Palawan with Kids: The Philippines' Natural Wonder

Palawan is the crown jewel of the Philippines — limestone karsts, turquoise lagoons, underground rivers, and some of the best beaches in Asia. The good news: many of Palawan's attractions work surprisingly well with kids.

Puerto Princesa: The Gateway

Most international flights arrive in Puerto Princesa, the capital. It's a quiet city with good infrastructure and family-friendly restaurants.

Puerto Princesa Underground River — A UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. You take a paddle boat 1.5km into an underground cave system illuminated by dramatic lighting. The experience: The boat ride is 45 minutes through the cave. The guide points out formations (the "cathedral" and "vegetable garden" sections are kid favorites). The bats overhead and the occasional monkey outside add to the adventure. Best for ages: 5+. Toddlers may find the dark sections unsettling. Bring a light jacket — the cave is cool and damp. Logistics: You need a permit (available through your hotel or tour operator). The standard tour includes hotel pickup, a 1.5-hour drive to Sabang, the boat ride, and lunch. $30-40/person including lunch. Book on Klook. Tip: The 7am departure is best — you avoid the heat and the crowds. Honda Bay Island Hopping — Three islands (Starfish, Luli, and Pandan) with white sand beaches, snorkeling, and shallow waters. Each island stop is 45-60 minutes. Starfish Island — Named for the prolific starfish in the shallows. Kids can pick them up (gently) and observe before returning them to the water. The sandbar is beautiful. Luli Island — Has a sandbar that changes shape with the tide. The water is crystal clear and waist-deep for 100 meters. Perfect for non-swimmers. Pandan Island — The main lunch stop. Beachfront cottages, fresh grilled seafood, and a volleyball net. The snorkeling here is the best of the three. Cost: $25-30/person for a shared tour including lunch, snorkel gear, and transfers. Private tours from $150/boat. Best for ages: All ages. Life jackets provided for kids.

El Nido: The Iconic Destination

El Nido is Palawan's showstopper — dramatic limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, and stunning beaches. It's a 5-6 hour drive from Puerto Princesa (or a 1-hour flight from Manila to El Nido airport).

Getting there: The van transfer from Puerto Princesa is rough — winding roads, 5+ hours. Kids prone to car sickness WILL suffer. Motion sickness bands, ginger candies, and a front seat (if possible) are essential. Consider the direct flight to El Nido Airport instead. Tour A (Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Secret Lagoon, 7 Commandos Beach) — The most famous island-hopping tour. The Big Lagoon is breathtaking — towering limestone walls on both sides of a calm, emerald channel. Kayak through it with kids (rentals included in the tour). Best for ages: All ages for Big Lagoon (calm water). Small Lagoon requires swimming through a small opening in the limestone wall — best for ages 8+. Tour C (Secret Beach, Hidden Beach, Matinloc Shrine, Star Beach) — Less crowded than Tour A. The beaches are stunning. Helicopter Island has a sandbar for kids to run on. Cost: $25-35/person for shared tours. Private tours from $200. Where to stay in El Nido:

- El Nido Resorts Lagen Island ($200-400/night) — All-inclusive resort on its own island. Kids' club, family activities, and incredible service.

- The Ideas Eco Hotel ($60-100/night) — Central El Nido with family rooms and a pool.

- Seda Lio ($80-150/night) — Newer hotel near the airport with a pool and spacious rooms.

Port Barton: The Quiet Alternative

Port Barton is El Nido without the hype — similar island-hopping tours at half the price and a quarter of the crowds. Recommended for families who want a relaxed pace.

The tours are shorter (4 hours vs 8) and more relaxed. The German Island stop has a sandbank that's perfect for toddlers. The sea turtle sanctuary (Pandan Island) lets you snorkel with turtles in calm, shallow water. Where to stay: Port Barton Resort ($40-80/night) — basic but clean family rooms with a pool.

Where to Eat

Puerto Princesa:

- KaLui Restaurant — Filipino cuisine in a bamboo hut setting. Kids can sit on floor cushions. The grilled squid ($4) and sinigang (sour soup, $3) are mild enough for kids.

- Noki-Noks — Famous for mango desserts. The mango float ($3) is a must.

El Nido:

- Artcafe — Beachfront Italian-Filipino fusion. Pizzas ($5-8) and fresh pasta. The garden setting lets kids move around.

- Ilsang Adapt — Budget-friendly Filipino food. The sinigang ($2) and adobo ($2) are excellent.

The Verdict

Palawan is worth the journey. The Underground River is a genuine wonder kids will remember forever. El Nido's lagoons are postcard-perfect. But the travel between spots is challenging with young kids — prioritize one area (Puerto Princesa + Honda Bay, or fly direct to El Nido) rather than trying to see it all.