Roxas, North Palawan
Honda Bay islands, turtle sanctuaries, and the quiet charm of North Palawan · Palawan
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / CC BY 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Roxas is a quiet municipality at the northern end of the Honda Bay circuit in Palawan — less developed than its southern neighbours but equally blessed with the clear water and island scenery that makes Palawan famous. The surrounding sea is dotted with small coral-fringed islands where sea turtles nest and feed, and the nearby Malampaya Sound (shared with Taytay municipality) is one of the last places in the Philippines where dugongs (sea cows) are regularly spotted. Honda Bay itself spans from Puerto Princesa northward to Roxas, and the northernmost island-hopping points — Pandan Island, Starfish Island — are accessed from the Roxas area with virtually no crowds. The Roxas fishing port is a working town where the catch of the day is always spectacular and accommodation is refreshingly affordable.
Things to do in Roxas, North Palawan
Island-hop Honda Bay's northern end
Hire a bangka from Roxas pier to Pandan Island, Puyos Island, and the northern sandbars. These islands see a fraction of the traffic on the central Honda Bay circuit out of Puerto Princesa.
Spot dugongs in Malampaya Sound
This protected bay has one of the Philippines' last dugong populations. Slow, non-motorised outrigger trips in the early morning give the best chance of sightings. Local boatmen know the feeding grounds.
Sea turtle watching
Several beaches near Roxas are active turtle nesting and feeding sites. Arrange a dawn or dusk boat trip with the local fisherfolk community to observe green sea turtles without disturbance.
Snorkel Pandan Island reef
A shallow reef fringes the uninhabited north end of Pandan Island — excellent for beginner snorkellers and children. Diverse reef fish, occasional hawksbill turtles, and no boat traffic.
Eat at the Roxas public market
The morning market has fresh snapper, parrot fish, squid, and sea urchin at catch-of-the-day prices. Many guesthouses will cook your market purchase for a small preparation fee.
Photos of Roxas, North Palawan
A visual taste of Roxas, North Palawan before you go.
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🗓️ Best time to visit Roxas, North Palawan
November–May for dry season and calm seas. December–February is optimal — clearest water, strongest dugong-spotting conditions, and uncrowded islands. June–October has the southwest monsoon; island hopping remains possible on calm days but sea conditions are less reliable. Avoid typhoon-season for open-water crossings.
✈️ How to get to Roxas, North Palawan
From Puerto Princesa: van north toward El Nido, exit at Roxas junction — 2–2.5 hours, PHP 200–300. From El Nido: van south PHP 250–300, 2.5 hours. The Puerto Princesa–El Nido van is the main artery; Roxas is a stop. From Manila: fly to El Nido airport (Lio) or Puerto Princesa, then van.
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Frequently asked questions — Roxas, North Palawan
Is Roxas Palawan different from Roxas in Capiz?
Yes — completely separate places. Roxas in Palawan (sometimes written Roxas, Palawan) is on the west coast of the island. Roxas City in Capiz is in the Western Visayas region, known as the seafood capital of the Philippines.
Are there good resorts in Roxas Palawan?
Accommodation is mostly budget guesthouses and simple beach cottages (PHP 600–1,500/night). There are no luxury resorts — this is the appeal. Pandan Island has one small eco-lodge.
How do I see dugongs in Malampaya Sound?
Join a community-managed dugong watching tour arranged through the Roxas LGU or local boatmen. Tours typically leave at 5–6am — dugongs surface for air every 6–8 minutes, making them viewable but requiring patience and silence.
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First time in Roxas, North Palawan?
Quick essentials so you can hit the ground running.
Standard Philippines visa-free entry. Malampaya Sound is a protected area — boats entering pay a conservation fee PHP 100–200. No additional Palawan eco-tourism fee required for Roxas municipality.
Roxas has a LandBank ATM but it can be unreliable — bring PHP cash from Puerto Princesa or El Nido. Most accommodation is cash-only. Day bangka hire PHP 1,000–2,500 depending on number of islands.
No malaria risk in Roxas municipality. Dengue present — use repellent. Nearest hospital is in Puerto Princesa. Dugong watching requires non-motorised boats — no exhaust exposure. Sun protection essential on open water.
Van Puerto Princesa→Roxas PHP 200–300. Bangka day hire PHP 1,000–2,500/boat (seats 6–8). Dugong tour PHP 500–800/boat. Accommodation PHP 600–1,200/night. Meals PHP 150–250 at local eateries.
Roxas is a safe, quiet town. Sea conditions in Malampaya Sound can change quickly — go only with experienced local boatmen who know the weather patterns. Dugong watching uses non-motorised boats to avoid stressing the animals — respect the guidelines.
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