travel guide palawan

Best Beaches in Palawan

Palawan has emerged as a top destination for beach lovers in the Philippines, with a wealth of stunning beaches that make it hard to choose just one favorite.
From the crystal-clear waters of Nacpan Beach to the peaceful shores of Sabang Beach, Palawan boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
In this guide, we've curated the most breathtaking beaches in Palawan to help you plan your perfect island getaway.

Request a quote

Nacpan Beach, El Nido

Nacpan Beach is the best beach in El Nido, a wide stretch of golden sand backed by coconut palms in a serene tropical setting. The long shoreline is ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and walks along the water, and the open views make it a lovely place to watch the sunset.

👉 To get to Nacpan Beach, you can travel about 45 minutes from El Nido town by tricycle or van. To stay near the beach, you can choose ANGKLA Beach Club & Boutique Resort or Nacpan Beach Villas.

Sabang Beach, Puerto Princesa

Sabang Beach lies along Palawan’s rugged, untouched coastline and is the gateway to the famous Underground River. The beach itself is a tranquil place to unwind and recharge. Its relaxed atmosphere makes it a natural base for visiting the river, with time left to swim and rest by the sea.

👉 To get to Sabang Beach, you can travel about 2 hours by road from Puerto Princesa airport, or take a van from El Nido. To stay at Sabang Beach, you can choose Daluyon Beach and Mountain Resort.

7 Commandos Beach, El Nido

Seven Commandos Beach has sparkling white sand, crystal-clear turquoise water, and a backdrop of swaying coconut trees. It can be reached only by boat and is usually the final stop on island-hopping tours, which makes it a relaxing end to the day, with a last swim in calm water and shade under the palms.

👉 To get to Seven Commandos Beach, you can take a boat from El Nido town, or join El Nido Tour A, which includes the beach. To stay nearby, you can choose Vellago Resort.

Long Beach, San Vicente

San Vicente is home to Long Beach, a 9-mile stretch of golden sand and the longest beach of its kind in the Philippines. The wide, open shoreline leaves plenty of space to walk, swim, and relax, and it makes San Vicente a quieter alternative to El Nido for a beach stay.

👉 To get to San Vicente, you can fly to the local airport or take a van from El Nido or Puerto Princesa. To stay in San Vicente, you can choose Club Agutaya Resort.

Nagtabon Beach, Puerto Princesa

Nagtabon Beach is a tropical oasis with 5 miles of pristine coastline, close to Puerto Princesa city. Gentle waves roll onto a quiet shore, which creates a relaxing atmosphere. The simple, natural setting suits a slow beach day, and the beach is easy to visit as a day trip from the city.

👉 To get to Nagtabon Beach, you can travel about 45 minutes from Puerto Princesa city center by van or tricycle. To stay at Nagtabon Beach, you can choose from several simple huts and basic accommodations, or stay in a hotel in Puerto Princesa and visit for the day, since there are no luxury options.

Tinintinan Beach, Araceli

Tinintinan Beach is located in northern Palawan and has white sandy shores and clear turquoise water. It is a peaceful spot for swimming and beach walks, and active travelers can also try kayaking and kiteboarding. The quiet surroundings and natural beauty give the beach an authentic local feel.

👉 To get to Tinintinan Beach, you can travel by land to Roxas, and then take a boat or ferry to Araceli. The trip is long, but the scenery makes it worthwhile. To stay in Araceli, you can choose from simple accommodations and homestays.

Papaya Beach, El Nido

Papaya Beach is a small cove with powdery white sand and crystal-clear water, surrounded by lush limestone cliffs. The sheltered setting and the cliffs framing the sand create an intimate atmosphere, ideal for swimming, relaxing, and enjoying the tropical scenery in a quiet corner of the coast.

👉 To get to Papaya Beach, you can stay at The Funny Lion El Nido, which manages the beach. Guests get a free boat trip to the beach, and access is reserved for them.

Talaudyong Beach, Puerto Princesa

Talaudyong Beach is a secluded beach close to Nagtabon Beach. The calm shoreline and peaceful setting make it ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and unwinding in quiet surroundings, away from the busier stretches of coast.

👉 To get to Talaudyong Beach, you can travel about 45 minutes from Puerto Princesa city center by van or tricycle. There is no public transportation, so a motorbike rental is also an option. To stay nearby, you can choose Talaudyong Garden Beach Cabins.