MANILA — Global travel guide Frommer’s has listed Palawan among its “Best Places to Go” in 2026, praising the island province for its stunning landscapes, community-driven tourism programs, and long-running commitment to sustainability, the Department of Tourism (DOT) announced Monday.
Frommer’s annual roundup spotlights destinations that offer meaningful travel experiences while promoting environmental protection and cultural preservation. Palawan’s inclusion reinforces its status as one of the Philippines’ top tourism gems.
Known as the country’s “crown jewel,” Palawan draws visitors with its dramatic limestone cliffs, turquoise lagoons, vibrant coral ecosystems, and secluded islands. Tourist favorites such as El Nido’s Big Lagoon and Hidden Beach, Coron’s World War II shipwrecks, and Balabac’s pink-sand beaches continue to attract both domestic and international travelers.
Community-led tourism also plays a growing role in Palawan’s success. Through the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) and its Community-Based Tourism (CBT) Marketing Enhancement Program, coastal and rural communities receive support to strengthen homestays, expand guided activities, and integrate sustainable practices.
In San Vicente, CBT initiatives have enabled fisherfolk families to turn their homes into eco-lodges while protecting nearby mangrove ecosystems. In Brooke’s Point and Taytay, trained community guides now lead responsible snorkeling tours and heritage walks that emphasize environmental care.
TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles said recognitions like Frommer’s highlight the people at the heart of Palawan’s tourism achievements. She noted that local communities—who safeguard every reef, forest, and shoreline—serve as the province’s “real heroes.”
Palawan remains a consistent favorite among global travelers, earning honors such as Travel + Leisure’s “Asia’s Best Island” and TripAdvisor’s top beach awards. Tourism authorities say these accolades reflect both the province’s breathtaking natural assets and its continued efforts to conserve them.
Frommer’s recognition, they added, invites travelers seeking sustainable, community-centered experiences to explore Palawan as they plan their journeys in 2026.
