travel guide palawan

Palawan's Handicrafts & Souvenirs

What better way to remember your trip to Palawan than by bringing home some souvenirs?
From handcrafted items to delicious local treats, Palawan offers a wide variety of unique and memorable keepsakes. In Filipino culture, bringing home pasalubong—a small gift or token for family and friends—is a meaningful tradition that shows love and thoughtfulness.
Support Palawan’s indigenous communities by choosing original and authentic souvenirs that reflect the island’s rich culture and craftsmanship!

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PALAWAN

Authentic Souvenirs

Authentic Tribal Crafts

Palawan is home to indigenous tribes whose traditional craftsmanship offers travelers a deeper connection to the island’s culture. If you’re looking for meaningful and authentic Palawan souvenirs, tribal handicrafts are a must-buy.

Handicrafts by the Batak Tribe

The Batak Tribe, one of Palawan’s indigenous groups, is especially known for their handmade crafts. Using wood gathered from the island’s forests and mountains, they create stunning pieces that reflect their unique traditions and way of life. You’ll find these genuine Batak handicrafts—like carved wooden masks and sculptures—in souvenir shops along Rizal Avenue in Puerto Princesa.

Wild Pig Figurine

One of the most distinctive items you’ll find is the Wild Pig Figurine. Shaped like a wild boar, this handmade item is carved from hardwood and serves as a traditional pipe—users inhale from the snout. Even if you don’t smoke, it makes for a quirky and eye-catching decorative piece that’s uniquely Palawan.

Biday: Handwoven Rattan Craft

Biday is a traditional rattan craft made from natural materials found throughout Palawan. Its beautiful weaving and texture make it both decorative and functional. Biday can be used as window blinds, wall hangings, room dividers, or floor mats. Tourists love its earthy charm and versatility, making it a popular and eco-friendly souvenir.

Rainmaker Stick

While the Rainmaker Stick didn’t originate in Palawan, it has become a beloved keepsake for visitors. Crafted by local artisans, this cylinder-shaped instrument mimics the sound of rain when tilted or shaken. Each piece features hand-burned designs and comes in different sizes, making it a soothing and artistic gift.

Palawan Pearls

Palawan pearls, especially South Sea pearls, are among the most sought-after treasures from the island. Cultivated locally, these natural gems come in a range of colors and sizes and are often featured in elegant jewelry. While street vendors may offer cheaper options, it’s best to buy genuine pearls from trusted jewelry stores like the South Sea Pearl Museum at SM Mall Puerto Princesa. For top-quality pearl jewelry in Palawan, always choose established and reputable shops.

PALAWAN

Local Food

Dessert at Baker'S Hill, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines

Local Delicacies of Palawan

Palawan is not just known for its beautiful beaches and nature—it also has many delicious local delicacies you can take home as souvenirs. These tasty treats are often the pride of the towns where they are made.

The best time to try and buy these local foods is during Fiesta celebrations. These festivals usually have parades, fireworks, dance contests, beauty pageants, and food fairs. A great place to visit is the Provincial Capitol in Puerto Princesa, where each town sets up booths to showcase their best local products.

Cashews (Kasoy)

Palawan is known as the cashew capital of the Philippines. Locals sell cashews in many forms—salted, fried, toasted, caramelized, or even coated in chocolate. The most famous ones come from Coron, where they are known for their rich taste and creamy texture.

Honey

Palawan’s wild honey is collected by local indigenous people and sold in souvenir shops. While some stores sell processed honey, it’s better to buy raw honey without additives. Buying wild honey also helps support the native communities.

Buti-Buti (Caramelized Popped Rice)

Buti-buti is a sweet snack from Cuyo Island, made from heirloom red or brown rice. The rice is popped like popcorn, mixed with muscovado sugar, and shaped into small balls. It’s hard to find outside of the Baragatan Festival, so grab it while you can!

Daing (Dried Fish)

Dried fish, or daing, is sold in most wet markets in Palawan. The fish is cleaned, salted, and sun-dried. It’s a great match with rice and local sauces like soy sauce or vinegar. It’s perfect if you want a protein-rich and flavorful souvenir.

Tuna in Oil

San Vicente is famous for its tuna fillets preserved in oil and packed in glass jars. These tuna jars keep the fish fresh and tasty—great for salads, pasta, or sandwiches. They also make a nice gourmet gift.

Banana Chips and Dried Mango

If you like bananas, you’ll love banana chips—crispy, sweet snacks made from fried banana slices. You can also find dried mangoes, a chewy and fruity treat. These are easy to carry and make great gifts.

Turmeric and Ginger Tea

This healthy tea mix is made from powdered turmeric and ginger—two natural plants known for helping the body. Just mix the powder with hot water or milk for a warm and healthy drink with anti-inflammatory benefits.

Polvoron

Polvoron is a soft, sweet Filipino snack made with flour, sugar, powdered milk, and butter. It crumbles in your mouth and comes in many flavors like classic, chocolate, and ube (purple yam). You can find it in most supermarkets.

Coconut Jam

Coconut jam is made by slowly cooking coconut milk and brown sugar until it becomes thick and creamy. It has a sweet, caramel flavor and goes well with toast, pastries, or desserts. It’s also called “kaya” in some parts of Asia.