Palawan
Welcome to Palawan, a Tropical island in the South China Sea, part of the majestic Pacific Ocean. This guide offers a comprehensive overview of what makes Palawan unique – from its geography and climate to its population, infrastructure, and beyond. Dive into the details:
- Geography and Size: Explore the island’s size and location.
- Climate and Weather: Weather patterns and temperature.
- Topography and Nature: Uncover the natural wonders of the island.
- Infrastructure and Travelling: Insights on reaching, staying, and making the most of your visit.
- News and Headlines: Latest News.
Geography and size of Palawan
Size: 11498 km²
Coastline: 2007 km
Ocean: Pacific Ocean
Sea: South China Sea
Continent: Asia
Palawan is a Giant Island spanning 11498 km² with a coastline of 2007 km.
Archipel: Malay Archipelago – The world’s largest archipelago, located between mainland Southeast Asia and Australia, known for its immense biodiversity and cultural diversity.
Tectonic Plate: Sunda – Extends across Southeast Asia, encompassing parts of the Sunda Shelf, known for its interaction with the Australian Plate, contributing to volcanic activity in Indonesia.
The geographic heart of the island is pinpointed at these coordinates:
Latitude: 9.7309823 / Longitude: 118.55859088
Climate and weather of Palawan
Climate Zone: Tropical
Climate Details: Tropical Monsoon Climate
Temperature: Hot
Climate Characteristics: Characterized by heavy rainfall, high humidity, and uniformly high temperatures, but with a distinct short dry season. It features a seasonal reversal of prevailing wind directions.
Topography and nature of Palawan
Timezone: UTC+08:00
Timezone places: Australia/Perth
Max. Elevation: 2085 m Mt. Mantaling
Mean Elevation: 209 m
Vegetation: Evergreen Broadleaf Forest
Tree Coverage: 59%
The mean elevation is 209 m. Dominating the island’s landscape, the majestic “Mt. Mantaling” rises as the highest peak, soaring to impressive heights. The island is characterized by Plateau: Elevated flatlands rising sharply above the surrounding area, with a maximum elevation over 500 meters but a mean elevation less than 300 meters, forming unique highland areas on islands.
Dominating Vegetation: Evergreen Broadleaf Forest
Characterized by dense, lush canopies of broadleaf trees that retain their leaves year-round. These forests are typically found in tropical and subtropical regions and are known for their high biodiversity. Palawan has a tree cover of 59 %.
Vegetation: 15 vegetation zones – Exceptionally Diverse Island
Islands with more than ten vegetation zones are among the most ecologically rich and varied in the world. These islands are akin to miniature continents, boasting an incredible array of ecosystems. The sheer range of habitats, from high peaks to deep valleys, rainforests to deserts, creates a mosaic of life that is unparalleled. They are crucial for conservation and ecological studies.
Infrastructure and Travelling to Palawan
Does the island have a public airport? yes.
Palawan has a public and scheduled airport. The following airports are located on this island: El Nido Airport, Cesar Lim Rodriguez (Taytay-Sandoval) Airport, San Vicente Airport, Puerto Princesa International Airport / PAF Antonio Bautista Air Base.
Does the island have a major port? yes.
Palawan is home to a major port. The following ports are situated on the island: PUERTO PRINCESA.
The mean population of Palawan is 94 per km². Palawan is Gently Populated. The island belongs to Philippines.
The name of the island resonates across different cultures and languages. Here is how it is known around the world: Arabic: بالاوان; German: Palawan; Spanish: Isla de Palawan; French: Palawan; Portuguese: Palawan; Russian: Палаван; Chinese: 巴拉望
Continuing your journey, Tuluran is the next notable island, situated merely km away.
Top 10 Best Things to Do in Palawan Island, Philippines [Palawan Island Travel Guide 2024]
![Top 10 Best Things to Do in Palawan Island, Philippines [Palawan Island Travel Guide 2024]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Xah_5V6vz0w/mqdefault.jpg)
Philippines is classified as Emerging region: G20: Group of Twenty – Major economies comprising both developed and emerging countries, representing the world’s largest economies. The level of income is Lower middle income.
News – Latest Updates and Headlines from Palawan
Stay informed with the most recent news and important headlines from Palawan. Here’s a roundup of the latest developments.
- Marcos orders adoption of local names for 131 Kalayaan Island features in Palawan, West PH Sea - manilatimes.neton 1 April 2026
Marcos orders adoption of local names for 131 Kalayaan Island features in Palawan, West PH Sea manilatimes.net
- PBBM: 131 Kalayaan Island features in Palawan, WPS to adopt local names - ptvnews.phon 1 April 2026
PBBM: 131 Kalayaan Island features in Palawan, WPS to adopt local names ptvnews.ph
- Marcos mandates local names for 131 Kalayaan Island features in Palawan, WPS - GMA Networkon 31 March 2026
Marcos mandates local names for 131 Kalayaan Island features in Palawan, WPS GMA Network
- Marcos orders use of local names for 131 Kalayaan Island features in WPS, Palawan - Manila Bulletinon 31 March 2026
Marcos orders use of local names for 131 Kalayaan Island features in WPS, Palawan Manila Bulletin
- New chapel on Pag-asa Island to serve remote Catholic community - Interaksyonon 29 March 2026
New chapel on Pag-asa Island to serve remote Catholic community Interaksyon
- Moro - Britannicaon 27 March 2026
Moro Britannica
- Nickel Mining Threatens Palawan Forests and Livelihoods Despite Moratorium - Intercontinental Cryon 26 March 2026
Nickel Mining Threatens Palawan Forests and Livelihoods Despite Moratorium Intercontinental Cry
- Pag‑asa Island Travel Now: New Patriotic Tourism Program in Kalayaan, Palawan Boosts Civic Travel Experience in the West Philippine Sea - Travel And Tour Worldon 22 March 2026
Pag‑asa Island Travel Now: New Patriotic Tourism Program in Kalayaan, Palawan Boosts Civic Travel Experience in the West Philippine Sea Travel And Tour World
- 8 Budget-Friendly Pacific Islands for a Relaxed Retirement - Investopediaon 14 March 2026
8 Budget-Friendly Pacific Islands for a Relaxed Retirement Investopedia
- CHINESE ROCKET SPOTTED OVER WEST PHILIPPINE SEA An object believed to be a Chinese Long March 8A rocket was sighted above the Kalayaan Group of Islands at 3:58 a.m. on March 13, according to the Philippine Western Naval Command. Anothe - Facebookon 13 March 2026
CHINESE ROCKET SPOTTED OVER WEST PHILIPPINE SEA An object believed to be a Chinese Long March 8A rocket was sighted above the Kalayaan Group of Islands at 3:58 a.m. on March 13, according to the Philippine Western Naval Command. Anothe Facebook
Social Media Posts about Palawan
- on 1 April 2026
Protest AKTION🚨 Palawan in Gefahr: Trotz Bergbau-Moratorium wird weiter Regenwald zerstört, gegen den Willen der Bevölkerung!🌳 Urwald wurde abgeholzt, bis zu 32.000 weitere Bäume bedroht. Gewässer werden verschmutzt, Lebensgrundlagen […]
- on 28 March 2026
How Luzon LGUs are implementing energy-saving measureshttps://fed.brid.gy/r/https://www.rappler.com/philippines/luzon/energy-saving-measures/
- on 12 February 2026
Food Vlogger Dies After Eating Poisonous Crab in Palawanhttps://newsletter.tf/food-vlogger-dies-palawan-crab-feb2026/A food vlogger in Palawan, Philippines, died after eating a toxic devil crab. Learn about the dangers of eating unknown sea […]
- on 12 February 2026
Food Vlogger Dies After Consuming Toxic Devil Crab in Palawanhttps://newsletter.tf/food-vlogger-dies-palawan-crab-feb2026/A food vlogger died in Palawan after eating a toxic devil crab, leading to warnings about eating unknown […]
- on 12 February 2026
Food Vlogger Dies After Eating Poisonous Crab in PalawanA food vlogger named Emma Amit has sadly passed away after eating a poisonous crab she found. This happened in Palawan, Philippines. Officials are warning people to be careful about eating sea […]
- on 4 February 2026
Aussie tourists shocked as taxi driver takes shortcut along beach in El Nidohttps://web.brid.gy/r/https://interaksyon.philstar.com/trends-spotlights/2026/02/04/308748/aussie-tourists-driver-shortcut-beach-el-nido/
- on 18 January 2026
#SilentSundayTook this photo while I was having breakfast at Itoy's coffee in #PuertoPrincesa #Palawan. I was so taken by the play of colors in one frame.
- on 25 December 2025
[Good Business] Lessons from Asia 21, Palawan, and the future of business leadershiphttps://fed.brid.gy/r/https://www.rappler.com/business/opinion-lessons-asia-society-fellows-philippines-good-leadership-2025/
- on 15 November 2025
Deep in the mountains of #Palawan, scientists are capturing what few people ever see: the secret lives of the #Philippines’ rarest #species.https://www.conservation.org/blog/candid-cameras-catch-a-glimpse-of-rare-wildlife
- on 14 November 2025
Apl.de.Ap extends his impact from stage to soilhttps://fed.brid.gy/r/https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/celebrities/apl-de-ap-extends-impact-stage-soil/
Please note: The data used here has been primarily extracted from satellite readings. Deviations from exact values may occur, particularly regarding the height of elevations and population density. Land area and coastline measurements refer to average values at mean high tide.