NarraNarra at a Glance
Costs: $30-60 / day - budget-friendly Philippines town with cheap food and simple guesthouses; boat trips add modest costs.
Safety: Generally safe, coastal precautions - generally safe for visitors; standard tropical precautions and coastal-weather awareness apply.
Best Time: November-May (dry season) - dry season offers reliable sea conditions for island trips and wildlife viewing.
Why Visit Narra?
Named for the Philippine national tree, Narra in Palawan functions as a gateway to mangrove-lined coasts and small fishing communities. Local markets and seaside eateries focus on kinilaw and grilled seafood, giving visitors a direct taste of island cuisine, while boat trips and mangrove walks showcase coastal ecology. Community fiestas and barangay celebrations add colorful local traditions, making the town appealing to travelers who want simple beach access, fresh food and a glimpse of rural Palawan life.
Best Things to Do in Narra
Narra Bucket List
Don't Miss
Narra Town Plaza - Central plaza with municipal buildings, local markets, and weekend community events.
Local Palawan handicraft stalls - Shops selling woven goods, shell crafts, and locally made souvenirs from Narra.
Nearby mangrove boardwalks - Short nature walks through mangrove areas for birdwatching and coastal ecology learning.
Hidden Gems
Barangay Budburan shoreline - Low-key beach area favored by residents for swimming and relaxed picnics.
Community fisheries cooperative - Visit cooperative operations to learn about local fishing methods and fresh seafood sales.
Small roadside fruit stands - Family-run stands offering tropical fruits, juices, and snacks along provincial roads.
Day Trips
Roxas Boulevard coastal villages (Palawan) - Explore nearby coastal villages, mangroves, and simple beachside communities by boat.
Puerto Princesa day trip - Longer drive or ferry to Puerto Princesa for underground river tours and city markets.
Best Time to Visit Narra
Visit Narra in the dry season (November-April) for reliable beach and diving conditions. The wet season brings heavy rain and rough seas; the pre-monsoon months are hottest and sunniest.
Dry Season
Clear skies, calm seas and optimal diving and island-hopping conditions; busiest time so book transport and accommodations well ahead always.
Wet Season
Frequent heavy rain and rougher seas can disrupt boat trips; resorts quieter and nature becomes vividly green and dramatic often.
Hot Season
Hottest, sunniest months - perfect for beaches and snorkeling early, but midday heat is intense; carry water and sun protection.
Narra's climate is classified as Tropical Monsoon - Tropical Monsoon climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 23°C to 33°C. Abundant rainfall (1605 mm/year), wettest in November with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Excellent | 23° - 30° | 27° | 55 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 2.7 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.5h |
| February | Excellent | 23° - 31° | 30° | 18 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 2.8 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 11.7h |
| March | Excellent | 24° - 32° | 31° | 19 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 2.8 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 12.0h |
| April | Very Good | 25° - 33° | 32° | 44 mm | partly cloudy | 72% | 2.1 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 12.2h |
| May | Good | 25° - 33° | 33° | 132 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 2.2 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.4h |
| June | Acceptable | 24° - 32° | 31° | 171 mm | overcast | 79% | 2.0 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.5h |
| July | Acceptable | 24° - 31° | 31° | 181 mm | overcast | 81% | 2.2 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 12.5h |
| August | Acceptable | 24° - 31° | 31° | 165 mm | overcast | 81% | 2.3 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.3h |
| September | Acceptable | 24° - 31° | 31° | 184 mm | overcast | 81% | 1.8 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.1h |
| October | Acceptable | 24° - 31° | 31° | 193 mm | overcast | 81% | 1.9 m/s | 2.0 very high | 11.8h |
| November | Good | 24° - 31° | 31° | 275 mm | overcast | 81% | 1.7 m/s | 1.8 very high | 11.6h |
| December | Good | 24° - 30° | 27° | 168 mm | overcast | 82% | 2.1 m/s | 1.8 very high | 11.5h |
How to Get to Narra
How to Get Around Narra
- -
- -
- -
- -
- Walking -
Where to Stay in Narra
Budget
Town center - $10-25/night
Narra is small with very limited budget lodging; most inexpensive options are basic guesthouses or homestays in town. Consider nearby Puerto Princesa for more choices.
Mid-Range
Near municipal hall - $30-60/night
Mid-range hotels in Narra are scarce. You’ll find simple inns and family-run pensions; for wider mid-range selection, base in Puerto Princesa instead.
Luxury
Narra outskirts / near highway - $60+/night
Luxury options are essentially nonexistent inside Narra. Travelers seeking higher-end accommodation should stay in Puerto Princesa or on nearby island resorts.
Where to Eat in Narra
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Narra’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Narra
Nightlife in Narra is quiet and community-based. Evenings typically involve small bars, local eateries and social gatherings rather than formal nightlife venues. For a livelier evening scene you’ll want to visit larger Palawan towns or resort areas.
Shopping in Narra
Shopping in Narra is basic and aimed at residents and visitors: find a public market (palengke) for fresh produce, small souvenir stalls and a few sari‑sari and convenience stores for essentials. For a broader selection of tourist-oriented shops and larger supermarkets, larger towns such as Puerto Princesa offer more choices.