Palawan Island: Best Souvenir Shopping Spots! 4 Must-Visit Stores for Pearls and Crafts

Palawan Island, often called the Philippines’ ‘Last Frontier.’ After enjoying its beautiful seas and unspoiled nature, you’ll surely want to bring back wonderful souvenirs to remember your trip. Especially in the central city of Puerto Princesa, charming shopping spots are scattered about, offering famous Philippine specialties like ‘South Sea pearls,’ ‘cashew nuts,’ and handmade crafts by local artists.

However, choices vary widely, from lively local markets bustling with energy to comfortable, air-conditioned shops. We’ll provide real information that travelers want to know: where to buy what, what about quality and price ranges. From classic bulk souvenirs to choosing a once-in-a-lifetime pearl, and even tips for navigating shopping during a suburban resort stay, we introduce carefully selected spots to make your Palawan shopping trip a great success.

MCA Market Mall

📍 Address: PPWW+9RR, North Road, San Miguel, Puerto Princesa City, 5300 Palawan, Philippines
Located in an excellent spot, about a 10-minute drive from Puerto Princesa International Airport, ‘MCA Market Mall’ is perfect for last-minute shopping before your flight. This is a massive indoor pavilion bustling with both tourists and local energy. It’s packed with classic items like T-shirts, traditional woven bags, and magnets.

What you absolutely must check out here are Palawan’s specialty ‘cashew nuts’ and ‘pearls.’ Pearls, in particular, are incredibly affordable; you might even get 10 pairs of cheap earrings for everyday wear for around 1000 pesos when buying in bulk. If you’re looking for a large quantity of souvenirs for colleagues or friends, there’s no better place.

Since the spacious venue has a mix of air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned areas, it’s recommended to visit in light clothing. Also, be sure to prepare some small change (around 5 pesos) if you plan to use the restroom. ‘Bargaining,’ a unique feature of local markets, is also part of the fun. Compare several shops and aim to get your items at a satisfactory price.

Ocean Pearl Pasalubong Center

📍 Address: QPJX+PC4, Puerto Princesa North Road, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines
For those who dislike crowded market atmospheres and prefer to shop calmly in a cool, comfortable space, ‘Ocean Pearl Pasalubong Center’ is perfect. ‘Pasalubong’ means ‘souvenir’ in Filipino, and true to its name, this large store offers local specialties all in one stop.

The biggest appeal of this store is its collection of high-quality South Sea pearls. They offer a wide range, from expensive jewelry beautifully displayed in showcases to affordable items costing just a few tens of pesos. When choosing pearls, it’s easy to feel anxious about ‘Are they really genuine?’ But here, they issue reliable certificates of authenticity (appraisals), earning the strong trust of travelers who prioritize quality and origin.

On the other hand, many T-shirts in the apparel section have somewhat ‘outdated’ designs, so it might be fun to buy them as ironically ‘dorky but cute’ novelty T-shirts. With knowledgeable staff on hand to assist, this spot is especially recommended for those who want to take their time choosing jewelry.

Palawan Authenticity South Sea Pearl Shop

📍 Address: Casuy Road Villa Elena, Brgy, Santa Monica, Puerto Princesa City, 5300 Palawan, Philippines
If you’re serious about choosing a once-in-a-lifetime South Sea pearl, you shouldn’t miss this place. Also known as ‘Aqua Pearl’ by word of mouth, this shop is a hidden gem offering high-quality, authentic pearls at very reasonable prices. The passion and sincerity of the owner and staff towards pearls are highly praised in reviews.

Inside the store, they don’t just sell; they also provide ‘pearl education,’ teaching customers how to distinguish between synthetic pearls, freshwater pearls, and South Sea pearls, which is a delightful bonus. A wide array of beautiful earrings and necklaces made with hypoallergenic, low-irritation materials are available, perfect for a treat for yourself or a gift for a loved one.

However, a small point of caution is needed when purchasing. While the quality of the loose pearls (unmounted stones) is undoubtedly excellent, some of the metalwork settings (adhering or drilling) might not have the delicate finish found in high-end Japanese jewelry. If the finish of the metalwork concerns you, consider an advanced technique: buying the loose pearl and having it set by a specialist in Japan. Price negotiation is also possible, and you’ll surely be touched by the warm, local hospitality, which sometimes even includes hotel transfers.

Asiano Arts and Crafts

📍 Address: Rizal Avenue, Puerto Princesa City, 5300 Palawan, Philippines
For discerning travelers who are ‘tired of typical tourist souvenirs’ or ‘want to take Palawan’s culture home with them,’ ‘Asiano Arts and Crafts’ on Rizal Avenue is an absolute must-visit. This is not just a souvenir shop, but a gallery-like space featuring one-of-a-kind art pieces created by local Palawan artists.

Wood carvings, colorful paintings, and beautiful home decorations incorporating traditional motifs—each piece boasts originality and high quality. The staff, including owner Jojo, are happy to explain the cultural background and creation process of the works, allowing you to take home not just the art, but its story too.

Many items don’t have price tags, which might be a bit confusing at first, but the prices are surprisingly reasonable. If something catches your eye, feel free to ask the staff for the price. They sometimes offer discounts. You’re sure to find a special, unique item imbued with the local atmosphere.

[For Resort Guests] Souvenir Shopping & Strategy Tips When Staying at Suburban Resorts

Many travelers to Palawan Island will likely stay at wonderful suburban resorts like ‘Astoria Palawan.’ These resorts are located in the midst of nature, about a 1.5-hour drive from Puerto Princesa Airport, with beautiful seas stretching out before them. However, the reality is that ‘there are absolutely no places to buy souvenirs’ around or within the resort premises.

A clever trick to prevent the situation of ‘not having time to buy souvenirs on the last day!’ is to utilize your hotel’s airport shuttle or the return journey from an optional tour. If you request it from the driver of your airport transfer, they will usually be happy to stop at places like ‘MCA Market Mall’ along the way.

Furthermore, it’s highly efficient to negotiate with your guide to stop at shops in the city center on the way back from full-day tours, such as the World Heritage ‘Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour’ or ‘Island Hopping in Port Barton,’ known for its excellent water clarity. Turning the inconvenience unique to suburban resorts into clever shopping time is the secret to a successful Palawan trip.