Cover Pamalican Island, the exclusive setting for Amanpulo, features expansive white sand beaches and clear coral waters.
Pamalican Island, the exclusive setting for Amanpulo, features expansive white sand beaches and clear coral waters.
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Go beyond the shores of Amanpulo—one of Tatler Best 10 Hotels 2026—with a curated itinerary designed to immerse you in sun, sand and sea
Pamalican Island, blissfully marooned in the jewel-toned waters of northern Palawan, is the very epitome of a secluded tropical escape. While it is tempting to languish within the luxurious, powder-sand confines of Amanpulo (a Tatler Best 10 Hotel and winner of our Best Service award), the surrounding archipelago beckons to the intrepid traveller. Cradled by a marine sanctuary protected for over 30 years, the destination offers an unspoiled underwater world alongside a rich, vibrant local culture. For those yearning to venture beyond the exquisite property, here is a beautifully curated itinerary that reveals the true, beating heart of the Palawan waters.
Read also: Tatler Best Hotels Philippines 2026
Above The nearby Manamoc Island as seen from the shores of Amanpulo on a clear day
Above A pristine white sandbar in Pamalican Island is a perfect spot for basking in the sun
The nearby Manamoc Island as seen from the shores of Amanpulo on a clear day
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Day 1
Dawn dive at The Pier
Start your day with an invigorating early morning dive in the surrounding marine sanctuary. A remarkably short boat ride delivers you to The Pier, an offshore dive site renowned for its dramatic rock formations. As you descend between 10 and 18 metres, you are greeted by an extraordinary abundance of marine life. Expect to glide alongside thousands of circling batfish, peaceful resting sea turtles, moray eels and elegant blue-spotted rays sweeping across the sandy bottom. Should you wish to dive the entire day, there are plenty of stunning reefs and dive sites around the area, and the resort’s expert dive team can assist you.
Read also: Tubbataha Reefs: dive into the surreal waters of this Unesco World Heritage Site
Above Guests on a diving excursion observe sea turtles near the coral reef at Amanpulo
Above Two clownfish inhabit a sea anemone in a vibrant marine sanctuary near the island
Guests on a diving excursion observe sea turtles near the coral reef at Amanpulo
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Above A school of fish swims in the clear waters surrounding Pamalican Island
Above A guest snorkeling alongside a green sea turtle in the clear waters of Palawan
A school of fish swims in the clear waters surrounding Pamalican Island
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Island hopping at the Quiniluban cluster
Board a speedboat for a thrilling excursion to the majestic Quiniluban island cluster. Over the course of the day, explore the enchanting neighbouring islands of Tayay, Halog and Oco. These islands—some inhabited, others beautifully desolate—boast striking rock formations, pristine beaches and exceptional snorkelling spots, elegantly showcasing the boundless natural wonders of the Palawan archipelago.
Above A boat skims over the turquoise waters and coral formations of the waters surrounding Pamalican Island
A boat skims over the turquoise waters and coral formations of the waters surrounding Pamalican Island
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Beach picnic at Manamoc Sandbar
Journey to the very edge of Manamoc Island to discover a hidden, ephemeral sandbar—a spectacular secret accessible only during specific tide conditions. This remote strip of powder-white sand is the quintessential spot for a cosy yet entirely raw beach lunch experience. Afterwards, surrender to a private snorkelling session in the surrounding crystal-clear shallows before embarking on your next adventure.
Above Have a picnic lunch at Manamoc Sandbar or the nearby Malotamban Beach
Above Marine sanctuaries and dive spots abound in this part of the world
Have a picnic lunch at Manamoc Sandbar or the nearby Malotamban Beach
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Cultural immersion in Manamoc
Trade the azure waters for solid ground with a 45-minute boat journey to the nearby island of Manamoc. This guided village tour provides a profound, deeper understanding of local customs and the warmth of vibrant Filipino culture. It is a humbling experience to witness the daily life of this remote island community, one that shares a uniquely beautiful, symbiotic relationship with Amanpulo and Pamalican Island.
Above Guests who are looking for other activities can also go hiking in Manamoc Island
Guests who are looking for other activities can also go hiking in Manamoc Island
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Day 2
Above Flower Island is home to the renowned Jewelmer Pearl Farm, famous for its Golden South Sea Pearl
Flower Island is home to the renowned Jewelmer Pearl Farm, famous for its Golden South Sea Pearl
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The golden South Sea Pearl journey
Take to the skies and venture west into the main Palawan archipelago aboard a chartered helicopter to explore the birthplace of the country’s national gem, the resplendent South Sea Pearl. Upon alighting at Flower Island, a scenic speedboat ride whisks you to the renowned Jewelmer Pearl Farm. Here, guests are treated to an in-depth, guided tour of the oyster hatchery and the meticulous laboratory for pearl grafting and harvesting. It is a rare privilege to witness exactly how the brand nurtures its gold-lipped oysters to produce pearls of the absolute finest quality.
Above Golden South Sea Pearl from Flower Island, home to Jewelmer’s Pearl Farm
Golden South Sea Pearl from Flower Island, home to Jewelmer’s Pearl Farm
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A castaway lunch at Malotamban Beach
Following a fascinating morning at the pearl farm, depart by speedboat for the untouched shores of Malotamban Beach. Indulge in a secluded, toes-in-the-sand picnic lunch, fully immersing yourself in the raw, unbridled beauty of the islands. By 1:45 pm, slip into the crystal-clear depths for a snorkelling session around the vibrant Coral Garden—a truly mesmerising display of the region’s rich marine biodiversity.
Above A Hobie catamaran with guests navigates the cerulean waters of Palawan
A Hobie catamaran with guests navigates the cerulean waters of Palawan
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Soothing massage at Aman Spa
Back in the resort, treat yourself to a quiet me-time with Pag-Asa Massage, named after the Filipino word for ‘hope’, a one-of-a-kind treatment lovingly created by the therapists hailing from the islands. Part of the proceeds from this massage will benefit the Andres Soriano Foundation’s health centre programmes on Manamoc Island.
Above Amanpulo’s open-air spa pavilion provides serene massage treatments overlooking the turquoise ocean
Amanpulo’s open-air spa pavilion provides serene massage treatments overlooking the turquoise ocean
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While Amanpulo excels in providing unparalleled island luxury, venturing into the wider archipelago unlocks a deeper, more authentic dimension of the Palawan experience. From uncovering the meticulous origins of the South Sea pearl to forging meaningful connections with the Manamoc community, this itinerary proves that the region’s true wealth lies in its people and natural wonders. You will depart this secluded paradise not merely rested, but profoundly enriched by the vibrant spirit that thrives just beyond the resort’s shores.
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Credits
Photography: courtesy of Amanpulo
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Whether on assignment or not, Maritess is always on the lookout for off-the-beaten-path destinations as well as the yummiest finds in the Philippines and abroad. In 2020, she plunged into the black hole of Korean la la land. Follow her escapades at @matetreyes.
