BEACHES & COAST
5Las Cabanas Beach, El Nido
Beach
Picturesque beach at the edge of El Nido town with a famous zipline over the sea. Excellent sunset views toward Cadlao Island.
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4Nacpan Beach
Beach
Pristine 4 km white-sand beach north of El Nido, one of the best in the Philippines. Merges with Calitang Beach into a twin-beach peninsula.
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1Port Barton Beach
Beach
Laid-back fishing village with a long sandy beach and excellent snorkeling on surrounding reef islands. Perfect antidote to El Nido's crowds.
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3Barracuda Lake, Coron
Snorkel spot
Unique volcanic lake with a thermocline -- water shifts from cool to 38 C within meters. The resident barracuda is a famous photo subject.
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Siete Pecados Marine Park
Snorkel spot
Vibrant coral garden around seven limestone islets near Coron town. Excellent snorkeling with sea turtles, nemo fish and tropical reef life.
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Skeleton Wreck, Coron
Snorkel spot
One of the most accessible WWII Japanese wrecks in Coron, lying in shallow water. Good for snorkelers and beginner divers alike.
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Tubbataha Reef National Park
Snorkel spot
UNESCO World Heritage dive paradise in the Sulu Sea, reachable only by liveaboard from Puerto Princesa (March to June season). World-class walls and pelagics.
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NATURE
9Big Lagoon, El Nido
Nature
The iconic El Nido lagoon enclosed by towering limestone karsts. Explore by kayak through crystal-clear emerald water. Tour A must-do.
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7Honda Bay
Nature
Island-hopping area near Puerto Princesa with powder-sand islets, coral gardens and clear shallow water. Easy day trip from the capital.
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Kayangan Lake, Coron
Nature
Dubbed the cleanest lake in Asia. A stunning freshwater lake inside limestone cliffs on Coron Island. Reached by a staircase with a famous viewpoint.
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8Puerto Princesa Subterranean River
Nature
UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. A navigable 8 km underground river through spectacular cave chambers.
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Secret Lagoon, El Nido
Nature
Hidden lagoon on Miniloc Island, reached by swimming through a small crevice in the cliff. Compact but unforgettably beautiful.
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10Small Lagoon, El Nido
Nature
A serene enclosed lagoon accessible only through a narrow rock entrance. Even more intimate than Big Lagoon, reached by swimming or kayak.
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6Twin Lagoon, Coron
Nature
Two connected lagoons separated by a limestone wall. At high tide, swim through an underwater crevice to reach the warmer inner lagoon.
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CULTURE & HISTORY
2Matinloc Shrine & Hidden Beach
Historic site
A hilltop shrine on Matinloc Island with sweeping views of the Bacuit Archipelago, combined with access to the famous Hidden Beach below.
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ACTIVITIES & LOCAL
Coron Town
Local producer
Gateway to Coron's WWII wreck diving and island lagoons. Climb Mt Tapyas for panoramic views over the island-speckled bay at sunset.
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El Nido Town
Local producer
The main base for exploring the Bacuit Archipelago. Tour boats, restaurants and guesthouses line the beach; vibrant evening food scene.
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GETTING THERE
El Nido Lio Airport
Transport
Small airport 10 km from El Nido town, with direct flights from Manila. Saves the 5-hour van ride from Puerto Princesa.
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Francisco B. Reyes Airport, Coron
Transport
Airport on Busuanga island serving Coron town (45 km away by road). Direct Manila flights; transfers by van or boat.
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Puerto Princesa International Airport
Transport
Main gateway to Palawan. Frequent flights from Manila and Cebu; direct connections from Singapore and other regional hubs.
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