A Complete Guide to Exploring the Philippines: Palawan, Boracay, and Beyond

Puerto Princesa Underground River

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. The river runs 8.2 kilometers through a limestone cave system beneath St. Paul Mountain, and the tour covers the first 1.5 kilometers by paddleboat. The cave is enormous — the main chamber is 65 meters high in places, and the formations are genuinely spectacular, lit by a single flashlight held by your boatman-guide who narrates in English and points out formations that resemble everything from the Virgin Mary to a mushroom farm.

Combine the underground river with a visit to Honda Bay, a cluster of islands 30 minutes north of the city. Island-hopping tours cost 1,200 to 1,500 PHP per person and include snorkeling at Cowrie Island and Starfish Island, where the namesake starfish are abundant in knee-deep water.

Coron Wreck Diving

Coron Town, on Busuanga Island in northern Palawan, is one of the world's best wreck diving destinations. In September 1944, American aircraft sank a fleet of Japanese supply ships in Coron Bay, and today, a dozen wrecks lie at depths ranging from 10 to 40 meters, encrusted with coral and swarming with marine life. I did my PADI Advanced Open Water certification in Coron specifically to access the deeper wrecks, and it was one of the best decisions I've made while traveling.

The Irako, a 147-meter refrigeration ship sitting upright at 38 to 43 meters, is the crown jewel. Penetrating the wreck — swimming through cargo holds and engine rooms with a dive torch, surrounded by schools of batfish and grouper — is an experience that borders on spiritual. The Olympia Maru, at 25 meters, is more accessible and still impressive, with a resident giant grouper the size of a small car. Most dive shops in Coron Town offer two-tank wreck dives for 3,500 to 4,000 PHP ($63 to $72), including equipment rental and guide.

Even non-divers can enjoy Coron. Kayangan Lake, a saltwater lake accessible by a 10-minute hike up limestone steps, has water so clear it looks like an infinity pool. Twin Lagoon, where you swim through a narrow opening in the rock wall into a hidden lagoon surrounded by towering karst formations, is equally stunning. Both are included in the standard island-hopping tour (1,500 to 2,000 PHP per person).

Cebu Whale Shark Experience

Swimming with whale sharks in Oslob, on the southern tip of Cebu Island, is one of the most popular activities in the Philippines, and it's also one of the most controversial. Local fishermen feed the whale sharks small amounts of krill each morning to keep them in the area, which has altered their natural migration patterns. I went, and I have complicated feelings about it.

The experience itself is undeniably thrilling. You board a small outrigger boat at 6 AM, motor 10 minutes offshore, and slip into the water with a snorkel mask. Within seconds, a whale shark — 6 to 10 meters long, mouth wide open — glides past you at arm's length. The sheer size is impossible to comprehend until one is three feet from your face. Interaction time is limited to 30 minutes. The cost is 500 PHP for the interaction fee plus 300 PHP for the boat rental, totaling roughly 550 to 600 PHP ($10 to $11) per person.

If the ethical concerns bother you, Donsol in Sorsogon Province offers whale shark interactions in a more natural setting — the sharks are not fed, and sightings are seasonal (November to June) and not guaranteed. Lila, in Bohol, has also started offering non-feeding whale shark interactions.

Transportation Between Islands

Getting between Philippine islands is the logistical challenge that defines any trip here. Domestic flights are the fastest option — Cebu Pacific, AirAsia, and Philippine Airlines serve most major destinations, with fares starting at 1,500 PHP ($27) if booked well in advance. Last-minute fares can exceed 5,000 PHP. Ferries are cheaper but slower: 2Go Travel operates overnight ferries between Manila, Coron, and Puerto Princesa, with fares starting at 1,200 PHP ($22) for a bunk in a shared cabin.

For shorter hops, local outrigger boats (banca) connect nearby islands. From El Nido to Coron, Montenegro Lines runs a fast ferry (3.5 hours, 1,800 PHP, $33) three times per week. From Cebu City to Bohol, OceanJet ferries run hourly from 6 AM to 6 PM (2 hours, 500 PHP, $9). Schedules change frequently — check current timetables at ferryschedule.ph. Build buffer days into your itinerary for delays, which are common, especially during typhoon season (July to October).

Essential Tips to Keep in Mind

• The dry season (November to May) is the best time to visit. January and February offer the best weather. Avoid July to October for typhoon risk.
• Get a local SIM card at the airport — Globe and Smart both offer tourist SIMs for 50 PHP with data packages. Download Grab for booking transport in cities.
• Palawan requires a tourist permit for some destinations. Your hotel or tour operator usually arranges this, but carry photocopies of your passport and flight details.
• Street food is excellent and safe — try grilled squid (inihaw na pusit) and pork barbecue skewers for a less challenging introduction.
• Boracay has recovered well since its 2018 rehabilitation closure. White Beach is stunning, but prices have risen. Budget 2,000 to 3,000 PHP per night for a decent beachfront room in shoulder season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Philippines safe? Yes, for tourists. The main tourist destinations (Palawan, Boracay, Cebu, Siargao) are safe and well-policed. Avoid the southern Mindanao region.

How much does a Philippines trip cost? Budget travelers can manage $25 to $40 per day. Mid-range travelers should budget $60 to $100 per day.

Do I need a visa? Most nationalities get 30 days visa-free on arrival. Extensions are possible through immigration offices.

Final Thoughts

The Philippines is the kind of destination that makes you extend your ticket. Every island has a different personality — Palawan is rugged and pristine, Boracay is polished and social, Cebu is a gateway to whale sharks and canyoneering. The logistics can be frustrating, the internet is slow, and the heat is relentless. But then you're on a boat in Coron Bay, watching the sunset turn the karst formations orange and pink, and a local fisherman hands you a fresh coconut with a straw in it, and none of the annoyances matter. The Philippines rewards the patient traveler, and the rewards are extraordinary.