Philippine Travel: Palawan
Palawan is an island province which is surrounded with 1780
islands and islets. It is also surrounded by a coral reef that
if full of diverse and colorful marine life which is why it has
been declared a nature sanctuary. Puerto Princesa, the capital
of Palawan, is the main harbor and the center of trade and
commerce. The municipality of el Nido at the northernmost point
of Palawan is a popular tourist spot.
Other tourist spots in Palawan include:
Calauit Island Wildlife Sanctuary
The 3700 hectare Calauit Island is sanctuary to both African and
Palawan wildlife threatened with extinction. President Ferdinand
E. Marcos declared Calauit as a game preserve and wildlife
sanctuary in August 1976.
>From Manila, take a one hour and 30 minute flight to Busuanga
and upon arrival at the Yulo King Ranch you can take a jeep to
Decalatiao Wharf, 30 minutes away. From there you can take a 3
hour boat ride to Calauit island. In Calauit Island Wildlife
Sanctuary you can see African animals like giraffes, zebras,
impalas, waterbucks, bushbacks, and gazelles. They live in
together with common Philippine animals like the bearcat,
Palawan peacock pheasant, Calamian deer, mousedeer, Philippine
crocodile and sea turtles. Accommodations are available for
overnighters.
St. Paul Underground River
>From the Puerto Princesa market, you can take a jeep or a
contracted vehicle for a 2 and a half ride to Bahile Wharf.
Small boats along the wharf may be contracted for a day trip to
the river. From here, a 2.1 kilometer hike towards the river
entrance follows. Bahile is approximately 76 kilometers away
from Puerto Princesa City.
The Underground river of Mount Saint Paul is one of Palawan's
most famous spots. By the river's mouth one could find a
beautiful lagoon with clear waters teeming with fish. Eight
kilometers inland, St Paul's Underground River is traversable
for at least four kilometers. On board a tiny boat or banca with
outriggers, outfitted with kerosene lamps, you will enter a new
and mystical world with pitch dark interiors. Inside are huge
stalactites that have been forming for hundreds of years.
Honda Bay Islands
Located in Sta. Lourdes, in Tagburos, it consists of the
following islands: Snake Island, Cowrie Island, Starfish Island,
Meana Marina Island, Loli Island and Pandang Island.
>From Puerto Princesa, you must head for the Sea Lourdes Harbour
in Tagburos which is about 10 kilometers north of the city.
There you can rent out pumpboats to take you to the different
islands. It is a perfect opportunity for island hopping and
other water related activities like snorkeling and scuba diving.
Another island, Bat Island, is so called because of the
thousands of bats that could be seen hanging on the mangroves
during the day.
It would probably take more than one trip to discover all of the
wonders that Palawan has to offer. Be prepared to want to come
back.
Recommended Lodgings:
Club Paradise Palawan
Dimakya Island, Coron, Palawan
Manila Contact Number: (02)8384956 to 63
Dos Palmas Island Resort
Arreceffi Island, Honda Bay, Puerto Princesa City
(048)4343118
Manila Contact Number: (02)6374226 or (02)6374236
Miniloc Island Resort
Miniloc Island, El Nido, Palawan
Manila Contact Number: (02)8945644