast Away!
Banol Beach is known for its calm waters that are perfect for freediving and snorkeling as it also houses several species of marine and aquatic animals. Having lunch by the beach and its heavenly scenery is one of the best things to do here in Banol Beach!
READ THE BLOG POST: 15 Best Coron Tourist Spots
11. Las Cabanas Beach (El Nido)
Credit: TripAdvisor
Considered by many as the nicest beach in El Nido, Las Cabanas Beach should definitely be a part of your bucket list when you visit Palawan. Its soft and white sands are to die for especially when you love chilling by the calm waters of the sea. It is also the perfect place to watch the sunset while munching on some of the island’s best-tasting treats and delicacies around.
Las Cabanas Beach is becoming extremely popular as several resorts are already developing the areas around but all in all, it is still one of the calmest and less crowded beaches you’ll ever find in El Nido. Perfect for romantic getaways!
12. Pinagbuyutan Island (El Nido)
Credit: Titas Travels
Pinagbuyutan Island in El Nido is known for its huge chunks of black limestone mountains that towers over the small, pristine beach below. The white sands and deep blue waters surrounding the island together with the abundant lines of palm and coconut trees make it the perfect example of island hopping.
Lying around and just absorbing everything good about the island is one of the best things to do in Pinagbuyutan Island. Oh, and aside from swimming around the crystalline waters by the beach, the island is also a premium snorkeling spot where you can discover mesmerizing coral reefs below the surface!
13. Nagtabon Beach (Puerto Princesa)
Credit: Traveling by default
One of the most beautiful and pristine beaches in Palawan can be found 30 kilometers away from the city center of Puerto Princesa. Nagtabon Beach is a hidden gem where you can enjoy the untouched white sands, crystalline turquoise waters, and towering palm and coconut trees all by yourself! Its perfectly preserved condition makes Nagtabon Beach a premier destination for everyone who wants to have a glimpse and taste of natural paradise.
Although there are not many tourists around to haggle with, there are still a bunch of restaurants where you can find delicious dishes to eat and enjoy!
14. Lio Beach (El Nido)
Another hidden gem in El Nido where you can have the ultimate relaxing getaway is Lio Beach. Despite its far location from the main island of El Nido, the pristine beaches with creamy sands and turquoise waters of Lio Beach make it a premier destination for everyone who wants to enjoy the beauty of nature at its finest and most perfect condition.
Credit: Business Mirror
Aside from chilling out at the beach, having long walks along the calm waters of the coast, and enjoying the mesmerizing view of the sunset, there are also plenty of dining options around the beach! Feel free to go on a gastronomic adventure and have yourself a good time here at Lio Beach!
READ THE BLOG POST: 15 Best PALAWAN TOURIST SPOTS (Last Ecological Frontier)
15. Dolarog Beach (El Nido)
Credit: Dolarog Beach Resort
Finally, the last but definitely not the least is the one and only Dolarog Beach of El Nido. Nestled in front of the iconic and mesmerizing Bacuit Bay itself is the beautiful white sand Dolarog Beach. With its calm and crystalline turquoise waters and a nearby palm grove and lush forest nearby, this beach is definitely a must-visit for all the features that make it a tropical paradise.
Aside from all the beautiful things to do and see in Dolarog Beach, there is still one thing that you shouldn’t miss. And that’s the iconic sunset in Bacuit Bay. So make sure to prepare your cameras and focus all your attention when the right time comes because this is definitely one of the most mesmerizing things you’ll ever witness in your life.
