Palawan often tops the lists of “World’s Best Islands,” a title that usually breeds skepticism. However, stepping onto its shores reveals that the hype is, if anything, understated. This archipelagic province is not just a beach destination; it is a sprawling, jagged masterpiece of geology and biodiversity. It feels prehistoric, vibrant, and surprisingly vast.
Here is a breakdown of the essential stops on the “Last Frontier.”
Puerto Princesa: The Gateway into the Earth
Most journeys begin in the capital, Puerto Princesa, which serves as the launchpad for a UNESCO World Heritage site: the Subterranean River National Park.
Accessing the underground river requires a drive to Sabang followed by a boat ride to the cave mouth. Inside, the world goes dark and silent.
- The Cave: You float on a paddle boat into a massive limestone cavern. The only light comes from the guide’s spotlight, revealing stalactites the size of chandeliers and thousands of bats hanging overhead.
- The Silence: The deeper you go, the quieter it gets. It is an eerie, humbling experience to float through a cathedral carved by water over millions of years.
El Nido: The Art of Island Hopping
If Puerto Princesa is about the caves, El Nido is about the cliffs. The geography here is defined by dramatic limestone karsts that shoot vertically out of the turquoise water.
The exploration here is standardized into “Tours A, B, C, and D,” but the reality is far less clinical than it sounds.
- The Lagoons: The Big Lagoon and Small Lagoon (often part of Tour A) are the headliners. Kayaking through the narrow entrance of the Big Lagoon reveals a massive, emerald swimming pool surrounded by towering rock walls.
- Shimizu Island: A common lunch stop where the snorkeling is as impressive as the food. The coral reefs here are vibrant and teeming with fish just meters from the shore.
- Nacpan Beach: For those who want to stay on dry land, a tricycle ride north leads to Nacpan—a 4-kilometer stretch of golden sand that makes the crowds of the town center feel miles away.
Coron: Wrecks and Lakes
To the north lies Coron, which offers a wilder, more rugged aesthetic than El Nido. The primary draw here is distinct: history and freshwater.
- WWII Shipwrecks: In 1944, a US airstrike sank a fleet of Japanese supply ships in Coron Bay. Today, these ships are ghostly, coral-encrusted reefs. Snorkelers can see the bow of the Lusong Gunboat breaking the surface, while divers can penetrate the massive Irako or Okikawa Maru. It is a haunting underwater museum.
- Kayangan Lake: Often cited as the cleanest lake in Asia, the water here is a mix of salt and fresh (brackish) water. The visibility is mind-bending—you can see rock formations deep below the surface as clearly as if you were looking through glass.
Port Barton: The Quiet Alternative
For travelers who find El Nido too chaotic, Port Barton is the sanctuary. Located halfway between Puerto Princesa and El Nido, this village operates on a different frequency.
Electricity was scarce here until recently, and that “off-grid” vibe remains. The roads are unpaved, the dogs are friendly, and the nightlife consists of listening to reggae at a beach bar. The island hopping here focuses on swimming with sea turtles (which are abundant) and visiting the starfish-filled sandbar. It is the place to go when you want to stop “doing” and start “being.”
The Verdict
El Valle de Antón offers a different kind of energy than the rest of Panama. It isn’t about the beach party or the city skyline. It’s about the strange, quiet magic of living inside a volcano. You leave feeling cleaner, lighter, and perhaps a little more connected to the earth beneath your feet.
Guest post written by Red Obero
Meet Red Obero, the office manager with a wanderlust soul. While she’s a master at organizing chaos in the workplace, her true passion lies in exploring the world beyond office walls.
