The Palawan Islands were discovered in 1521 by Magellan, and boast some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. A natural paradise, home to numerous endangered animal species, the islands are home to two UNESCO sites, and many other wonders. Let's discover them together.
Informed travel: useful info
Inhabitants: 682 152
Capital: Puerto Princesa
Languages: Tagolog
Local currency: Philippine peso (PHP) (€1.00=x local currency)
Climate: Tropical-equatorial climate with temperatures ranging between 25 and 40 °C throughout the year with high humidity.
Vaccinations: The yellow fever vaccine is required for all travellers over one year of age coming from countries where yellow fever is at risk of transmission, as well as for all travellers who have even just transited through the airport of a country where yellow fever is at risk of transmission.
Entry requirements: passport with residual validity of at least six months and return or exit flight ticket from the country. A visa is not necessary for Italian citizens who wish to stay in the country for less than 30 days. Please note that in all Philippine international and domestic airports it is compulsory for everyone to pay an airport tax of varying amounts.
Distance from Italy: 10,577 km (21-32 flight hours)
Where to find us
The province of Palawan is an archipelago and a province of the Philippines and stretches between Mindoro and Borneo. Most of the provincial territory falls on the island of the same name.
How to get there
From Rome or Milan: there are no direct flights to the Palawan Islands. The companies that cover this route are Qatar Airways, Emirates and Etihad Airways. Generally, stopovers take place at Manila airports, from where it is possible to reach Puerto Princesa airport in about one hour and fifteen minutes. The flight duration varies from 21 to 32 hours.
FlightsRome - Puerto Princesa from €723.00 - Flights Milan - Puerto Princesa from €667.00Frommajor European capitals: from London, Gulf Air, China Eastern, Singapore Airlines, Philippine Airlines and Qatar cover this route. Flights include 1 or 2 stopovers, with stops in Shanghai and Manila, and last between 23 and 30 hours. Departing from Paris are Etihad Airways and Philippine Airlines, and all have two stopovers (Hong Kong and Manila).
When to go? Info on climate and best time
Month | Average temperatures (min/max) | Precipitation (days/mm) |
|---|---|---|
January | 24 / 30° | 4 days / 15 mm |
February | 24 / 31° | 2 days / 7 mm |
March | 25 / 32° | 3 days / 20 mm |
April | 26 / 34° | 3 days / 20 mm |
May | 27 / 33° | 10 days / 140 mm |
June | 26 / 32° | 16 days / 285 mm |
July | 26 / 31° | 22 days / 365 mm |
August | 26 / 31° | 22 days / 475 mm |
September | 26 / 31° | 20 days / 335 mm |
October | 26 / 31° | 18 days / 200 mm |
November | 25 / 31° | 14 days / 110 mm |
December | 24 / 30° | 9 days / 55 mm |
Climate: tropical-equatorial, with a dry season from December to February, rainy from May to November. Between March and May, before the summer monsoon arrives, the temperature rises and reaches the highest levels of the year. In the Philippines, it rains everywhere in summer.
Best period: February to April, the driest months of the year. For bathing, the sea temperature is suitable all year round.
Period toavoid: May to October, a time of typhoons and downpours, which make the roads impassable and often cause flight cancellations.
Tips: bring light, natural-fibre clothes, a scarf for the breeze, a light sweatshirt for air conditioning, light mackintosh or umbrella. Snorkelling equipment, water shoes or rubber-soled shoes for the reef.
Which island to go to?
The archipelago is occupied by about 1,800 small islands and islets, all of which are part of the province of Palawan.
Palawan: is the largest of the islands that make up the province of the same name, and the most organised in terms of tourism. The natural and scenic richness of the island is so great that Palawan can make a living from tourism alone. This makes it a kind of guarantee in terms of organisation.
Cuyo is the largest of the eponymous islands, located between the islands of Palawan and Panay. With its own airport, which connects it to Puerto Princesa with a series of weekly flights, the area boasts many natural and historical sights, such as the 17th century fort, built as protection against Moro pirate raids.
Busuanga is part of the Calamian Islands, located between the Mindoro and Palawan islands. The main island is Busuanga, home to the largest settlement, Coron Town. The main occupations are agriculture and fishing, to which the tourist industry has only recently been added. This allows one to enjoy the beauty of the area with all the comforts, without too many tourists in other areas.
What to see and do: beaches and places of interest
Puerto Princesa: Palawan's capital has a number of attractions worth seeing, such as the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Plaza Cuartel, and unforgettable glimpses of life lived.
Underground riverin Puerto Princesa: an 8.2 km long underground river that flows through a cave full of stalactites and stalagmites of different shapes and sizes. The place cannot be accessed by more than 1,000 people per day, so it is a good idea to book well in advance.
El Nido is the most famous area in Palawan. A circular cove protected by very high cliffs, this natural paradise is the starting point for excursions to the neighbouring islands.
Nacpan is a beach located about 45 minutes away from El Nido, travelling in a northerly direction. In addition to the natural beauty the area has to offer, a visit to Nacpan is recommended for the chance to see the islanders immersed in their activities
Maquinit Hot Springs: where it is possible to bathe in hot sulphuric water, which reaches temperatures of up to 38°. From the natural pools at the corners of the beach, one can also admire the gaisers in activity, scattered around the area.
In addition to breathtaking views and beaches, theisland of Paly offers tourists the chance to admire turtles as they lay their eggs.
Tabon Caves: a complex of about 200 caves, where human remains have also been found, including Tabon Man
Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon, two lagoons in the middle of the sea, accessible from El Nido
Tubbataha Coral Reefs NaturePark: a protected natural area created to protect a group of coral atolls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993
Coron: an island in the Calamian archipelago, it is a paradise for lovers of diving, snorkelling and relaxation, given the beautiful and secluded white beaches that dot the island. Moreover, due to its location, it is possible to admire real movie sunsets from here.
How much does a holiday in Palawan cost? Prices, offers and tips
Average accommodation prices throughout the Philippines are very affordable: €33.00 per night in a one-star hotel, €37.00 for a two-star and €44.00 for a three-star. Even cheaper are the prices in restaurants where, for €2.50 to €4.20, you pay for a meal for one person. For a three-course meal for two people in a mid-range restaurant, on the other hand, the expense rises to €12.00.
On the transport front, on the other hand, there is a real embarrassment of riches. On average, the cost of a call to a taxi is €0.67 - normal fare - while, per kilometre, the meter goes up by about €0.67. Tickets for public transport, on the other hand, cost €0.17 per ride. Please note that driving in Palawan requires an international driving licence and specific insurance, so it is advisable to travel by public transport.
Where to stay: Hotels and B&Bs from €30.00 per room - see offers
Low cost flights: from €726.00 - look at the offers
