From diving with shipwrecks to gliding along the world’s longest navigable underground river, Palawan offers a wealth of unforgettable experiences.
This is an unspoiled paradise covered with sprawling jungle, with rugged mountains rising out of impossibly clear water and plenty of completely pristine white sand beaches. This archipelagic region offers lots of fascinating and stunning sights to be explored during your time in the Philipines.
Located in Puerto Princesa, the underground river is the longest navigable subterranean river in the world and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Exploring the river and the colossal system of underground caves it flows through is a truly unique experience, as you admire the amazing geological formations and spot bats and other wildlife.
For breath-taking scenery, El Nido is second to none. Staggering limestone cliffs jut out over bright blue water, with scatterings of perfect beaches, dark caves and deep lagoons. Kayaking around the Big and Small Lagoons on Miniloc Island is an iconic experience here; calm waters are perfect for navigating past coral, rocks and fascinating caves.
Yet more amazing sights can be discovered in Coron, where as well as exquisite beaches you’ll find amazing snorkelling, scuba and free diving. Bugor Reef offers technicolour coral and a range of marine life to spot, while at Kalambuyan Reef divers might have the chance to swim with small Reef sharks! Another highlight here is shipwreck diving – there are several Japanese WWII shipwrecks that make for unique and fascinating dive sites.
Ricky
Travel Specialist
Philippines travel information
When to visit Philippines
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- Time zone: +8 GMT
- Flight time: 16-18 hours
- Recommended airlines: Cathay Pacific, Thai Airways, Emirates, Qatar
- Currency: Philippine peso
- Tipping guideline: 10% of total bill
- Health considerations: There is a risk of altitude illness when travelling to destinations of 2,500m or higher. There is a risk of dengue. There is a risk of Zika virus. There is a low risk of malaria in rural areas of the Philippines below 600m and on the islands of Luzon, Mindanao, Mindoro, and Palawan. There is no risk of malaria in cities or on the islands of Boracay, Bohol, Catanduanes, Cebu and Leyte. There is no risk of polio in the Philippines, however, proof of polio vaccination may be necessary for some travellers. There is no risk of yellow fever in the Philippines, however, yellow fever vaccination is required for travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
- Capital: Manila
- Population: 119,106,224
- National languages: Filipino, English
- Electricity and plugs: Type A, B, & C, 220 V
- Mobile phone coverage: Good
- UK passport visa requirements: You don't need a visa for Philippines if you have a British passport - for a maximum of 30 days
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For the latest travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office check www.gov.uk/travelaware
