Home to an astounding diversity of flora and fauna, the word paradise may just be an understatement to this stunning place located on the western border of the Philippines called Palawan.

Composed of 1, 768 islands and islets, Palawan is the biggest province in the Philippines. Having been blessed with abundant resources – its old tropical forest, rich wildlife, inviting white sand beaches, and a lot more to mention, Palawan definitely holds an unspoiled natural beauty that will surely leave even the most aloof visitors in awe. It is a perfect getaway from the daily dose of stress from work and an idyllic place to take a pause from life’s pressures.

HIGHLIGHTS

Aside from its rich wildlife and beautiful white sand beaches, it is Palawan’s pride to be internationally recognized for its undying efforts of conserving and protecting its two main attractions, the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park and the Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park which were chosen to be part of the World Heritage Sites of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization or UNESCO.

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River and National Park is one of the most well known attraction which covers 5,349 hectares of thick forest, mountains and white sand beaches. Among its features are the magnificent limestone formations and the Underground River which is hailed as the longest navigable river in the world.

The Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park on the other hand, is the Philippines’ largest marine habitat. It is a home for the giant manta rays, sea turtles and thousands of reef fish species. The marine park is 33, 200 hectares made of coral reefs, hardly surfacing islets and open water which make up a complete open ocean ecosystem. It is engraved in the World Heritage List as “rare and superlative phenomena as well as formations, features and areas of exceptional beauty.” Located right at the heart of Sulu Sea and 98 nautical miles from Puerto Princesa City, Palawan’s capital city, the park is also a top diving destination.

Apart from the two major attractions of Palawan are other equally stunning and highly commended attractions like the EL Nido Marine Reserve Park, Coron Reefs and Calauit Game Preserve and Wildlife Sanctuary. Palawan also hosts the most beautiful resorts namely, the El Nido Resorts, Dos Palmas Resort and the Amanpulo.

While it is noticeable that each of these marvelous attractions exhibits its own distinct features and highlights, still, they all contribute to the fact that Palawan is one of the richest in terms of natural resources and the most well-preserved, if we may say.

ACCOMODATIONS

Different classes of hotels, resorts, inns and pension houses line up to suit the needs and budget of every guest. Those who are cutting on their budget may try these affordable places, Lola Itang Pension, Badiao Inn, Bulwagang Princessa Inn, Duchess Pension and Payayo Pension, though there are also hotels like Legend Hotel, Airport Hotel, and Hotel Fleuris whose prices are within reach. Those with extra bucks to spare may want to check out these world class resorts namely, Dos Palmas Island Resort, Puerto Beach Resort and El Nido Resorts.

FOOD

Palawan ensures that its guests will not only be feasting on its heavenly wonders but as well as its palatable dishes. Guests may choose from a wide array of dishes, from Filipino dishes to International cuisines. Its capital city, Puerto Princesa, is commonly known for its Vietnam-inspired dishes, Palawan, being a refugee center once. A row of restaurants also offers different kinds of dishes, including the best tasting Filipino dishes as well as Sea Foods.

Ka Lui’s Restaurant is highly recommended and is described as one of Palawan’s best. Badiao Seafront Restaurant offers great sea foods with seaside ambience. Other restaurants to note include, Balinsayaw Grill, Bilao at Palayok, Kinabuchs Bar & Grill, Baker’s Hill and Vietville.

The island province of Palawan has been declared as a nature sanctuary of the world, and for good reason. It is wrapped in a mantel of rainforests, outstanding dive sites, majestic mountains, primeval caves, and pristine beaches. It is surrounded by a coral shelf that abounds with varied and colorful marine life. It boasts of exotic flora and fauna, like the mousedeer and the scaly anteater, that are found nowhere else.

Palawan waters are among the best in the world, not only for diving but also for fishing. A diver’s paradise, it has miles of sub-surface coral and rainbow reef walls which surround the coasts and coves teeming with rich marine life.

The El Nido Marin Reserve in Miniloc, El Nido, occupying an area of 96,000 hectares, is a popular nature spot in the province. It boasts of diverse ecosystems, such as rainforests, mangroves, white sand beaches, coral reefs, and limestone reefs as well as a variety of fishes, like manta ray and the sea cow or “dugong”, known as the world’s rarest marine mammal. It is now one of the country’s premier destinations, blessed with amazing natural scenery, and considered as a sanctuary for various forms of wildlife.

The province boasts of extraordinary scenic wonders. African animals from Kenya in Africa- giraffes and elands, zebras and gazelles – co-exist with endemic Philippine animals, like the Palawan bearcat, mousedeer and peacock (pheasant), in the Calauit Island Wildlife Sanctuary in Busuanga, considered one of the province’s most amazing sites. Another sanctuary found in Rio Tuba Village, Bataraza is the Ursula Island Game Refuge and Bird Sanctuary. This island is haven for birds that rest and converge two hours before sunset, after a day’s flight.

Palawan Hotel Room Rates

WE ACCEPT:

Legend Hotel Palawan

Standard Rooms – 133USD*

Premium Rooms   – 158USD*

Deluxe Rooms – 186USD*

Junior Suite – 243USD*

Miniloc Island Resort (El Nido)

Garden Cottages – 570USD*

Asturias

Standard Rooms – 128USD*

Superior Rooms –  136USD*

Deluxe Rooms – 202USD*

Executive Deluxe Rooms – 232USD*

* – Cost per person (TWNB)