Discovering the Philippines: From Palawan’s Hidden Wonders to the Bustling Streets of Manila

A Tropical Escape Worth Experiencing

If the Philippines has ever been on your travel bucket list, Palawan is one destination that absolutely lives up to the hype. Before I even set foot in this tropical paradise, I had seen countless photos of its crystal-clear waters and lush jungle landscapes—but experiencing it in person is something else entirely.

On this adventure, we stayed at the beautiful Four Points by Sheraton in Palawan, a relaxing luxury retreat located just steps away from the beach. Imagine waking up to the sound of gentle waves, warm ocean air and golden tropical sunrises. It’s the perfect base for exploring one of the most breathtaking parts of the Philippines.

Sabang Beach

Staying at the Four Points Sheraton – Beachside Bliss

The Four Points by Sheraton Palawan is the ideal blend of comfort and island luxury. Nestled near Sabang Beach, it’s a wonderful place to unwind after a day of exploring.

Here are some highlights of your stay:

• Enjoy privacy away from the beach
• Savour spacious, modern rooms with stunning tropical views
• Unwind in relaxing poolside areas, perfect for sunset drinks
• Easy access to nearby eco-adventures and tours

What sets this location apart is its proximity to some of Palawan’s most renowned natural wonders.

Four Points Sheraton

Exploring the Puerto Princesa Underground River

Just a quick boat ride away, you’ll find one of the Philippines’ most amazing natural sights: the Puerto Princesa Underground River.

This incredible river winds through a huge limestone cave system and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can float through the cave by boat, surrounded by dramatic rock formations that create an almost otherworldly feel.

It’s one of those rare places where nature really takes your breath away.

Headed into the Puerto Princesa Underground River.

More photos from the Puerto Princesa Underground River in the video below

Peaceful Journey Through the Sabang Mangroves

Another pretty good experience nearby is the Sabang Mangrove Forest tour.

Gliding gently through the winding mangrove waterways on a small paddle boat feels like stepping into a whole new world. The mangrove trees are so tall that they line the riverbanks, and the local guides point out all sorts of wildlife and explain how these ecosystems keep our coastal areas safe.

It’s peaceful, informative and surprisingly magical.

Sabang Mangroves

A Private Island Snorkelling Adventure

One of the best parts of our trip was a day trip to a private island (apologies, I can’t remember the name of the island).

After a quick boat ride through the sparkling turquoise waters, we landed on a hidden gem—soft white sand, swaying palm trees, and colourful coral reefs just begging to be discovered.

Snorkelling here was pretty amazing. Schools of colourful fish zipped through the coral gardens, and the warm tropical water made it easy to spend hours exploring underwater.

It felt like stepping into a travel magazine.

Day trip to Private Island

Finishing the Journey in Manila

After soaking up the natural beauty of Palawan, we headed to Manila, the capital city.

Manila has a completely different vibe—busy streets, historic spots like Intramuros, colourful jeepneys, and a lively food scene. It’s a fascinating contrast to the peaceful island landscapes of Palawan.

Exploring the city is the perfect way to wrap up a Philippines adventure.

Manila, Philippines

A jeepney ride is a must in Manila

Travel Through the Photos

The photos from this trip beautifully showcase what makes the Philippines so unique—from the vibrant jungle rivers and secret caves to the stunning beaches and island escapades.

If you’re thinking about visiting the Philippines or just dreaming about it, these images give you a taste of how truly amazing this place is.

Palawan, in particular, is a paradise that blends luxury relaxation with breathtaking natural beauty.

Check out the video below for all the photos from this amazing getaway.