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10 Best Palawan Beaches You Need to See

Discover Palawan's most beautiful beaches, from secret lagoons to lively shores. Find your perfect sandy escape here.

7 Min ReadJun 11, 2026
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an aerial view of a beach surrounded by trees

Ever wondered if those postcard-perfect photos of Palawan beaches are real? Good news, they are – and even better in person! Imagine sinking your toes into soft white sand while gentle waves whisper nearby. Palawan truly offers some of the most stunning coastlines in the Philippines, each with its own special charm. This island is a wonderland of clear waters and amazing rock formations. Whether you're dreaming of quiet coves perfect for kayaking or lively spots with good food and sunset views, Palawan has a beach waiting for you. Let's dive into some of the best Palawan beaches, straight from a friend who’s been there. Get ready to feel that warm island breeze and plan your escape!

So there you have it, ten incredible Palawan beaches, each with its own story and charm. From quiet, hidden coves to lively shores perfect for sunset drinks, Palawan truly delivers. It's amazing how much beauty one island can hold! These spots offer a real taste of island life, full of clear waters and warm breezes. Why not start dreaming of your own Palawan adventure? Save this list and let your imagination wander.

1

Hidden Beach

Price varies4.7Hidden Beach, El Nido, Palawan, Philippines
Hidden Beach

Hidden Beach is a real adventure! It's one of those spots you often visit as part of El Nido's Tour C, and it definitely lives up to its name. You'll find towering rock formations all around, and once you get inside, it feels like a secret world. The coral here is amazing too, making the waters a beautiful place to explore. Just be ready for a bit of a swim to reach this peaceful sandy stretch. One visitor wrote, "Another stop on Tour C, Hidden Beach will definitely get your adrenaline pumping since you need to swim across the open sea to reach it." It's a small effort for a big reward!

2

Lio Beach

Price varies4.7El Nido, Palawan, Philippines
Lio Beach

Lio Beach in El Nido is a lovely, laid-back spot that offers more than just sand and sea. It’s got a relaxed vibe with a nice selection of restaurants and bars, plus some small boutiques if you fancy a little browse. You’ll also find local tour operators here, making it a convenient base. The beach itself is well-kept and inviting. One visitor said, "Gorgeous beach! Very clean, lots of shade, several restaurants, nice pier to walk on. Safe. Clean waters too!" It’s a great place to spend a sunny afternoon, enjoy a meal, or simply walk along the pier.

3

White Beach

Price varies4.5C543+6X8, Port Barton, San Vicente, Palawan, Philippines
White Beach

White Beach near Port Barton is exactly what you picture when thinking of Palawan beaches – pure, soft sand and clear water. It's a fantastic spot for a day trip from Port Barton. You can get there by boat, a tuk-tuk ride, or even a hike if you're feeling energetic, though most people choose a ride. The water is perfect for swimming, calm and inviting. You might even spot some friendly goats wandering around! One visitor shared, "Really nice beach and perfect for a daytrip from Port Barton, reachable either by boat, Tuk Tuk or hiking – which almost nobody does but I would really recommend it." Just keep an eye out for jellyfish, as they can sometimes appear.

4

Papaya Beach

Price varies4.759FJ+6J5, El Nido, Palawan, Philippines
Papaya Beach

Papaya Beach is a charming, slightly smaller beach in El Nido that offers a wonderfully relaxed vibe. It's often included in boat tours, or you can even paddle there yourself if you rent a kayak for the day (expect to pay around 500-700 pesos). To enjoy it without many other people, try to arrive before 10 AM. You’ll find fresh coconuts and cold beers available, making it easy to just unwind. One visitor mentioned, "We went there with rented kayak (500-700 peso for the whole day). Arrive there before 10am, so you can enjoy the beach without any tourist, but it’s not crowded at all." It's a simple, happy spot to chill out.

5

Cadlao Lagoon

Price varies4.8687W+V5G, Unnamed Road, El Nido, Palawan, Philippines
Cadlao Lagoon

Cadlao Lagoon is an absolutely beautiful spot, tucked away near El Nido. The water here is truly special, a mix of clear blues and greens that just sparkle. It’s a wonderful place to take a kayak out and paddle around, soaking in the peaceful views. Compared to some other popular lagoons, Cadlao often feels a bit less crowded, which is a real bonus if you love quiet moments. One visitor wrote, "Absolutely stunning spot in El Nido! The water in Cadlao Lagoon is crystal clear with beautiful shades of blue and green. Perfect for kayaking or just relaxing and taking in the view. It's less crowde". You can even reach it by kayak from El Nido town if the sea is calm.

6

Twin Lagoon

Price varies4.8W6X5+2VV, Coron, Palawan, Philippines
Twin Lagoon

Twin Lagoon in Coron is a truly unique place that often becomes a favorite stop on boat tours. It’s known for its dramatic limestone cliffs and the cool experience of swimming through a small passage to get from one lagoon to the other. You can swim through underwater during low tide, or paddle over a small ladder-like structure during high tide. Kayaks are an option too, but it can get busy with them. One visitor said, "My absolute favourite stop on our boat tour. We chose to swim in and were glad we did, there were so many kayaks everywhere you'd spend more time dodging each other than enjoying the views." It feels like stepping into another world.

7

Small Lagoon

Price varies4.9584C+GHR Miniloc Island, El Nido, Palawan, Philippines
Small Lagoon

Small Lagoon, located on Miniloc Island in El Nido, is a truly special place surrounded by towering limestone walls. It’s a popular spot for kayaking, and you’ll understand why once you see the clear turquoise water. To get into the inner part of the lagoon, you often need to pass through a small opening in the cliffs – it feels like a little secret passage! It can get a bit busy between 10 AM and 2 PM, but it’s still enjoyable. One visitor shared, "Beautiful with a hidden small lagoon you have to pass through a small hole in the cliffs to get too stunning ❤️" It’s a fantastic place to paddle and explore.

8

Las Cabañas Beach

Price varies4.5Las Cabañas Beach, Taytay - El Nido National Hwy, El Nido, Palawan, Philippines
Las Cabañas Beach

Las Cabañas Beach, also known as Marimegmeg Beach, is famous for its incredible sunset views in El Nido. It's a picturesque spot where you can just relax and watch the sky change colors. There are also casual dining options and bars right on the beach, perfect for grabbing a drink or a bite. While the sunsets are amazing, it’s good to know that during low tide, many stones can be revealed in the water, which might make walking in a bit uncomfortable. One visitor honestly noted, "I loved the beach in the start of the day but it was low tide and this reveals how many stones there are in the sea. Honestly it is unpleasant to look and very painful to walk inside and cool yourself". Still, for sunset and good vibes, it’s a winner.

9

Lio Beach

Price varies4.6Lio Beach (1,290.12 mi, 5310 Lio, El Nido, 5310 Palawan, Philippines
Lio Beach

This Lio Beach is another beautiful stretch of sand, known for its picturesque, palm-fringed setting. It feels a bit more developed, with upscale resorts and options for surfing and water sports. The long, soft white sand and calm, clear waters make it perfect for a relaxing swim. In the evenings, the lights from the cafes and along the shore create a lovely atmosphere. One visitor shared, "Lio Beach stole my heart completely 🌴✨ What a magical place! The long stretch of soft white sand feels endless, the water is crystal clear and so calm for swimming, and the whole area is surrounded b". It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a comfortable beach experience with good facilities.

10

El Nido Beach

Price varies4.459JR+F52, El Nido, Bay, Philippines
El Nido Beach

El Nido Beach is right in El Nido town, serving as a main hub for island-hopping tours like Tour A, B, C, and D. It's a lively spot with lots of shops and restaurants nearby. While it’s wonderful for walking along and soaking in the atmosphere, it's not typically a swimming beach, as swimming is often prohibited, and there can be boats. One visitor gave an honest view, saying, "It’s okay but really it’s more of a beach where you look at it from a restaurant or vantage point. The beach itself is clean enough but still has some trash. Swimming is prohibited and it seems like r". It’s more of a place to enjoy the views and the buzz of town before heading out to other Palawan beaches.

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