Discover Palawan’s best eco-luxury resorts, sustainable island-hopping tours, and marine conservation efforts in the Philippines’ Last Frontier. Complete 2025 travel guide with accommodation, transport, and responsible tourism tips.
Maintaining my balance with a heavy backpack on a traditional bangka as it glides through the turquoise waters towards El Nido’s Big Lagoon, is a challenge. Arriving at the shoreline, I’m struck by an uncomfortable truth: paradise has a price, and Palawan is facing its own challenge and looks to be learning this lesson the hard way. The limestone karsts that dominate the coves, keep a watchful eye on developments in the South China Sea, and are as breathtaking as ever. The flotilla of tour boats jostling for position tells a different story than the one I first encountered here a decade ago.
Palawan—dubbed the Philippines’ “Last Frontier”—has become the poster boy for both the promise and peril of eco-tourism. This 270-mile-long archipelago of nearly 2,000 islands has been voted “World’s Best Island” multiple times, attracting 2.3 million visitors annually who come seeking pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and that Instagram-perfect lagoon shot. But as I’ve witnessed during my recent return, the challenge isn’t just protecting this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve—it’s reconciling the growing appetite for luxury experiences with genuine environmental stewardship. And this is proving a tougher balancing act than my arrival by bangka.
The Evolution of Paradise
El Nido’s dramatic transformation from sleepy fishing village to tourism hub reflects Palawan’s changing and challenging tourism landscape
When I first visited Palawan in the early 2000s, El Nido was still a sleepy fishing village where you could have entire beaches to yourself. The accommodations were basic bamboo huts, the tours were run by local fishermen, and the evening entertainment consisted of cold local brews and plenty of sunset watching. Fast-forward to 2024, and the transformation is staggering.
El Nido Resorts, founded in 1979, has evolved into a multiple award-winning group of luxury island eco-resorts located in the El Nido-Taytay Managed Resource Protected Area, setting the standard for high-end sustainable tourism in the region. But they’re no longer alone. Sunlight Eco-Tourism Island Resort (SETIR) launched its new Salepan Villas in January 2024, whilst numerous luxury properties have opened throughout 2024.
The numbers tell the story: El Nido recorded more than 500,000 visitors in 2023, putting pressure on the island’s marine ecosystems and raising environmental concerns about potential damage to coral reefs. This isn’t unique to Palawan—it’s the classic over-tourism paradox playing out in real time.
The Reality Behind the Eco-Luxury Label
Let’s be honest about what “eco-luxury” actually means in Palawan, because the marketing spin often obscures a more complex reality. During my stay at one of the newer resorts, I was impressed by the solar panels and water filtration systems, but less enthused about the helicopter transfers and daily linen changes that seem to contradict the sustainability messaging. Sometimes we need to take a step back to consider whether we are investing in genuine eco-conscious resorts, or simply being greenwashed.
Amanpulo, on the exclusive Pamalican Island, offers the ultimate in luxury with private casitas and its own airstrip for 14-seat turboprop flights from Manila. Whilst undeniably spectacular, the carbon footprint of flying guests to a private island raises questions about what constitutes responsible tourism in an era of climate change.
The more authentic eco-luxury experiences I’ve found tend to be smaller-scale operations like boutique resorts overlooking Ulugan Bay with just 12 villas scattered across 30 hectares of nature reserve. These properties genuinely integrate conservation with comfort, employing local communities and funding marine protection initiatives.
Marine Conservation: The Heart of the Matter
Palawan’s marine protected areas support incredible biodiversity whilst providing sustainable tourism opportunities
The real test of Palawan’s eco-credentials lies beneath the waves. The El Nido-Taytay Managed Resource Protected Area covers over 36,000 hectares of land and 54,000 hectares of marine waters, making it the largest marine sanctuary in the Philippines. But size doesn’t automatically equal success.
In 2024, Palawan inaugurated two new Marine Protected Area (MPA) stations in El Nido and Coron, with one floating station doubling as a tourist attraction to generate revenue for volunteer rangers. It’s an innovative approach that turns conservation into a visitor experience whilst funding protection efforts.
The challenges are significant. The 2024 Palawan State of the Marine Environment report highlights concerning developments regarding marine ecosystem health, driven predominantly by climate change, pollution and human activities. Increased ocean temperature from climate change has caused widespread coral bleaching in Palawan, whilst the sheer volume of tourists puts pressure on fragile reef systems.
But there’s hope in the community-based conservation efforts. Malampaya Foundation recently transferred and restocked locally-extinct giant clam species Tridacna gigas in select marine protection zones in El Nido and Coron, demonstrating how luxury tourism revenue can fund meaningful conservation when done right.
Sustainable Island-Hopping: Beyond the Tours
The quintessential Palawan experience is island-hopping, but not all tours are created equal. Group island hopping tours in El Nido now cost 1,200 to 1,400 pesos (£20-24/$25-30) per person, with additional environmental fees and lagoon entry fees. Whilst this may seem expensive, these fees directly fund conservation efforts. My advice is to do your own research to ensure your chosen tour feeds back into local communities and the environment and is truly sustainable before parting with your cash.
For example, Tao Philippines pioneered the original multi-day island hopping expeditions between El Nido, Linapacan, and Coron, integrating sustainable travel with genuine community engagement. Their approach allows travellers to experience remote islands whilst staying with local communities, creating economic benefits that encourage conservation.
For luxury travellers, private boat tours allow for customised itineraries visiting specific islands and snorkelling spots, typically costing 7,000 to 9,000 pesos (£115-150/$140-180) for private groups. The key is choosing operators who prioritise marine protection—look for companies that limit group sizes, use reef-safe anchoring techniques, and employ local guides.
Top Sustainable Tour Operators at time of publication*:
- Big Dream Boatman – TripAdvisor’s top-rated expedition company starting at $599 (£470)
- El Nido Tours – Trusted by 30,000+ travellers in 2024-2025
- Tao Philippines – Pioneer of sustainable multi-day expeditions
*prices and policies can and do change. Undertaking your own research to find a tour operator is always recommended
The Accommodation Landscape
Suggested Image: Luxury overwater villa at sunset with traditional Filipino architecture elements integrated into modern design Alt Text: Eco-luxury overwater villa in Palawan showcasing sustainable design elements and traditional Filipino architecture Caption: Modern eco-luxury accommodations in Palawan blend contemporary comfort with traditional Filipino design and environmental consciousness
Palawan’s luxury accommodation scene spans from overwater villas to eco-lodges nestled in virgin forest. El Nido Pangulasian features 42 stunning villas spread along a pristine beach, whilst Cauayan Island Resort offers luxurious accommodation on a picture-perfect crescent-shaped beach surrounded by limestone cliffs.
Accommodation Price Ranges:
- Budget Eco-Lodges: £15-50/$20-65 per night (Eco Camp Dos Playa Daracotan)
- Mid-Range Resorts: £80-200/$100-250 per night (Two Seasons Island Resort)
- Luxury Properties: £300-800/$400-1,000 per night (El Nido Resorts properties)
- Ultra-Luxury: £800+/$1,000+ per night (Amanpulo, exclusive private islands)
The most authentic eco-luxury experiences prioritise environmental impact over ostentatious displays of wealth. Properties like El Nido Resorts demonstrate that luxury can coexist with conservation through renewable energy systems, local community employment, and marine habitat protection funding.
When to Visit and Getting There
The dry season from November to May offers the best weather for island-hopping, with March to early May providing the most consistent conditions. I’ve found February and March particularly appealing—the weather is reliably dry, but you’re just ahead of the peak season crowds and prices.
Puerto Princesa International Airport serves as the main gateway, with daily flights from Manila, Cebu, and other Philippine cities via airlines like Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific. AirSWIFT operates direct flights to El Nido, though this smaller airline can be pricier due to limited competition.
Flight Costs at time of print:
- Manila to Puerto Princesa: £35-60/$45-75 (1 hour 15 minutes)
- Manila to El Nido (AirSWIFT): £65-95/$85-120 (1 hour 30 minutes)
- Cebu to Puerto Princesa: £25-45/$30-55 (1 hour 45 minutes)
Weekly ferry services operate from Manila to Puerto Princesa, taking 18-22 hours but offering a more sustainable alternative to flying whilst providing scenic views of the Philippine Sea.
Cultural Awareness and Local Cuisine
Palawan’s cultural landscape reflects its position as a melting pot of indigenous traditions, Spanish colonial influence, and modern Filipino culture. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, the currency is the Philippine Peso (£1 = 70-75 PHP / $1 = 55-60 PHP), and tipping isn’t customary but is appreciated at high-end establishments.
The culinary scene celebrates fresh seafood caught daily by local fishermen, tropical fruits, and the famous tamilok (woodworm delicacy) for adventurous eaters. Don’t miss the authentic kapeng barako—a strong local Filipino coffee perfect for early morning island hopping adventures.
Dining costs range from £1-3/$1.50-4 for street food to £40+/$50+ for fine dining at luxury resorts.
The Environmental Challenge
Here’s where the conversation gets uncomfortable. Tourism to Palawan increased 28% from 2015 to 2016, reaching 2.3 million visitors, with infrastructure struggling to keep pace. Recent development has included raw sewage running directly into the sea near tourist areas and hastily constructed hotels without proper environmental impact assessments.
Environment officials warn that El Nido may follow Boracay’s path, experiencing environmental problems including water pollution and inadequate waste management systems. The most troubling aspect is the “greenwashing” that pervades the industry—many properties claiming eco-credentials are simply luxury resorts with solar panels but no measurable environmental impact.
The tragic death of environmental defender Jun Pacdaan in December 2024, ambushed whilst protecting Cleopatra’s Needle Critical Habitat, highlights the real dangers facing those who defend Palawan’s natural heritage.
Finding Authentic Eco-Luxury
So how do you experience Palawan responsibly whilst still enjoying luxury? Start by researching operators who can demonstrate genuine conservation impact. El Nido Resorts actively participates in marine conservation through measurable eco-friendly practices, community-based resource management, and direct funding of marine protected areas.
Your Checklist for Authentic Eco-stays:
- Local employment with fair wages and training opportunities
- Comprehensive waste management and renewable energy systems
- Direct financial contributions to conservation projects
- Demonstrable economic benefits to local communities
- Regular environmental impact reporting
- Guest education programmes about conservation
The best operators will gladly share detailed information about their conservation efforts, including specific metrics. If operators are vague about environmental impact, keep walking.
Beyond the Main Attractions
Whilst El Nido and Coron dominate the headlines, spreading tourism benefits to lesser-known areas helps distribute economic impact more sustainably. Port Barton offers a more relaxed alternative with excellent snorkelling and fewer crowds, whilst Honda Bay near Puerto Princesa provides island-hopping opportunities in a Marine Key Biodiversity Area where whale sharks visit seasonally.
The Cost and Future of Paradise
A comprehensive island-hopping experience typically costs £40-50/$50-60 per person for group tours, or £240-260/$300-320 for private boat tours. Budget travellers can experience Palawan from £35-75/$42-95 per day, whilst luxury experiences range from £345-1,050/$435-1,315 per day.
Despite ongoing challenges, 2024 brought significant achievements in biodiversity protection. The “Save the Puerto Princesa Bay” campaign mobilised thousands of volunteers, collecting over 100 tonnes of garbage and revitalising coastal ecosystems. Innovation in conservation funding, like the floating MPA station that doubles as a tourist attraction, shows promise for making environmental protection financially self-sustaining.
The Bottom Line
Palawan remains one of the world’s most beautiful destinations, but it stands at a critical crossroads. The eco-luxury tourism model can succeed, but only when there’s genuine commitment to conservation over quick profits. As travellers, we influence these outcomes through our choices.
Support operators who can demonstrate real environmental impact. Choose accommodations that employ local communities and fund habitat protection. Pay environmental fees without complaint—they’re investing in the future of the places we love to visit.
The lagoons are still breathtaking, the marine life remains spectacular, and the sunsets continue to be magical. But they’ll only remain that way if tourism revenue genuinely supports conservation rather than just luxury amenities. True eco-luxury means accepting that protecting paradise requires limiting access, paying premium prices for sustainable experiences, and choosing operators who prioritise environmental protection over profit margins.
The Philippines’ Last Frontier doesn’t have to become its Lost Frontier, but that outcome depends entirely on the choices made by tourism operators, government officials, and travellers like us. Paradise is worth protecting, but only if we’re willing to pay the true cost of conservation.
When you do visit Palawan, arrive with respect for the natural systems that make this destination special. Choose your operators carefully, travel during shoulder seasons to reduce pressure on infrastructure, and remember that the most authentic luxury comes from knowing your presence contributes positively to the places you visit.
Planning Your Sustainable Palawan Journey:
For current environmental guidelines and responsible tour operators:
- Palawan Council for Sustainable Development: pcsd.gov.ph
- Department of Tourism Philippines: https://beta.tourism.gov.ph/
Last updated: June 2025 costs and exchange rates can and do change. It’s always worth doing your own research for up-to-date pricing
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