Northern Palawan, Philippines · Est. 1578
Where Spanish colonial forts stand watch over emerald lagoons, and centuries of history meld seamlessly with the raw, untouched beauty of the Palawan sea.
Explore the TownThe Town of Taytay
Taytay (Spanish: Santa Isabel) served as the former capital of the Province of Palawan during the Spanish colonial era. Founded in 1622, this historic municipality sits on the northeastern coast of Palawan island, surrounded by a breathtaking bay dotted with countless limestone islets.
Today, Taytay is one of Palawan's best-kept secrets — a place where you can kayak through hidden lagoons in the morning, visit a 400-year-old Spanish fort in the afternoon, and watch the sun set over the Sulu Sea in the evening.
"Taytay means 'bridge' in Filipino — and indeed it bridges the ancient and modern worlds of Palawan."
— Travel Notes on Northern Palawan
Taytay Bay, Palawan
What to Discover
01
Built by Augustinian friars in 1667, this Spanish colonial fort is Taytay's crown jewel. Climb its coral-stone walls for a panoramic view of the bay, especially magical at sunset.
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Taytay Bay is home to over 70 limestone islets, many with hidden lagoons accessible only by kayak. The crystalline waters shift from turquoise to emerald with the light.
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A serene lake cradled in the mountains, offering boat rides through mangrove forests teeming with wildlife. A perfect contrast to Taytay's coastal attractions.
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A pristine island paradise with powdery white sand and some of the best snorkeling in northern Palawan. Often visited on island hopping tours from the town proper.
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The coral reefs around Taytay are among the most biodiverse in the Philippines, home to sea turtles, reef sharks, and dazzling tropical fish. Suitable for all skill levels.
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The municipality's interior holds lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and trails through indigenous Tagbanua communities who have called this land home for millennia.
↗Visual Journal
Fort Santa Isabel
Hidden Lagoon
Bay Islets
Sunset View
Marine Life
Lake Danao
Plan Your Journey
Taytay enjoys a tropical climate with a distinct dry season from November to May — the ideal window for island hopping and outdoor adventures.
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Before You Go