Best Attractions in Taytay
Discover the best things to do in Taytay, Palawan; from exploring the historic Fort Santa Isabel to island hopping in pristine bays. A must-visit for nature lovers and history buffs!
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Discover Taytay
Taytay, known as the "Estrella Del Norte" or "The Star of the North," is a municipality located on the northern part of Palawan Island in the Philippines.
With its strategic location facing both the South China Sea and Sulu Sea, Taytay boasts beautiful islands with clear blue waters that make it a popular destination for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. Additionally, as one of the oldest towns in the province and the first capital, Taytay is steeped in history and culture, offering visitors a glimpse into its rich heritage.
TRANSPORT & MOBILITY
How to Get There
By Air
There's no airport in Taytay, but you can fly into Puerto Princesa (PPS) from Manila or Cebu, then take a 4-5 hour van or private transfer, or into El Nido Airport (ENI) via AirSwift from Cebu or Bohol, followed by a shorter 1.5-2 hour ride to Taytay.
By Sea
There's no direct ferry service to Taytay from other tourist destinations in Palawan. The nearest port is El Nido, which connects daily to Coron by ferry.
Getting Around
Tricycles are the most common means of transportation in Taytay and are widely available. However, they are generally limited to certain areas and may not be able to cover long distances. Each tricycle can accommodate up to four passengers.
For those looking to explore the islands, islets, and coves of the bay, renting a boat is the best option. Wooden outrigger boats, or Bangkas, can be rented at Taytay port located near the Fort.
Top Attractions in Taytay
Elephant Island
Tucked away in Taytay, Palawan, Elephant Island is a deserted paradise with pristine white sandy beaches and excellent snorkeling opportunities. But that's not all - this hidden gem also boasts a natural secret lagoon, nestled deep within its cliffs.
Fort Santa Isabela
Step back in time at Fort Santa Isabel in Taytay, Palawan. This 17th-century Spanish fortress offers rich history and scenic views. Built to defend against pirates, it stands as a symbol of Taytay’s resilience.
Isla Blanca
Experience the beauty of Isla Blanca in Taytay, Palawan - a charming island with a long white coral sandbank and a large coral garden perfect for snorkeling enthusiasts. Relax on the white sand beach and soak up the stunning surroundings.
Best Time to Visit Taytay
Taytay remains a relatively undiscovered gem in Palawan, offering a peaceful, uncrowded escape year-round, whether you visit during the dry or wet season.
Dry Season (Dec - May)
December to May brings the driest, most pleasant weather. Even during peak season, Taytay stays refreshingly quiet, letting visitors fully soak in the local culture and scenery.
This period also hosts the Pasinggatan Festival, an annual celebration of the town's history and culture featuring sports competitions, street dancing, and beauty pageants.
Wet Season (June - Nov)
June to October is the rainier, quieter season, offering an even more laid-back way to experience Taytay's charm.
Top Activities
Taytay, Palawan is known for its stunning islands and beautiful beaches, making island hopping one of the top activities for visitors.
Some of the most popular islands to visit during the tour include Isla Blanca, where you can enjoy the white sand beach and crystal-clear waters. Other islands that are worth visiting during an island hopping tour include Pical Island, where you can go snorkeling and see a diverse range of marine life, and Casian Island, which boasts picturesque scenery and beautiful beaches and Elephant Island.
Malampaya Sound is a must-visit destination for nature lovers, as it’s home to a critically endangered subpopulation of Irrawaddy dolphins. Malampaya Sound is a serene and picturesque location surrounded by lush mangrove forests and is home to a diverse range of marine and birdlife.
4-Day Taytay Itinerary
Our suggested 4-day Taytay itinerary is the perfect stop between Puerto Princesa and El Nido, mixing island hopping with a leisure day to slow down.
Want a different pace? Request a tailor-made itinerary.
Day 1: Arrive Puerto Princesa– Taytay
Your journey begins as you arrive at Puerto Princesa airport and embark on a scenic transfer to Taytay. Settle into your luxurious home for the next 3 nights at The Dream Wellness Resort, where paradise awaits.
Day 2: Taytay Leisure
Wake up to the gentle sound of waves and indulge in a tranquil yoga session at our oceanfront pavilion. Whether you’re an experienced yogi or a beginner, our serene setting is the perfect backdrop for inner peace and rejuvenation.
Day 3: Taytay Island Hopping
Get ready for an adventure-filled day as you explore the stunning islands of Taytay Bay. Swim in crystal-clear waters, sunbathe on white sand beaches, and discover hidden lagoons on a thrilling island-hopping excursion.
Day 4: Depart Taytay – El Nido
As your stay at The Dream Wellness Resort comes to an end, depart for El Nido and bid farewell to the beauty of Taytay.
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Where to Stay
There are quite limited hotel options in the Taytay area, and most of them are small pensions or very simple accommodations.
We have selected a few of our favourite boutique and island resorts that we think you will really like. These properties offer a more exclusive and secluded experience, with a much nicer setting and atmosphere.
Boutique: Dream Wellness Resort
The Dream Wellness Resort in Palawan is located on a secluded beachfront tropical paradise in charming Taytay, offering a unique blend of privacy, elegance, and serene surroundings that will captivate you. Luxury and intimacy are presented in every detail, including sandy beaches and stunning views of the turquoise waters of the bay.
The Dream Wellness Resort is nestled among the island’s natural beauty and abundance of activities, making it the perfect choice for an amazing holiday experience. Additionally, a yoga retreat and a variety of activities are offered.
Boutique: Flower Island Resort
Nestled in a secluded location, Flower Island Resort is a hidden retreat consisting of 20 bungalows set amid lush tropical vegetation, white sand beaches, and sparkling azure waters.Each bungalow is crafted from natural, locally-sourced materials, evoking a touch of rustic luxury and providing guests with a truly authentic experience of Palawan’s natural beauty.
Boutique: NoaNoa Private Island
NoaNoa is a small and very private island retreat off the coast of Taytay, surrounded by clear waters and coral reef. With only a handful of rooms, it feels much more intimate and personal than a conventional resort. The island is particularly special for its natural setting, with excellent snorkelling directly from the shore, secluded beaches and plenty of opportunities to simply relax and enjoy the surroundings.
The accommodation combines a simple, elegant design with a very personal style of service, while the restaurant focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients. It is an ideal choice for travellers looking for privacy, nature and a slower pace, rather than a large resort with lots of facilities and activities.
Restaurant & Dining
Dining in Taytay is simple and mostly local, with restaurants and small eateries concentrated around the town centre. The choice is more limited than in El Nido or Puerto Princesa, but you’ll find Filipino dishes, fresh seafood, grilled meats and a few international options.
Prices are generally inexpensive, and the atmosphere is relaxed and unpretentious.
For good food with a view, Casa Rosa Seaview Inn and Restaurant is a particularly good option. Located in Poblacion on a hill overlooking Taytay Bay and Fort Santa Isabel, it is known for its scenic setting and beautiful sunsets.
The restaurant serves a mix of Filipino, Asian and Western dishes, making it a good choice for a relaxed lunch or dinner while enjoying the views.
Taytay Useful Information
Payment Options:
Payment options in Taytay are more limited than in larger tourist destinations such as El Nido.
Cash is still the most convenient option, especially at small local restaurants, shops and markets. Some hotels, restaurants and larger establishments may accept credit cards or e-wallets such as GCash, but this should not be relied on everywhere.
We recommend carrying enough Philippine pesos with you when travelling to Taytay.
Accessing Internet:
Internet access is available in Taytay, with most hotels and some restaurants offering Wi-Fi. However, the connection can be slower and less reliable than in El Nido or Puerto Princesa, particularly in more remote areas. Mobile data is generally available in the town, although signal strength can vary depending on your location.
If you need mobile data during your stay in Taytay, you can purchase a SIM card from either Smart or Globe. Both providers have coverage in the area, but Globe generally has better coverage than Smart.
Swimming & Safety Tips:
Taytay is a safe and peaceful destination for travellers, with a relaxed local atmosphere and far fewer tourists than El Nido. The main town itself is not really a swimming destination, and the waterfront around Poblacion is better enjoyed for its views and local atmosphere rather than for swimming.
For swimming and snorkeling, head out into Taytay Bay, where the waters can be calm and the surrounding islands offer quiet beaches and coral-rich areas.
Taytay Bay has shallow coral habitats and several islands with fringing reefs, making it a good option for snorkeling when sea conditions are favourable
Scuba Diving:
Taytay is an excellent destination for divers looking for quieter and less-developed dive sites away from the crowds of El Nido and Coron.
Taytay Bay is home to a number of reefs and dive sites, with coral gardens, reef slopes, deeper areas and wall dives.
Sites around reefs such as Black Rock, Tecas and Nabat are known for healthy coral and abundant marine life, including reef fish and, in some areas, turtles
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