Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, Palawan
The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, locally called the Sabang Underground River, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. Stretching 8.2 kilometers through a limestone karst landscape, it is the longest navigable underground river in the world open to the public. Visitors paddle by boat through cathedral-like chambers filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and cave swiftlet colonies.
Total Length
Longest navigable
Tour Section
~45 min boat ride
World Heritage
New 7 Wonders of Nature
Peak Demand
Book permits early
Permits Required
Permits must be booked in advance through the Puerto Princesa City Tourism Office, especially from November to May when demand peaks. The number of daily visitors is regulated to protect the cave ecosystem. Walk-in access is rarely available during high season.
El Nido Island Hopping, Palawan
El Nido sits at the northern tip of mainland Palawan, surrounded by the Bacuit Archipelago, a collection of over 45 islands and islets characterized by dramatic limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, and white sand beaches. Four standardized tour routes cover different clusters of attractions. Snorkeling equipment is typically included in tour packages.
🏝️ Tour A
Big Lagoon, Small Lagoon, Secret LagoonThe most popular route. The Big Lagoon is kayak-accessible. The Secret Lagoon requires a tight rock passage to enter.
🏝️ Tour B
Snake Island sandbar, Pinagbuyutan Island, Cudugnon CaveLonger route covering eastern islands. Snake Island has a distinctive curved sandbar visible from the air.
🏝️ Tour C
Matinloc Shrine, Helicopter Island, Star BeachMore remote circuit. Matinloc Shrine sits on a cliff overlooking the open Sulu Sea.
🏝️ Tour D
Bulalacao Island, Cadlao Lagoon, Pasandigan CoveNorthern islands circuit. Less crowded than Tour A. Strong snorkeling at the Cadlao reef.
Freediving in El Nido: Several dive shops offer freediving courses alongside reef and wall dives. Freediving in the lagoons has grown into a dedicated activity and is available at an intermediate to advanced level from shops along the El Nido town pier.
Coron Wreck Diving & Island Hopping, Palawan
Coron wreck diving is considered among the finest in Asia. During World War II, American forces sank a fleet of Japanese supply ships in Coron Bay. Those wrecks now rest at depths ranging from 10 to 43 meters, encrusted with hard corals and populated by large pelagic fish. Visibility in Coron Bay is exceptional from October through April.
🚢 Top WWII Wreck Sites
🏞️ Kayangan Lake
The clearest lake in the Philippines, accessible by a short hike over a limestone ridge from the island hopping route. Non-divers consider it the highlight of any Coron visit.
🌡️ Barracuda Lake
A thermocline lake with distinct temperature layers. Popular with divers for the unusual underwater environment where saltwater and freshwater mix.
🌊 Twin Lagoon
Two connected lagoons separated by a low limestone cliff. The inner lagoon is calmer and accessed by swimming under the cliff or through a small passage.
More Palawan: Honda Bay, Calauit & Tubbataha
🚣 Honda Bay Kayaking
Near Puerto Princesa. Sea kayaking through mangrove channels connecting Cowrie Island, Luli Island, and Starfish Island. A low-impact way to observe the coastal ecosystem. Mangroves here support juvenile fish populations and serve as nesting habitat for migratory shorebirds.
🦒 Calauit Safari Park
On Calauit Island, Busuanga. A wildlife sanctuary housing African savanna species including giraffes, zebras, and impalas alongside the endemic Calamian deer. Safari tours run on open-air jeepneys through the reserve. One of Southeast Asia's most unusual wildlife viewing destinations.
🐠 Tubbataha Reefs
A UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Sulu Sea accessible by liveaboard from Puerto Princesa. Accessible only from March to June during calm seas. One of the most pristine reef systems in Asia, home to manta rays, sharks, and nesting seabirds.
UNESCO World Heritage SiteMindoro: Diving, Indigenous Culture & Wetlands
Mindoro, divided into Occidental and Oriental Mindoro, is the eighth-largest island in the Philippines and one of the most biologically diverse. It is home to the Mangyan, eight distinct indigenous groups whose communities are concentrated in the island's mountainous interior.
🤿 Puerto Galera Diving
Listed as a UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve. Over 30 mapped dive sites within a short boat ride of its main beaches, including Hole in the Wall, Shark Cave, Coral Garden, and the Washing Machine drift dive. Sabang Beach is the center of dive operations with over 20 PADI-certified shops.
🪸 Apo Reef, Sablayan
The largest contiguous coral reef system in the Philippines and the second largest in the world after Australia's Great Barrier Reef. Covers 34 square kilometers. Accessible via liveaboard or day-trip bancas from Sablayan port. Schooling barracuda, grey reef sharks, sea turtles, and Napoleon wrasse are common sightings.
🧵 Mangyan Cultural Immersion
Eight distinct Mangyan ethnolinguistic groups including the Hanunuo, Buhid, Tadyawan, and Alangan have communities in Oriental Mindoro near Naujan and Pinamalayan. Visitors can observe traditional weaving, learn about the Hanunuo Mangyan script (one of the few pre-colonial Philippine scripts still in active use), and purchase woven goods directly from artisans. Coordinate visits through the Provincial Tourism Office.
🦆 Lake Naujan Birdwatching
The largest freshwater lake in Oriental Mindoro and one of the most productive birdwatching sites in the Philippines. Over 50 bird species documented, including the Philippine duck, grey heron, and the endemic Philippine bulbul. Important wintering ground for migratory waterbirds. Best from October to March.
Marinduque: Moriones Festival & Heritage
Marinduque is the heart-shaped island province at the geographical center of the Philippine archipelago, known for its slow pace, well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture, and one of the most distinctive religious festivals in Asia.
🎭 Moriones Festival
📅 Holy Week AnnuallyParticipants dress as Roman soldiers wearing elaborately painted wooden masks and centurion costumes, reenacting scenes from the life and martyrdom of Longinus. Processions move through all six Marinduque municipalities from Palm Sunday through Easter Sunday. The festival is a living religious tradition, not a staged performance, and draws domestic and international visitors each year.
⛪ Boac Cathedral
A centuries-old fortress church (Parish of the Immaculate Conception) that served as a refuge during pirate raids in the Spanish colonial period. Its thick stone walls, watchtower, and fortified layout make it one of the most architecturally significant churches in MIMAROPA. The surrounding Boac town center retains several well-preserved Spanish-era buildings along its riverside esplanade.
🏝️ Tres Reyes Islands
Three islands (Melchor, Gaspar, and Baltazar) off the coast of Mogpog, Marinduque, designated as a wildlife sanctuary. Uncrowded beaches, coral gardens for snorkeling, and small limestone caves. Day trips from Mogpog take approximately 30 minutes by banca. Significantly fewer visitors than equivalent Palawan destinations.
Romblon: Marble, Mountaineering & Uncrowded Dives
Romblon province comprises three main islands (Romblon, Tablas, and Sibuyan) and numerous smaller islets. It is known for two distinct things: Romblon marble, some of the highest-quality marble in the world, and Mount Guiting-Guiting, one of the Philippines' most challenging mountaineering objectives.
🪨 Romblon Marble Crafts
Romblon marble rivals Italian Carrara in density and whiteness. The provincial capital is lined with workshops where artisans hand-carve statues, tiles, urns, and decorative objects from locally quarried stone. Visitors can observe carving in progress, commission custom pieces, and buy finished goods directly. Fort San Andres, a 17th-century Spanish fort overlooking Romblon Bay, is partly constructed from local stone.
Rivals Italian Carrara marble⛰️ Mount Guiting-Guiting, Sibuyan Island
One of the most technically difficult climbs in the Philippines. The summit reaches 2,058 meters with exposed knife-edge ridges, vertical rock faces, and multiple rope-assisted sections. Climbers must register with the Protected Area Office in San Fernando, Sibuyan, and are required to hire a local guide. Best weather: February to May.
🤿 Romblon & Tablas Diving
Dive sites around Romblon Island include Blue Hole, Coral Garden, and the Logbon Island Wall. Tablas Island has accessible snorkeling at Tiamban and Looc Bay. Minimal dive tourism infrastructure means sites remain largely unimpacted. Sea turtle and large reef fish encounters are common.
🏝️ Cobrador Island
A day-trip island off Romblon town with a lighthouse, quiet beach, and snorkeling directly off shore. Reached in 15 minutes by motorized banca. No commercial facilities on the island, making it a practical choice for uncrowded beach access close to the urban center.
Planning Your MIMAROPA Trip
✈️ Getting There
Manila is the main departure hub for flights into Puerto Princesa (Palawan), San Jose (Occidental Mindoro), and Tugdan (Tablas, Romblon). Coron and El Nido are served by smaller aircraft. Ferries connect Batangas port to Calapan (Oriental Mindoro), Romblon, and Boac (Marinduque).
🗓️ Best Time to Visit
Palawan: October to May. El Nido and Coron best from October through April. Moriones Festival in Marinduque during Holy Week annually. Mt. Guiting-Guiting climbing: February to April. Dive visibility peaks March to June across the region.
⏱️ Time Required
Palawan alone warrants 7 to 10 days to cover Puerto Princesa, El Nido, and Coron adequately. Mindoro, Marinduque, and Romblon each work well as 3 to 5-day itineraries. A full MIMAROPA circuit covering all four provinces requires 14 to 18 days minimum.
🔑 Independent vs. Package Travel
Independent travel is practical across most of MIMAROPA. The Puerto Princesa Underground River requires a permit and guide but can be booked directly through the city government. El Nido and Coron island hopping can be booked locally on arrival. Mindoro, Marinduque, and Romblon are straightforward to navigate independently using public ferries, tricycles, and locally hired bangkas.
People Also Ask About MIMAROPA
What is MIMAROPA known for?
MIMAROPA is known for the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River (UNESCO World Heritage Site and New Seven Wonders of Nature), El Nido island hopping in the Bacuit Archipelago, Coron WWII wreck diving, the Moriones Festival of Marinduque, Romblon marble crafts, Mount Guiting-Guiting mountaineering, and the Mangyan indigenous communities of Mindoro.
What is the best time to visit MIMAROPA?
Palawan is best visited from October to May, with El Nido and Coron most accessible October through April. Marinduque is essential during Holy Week for the Moriones Festival. Mount Guiting-Guiting climbs are safest from February to April. Dive visibility across the region peaks from March to June.
How many days do you need for MIMAROPA?
Palawan alone warrants 7 to 10 days to cover Puerto Princesa, El Nido, and Coron adequately. Mindoro, Marinduque, and Romblon each work well as 3 to 5-day itineraries. A full MIMAROPA circuit covering all four provinces requires a minimum of 14 to 18 days.
What is the Moriones Festival in Marinduque?
The Moriones Festival is held during Holy Week in Marinduque. Participants wear elaborately hand-carved wooden masks and Roman centurion costumes to reenact scenes from the martyrdom of Longinus. Processions move through all six Marinduque municipalities from Palm Sunday through Easter Sunday. It is a living religious tradition, not a staged event, and is one of Asia's most visually distinctive Catholic festivals.
Is Romblon worth visiting?
Yes. Romblon offers high-quality marble craftsmanship, comparable marine biodiversity to Palawan and Puerto Galera at a fraction of the visitor volume, and Mount Guiting-Guiting for serious mountaineers. For travelers seeking an undeveloped alternative to mass-tourism Palawan, Romblon and the Sibuyan Island area are among the strongest options in MIMAROPA.
What provinces are in MIMAROPA?
MIMAROPA (Region IV-B) covers five provinces: Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan. Palawan is the largest province in the Philippines by land area. The region also includes several island municipalities under these provincial jurisdictions.
This travel guide is based on publicly available information and travel research. Permit requirements, island hopping tour availability, festival dates, and transport schedules may change. Book Puerto Princesa Underground River permits in advance through the Puerto Princesa City Tourism Office. Confirm Moriones Festival schedules with the Marinduque Provincial Tourism Office. About azifind.com →