Palawan luxury guide: From private islands to hidden lagoons

Recently named Asia’s favourite island in the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2025, Palawan in the Philippines blends luxury resorts with untamed landscapes. From upscale bases in El Nido and Coron, travellers can venture out to discover remote sandbars, hidden lagoons and some of the clearest waters in the world

El Nido: Northern Palawan’s luxury base

The Philippines‘ El Nido is Palawan at its most cinematic – sheer limestone cliffs, jade lagoons and palm-fringed white beaches. The Bacuit Archipelago is the classic starting point for island-hopping, from the Big and Small Lagoons to Shimizu Island’s coral gardens and the tucked-away Secret Beach.

For luxury travellers, El Nido also offers some of the archipelago’s finest stays. Pangulasian Island (El Nido Resorts) delivers a private-island experience with villas overlooking the water, while the recently transformed Lagen offers an eco-conscious luxury stay that includes a wellness sanctuary, from September 2025. From either, private boats or yacht charters can take guests deeper into the surrounding islands.

Coron: Wreck dives and private-island stays

Further north, Coron combines a lively town with some of Palawan’s most striking landscapes. Kayangan Lake and Barracuda Lake are famed for their clarity, Siete Pecados teems with marine life, and World War II shipwrecks draw divers from around the world.

Coron is also home to several of Palawan’s most established luxury resorts, with Two Seasons Coron Island Resort & Spa our pick of the bunch. It balances barefoot luxury with family-friendly facilities, while the newer (and much larger) Sunlight Eco Tourism Island Resort boasts over-water villas and sprawling grounds. From Coron, private expeditions southwards into Linapacan can be easily arranged.

Beyond the bases: Off-grid islands worth exploring

While El Nido and Coron are the natural anchors for the luxury traveller, much of Palawan’s magic lies further afield – and best reached by private boat or curated expeditions.

On the west coast, Port Barton is a relaxed village where boats set out to Starfish and German Islands. Most luxury travellers visit as a day trip, drawn by the quiet beaches and jungle waterfalls.

Further north, Taytay – the former Spanish capital of Palawan – blends heritage landmarks with one of the archipelago’s largest bays, a jumping-off point for secluded islands and reefs. A quick ten-minute boat ride gets you to NoaNoa Private Island, widely regarded as Taytay’s most luxurious retreat, with just a handful of villas and private reefs reserved for guests.

Between El Nido and Coron, meanwhile, the Linapacan Islands are famed for crystal-clear waters and pristine reefs – best explored on a private yacht charter, much like the Balabac Islands at Palawan’s southern tip. This remote cluster of sandbars and turtle-inhabited seas is largely untouched – revealed only through bespoke expeditions.

How to spend your time in Palawan

One week in Palawan

Split your time between El Nido (3 nights) and Coron (4 nights). Explore the lagoons of Bacuit Bay, then fly north for wreck dives and private-island resorts.

Ten days with adventure

Begin in El Nido (3 nights), then take a 3-night private yacht charter north through the Linapacan Islands, stopping at pristine reefs and deserted beaches. Conclude in Coron (4 nights) with lakes, wreck dives and time on a private-island resort.

Ultimate splurge

Fly direct to Amanpulo (5 nights) for pure seclusion on Pamalican Island, then connect to El Nido (3 nights) for a cinematic finish among limestone cliffs and lagoons. Round out with Coron (2 nights) for a taste of its wreck dives and coral gardens.

Ultimate escape: Amanpulo

Sitting proudly away from Palawan’s main tourist circuit, Amanpulo on Pamalican Island (part of Palawan province’s Cuyo Islands) is the Philippines’ most exclusive resort. Accessible only by private Aman aircraft from Manila, the island offers powder-white sand, crystal waters and Aman’s signature understated design. Each casita or villa comes with its own buggy, while activities span kite surfing, diving, sailing and a world-class wellness programme. Unlike El Nido or Coron, where luxury is paired with exploration, Amanpulo is the destination in itself – a pure private-island escape.

How to get around Palawan

Flights 

Boutique airline AirSWIFT connects Manila and Cebu directly to El Nido. Coron is served by flights into Busuanga Airport, while Puerto Princesa remains the main commercial hub. Amanpulo is reached via a private Aman plane from Manila (around one hour).

Transfers

From resorts in El Nido and Coron, luxury guests transfer by private speedboat. Longer yacht charters link El Nido, Linapacan and Coron seamlessly.

Add-ons 

Port Barton and Taytay can be reached by road transfer, while Balabac requires a private expedition south from Puerto Princesa.