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.
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.
- Chinese militia vessel, 22 sampans intrude into Palawan waters - Philstar.comon 11 October 2026
Chinese militia vessel, 22 sampans intrude into Palawan waters Philstar.com
- Inaladelan Island: Your Next Camping Paradise in Palawan - Out of Town Blogon 3 October 2026
Inaladelan Island: Your Next Camping Paradise in Palawan Out of Town Blog
- Island Hopping in Coron Palawan - Out of Town Blogon 2 October 2026
Island Hopping in Coron Palawan Out of Town Blog
- Palawan town gets updated map showing WPS islands, other features - Inquirer.neton 27 September 2026
Palawan town gets updated map showing WPS islands, other features Inquirer.net
- Ayala Land Hospitality boosts presence in Palawan, Makati - The Manila Timeson 23 September 2026
Ayala Land Hospitality boosts presence in Palawan, Makati The Manila Times
- Goodbye Bali, So Long Maldives: This Philippines Secluded Island Sanctuary Is A New Hotspot For Pristine Beaches - islands.comon 20 September 2026
Goodbye Bali, So Long Maldives: This Philippines Secluded Island Sanctuary Is A New Hotspot For Pristine Beaches islands.com
- Man Butchered Then Eaten in Gruesome Palawan Murder - Arab Newson 17 September 2026
Man Butchered Then Eaten in Gruesome Palawan Murder Arab News
- Death Toll From Ferry Fire Off Palawan Island in Philippines Rises to 76, With 13 Missing - news.sbs.co.kron 13 September 2026
Death Toll From Ferry Fire Off Palawan Island in Philippines Rises to 76, With 13 Missing news.sbs.co.kr
- Philippine Passenger Ship Fire Kills 5, Leaves 87 Missing Near Palawan - 조선일보on 11 September 2026
Philippine Passenger Ship Fire Kills 5, Leaves 87 Missing Near Palawan 조선일보
- Five killed and 80 missing after fire engulfs Philippines ferry - The Independenton 10 September 2026
Five killed and 80 missing after fire engulfs Philippines ferry The Independent
Social Media Posts about Palawan
- on 8 October 2026
Enjoying the paradise of Palawan, Philippines.#palawan #elnido #philippines #coron #travel
- on 29 September 2026
Dreaming of turquoise waters and tropical adventures? 🇵🇭 From Palawan’s stunning beaches to crystal-clear waters and peaceful island escapes, the Philippines is a dream worth exploring. https://wanderlustblog.github.io/#WanderlustBlog […]
- on 28 September 2026
LIST: October 2026 special non-working days in PH provinces, cities, townsHere are the October 2026 special non-working days in various localities, as proclaimed by the […]
- on 27 September 2026
LIST: October 2026 special non-working days in PH provinces, cities, townshttps://fed.brid.gy/r/https://www.rappler.com/philippines/special-non-working-days-proclamations-provinces-cities-municipalities-october-2026/
- on 26 September 2026
Company seeks to evict Sebaring IP residents "The reality is that we go unnoticed because we are located in such a distant area."The post Company seeks to evict Sebaring IP residents appeared first on Bulatlat. […]
- on 26 September 2026
Breathtaking views of Coron Islands in Palawan, Philippines.#coron #palawan #philippines #islandlife #travel
- on 24 September 2026
Palawan ferry fire death toll jumps to 35As families wait for news of missing relatives, some express frustration at the lack of information they are […]
- on 24 September 2026
Firefighters enter charred ferry as search continues for dozens missing in PalawanThe Philippine Coast Guard revises the number of missing from 86 to 84 after authorities verified two people originally listed on the manifest had not been on board. […]
- on 24 September 2026
Search expands after Palawan ferry fire kills 5 and leaves dozens missingAuthorities estimate that more than 80 people remain unaccounted for, although the figures could still […]
- on 22 September 2026
Palawan ferry fire death toll jumps to 35As families wait for news of missing relatives, some express frustration at the lack of information they are […]
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.


