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Palawan Paradise

Whenever I hear the words Palawan, the first thing that comes to mind is “untouched paradise”. Somewhere in the Philippines, there’s an island, mostly untouched by technology, still ruled by the glory of nature- water and land. Everything is so pure and well kept. For a moment, you’ll be transported into another world, where pollution is non-existent and billboards only exist in the mind.

Get the vacation of a lifetime. Truly experience what it is to relax in a completely different setting. Yes, the world needs modernization. But once in a while, it is nice to take a break from all of that and witness the earth’s beauty in most original form.

Away from the city, and back to the basics, Palawan is home to the dugong, crocodiles, birds and a lot more. Come and live in the midst of the earth’s wonders in Palawan Paradise!

Sea transportation in Palawan is more advisable from March-June when the seas are calm. It’s better to know the current weather situation before taking a vacation here.

Deep, deep historical roots

Known as the Cradle of Philippine Civilization, the very first ancestors of the Philippines first resided in the island of Palawan. These people are known as the Tabon Man/ cave man. Imagine walking through the caves where the very first people of the Philippine inhabited.

Remnants of things used during the very first signs of civilization in the Philippines, are kept in various museums in the Palawan. One such museum is the Tabon Museum located at Quezon, Palawan. Quezon about 4 hours away from Puerto Princesa City. You can get to Quezon via bus and ride a tricycle going to the museum. The museum is set in caves so you’ll really get a feel of what life was before.

If you don’t feel like the going all the way to Quezon, you can visit the Palawan Museum in Puerto Princesa itself. It is complete with its own set of relics like jars and porcelain including some relics of the Tabon people itself. This museum is perfect for history fanatics as it has its own set of historical books on Palawan history and even Palawan literature!

Other museums in the Palawan include Palawan State College Museum, Palawan Puerto Princesa National Museum.

The joy of staying in Palawan

Aside from the rich history that Palawan has. What makes Palawan a truly unique place to have a vacation in? El Nido Marine Resort is one of the answers.

El Nido Marine Reserve is one of the most famous tourist destinations in the Philippines. It has peaceful and very serene resorts, but it also has its own set of activities that people can engage in when they are there. Imagine being inside 96,000 hectares of nature’s glory. Now that’s a vacation!

You can choose from two resorts- Miniloc Island Resort and Lagan Island Resort. Miniloc Island Resorts is in the midst of limestone cliffs. Close to a green forest rests Lagan Resort.

Both resorts are quite beautiful. It’s surrounded by very clear water and many, many, trees that frame the resort. Both resorts have first rate accommodations that cater to the needs of the tourist as well including Lagren’s cottages set above water (they also have cottages on land). Now that’s relaxing!

If you think you’ve seen enough wonders of nature, get a load of the underground river at Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. It’s a truly amazing thing to behold! It’s fit for adventure seekers and people who really want to make the most of Palawan’s natural setting. To get there you have to go through a 1 ½ hour jeepney ride and 15 minute pumpboat ride or 1 ½ hour hike.

You can go exploring some more at Honda Bay. Honda Bay is also a diving site you can go and explore of the beauties of the deep. You can also go there to snorkel or to swim.

It is made up of several islands including - 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).

Chasing the Manta at Tubbataha

More breathtaking wonders come your way at the colourful world of Tubbataha Reefs (located at Cagayancillo Town, 12-hour boat ride from Puerto Princesa) . It is a place so special that it was declared a World Heritage Site last 1993.

Moving on towards the animals of the land, they’ll fascinate you even more at Calauit Game Preserve & Wildlife Sanctuary (located at Calauit Island) . You can see endemic (rare) and endangered animals here like - Palawan Monkeys, Palawan Parrots, Palawan Bear cats, Palawan Peacock, Mongoose, Scaly Ant Eater, Porcupine, and mouse deer among others.

Palawan celebrates

Palawan is not only home to great gifts of nature but also to a great people. Palawan has their own set of festivals that tell a little bit more about their people.

Of course, there’s Baragatan sa Palawan which is a celebration of the civil government of Palawan. A lot of activities take place during this time including a very colorful parade and food fair. Truly, the people of Palawan know how to celebrate their roots. This happens during the 3rd week of June.

Another interesting festival is the Tarek Festival, when people engage in a form of war dance. This occasion happens every third week of January. Other festivals include Padiwata Tribal Ritual (Healing of the sick), Lambay Festival (signalling start of hunting season), and Cuyo Fiesta (ati-atihan.).

So you see, Palawan is really a paradise on earth. There are a lot of interesting things to do whether you are an adventure seeker or a laidback beach fanatic. Many others have come to Palawan’s shore and have witnessed its spectacular views. If you are into photography, a vacation here might really be a dream come true for you!

Pack your bags, come on over and get a taste of the really good life. Whatever part of the world you are, if you love nature and a good dose of adventure, you’re going to love this umbrella shaped island.

Every country has their top spots to offer the world. In the Philippines’ case; I personally believe that Palawan is one of the places at the top of the heap.

References:

Palawan Paradise Travel Guide sources include Wikitravel and World66.