IN THE EARLY morning mist when dawn breaks over Palawan, light glides slowly across limestone cliffs, sweeping over hidden lagoons and fishing boats that carve the first ripples on glass-clear water. The breeze carries the scent of salt and forest, while the sea mirrors a sky just beginning to blush. In these quiet moments, it becomes clear why the world keeps returning—because some places do not just take your breath; they give something back to your spirit. Palawan is one of them.
The Frommer’s global travel authority once again affirmed what many have long known, naming Palawan among its “Best Places to Go” in 2026. Its recognition highlights destinations defined not only by beauty, but by authenticity, connection, and a commitment to caring for the planet. For Palawan, the honor reflects an identity it has carried for decades: The Last Ecological Frontier—a place where nature is not simply admired but fiercely protected.
A CROWNING JEWEL
Palawan’s magic lies in its contrasts: dramatic karst cliffs towering above lagoons so clear they dissolve the line between sea and sky; forests alive with birdsong; and coastal villages whose lives move in harmony with the tides. Visitors arrive in search of paradise, but stay because the island offers something deeper—a rare balance between solitude and discovery.
In El Nido, limestone walls cradle secret coves like Hidden Beach, Big Lagoon, and the more secluded Cadlao Lagoon. The emerald-and-indigo waters invite quiet exploration, revealing pockets of calm where silence feels sacred.
In Coron, history sleeps beneath the waves. Coral gardens bloom over World War II shipwrecks, creating underwater cathedrals where divers glide through portals to the past.
Further south in Balabac, pink-sand shores glow at sunset, and the pace of island life slows to a gentle whisper. Here, the sea shifts from turquoise to blush, as if painting its own farewell to the day.
MODEL OF SUSTAINABLE STEWARDSHIP
Palawan’s most remarkable achievement is not only its natural wonders, but how its people have learned to protect them. Long before “sustainable tourism” became a global standard, Palaweños were already practicing it.
Through the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines’ Community-Based Tourism (CBT) Marketing Enhancement Program, small towns have strengthened homestays, training programs, and visitor experiences that benefit both residents and travelers.
LONGEST WHITE BEACH
In San Vicente, home to the country’s longest stretch of white sand, fisherfolk families transformed portions of their homes into eco-lodges, ensuring livelihood without harming mangrove forests. In Brooke’s Point and Taytay, local guides—many of them youth—have been trained to lead responsible snorkeling tours, trekking adventures, and cultural walks.
For TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles, Palawan’s international recognitions tell a larger story:
“When destinations like Palawan are celebrated, what the world is really seeing are the communities behind them—the stewards who protect every reef, forest, and shoreline.”
ASIA’S BEST ISLAND
The accolades continue. Travel + Leisure once named Palawan Asia’s Best Island. TripAdvisor has awarded its beaches top global rankings. More recently, Frommer’s, Business Traveller Magazine, U.S. News & World Report, and Expedia all ranked it among the Top Global Destinations for 2026, praising its pristine environment, adventure opportunities, and commitment to community-led tourism.
Palawan is home to two of the world’s greatest natural treasures: the Puerto Princesa Underground River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and New 7 Wonder of Nature, and the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, one of the planet’s most biodiverse marine ecosystems.
JOURNEY WORTH PROTECTING
Beyond the awards and rankings, what truly endures are the quiet memories travelers bring home:a bowl of sinigang shared with locals, laughter after tasting tamilok, the hush over Bacuit Bay when sunset paints the cliffs gold. These moments form the soul of Palawan’s allure.
As more travelers return in 2026, they discover that Palawan is not a place to consume, but a place to care for—a destination built on stewardship, community, and love for the land.
For authentic and sustainable travel planning, visitors may explore the TravelPH app, available on the App Store and Google Play.