Things To Do
in Culion
Culion is a tranquil island town in Palawan, part of the Calamianes archipelago. It carries a deep history as a former leprosy settlement, now welcoming visitors with a respectful blend of culture and heritage. Surrounding reefs, white-sand beaches, and clear turquoise waters offer excellent snorkeling and island-hopping without the crowds of more touristy destinations.
The pace here is relaxed, inviting travelers to explore local life, historic sites, and pristine nature at a gentle tempo.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Culion and check-in at your accommodation. Spend your morning getting acclimatized to the local environment and learning about the island's unique history as a former leprosarium. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, sampling traditional dishes like longganisa and fresh coconut.
Take a guided orientation tour of Culion's significant historical sites, including the Culion Museum and Archives, which tells the poignant story of the leprosy colony. Witness the breathtaking views from the Culion Church, an architectural gem overlooking the town. Conclude your tour with a local lunch featuring fresh seafood and tropical fruits.
As the sun sets, stroll along the Culion waterfront and immerse yourself in the tranquil ambiance of island life. Dine at a coastal restaurant where you can taste a fusion of Filipino and international cuisine. Wrap up your evening by enjoying the starry sky and perhaps a conversation with locals about their stories.
Kickstart your day with breakfast at your accommodation before heading to Bananao Beach, known for its clear waters and white sand. Spend your morning basking under the sun, swimming, or snorkeling among vibrant corals and marine life. Enjoy a packed lunch on the beach as you take in the beautiful scenery.
After lunch, set off to explore nearby Malcapuya Island, just a short boat ride away. Spend the afternoon swimming, sunbathing, and organizing fun beach activities like beach volleyball. Don’t forget to capture stunning photos of the picturesque landscape.
Return to Culion in the evening and freshen up before grabbing dinner at a local restaurant. Share your beach adventures with newfound friends over a meal of grilled fish and vegetables. End your day with a peaceful walk along the shore, taking in the soothing sounds of the waves.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-10 |
| 🧃Coffee or soft drink | $1-3 |
| 🏨Budget hotel room (per night) | $25-60 |
| 🧭Local transportation (daily) | $3-10 |
| 🚤Boat/ferry trip to nearby islands | $15-40 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Quiet, scenic island with pristine beaches and clear waters
- Rich history and relatively uncrowded tourist scenes
- Limited infrastructure in remote areas
- Fewer dining and nightlife options compared to more developed destinations
- "Salamat" - Thank you
- "Magandang araw" - Good day
- "Kumusta ka?" - How are you?
- "Paalam" - Goodbye
- "Saan ang banyo?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Mahal kita" - I love you
Places to Visit in Culion
Visit one of these nice places.
Golden-hour light on boats, nets, and the harbor; great for candid portraits and seascapes.
Historic buildings and tranquil courtyards offer atmospheric, story-driven photographs.
Colorful houses, local life, and sea views provide vibrant street photography opportunities.
Pristine coastlines and mangrove edges ideal for wide-angle seascapes and wildlife photography from boat or shore.
Soft light and silhouettes as the sun sinks over the horizon; perfect for peaceful landscape shots.
Food in Culion
Culion Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A local Palawan delicacy served in some seaside eateries; typically eaten with calamansi, garlic, and a dipping sauce.
Must-Try!
Citrus-marinated raw seafood mixed with onions, chilies, and coconut vinegar; best at fresh seafood stalls.
Sun-dried fish often served with rice, a common island staple found at markets and eateries.
Grilled fish with a hint of lemongrass or local seasonings, commonly available at seaside grills.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Morning stalls offer fresh fish, shrimp, fruit, and everyday snacks; a great place to taste local flavors and observe daily life.
Casual spots near the harbor serving freshly caught seafood ready to grill or eat on the spot.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a smile and a courteous hello; use polite phrases when addressing elders or locals.
Ask permission before photographing people or private property; some scenes may be sensitive due to historical context.
Dress modestly in public spaces; casual, respectful attire is appropriate near religious sites and during community events.
Safety
Tipping in Culion
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated for good service, especially in tourist areas; 5–10% in restaurants if no service charge is included. Small tips to guides and boat crews are common after a day trip.
Cash is widely used in markets and small eateries; some places may accept credit cards, particularly in larger, more tourist-focused establishments. ATMs exist in town, but carry sufficient cash for remote areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Sunny days, calmer seas, and excellent visibility for snorkeling and beach days. Water is warmer and crowds are moderate; ideal for outdoor activities and photography.
Higher humidity with afternoon rains and occasional storms; seas can be rougher and weather can limit sailing trips. Great for lush greenery and dramatic skies, but plan flexible activities.
Culion at Night
Hiking in Culion
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Easy-to-moderate trails along the coastline with sea views and opportunities to observe local flora and birdlife.
Nature trails around the island’s coast and interior; combine with a wildlife viewing trip.
Gentle climbs to coastal lookout points for panoramic sea-and-island vistas.
Airports
How to reach Culion by plane.
Domestic airport serving the Coron and Calamianes area; connect from Manila or Cebu, then transfer by land and boat to Culion.
Palawan’s primary gateway; longer overland and sea transfers needed to reach Culion, but useful as an alternative entry point.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Primarily Filipino families living in Culion Town; a mix of Tagalog-speaking and Palawan-language communities with strong ties to fishing and local trades.
Domestic and international visitors drawn to history, beaches, and snorkeling; many communicate in English or Filipino in tourist-facing spots.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular pastime in towns across Palawan; local courts see casual play and community games.
Common recreational activities given Culion’s clear waters and reefs.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Culion.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available in town markets and some eateries; ask for vegetable dishes, rice, and tofu-based choices; clarify that some sauces may contain fish products.