The Palawan monitor lizard is a monitor lizard that is endemic to Palawan. It has differences to be considered a distinct species from the closely related water monitor, marbled water monitor and Varanus rasmusseni that belongs to the subgenus Soterosaurus where the Palawan monitor lizard belongs to as well.

This monitor lizard which is locally known as bayawak is the largest carnivorous monitor lizard in the country that reaches lengths of up to two meters. It is a highly opportunistic scavenger and predator that feeds on mammals, reptiles, birds, amphibians, fish, crabs, insects and slugs and devours even dead animals or its own kind.

It is also known as a predator of sea turtle eggs.

The Palawan monitor lizard can climb trees and swim long distances, being able to hold its breath for up to half an hour.