The island of Palawan, which is located in the Visayas Western region of the Philippines, is sometimes referred to as the “last frontier” of the Philippines. The majority of Palawan’s islands and islets have a rugged shoreline, contributing to the island chain’s distinctive beauty. Palawan is home to roughly 1,780 islands and islets. The main island of Palawan is located in the southwestern part of the archipelago, between Mindoro and Borneo. Palawan is a site where people of approximately 87 distinct cultural traditions come together, making it a true melting pot of cultures. Islam and Christianity are the two faiths practised by the majority of people in Palawan. The island is endowed with a wealth of natural beauty and is home to a variety of photogenic beaches, subterranean rivers, caverns, and a wide variety of other natural features and attractions.
The island of Palawan has a long history of commercial interaction with both Chinese and Malay traders. In the 12th century, Malay culture began to exert its influence on the province. After some time, Spaniards began to settle in the province. They first invaded the region from the north. After Spain abandoned its territories in the Philippines in the year 1903, the United States took control of the island and redrawn its borders, naming Puerto Princesa as the new capital of the province of Palawan. The island was occupied by Japanese forces during World War II due to its strategic location.
Main Tourist Attractions of Palawan, Phillipines
Irawan Crocodile Farming Institute
The Irawan Crocodile Farming Institute, which can be located in the surrounding area of the nation’s capital, was established with the purpose of preserving, protecting, and doing research on the several kinds of crocodiles that are in danger of becoming extinct. The institution is home to a hospital that is both well-equipped and staffed to care for crocodiles that have been injured or become ill. In addition to the habitats for crocodiles, the institution is also home to a little zoo where it is possible to see and learn more about some of the indigenous creatures.
Honda Bay
The stunning natural scenery of Honda Bay makes it a popular destination for tourists around the nation. The Bay may be found around 12 kilometres away from Puerto Princesa. It is the ideal location for unwinding, swimming, scuba diving, and snorkelling due to the presence of a number of islands, which are bordered by shallow reefs and white sandy beaches. There are several islands in this group, and some of them have been given names based on the native flora and fauna, such as Bat, Cowrie, Snake, Canon, and Starfish, among others. Because Lu-li island can only be seen when the tide is low, it was given the name Lulubog-lilitaw, which literally translates to “an island that floats and sinks at the same time.” This name was chosen because the island can only be seen when the tide is low.
Nagtabon Beach
This beach stretches out for a good distance and has white sand. On the west coast, it is close to a bay that is both beautiful and peaceful. Swimming is a fun activity that can be enjoyed at this beach. It is necessary to take a jeepney to Maranat, and once there, one must walk for around one and a half hours in order to reach the beach.
St. Paul Subterranean National Park
This park is located at the location of a tropic krast region that is covered with pointed ridges and round peaks. It was built around the St. Paul mountain range, which is composed of limestone. The Babuyan River, the St. Paul Caves, and the subterranean river all contribute to the park’s widespread notoriety. The St. Paul Caverns are among of the most stunning caves in the world, including enormous chambers and vast passageways, the largest of which is 120 metres in length and 60 metres in width.
Sabang Underground River
In either the Puerto Princesa Subterranean National Park or the St. Paul National Park, the Sabang Underground River is one of the attractions that draws the most visitors’ attention. The length of the river is close to five miles (eight kilometres), and it runs underground for its whole length. Its source is located around 2 kilometres away from the St. Paul Mountain range, and it runs via caverns until emerging in St. Paul’s Bay. After that, it flows into the ocean, which results in the formation of a karst spring.
Tabon Caves
The Tabon caverns, which were found by an American archaeologist by the name of Dr. Robert B. Fox in the year 1962, extend over an area of 341 acres. The name “Cradle of Philippine Civilization” has been synonymous with these caverns throughout the years. The Lipuua Point in Quezon is where you’ll find this particular location. The caverns are formed by rugged rocks in their interior. In these caverns, human fossils going back thousands of years have been discovered. The caves are quite old. These caverns have been recognised by UNESCO as being of World Heritage significance.
National Museum or Tabon Museum
The National Museum can be found in Quezon town, which can be reached by travelling about 155 kilometres from Puerto Princesa. By bus or jeepney, the trip should take between between two and three hours. A variety of objects discovered in the Tabon Caves may be seen on display at the museum. The museum provides visitors with the opportunity to gain in-depth information on Palawan and the Tabon Caves.
Port Barton
This harbour, which is located to the northwest of Puerto Princesa, has emerged as a favourite hangout spot in recent years. A small section of beach close to the harbour is ideal for engaging in activities like scuba diving and snorkelling. A number of resorts are located along the shore. A jeepney ride from Puerto Princesa to the location in question takes between seven and eight hours, on average. Visitors will have an adventure they won’t soon forget as they make their way through the woodland.
El Nido
Under the National Integrated Protected Places Program, the El Nido region is considered to be one of the most important protected areas. It is well known for the unique ecosystems that it contains. There are tropical rainforests, mangrove forests, reefs, and many more ecosystems can be found in this area. The El Nido Marine Reserve is well-known for having a wide variety of animal species. In close proximity to El Nido is also the well-known Bacuit Archipelago. It is composed of a variety of teeny-tiny islands, each of which has its own wonderful beach and a fair number of scuba diving spots.
Calauit Game Preserve & Wildlife Sanctuary
The Calauit Game Preserve and Wildlife Sanctuary may be found in the Basuanga municipality of Palawan, specifically on the island of Calauit. The wildlife sanctuary was established in 1976, and it is a delight for those who have a passion for animals since it is home to not only rare and endangered animal species from the Philippines, but also those from Africa. The sanctuary is home to a variety of creatures, including African giraffes, Calamian deer, peacocks, and crocodiles, among other species.
