Part II. The best of Palawan

A couple of days ago, I started listing my 20 favourite things about Palawan, the Philippines. Today, I’m finishing off the list (Missed part I? Read it here)

In no particular order,

 

What else makes Palawan so great?

 

11. Motorcycling through the country side

 Rent a motorcycle or scooter in El Nido or Coron and ride off into the horizon. Feel the wind in your hair as you take in sweeping landscapes and sleepy villages.
Kids on the roadside shout “HELLOOO!” or hold out their hands for a full-speed high-five. The bike gives you the freedom to stop wherever you want—maybe an unexpected mangrove river or a little-visited kingfisher park.
Just watch out for half-finished roads full of potholes, especially after heavy rains. If you don’t drive, you could try your luck by batting your eyes at someone who does and score a ride—yes, even guys might get lucky! Do whatever it takes—this ride is not to be missed.

 

12. The seafood curry at “Squido’s”, El Nido town

It’s huge. It’s messy. It’s dirt cheap. And it’s absolutely delicious. The curry paste comes straight from Madras, and the seafood is as fresh as can be. Squido’s is a French–Filipino fusion spot, so naturally, the curry is served with… mashed potatoes. A surprising combo that totally works. One bite and you’ll be hooked. Just check out this portion for two!

 

13. The warm smiles

 Smiles in Palawan aren’t tossed around constantly like in some other parts of Asia—but when they come, they’re wide, warm, and genuine.

It’s the perfect place for portrait photography—especially since people love to strike a pose!

 

14. Sleeping and working in beach shacks

 Personally? I’m obsessed with beach shacks. To me, they define the beach life experience. Sleeping on the beach is dreamy—but working with the sound of waves and rustling palms in the background? Even better.

Wi-Fi isn’t exactly blazing fast on Palawan, but if you can unplug a little, it’s the ideal place to catch up on some work—or draft a few thesis chapters in peace.

 

15. Waterfalls and hot springs

Two of my ultimate travel weaknesses. The moment I hear those words, I perk up and start planning the route.
Palawan has both—scattered across the island in low-key, little-visited spots. Tranquil, unspoiled, and often just for you.

 

16. It’s Jurassic Park, minus the dinosaurs

JP is real—and it’s in Palawan! OK, technically it was filmed in Hawaii, but still…

There were moments I looked around and felt like I was standing in a scene straight out of Jurassic Park. And that kind of wild, dramatic beauty is just so exciting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

17. Finding paradise around every corner

You’re walking and suddenly…
You’re biking and suddenly…
You’re paddling your kayak and suddenly…

…a little hidden paradise appears. Quiet, welcoming, and utterly perfect. Just for you to pause, breathe, and take it all in.

 

18. The snorkelling

No dive license? No problem. Snorkeling in Palawan is just as mind-blowing. The coral is in great shape, the water is crystal clear, and tropical fish dart around like confetti. Sometimes, you don’t even need to get in the water—just peer over the boat’s edge and watch the underwater world come to life. And as I mentioned in my previous post, a few shallow shipwrecks are totally snorkelable, too.

 

19. Having a cool beer on a deserted beach

Even if you’re in the middle of nowhere, chances are there’s a tiny house or shack nearby, and its owner has a fridge filled with cold beer. For a few pesos, you’ve got yourself a frosty drink on an empty beach. If you’re lucky, they might even toss in a handful of salted peanuts.

 

20. The insane sunsets

I still can’t get over how intense these sunsets were. Fiery, cinematic, totally unreal. I’d return to Palawan just for the sunsets. No filter, no Photoshop—this is the real deal.

 

So there you have it, 20 of the best things about Palawan.
Why haven’t you booked your ticket yet?

 

Which travel destination has blown your mind?

 The post “Part II. The best of Palawan” first appeared on Travel Cake.