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Diving trip to
PALAWAN & CALAMIAN ISLANDS

The epitome of SEA's island-hopping destinations, and one of the absolute best diving destinations

Grap an atlas and look up Southeast Asia. Look carefully in the upper-right corner of the map. Zoom in on the area between the Philippines and Borneo...

When gazing at a map of Southeast Asia there is one long, narrow island, extruding northeast from Borneo, which we always ended zeroing in on: Palawan! And after several other travels crisscrossing SE Asia we finally ended up on Palawan during a wild island-hopping journey.

This place is island-hopping at its best. Palawan, and the archipelago north of Palawan, is a remote corner of the Philippines with hundreds of wild carst islands and hidden beaches. Below the surface there's some of the best wreck diving in the world.

Palawan’s history and culture are as captivating as its landscapes. Known as the “Cradle of Philippine Civilization,” the Tabon Caves in Palawan hold some of the oldest human remains in Southeast Asia, dating back over 50,000 years. The island’s indigenous tribes, such as the Tagbanwa, Palaw’an, and Batak, have preserved their traditions, including intricate wood carvings, weaving, and rituals that honor nature. Spanish colonization left its mark with fort ruins and churches, while World War II brought historic events like the Battle of Coron Bay. Today, Palawan is a blend of ancient heritage and a tranquil, close-knit community that values its connection to the land and sea.

 

Location: Western part of the Philippines, during 1½ month

Palawan is defined by its spectacular karst landscapes, reminiscent of Krabi in Thailand and Ha Long Bay in Vietnam, but with even more secluded beaches, wild karst islands, and breathtaking coastlines. Situated as a remote outcrop from the main Philippine islands, Palawan boasts the highest concentration of islands in the country. It is also the most sparsely populated province, earning it the nickname “The Last Frontier.” Combine this with its authentic travel experiences and serene atmosphere, and Palawan easily ranks as the top island-hopping destination in Southeast Asia.

 

After a short time in the capital Puerto Princesa we took the local jeepney to Sabang and entered the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. The 8.2-kilometer underground river winds through a stunning limestone karst landscape before flowing directly into the sea. 

Next up was the El Nido aea on the northern tip of Palawan island. Island hopping in El Nido is a must-do experience, offering a journey through a wild seascape with towering limestone cliffs, turquoise lagoons, and pristine white-sand beaches. We also did some cool jungle hikes to remote waterfalls in the area. 

After traversing Palawan from Puerto Princesa to El Nido, we ventured north of the main island to the Calamian Archipelago, technically part of Palawan province. This cluster of stunning karst islands features hidden sea lakes and some of the world’s best wreck diving. In 1944, during the WWII Battle of Coron Bay, 24 Japanese tanker and warships were sunk near Busuanga Island. Today, these haunting wrecks lie in shallow waters, offering incredible opportunities for wreck diving, including advanced penetration dives. Snorkeling is also an option for those who prefer to stay closer to the surface. We found the experience awe-inspiring. By night, we enjoyed Tanduay rum and played pool with the friendly locals, adding to the charm of our adventure.

If you love the Philippines see also and our island pages on the islands of the Visayas & islands off Mindanao. Also, Sulawesi, and the Togian Islands i quite nearby. 

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Selected pics from this island hopping tour:

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