Hi
We are planning to go to Palawan in October and would like to know where the nice sandy beaches are that feature in photos and stories all the time. I initially thought we only had to fly into Puerto Princessa airport from Manilla but it seems that there is actually nothing in PP itself? We would have to go somewhere else to find these sandy white beaches and crystal clear waters? I have read and heard about El Nido and Port Baron but don't know which one is better as we only have a few days. We just want really nice picture postcard perfect beaches to relax at...nothing more. Any ideas of how to get there from PP would be much appreciated.
Cheers.
kiwidude
2
Laszlo
El Nido is the most scenic, but even there, the fine beaches are away from the town.
With limited time and flying to PP, Sabang beach, at the gateway to the St.Paul Underground River NP would be a good bet - it's one of the best beaches I've seen in the Philippines. And it's only a couple of hours from PP.
3
weilong
It's cheaper to fly into Puerto Pricessa than El Nido. The time I visited we flew into PP and travelled overland to Sabang then by sea to El Nido.
Sabang and Port Barton are a little more secluded and less developed than El Nido. El Nido has more options for diving and other water activities. Sabang has an underground river, you can charter rowboats to have a look.
WeiLong in The Philippines
4
anonymous
Sabang is close to P.Princesa and is nice itself, accommodation is on the beach, however the beach is certainly not among the best in the Philippines and it is very very quiet place.
Port Barton is right on the beach, as is the accommodation, however the beach is somewhat narrow and it is a village beach. More choices for food here, still very quiet and some gorgeous islands in the bay for some island hopping and swimming during the day.
El Nido is a town beach with accommodation on it, but inside the town. Worst of all in terms where you stay. El Nido however does have the prettiest beaches of the 3, however out of town on the islands, you go there on daytrips by boat and return in the evening.
I recommend either to fly to El Nido via SEAir and do daytrips or go to Port Barton by Jeepeny from P.Princesa (however it takes quite a good part of a day to get there).
Or go elsewhere int he Philippines for a few days of beach holiday. Coral Cay Resort in Siquijor is one of the nicest spots I visited recently which is perfect for a quiet (not much else there) beach holiday. Good food, nice rooms, good beach, easy to reach (flight to Dumaguete, then 45min by fast ferry, then 15min by tricycle). Some pics here
Pro tip
Lonely Planet
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