Palawan
Palawan, Philippines
Palawan is a long island in the western Philippines, with forested landscapes, limestone formations and a coastline that opens onto smaller islands and sheltered waters. Its appeal lies in the connection between land and sea: a journey can move from a wooded interior to a beach, a river or a bay framed by steep rock. The wider province includes additional island groups, so geography matters when planning a stay. In the north, El Nido provides access to the beaches and lagoons of Bacuit Bay. Boat trips, kayaking and snorkelling reveal the limestone coast from different perspectives, while mainland shores offer places to pause between excursions. Farther south, the Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park combines a navigable cave river with a protected landscape extending from the mountains to the sea. Palawan’s forests, mangroves and marine habitats support a wide variety of life, giving nature-focused visits particular depth. Choosing a smaller number of bases allows more time in each area, rather than spending a holiday continually in transit. Local guides can help explain the relationship between communities and the landscape, adding context to experiences that are often introduced through photographs of water and cliffs.