Palawan is paradise, sanctuary to an amazing variety of fauna and flora found nowhere else in the world. It is blessed with incredibly awesome landscapes that astound even the most indifferent of visitors. Palawan is a narrow archipelago of 1,700 islands on the western border of the Philippines. It is geographical location makes it seem remote from the rest of the country, and in fact, some of its southern islands are closer to Malaysia than to other provinces. The waters of the South China Sea lap the western shores of Palawan, while the Sulu Sea hugs its eastern coast. With a land area of more than 1.7 million hectares, Palawan is the country's largest province.
Geography
Palawan is an island province of the Philippines located in the MIMAROPA region. Its capital is Puerto Princesa City, and it is the largest province in the country in terms of total area of jurisdiction. The islands of Palawan stretch from Mindoro in the northeast to Borneo in the southwest. It lies between the South China Sea and the Sulu Sea. The province is named after its largest island, Palawan Island, measuring 450 kilometres (280 mi) long and 50 kilometres (31 mi) wide.
Palawan is composed of the long and narrow Palawan Island, plus a number of other smaller islands surrounding the main island. The Calamianes Group of Islands, to the northwest consists of Busuanga Island, Culion Island, and Coron Island. Durangan Island almost touches the westernmost part of Palawan Island, while Balabac Island is located off the southern tip, separated from Borneo by the Balabac Strait. In addition, Palawan covers the Cuyo Islands in the Sulu Sea. The disputed Spratly Islands, located a few hundred kilometres to the west is considered part of Palawan by the Philippines, and is locally called the Kalayaan Group of Islands.
Palawan's almost 2,000 kilometres (1,200 mi) of irregular coastline are dotted with roughly 1,780 islands and islets, rocky coves, and sugar-white sandy beaches. It also harbours a vast stretch of virgin forests that carpet its chain of mountain ranges. The mountain heights average 3,500 feet (1,100 m) in altitude, with the highest peak rising to 6,843 feet (2,086 m)[4] at Mount Mantalingahan. The vast mountain areas are the source of valuable timber. The terrain is a mix of coastal plain, craggy foothills, valley deltas, and heavy forest interspersed with riverine arteries that serve as irrigation.
All About Puerto Princesa
The City of Puerto Princesa in Palawan, Philippines is located 306 nautical miles southwest of Manila, 205 nautical miles from Panay and about 250 nautical miles from Zamboanga. It is bounded on the North by the Municipality of San Vicente and Roxas and on the South by the Municipality of Aborlan. Its western side faces the South China Sea while in its eastern coast lays the Sulu Sea. Puerto Princesa City has a total land area of 253,982 hectares making it the largest City in the country. The City is comprised of 35 urban barangays and 31 rural barangays. The total area of the urban barangays is 14,716 hectares or only 5.7941% of the total land area of the City. The largest land area of the City is comprised of the rural barangays with total land area 239,266 hectares or 94.2059% of the total land area of the City.
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (The Underground River)
The Puerto Princesa Underground River is one of the top natural attractions in the Philippines. This amazing subterranean waterway is part of the larger Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The island province of Palawan is where you will find this national park, which not only features an underground river of high repute, but a breathtakingly beautiful mountain landscape as well. The river is the park's main calling card, and it passes through a mystical limestone cave before emptying into the South China Sea.
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| a breathtakingly beautiful mountain landscape! |
The underground river in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan is about five miles long, and the cave that it passes through is one of the longest navigable tunnels in the world. Numerous adjectives could be used to describe the Puerto Princesa Underground River, and wonderful and magnificent are just two of them. The mineral formations in the cave are stunning, and they include both stalagmites and stalactites. The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park offers park-operated paddle boats that carry visitors down the river, and the trip takes about one hour. While the paddle boats are equipped with spotlights, bringing extra lighting is recommended. When admiring the limestone cave on a trip down the underground river in Palawan, visitors will want to remember to keep their mouths closed when looking up. The cave is home to bats and swiftlets, in which case guano often falls from the upper reaches. It's also worth noting that the cave tends to be relatively cool, so warm clothing can come in handy.
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| jungle trekking is another option |
Cruising down a beautiful underground river is just one of the things that visitors to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park can enjoy. Viewing wildlife, doing some jungle trekking, and hanging out at the beach are some of the other options. Bird-watching is especially popular when it comes to wildlife viewing, as the park is home to a number of fascinating species, including parrots and herons. Hiking through the jungles is a rewarding endeavor for those who consider themselves nature lovers, and there is a trail that leads to the river cave that can offer a unique way in. As for hanging out at the beach, the shoreline at the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park boasts white sand beaches that are stunning. When visitors aren't swimming in the cool, crystal-clear waters at beaches like Marta Fe Beach, Sabang Beach, and Panaguman Beach, they can kick back and soak up some rays. A trip down the underground river in Palawan Island is a must when visiting the Palawan province. A local campaign aims to establish the river as one of the new "seven wonders of the world," and it's easy to understand why this campaign was adopted. Few rivers in the world rival the Puerto Princesa Underground River, at least in terms of uniqueness, which is why this attraction sees a healthy number of annual visitors. There are a number of attractive Palawan hotels to choose from, so finding a good place to stay within reach of the river is a relatively easy pursuit.
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| One of a kind experience at the underground River! |
Honda Bay Islands
Just a few minutes north of the city proper, hop onto a boat and go island hopping at Honda Bay located in the mid-eastern coast of the city. Take your pick from dozens of white sand beaches. Dive sites abound here, as the entire area is studded with patches of coral and sand. Submerged reefs may be found close to the surface down to 24 meters. Small reef and aquarium fish can also be found here. Among the well-known dive sites here are Pandan Island which has good reefs near small drop-offs, Arreceffi Island and Panglima Reef where coral boulders and gray reef sharks are found. Each island at Honda Bay offers different thrills. Snake Island has a sandbar that slithers on the surface of the sea, much like the critter that bears its name. It is best for snorkelling, swimming or simply basking in the sand. It can be reached in an hour by pumpboat. Bat Island, only 20 minutes away from Sta. Lourdes wharf, is literally teeming with bats which make their way out at sundown to look for food in the mainland.
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| Snorkeling at Honda Bay |
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| And don't forget to take a jump-shot of course! |
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| A shot at Starfish Island |
The bay consists of several islets with shallow reefs bordering fabulous beaches which have become the favorite swimming, snorkelling, and diving destinations of local residents and tourists. These islets are the Cannon (Cowrie) Island, Bat Island, Lu-Ii Island (derived from the word ""lulubog-lilitaw"", meaning floating and sinking island, is visible only during low tide), Meara Marina, Starfish Island (known for its fine white sand and clear water that teems with starfish), Snake Island (an island with a long stretch of fine white sand shaped like a snake), Pandan Island, and Senorita Island (the breeding site of lapu-lapu fish). Lodging facilities are available for overnight stays in the islands of Meara Marina and Starfish (Sandbar Resort). The bay is located in Sta. Lourdes Tagbanua, Puerto Princesa City. About 12 kilometers east of Puerto Princesa City is Sta. Lourdes wharf where pumpboats could be hired to take tourists to the island of their choice. Some islands require an entrance fee; others are privately owned, thus, permits from the owners are necessary. Sta. Lourdes wharf is 25 minutes away by hired tricycle or jeepney. A pumpboat ride from the wharf to the different islands is from 15 to 50 minutes.
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| At Snake Island |
Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center (PWRCC)
The Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center (PWRCC) is an institute for the protection of wildlife that is found in Puerto Princesa City. Formerly known as the Crocodile Farming Institute, it features a crocodile farm, a veterinary care facility specializing in sick and injured crocodiles, and a mini-zoo that features various species endemic to Palawan. The Conservation Center is run by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (DENR-PAWB). It is open to the public from 1:30 to 5 pm on weekdays and 9 am to 12 noon, and from 1 to 5 pm on Saturdays. Visitors may watch the crocodiles’ feeding time every Monday and Thursday afternoon.
The eight-acre facility has room for up to 4,000 crocodiles. There is a building with an exhibit area that displays crocodile skeletons. An audio-visual presentation on the center’s program may also be viewed here. There is a room where newly born baby crocodiles are kept. They may be petted with supervision from the animal handlers. The older crocodiles that are below five feet in length are kept right behind the building, while the crocodiles that are more than five feet in length are kept outside in an open pond. Visitors may view them, take photographs, and feed them from a bridge. There is also a small wildlife park at the back of the facility. Monkeys, birds, and other animals roam the zoo grounds freely. Some endangered endemic species can be seen here. The PWRCC also runs a souvenir shop on the premises, where they sell products made from crocodile skin and other gift items.
Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm
The Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm is one of the most popular prisons in the Philippines. It was established in 1902 by the United States for the Filipino prisoners who had fought with the American during their colonization in the Philippines. The Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm is located at Baranggay Iwahig, Palawan and is 30 minute ride from the province's capital, Puerto Princesa. Currently, it houses some 4,000 inmates. Unlike most prisons and other penal institutions, the convicted prisoners (specifically the minimum security prisoners) in the Iwahig are not locked up within what they call as the "colony". Only those who are deemed to be "medium or maximum security prisoners are given tighter monitoring. In the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm, minimum security prisoners get to be involved in agricultural work and live in dormitories. Another feature of this colony is that families of the prisoners can live and stay with them. These family members can also work at Iwahig vast land area and at some shops selling handicrafts to earn a living. The Iwahig Prison and penal Farm colony encompasses a 37-hectare picturesque farm. With coconut palm trees, rice, and other crops planted and cultivated by the prisoners and their families, the colony and the penal farm attract tourists and visitors alike. Within the farm is Balsahan River, known for its cascading waters coming from the nearby mountain.
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| A shot at Iwahig Farm and Penal Colony |
Ulugan Bay
Ulugan is a deep channel on the north-western coast of Puerto Princesa. Tres Marias, a cluster of three islets, stands guard at the mouth of the bay. Inside the bay is Rita Island, another popular dive spot. Mangrove forests abound in river deltas, while dense vegetation packs gently rolling hills in the distance. Modest lodging is available at the nearby village of Macarascas.
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| A panoramic view at Ulugan Bay. |
Baker’s Hill
Baker’s Hill is known to have delicious baked goodies such as Chocolate Crinkles, Hopia, Brownies and many more but aside from that, it is also known to be a theme park for Puerto Princesa citizens and tourists as well. Baker’s Hill is like a kiddie wonderland filled with fiberglass sculptures adapted from popular Disney characters. This will certainly make you feel that you’re in Disneyland, but without the gigantic and flashy carnival rides. The place is great for families because there is a playground wherein kids can just be themselves and adults can be kids again.
Baker’s Hill started out as a usual bakery but they eventually expanded and decided to make it into a theme park. And now, this has become a popular destination for the Puerto Princesa City Tour.
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| Had our lunch in Kalui. |
Kalui Restaurant
Kalui is the most famous restaurant in Puerto Princesa. It is a must visit place among tourists. Your tour in Palawan wouldn't be complete if you haven't visited this place. Kalui provides the best customer service. Once you enter the restaurant, you will be greeted by their friendly staff. Kalui Restaurant is made of native wooden house. Its floor is clean and well-polished, you wouldn't mind to walk barefoot because every footwear should be left before entering the restaurant. Your footwear will be placed in small lockers. They offer a wide variety of menu which depends on the fresh catch of the day. Everything on the menu is seafood and vegetables which include sashimi, tempura, shellfish soup, sinigang, baked mussel and many more.
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| Group dinner at Kinabuch's. |
Kinabuchs
A good night out in Palawan is never complete without great-tasting food, wonderful company, and a relaxing ambience. These and more can be enjoyed nowhere else but in Kinabuchs. Kinabuchs is a Palawan restaurant that offers interesting nightlife as much as it provides fascinating meals. It is a nice choice for chill out nights with friends. It is a good place to hang around with good conversations. Kinabuchs completes the relaxing theme that any vacation should be about. It is a favorite spot for night-outers and those who love an active nightlife.
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| We also had dinner in Bilao't Palayok, |
Bilao’t Palayok
This restaurant offers the classic Filipino dining experience as it has a country-style ambience complete with bamboo cottages. Guests can sit inside the cottages for a more private setting and enjoy Palawan's cool, fresh air. The restaurant specializes in grilled Filipino dishes, mostly pork, seafood and chicken.
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| A view from Sabang Beach. |
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| Whoa! A taste of Sulu Sea and South China Sea. |
This Palawan trip was my last out of town adventure in 2010. Together with my best buddies in college: Aj, Bryan and Joy, we conquered Puerto Princesa, Palawan. If you are looking for a place where people and nature co-exists, then Palawan is the place to be. A home of God-fearing, well-disciplined, progressive, and environment conscious people. A true wonder of nature. The Philippines' last ecological frontier.
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