The Hidden Paradise of Palawan’s Northern Islands, Philippines.

When most travelers think of Palawan in the Philippines, images of El Nido’s limestone cliffs and Coron’s shipwreck dives quickly come to mind. While those spots are undeniably stunning, the true soul of Palawan resides further off the grid—in its less-visited northern islands. A haven of emerald islets, quiet fishing villages, and translucent waters teeming with marine life, these northern reaches remain blissfully untouched by mass tourism.

Here, the clock ticks slower, the sunsets seem brighter, and the definition of paradise takes on a far more authentic hue.

Beyond the Tourist Trails

The northern islands of Palawan, scattered like emerald gems in the West Philippine Sea, are often overlooked by mainstream itineraries. While El Nido and Coron absorb much of the attention, islands such as Linapacan, Culion, and Cuyo offer a quieter, more immersive adventure.

Getting here may require more effort—longer boat rides, fewer resorts, and unpredictable schedules—but that’s part of the charm. With fewer crowds, you’ll find yourself discovering hidden beaches where your footprints are the only ones in the sand, and snorkeling sites where vibrant corals have been spared the pressure of constant visitors.

Linapacan: Nature’s Untouched Canvas

Between Coron and El Nido lies a sleepy archipelago that many travelers bypass entirely: Linapacan. This string of islands—numbering over 50—is often regarded as having some of the clearest waters in the world. Beneath the surface, thriving coral gardens stretch out like living tapestries, providing refuge for turtles, reef fish, and even shy blacktip sharks.

Life on Linapacan is serene and simple. Villages consist of bamboo huts resting on stilts, fishing is a way of life, and electricity is often limited to a few evening hours. What it lacks in modern convenience, it more than compensates with authenticity.

Highlights include swimming through caves in Maosonon Island, beach camping on Ditaytayan, and snorkeling in the vibrant shallows of Ariara. Local guides—often fishermen by trade—offer island-hopping tours using traditional wooden bangkas. Expect to feast on freshly grilled fish, sweet mangoes, and coconuts plucked straight from the tree.

Culion: From Isolation to Inspiration

A short boat ride from Coron lies Culion Island, a place whose history is as compelling as its landscapes. Once known as the “Island of the Living Dead” due to its leper colony past, Culion has since transformed into a thriving and proud community. Today, it offers a blend of poignant history and striking natural beauty.

Travelers can visit the well-preserved Culion Museum and Archives, housed in a former hospital, to understand the island’s past struggles and resilience. Meanwhile, Culion’s coves and coral reefs are ideal for kayaking and diving. In contrast to its somber history, the island today exudes peace—colorful houses line the hillsides, children play in clear shallows, and locals greet visitors with warmth.

Cuyo Islands: Windswept Shores and Heritage Towns

Farther east, where Palawan approaches the Visayas, lies the Cuyo Archipelago. This collection of islands is rarely visited due to its distance and lack of tourist infrastructure, but it holds rich rewards for the intrepid traveler.

The main island, Cuyo, feels like a step back in time. Spanish colonial churches, century-old forts, and a slow-paced town life create an atmosphere of nostalgia. The windswept beaches are ideal for kite surfing—especially during the Amihan season—while nearby islands like Quiminatin and Capusan boast powdery sandbars and translucent waters.

Cuyo’s charm lies in its rhythm. Fishermen pull in their nets by hand, school bells echo through quiet streets, and at night, stars flood the sky. It’s a place where life is lived simply and genuinely.

Island-Hopping Adventures Without the Crowds

What sets northern Palawan apart is its unfiltered connection with nature. In many of these islands, you won’t find luxury resorts or flashy bars—instead, you’ll experience homestays, cookouts on the beach, and spontaneous guitar sessions under the stars.

One of the best ways to explore these islands is by hiring a local boat for a multi-day journey. Outfitters in Coron and El Nido occasionally offer custom expeditions that navigate the Linapacan route, stopping at uninhabited islands, coral sanctuaries, and hidden lagoons.

Camping under palm trees, cooking with the crew, and waking up to the sound of waves lapping at your tent are experiences that money can’t replicate. This kind of travel restores a sense of wonder often lost in commercial tourism.

Wildlife and Marine Riches

Northern Palawan’s waters are part of the Coral Triangle, a global marine biodiversity hotspot. In these relatively untouched areas, the sea remains vibrant and alive.

Snorkelers and divers will encounter everything from hard and soft corals to stingrays, groupers, and sea turtles. Dolphins occasionally escort boats, and migratory birds nest along secluded shorelines. Mangrove forests cradle the coasts, acting as nurseries for marine life and filters for coastal ecosystems.

Unlike busier snorkeling sites where fish have grown accustomed to tourists, the marine life here remains wild. Encounters feel more authentic—less like a spectacle, more like a quiet glimpse into another world.

Responsible Travel in Fragile Environments

While these islands are breathtaking, they are also ecologically and culturally sensitive. Sustainable travel here isn’t just encouraged—it’s essential.

Travelers should avoid single-use plastics, pack out all waste, and be mindful of their environmental footprint. Supporting community-run tours, staying in family-operated lodgings, and buying local crafts helps ensure that tourism benefits the people who call these islands home.

Even small gestures—like learning a few Tagalog or Cuyonon phrases, or participating in local beach cleanups—go a long way in building connections and leaving a positive impact.

Getting There and When to Go

Accessing Palawan’s northern islands usually involves flying into Coron (Busuanga Airport) or El Nido. From there, small boats or chartered trips can connect you to more remote destinations. Some routes require patience, especially during rough seas or off-season months.

The dry season (November to May) offers the most reliable weather, calm seas, and optimal visibility for underwater activities. However, the shoulder months of October and early June can also be rewarding, with fewer tourists and lush greenery.

It’s best to plan flexibly, allowing room for weather-related delays and spontaneous discoveries.

A Final Thought: Reconnecting Through Simplicity

In an age of fast-paced travel and over-saturated destinations, the northern islands of Palawan provide something increasingly rare—space to slow down. Here, time stretches like the tides, and simplicity becomes a luxury.

Whether you’re drifting over coral reefs, sharing meals with islanders, or watching the sky melt into pastel hues at sunset, every moment in this hidden paradise invites reflection. It’s not just about discovering new places—it’s about rediscovering yourself.

So if you’re seeking a journey that leaves footprints not just in the sand but also on your soul, set your compass north. Palawan’s forgotten islands await—with open arms and endless wonder.