Discover Linapacan

In October 2013, Daily News Dig published their list of the clearest waters in the world to swim in.

Linapacan Island, Palawan emerged at the top spot, overshadowing even the globally-famed Maldives and To Sua Ocean Trench in Samoa. It is said that the Linapacan waters are so clear that you can literally see even your toenails submerged deep in the waters!

Best time to visit: Dry season between November to mid June is the best time. Avoid rainy season between mid-June till October, which is also typhoon season.

Brought to By Caltex Havoline AutoPro - Puerto Princesa

William Tan Enterprises Inc.

Don't forget to show your CLC sticker every time you gas up at any Caltex Station.

Join now for the continuity and journey with Caltex!! ️

Top Things To Discover in and About Linapacan

Location

Linapacan is about half way between El Nido & Coron it is surrounded by 52, mostly deserted, paradise beach islands. The area has amazing clear water and is perfect for snorkeling.

There are the million years old Seniora caves, an old Spanish fortress, cliff diving straight into the ocean, and jungle trails for hikers to explore.

Located on the central island of Linapacan, west of its main town of San Miguel.

The cliff diving at Doble Nueve and Spanish fortress are in the same area, so both can be experienced in the same trip.

Proceed with caution when climbing and diving!

There are also two shipwrecks, for those who wish to explore the depths and beauty that the ocean has to offer.

Linapacan

The largest island, Linapacan, there are two small towns, population around 2,000 people each, the islands have not yet been discovered by most tourists and are still very excited and welcoming to visitors.

San Miguel is the main one where the slower ferries stop, each leg from El Nido or Coron about the same three hours journey.

If you wish you can hire a private boat for your Island Hopping Tour to visit many of the islands as you wish and experience the amazing snorkeling spots.

Along the way there are Inviting small hotels you can stay at, or camp out on any of the many deserted beaches. Or combine the trip with others to share and reduce costs. A private boat for a four day tour would cost roughly 40,000 pesos total.

The Name

The Linapacan is a Cuyonon word that means “to step on” but there are rumors that the name was derived from a legend.

During the 16th century the Spanish sent missionaries to the Philippines, including one to Linapacan.

When they landed on shore, they saw footprints, traced them and eventually came to a hut where a beautiful woman resided.When asked her name she replied that her name was Pacan and they later discovered that she was the wife of the island’s chieftain. They thus named the island Reina Pacan, in honor of the beautiful Queen, but which much later was renamed to Linapacan.

The Island has two towns, Kaseledan and San Miguel.

A road was built between those two towns but it is now apparently too overgrown to use. If you wish you can rent a motorbike or mountain bike from BRC hotel to explore the area.

San Miguel is the main town where the ferries stop and has about five hotels and a restaurant.

Ili Island, is located across the water and is home of the area’s million-years-old Seniora caves, where a guide will be happy to take you. Please be advised not to touch or damage the stalagmites.

Snorkeling

There is a marine reserve just off the pier at San Miguel, the main town on Linapacan.

There is no beach to talk of in the town, and the reef is about 150 meters from the pier.

Very shallow at first, with sea grass and small coral growth, starfish, etc, then an area of dead coral, then you reach the drop-off which has some good coral formations.

It is the marine life which makes this place special. Eels, pipe fish, plenty of colorful tropical fish, including schools of Batfish and Ribbon fish.

Island Hopping

Local Island Hopping tours for you, such as to The Ili Cave or SEÑORA CAVE or to Cala Cala Island and Maosanon Island are all available thru local operators or you can reach them from either El Nido or Coron Island hopping Tours.

Excellent snorkeling in this entire area, declared as having the clearest waters in the world, and there are two shipwrecks for avid divers. You can also sleep on your own deserted island (52 islands in the Linapacan vicinity).

Prices Start from 1600PHP per person depending on the type and duration of your tour.

Patoyo Island

Across from San Miguel is the Island. It is a nice island to explore with lots of jungle trails. On the side closest to San Miguel there is a very long stretch of beach with an equally long stretch of beautiful corals to snorkel through.From there you can hike over the hill to the next beach, heading east, to Henkey’s grocery shop.

Great place to stop for lunch and they would be happy to direct you to their local, natural “swimming pool”, where there is also great snorkeling.

Cala Cala Island

Is an epitome of a paradise island, one of the best I have ever seen.

Officially this is the island which is tagged as having the clearest waters.

Take a walk around the island to witness beautiful rock formations, snorkel in the clear waters, chill by the beach.

Plan your walk at low tide so you can go around the island through the natural rock doorway, even at low tide the water levels at one point was around 6 feet.

Remember to always be cautious!

Maosanon Island

This Island is always compared to the Maldives with its vast stretch of white sandy beaches and calm turquoise waters.

At low tide one can walk in the waist deep waters to the other side of the island for another stunning view and to visit the sandbar.

The Ili Cave or SEÑORA CAVE.

It is an island karst that has formed into rigid walls and limestone pillars. When lit over by a lamp, the sides of the cave actually illuminate into virtual stars that will simply take anyone’s breath away – truly an out-of-the-world experience!

How to Get to Linapacan

The best route from Manila or Cebu is to fly into Puerto Princesa, International.

Many Flights are available to Puerto Princesa from Manila it takes about 1.5 hours non stop.

From Manila, Cebu, and Boracay

Price Per Person Staring at 1600 Pesos, book early for a better deal.

From the Airport or your Hotel you will need to make your way to El Nido or Coron depending on your choice of Transportation, You can rent a car, Van or Motorcycle. Most people take a shuttle Van or the bus, but if you wish you can also take the 2 Go Ferry

See the Ferry Schedules posted here and also linked to their main site for more information

See below for information about Buses and Vans you will need to explore Palawan.

Operates once a week sailing from Manila to Puerto Princesa & Coron and vice versa.

Price per person starting from 1300. pesos

From Coron you will need to get a boat ride to the islands.

You can take the Cherry bus for 6 – 9 hours

Depending on traffic.

The cost is approximately

380p – 480p.

San Jose Bus Terminal can be reached by tricycle. Distance from the airport to the terminal is 6 km. Cost about 50 — 150 pesos for one-two persons.

The big ferry usually leaves every Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday from San Fernando (one hour bus ride east of El Nido – although some boats may leave from El Nido) to Coron, and comes back from Coron every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, always stopping at the halfway point at the main village here of San Miguel on the island of Linapacan.

From San Fernando the ferry usually leaves at 9am and you can take a bus from El Nido at 7:30am.

In El Nido you can get tickets and details from The Og’s Pension or The Artcafe Boutique near the pier.

You can take a shared Van or a Private Van for 5 – 6 hrs

Depending on traffic.

The cost is approximately

600p – 700p. per person.

Private Van : 6000p – 7000p

San Jose Bus Terminal can be reached by tricycle. Distance from the airport to the terminal is 6 km. Cost about 50 — 150 pesos for one-two persons.

From San Fernando the ferry usually leaves at 9am and you can take a bus from El Nido at 7:30am.

In El Nido you can get tickets and details from The Og’s Pension or The Artcafe Boutique near the pier.

Internet get a Smart sim card with a dataplan, as there is no Globe signal in San Miguel (perhaps a weak one on the roof of BRC).

Linapacan Accommodation

Ariara Resort

Have you ever dreamed of having an entire island to yourself?

Ariara offers exactly this – the rare opportunity of being the sole guests on a tropical island.

This is no ordinary private island: an outcrop of eco-friendly villas nestle by a 600-metre stretch of pure white sand on a lush 125-acre tropical haven, complete with a colorful house reef.

It’s the final word in exclusivity and luxury, as the island comes not only with a full complement of up to 30 efficient staff, including a personal chef, but also with its own private yacht for island-hopping excursions.

Shirly’s Pension and Restaurant

Located in a quiet, rural area half way between El Nido and Coron, easy to get to by public ferry. Linapacan has the clearest waters in the world, excellent snorkeling, island hopping, local cave, with kite surfing and sports center nearby. Small shipwreck for snorkeling just off the hotel’s own pier.

Air conditioning,

Seating area.

Power goes out around Midnight!

Linapacan Tourists Camp

Providing a bar, LINAPACAN TOURISTS CAMP provides accommodations in Linapacan. The campground has a sun terrace. Snorkeling is possible within the area and LINAPACAN TOURISTS CAMP offers a private beach area.

Dory’s Store and Lodging in San Miguel

A clean single fan room with a chair and table and share bathroom cost 400 pesos a night. There is a large balcony with tables and chairs overlooking the water, and a common room with driftwood furniture, a bar and TV (but not cable TV). There are also air conditioned rooms, but electricity is only available from noon to midnight.

Keelooma Island Camp

Join us on an all-inclusive 3D2N, 4D3N or bespoke tour, expedition and island stay from El Nido to Coron, Coron to El Nido or to the undiscovered islands of Linapacan aboard our spacious traditional boat, as we snorkel in pristine reefs, sunbathe on white powdery beaches, and trek on friendly jungle trails.

Watch the sun go down at Keelooma Island Camp, dine alfresco over the fresh catch of the day, and sleep under the stars in traditional kubo for that back to basics, no frills island experience.

Ginto Island Camping

A Paradise Island Destination located between El Nido and Coron where total seclusion is en experience.

Each bungalow is 100 sq.m. in floor size and is 40 meters away from the beach, Lighting and Outlets are solar powered, a King Size Bed and a Walk-Around Toilet and Shower where you always have a view of the beach and the wild forests at the back, and a Spacious Deck for Yoga or Exercise, or just to sit and read a book.