Top Things to See
Palawan has many sites and attractions to offer its visitors. While most of the tourist traffic centres on the region's pristine natural environment, there are also several historic landmarks leftover from three centuries of Spanish colonial presence. Transportation to most of these sites can be arranged by jeepney or bus from Puerto Princesa.
 Busanga Island
This island is one of the best places to stage a diving operation in Palawan. Tour operators organise diving expeditions from their offices in Coron, the biggest city on the island. Offshore, divers have access to a number of sunken WWII-era Japanese warships. While some of the sights can be enjoyed by surface divers with little more than a mask and snorkel, most of the really interesting wreckage calls for assistance from a fully-outfitted dive operation. Dive packages range from half-day trips to extended outings on boats. It's also possible to arrange diving with enriched air tanks for ultra-low depths. Agencies in Coron regularly host instructional tutorials and certification classes that cater for all skill levels.
 Calauit Game Preserve and Wildlife Sanctuary
This is a great facility for the entire family. Calauit Game Preserve and Wildlife Sanctuary features Kenyan favourites such as zebras, giraffes and gazelles. There are also several other Southeast Asian species such as the mouse deer, bearcat and peafowl. Arranging transportation to the site can be difficult as there are currently no public transport links. However, taxis and tour operators regularly transport tourists to the sanctuary. Be sure to stop by the Sustainable Development office in Coron to arrange a permit before heading out to view the wildlife. Website: www.pcsd.ph/protected_areas/calauit.htm.
 El Nido Marine Reserve
This sprawling marine habitat is one of the primary tourist attractions in the country. Manatee live in these waters, and despite its relative rareness this creature makes surprisingly regular appearances at El Nido. The offshore portions of the reserve are characterised by vivid coral reefs and countless species of tropical fish including the ever-popular manta rays. Meanwhile, the inland portion of the park guards pristine rain forests, stands of mangroves and unique limestone geological structures. Website: www.pcsd.ph/protected_areas/elnido.htm.
 Honda Bay
Several miniature islets and shallow diving sites regularly draw crowds of vacationers to Honda Bay. Each island has its own draw card, and visiting several of them in succession makes for a fun daytrip. Starfish Island is home to thousand upon thousand of its namesakes, while Snake Island's name is strictly metaphorical, referring to a meandering white sand coastline. Lapu-lapu fish spawn offshore from Señorita Island, and Lu-li Island can only be seen during low tide. Snorkelling, diving and old fashioned swimming reign supreme here, and the bay is outfitted with plenty of infrastructure to accommodate visitors.
Melville Lighthouse
Remarkably, the light at this facility has been illuminating the coastline for more than 100 years. When it was built last century at its post on Balabac Island, the lighthouse assisted vessels in navigated the series of islets leading up to Palawan. Today, it is a regional icon as well as a source of local pride. Balabac Island can be reached via a mixed land and sea transportation package, with jeepneys or buses carrying passengers on the first leg, before a pump boat completes the journey.
Port Miller
Accessible by jeepney from Puerto Princesa, Brooke's Point is on the coastline, around 100 miles south of the capital. British adventurer Sir James Brooke arrived in the 19th century and left his mark on the harbour by constructing a lighthouse. The tower remains to this day, though modern development in the area has overshadowed it. Port Miller itself is an old concrete tank that was built to hold potable water for the townspeople. Travel time from Puerto Princesa to Port Miller is around four hours.
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
This national park holds a unique transitional ecosystem that moves from Palawan's coastal region to the St Paul mountain range. Around the mountain is a spectacular forest with several species of plant and wildlife that are crucial to this Southeast Asian ecosystem, while beneath the mountain is a spectacular five-mile stretch of subterranean river. Tours of the river are fantastic and wind through a series of wide chambers marked by unique geological formations before emerging abruptly into the South China Sea. The river is said to be the longest of its kind, and as such has earned a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list. A short hiking trail from Sabang accesses the park.
 Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park
Tubbataha Reef is UNESCO World Heritage site located along a ridge of dead underwater volcanoes a little over 100 miles offshore from Puerto Princesa city. This is widely considered the best diving site in the Philippines, known especially for the abrupt coral wall where the seafloor drops out and divers can plumb the depths to discover manta rays, hammerhead sharks, parrot fishes, barracudas and even hawksbill sea turtles—the latter being an extremely rare endangered species. Excursions to Tubbataha Reef require the use of visitor and sea-vessel permits, so it is most convenient to coordinate your excursion with a travel agency at Puerto Princesa city to simplify the process.
Top Things to Do
 Canoe on an underground river. This is truly a one-of-a-kind experience. St Paul River flows through underground caverns that have plenty of clearance to accommodate canoe groups. Faintly glowing stalactites cast a wonderful iridescence over the surface of the water.
Catch sight of a sea cow. One of the rarest aquatic animals in the world, the manatee (locally known as dugong) is a less common sight than it once was. However, tourists occasionally see one in El Nido Marine Reserve. Believe it or not, sailors once thought these elusive beasts were mermaids skimming the water's surface.
Peer into Palawan's ancient history. Excavations at Tabon Cave continue to reveal more about this region's prehistoric roots. Several onsite exhibits offer insight into the civilisation that thrived here 50,000 years before. Many of these fascinating chambers are open to the public.
Plan a fishing trip. Palawan brings in more than a third of the Philippines’ fresh seafood, so there's plenty of opportunity to cast a line while you're visiting. Be sure to organise your fishing excursion through an accredited travel agent who can arrange all the necessary permits and boat hire.
Reserve a hammock at Port Barton. Port Barton isn't easy to reach, but it is even harder to walk away from. The cove here hosts great swimming and snorkelling, along with a few stunning islets just offshore. Life is slow in this secluded spot and visitors have plenty of opportunity to indulge in life's simple comforts.
 Swim in starfish waters. It is no secret how Starfish Island got its name. One of many islets in Honda Bay, this particular one enjoys luxurious white sand beaches and beautiful shallow waters that are teeming with starfish. Most visitors arrive here on an island-hopping tour of the bay.
Watch Lu-li Island sink. The 'island that floats and sinks' is actually just low enough that the rising and falling tides alternately cover and reveal its land mass. Come during low tide if you'd actually like to see Lu-li. There are several other islets here in Honda Bay that are favourite island-hopping destinations.
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