DESCRIPTION

Palawan Island is located to the far west of the Philippine Islands, between the South China Sea to the northwest and the Sulu Sea to the southeast. The island is the largest of the province of Palawan, containing an abundance of wildlife and jungle mountains, and is mostly undeveloped. Palawan Island is 280 miles long and 31 miles wide. The capital city of the island is Puerto Princesa.
The first people to have landed on the island arrived in 220 to 263 A.D., followed by Chinese traders in 982 A.D. Malay settlers arrived in the 12th century, followed by Indonesians in the 13th century. The island came under Spanish rule in the 18th and 19th centuries and was freed by the Americans in 1902, followed by the establishment of government, education and agriculture on the island.

Many of the native inhabitants were killed by the Japanese during World War II to prevent them from becoming prisoners of war. It is known in history as the Palawan Massacre of 1944. The island was liberated from Japan in 1945. The population of Palawan Island in 2010 was 771,667.
The people of Palawan are a mix of 87 different cultural groups, predominantly influenced by China, India and the Middle East. There are 52 languages and dialects spoken, with more than half speaking Tagalog, followed by Cuyonon, Palawano and Hiligaynon. The climate on Palawan Island depends on location. On the far north, south and west coasts of the island, it rains for six months and the remaining six months stays dry. On the east coast, it rains 9 to 11 months out of the year. The temperature remains around 88 degrees year round. In 2007, National Geographic Traveler Magazine rated Palawan as the best island destination in East and Southeast Asia area because of it beautiful, natural sea and landscapes. It is surrounded by lakes, cliffs and coral reefs that appeal to more experienced scuba divers. Some of the more popular tourist sites include the Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park that has an underground river, and the Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park that contains over 1000 species of animals including manta rays, lionfish, sea turtles, clownfish, and whitetip reef sharks.

Palawan Map
Most of the attractions on the island relate to the natural beauty of its surroundings, especially in places like El Nido located in the northern part of the island. In addition to enjoying the beaches, reefs and islands, visitors can tour wildlife sanctuaries, go diving for sunken Japanese ships, relax in hot springs, or visit the Palawan Special Battalion WW2 Memorial Museum.

All About Palawan:
Palawan means “The Land of Beautiful Safe Harbor”. The name, once intended for merchant ships sailing through the centuries, takes a new meaning: a land of beautiful haven for every traveler who seeks refuge and oneness in nature. Palawan has been given numerous accolades as the country’s cleanest, greenest an most peaceful city. On top of this distinction, Palawan has been dubbed the “Last Ecological Frontier” in honor of its unique ecological balance. Safeguarding this frontier are the hospitable Palawenos who are deeply committees to the tenets of environmental conservation and protection.

The discovery of the Tabon Caves in Palawan’s Quezon municipality brought greater understanding of the roots of Philippine ancestry. The caves hold many treasures of Tabon Man’s beginnings dating back 50,000 years, from tone-age tools that simplified tasks to burial jars which proved his understanding of the divine. These archeological treasures along with the islands’ natural wonders beckon those who appreciate and enjoy rich heritage, and diverse terrestrial and marine resources.


Palawan Travel Facts and Tips

Land Area, Municipalities and Language

With a land area of 1.5 million hectares, the province of Palawan is composed of 1,780 islands and islets. It is politically subdivided into 23 municipalities with Puerto Princesa as the capital city. English and Pilipino are widely spoken, as well as Cuyunon.

How to get there and go around

By air, Palawan is connected to Manila via Puerto Princesa, El Nido, Busuanga, Taytay and Pamalican (Cuyo). There are also flights from Cebu and IloIlo going to the capital during peak season. By sea, major carriers travel from Manila to Coron and Puerto Princesa. Travel within the city proper is usually done via tricycles and jeepneys although one may rent a van or other private transportation. Getting to destinations can also be done through public transport or via pump boats for island travels.

What to wear and bring

Light casual wear is recommended. During rainy months, July to September, jackets and umbrellas are advisable. From March to May, pack sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. Remember to bring insect repellent, mineral water and flashlight for activities like spelunking and trekking.

Reminders

• Travelers’ Checks and currency exchange can be availed in the city.
• Credit cards are accepted in major establishments.
• Observe the Cleanliness and No Littering Policy.
• Interactions with cultural minorities need to be coordinated with the Local Government Units. Diving in Tubbatah, expedition to the Calauit Sanctuary and tour of the Underground

River also require permits.

• Electricity runs 24 hours in the city but may be scheduled in some municipalities. Most island-based resorts operate their own power generating sets.

Important Contact Numbers

Provincial Tourism Office
Telefax: (63 48) 433-2968
Email:

Puerto Princesa Tourism Office
Telefax: (63 48) 433-2983 / 433-4211
Email:

Palawan Council for Sustainable Dev’t
Phone: (63 48) 434-4234 / 434-4235
Email:

Tubbataha Management Office
Telefax: (63 48) 434-5759
Email:

Palawan Center
Phone: (63 48) 892-3235/892-2018

Puerto Princesa City Manila Office
Phone: (63 2) 523-6023

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
Phone: (63 48) 433-2409

Provincial Hospital
Phone: (63 48) 434-4088

Puerto Princesa Police
Phone: (63 48) 433-9826

Accredited Hotels, Resorts and Homestays

HOTELS

THE LEGEND HOTEL – PALAWAN
Malvar St., Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
Tel. No.: 631-5323/638-9256
Fax No: 638-9255
Email:
Website: http://www.legendhotel.com.ph
Classification: Standard Class Hotel

HOTEL FLEURIS
Lacao St., Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
Tel. No.: 851-6769 to 70
Fax No: 851-6763
Email: /
Website: http://www.fleuris.com
Classification: Standard Class Hotel

ASTURIAS HOTEL
Km. 3 South National Highway, Brgy. Tiniguiban, Puerto Princesa City
Tel. No.:751-3615
Fax No: 751-3616
Email:
Website: http://www.asturiashotel.ph
Classification: Standard Class Hotel

HILLSIDE RESORT
Sandiwa, Tiniguiban, Puerto Princesa City
Tel. No.: (048) 433-7318
Fax No: (048) 433-7851
Classification: Tourist Inn

LOLA ITANG PENSION & RESTAURANT
Roxas St., Brgy. Magkakaibigan, Puerto Princesa City
Tel. No.: (048) 433-2990
Classification: Tourist Inn

MOANA HOTEL
Rizal Ave. Extension, Bancao-Bancao, Puerto Princesa City
Tel. No.: (048) 434-4753 / 434-4759
Fax No: (048)434-5197
Email:
Classification: Tourist Inn

PUERTO PENSION
35 Malvar St., Puerto Princesa City
Tel. No.: (048) 433-4149 / 433-2969
Fax: (048) 433-4148
Email:
Website: http://www.palawan.net/pension/index.html
Classification: Tourist Inn

SKYLIGHT APARTELLE
210-A Rizal Ave., Puerto Princesa City
Tel. No.: 563-2565 / 563-8779
Fax: 5632372
Email:
Website: http://www.skylightapartelle.com
Classification: Tourist Inn

TROPICAL SUN INN
152 Manalo St., Puerto Princesa City
Tel. No.: (048) 433-6493 / 433-8288
Fax No.: (048) 432-6526
Classification: Tourist Inn

TABING DAGAT LODGING HOUSE & RESTAURANT
Brgy.Balala, Culion, Palawan
Tel. No.: (0918) 536-1964
Classification: Tourist Inn

DARAYONAN LODGE
National Highway, Brgy. 1, Poblacion, Coron, Palawan
Tel. No.: (048) 550-9207 loc. 16 / Bayantel (048) 196-2522
Telefax No.: 744-3209
Email:
Classification: Tourist Inn

RESORTS

AMANPULO RESORT
Pamalican Island, Cuyo, Palawan
Tel. No.: 759-4040
Fax No.: 759-4044
Email: /
Classification: Class “AAA” Resorts

EL NIDO – LAGEN ISLAND RESORT
Lagen Island, El Nido, Palawan
Tel. No.: 894-5644
Fax No.: 810-3620
Email:
Website: http://www.elnidoresorts.com
Classification: Class “AAA” Resort

DOS PALMAS ARRECEFFI ISLAND RESORT
Honda Bay, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
Tel. No.: 637-4226 / 637-4236
Fax No.: 637-4230
Email:
Classification: Class “AA” Resort

CLUB PARADISE RESORT
Dimakya Island, Coron, Palawan
Tel. No.: 838-4956 to 63
Fax No.: 838-4462 / 838-4762
Email: /
Website: http://www.clubparadisepalawan.com
Classification: Class “AA” Resort

EL NIDO – MINILOC ISLAND RESORT
Miniloc Island, El Nido, Palawan
Tel. No.: 894-5644
Fax No.: 810-3620
Email:
Website: http://www.elnidoresorts.com
Classification: Class “A” Resort

CRYSTAL PARADISE RESORT – PALAWAN
1 Sea Rad, Antipuluan, Narra, Palawan
Tel. No.: 812-9996
Email: /
Website: http://www.crystalparadiseresort.com
Classification: Class “A” Resort

DIVE CORON LINK
Usun Island, Coron, Palawan
Tel. No.: 375-2561 / 376-2048
Fax No.: 371-9928
Email:
Website: http://www.divelink.com.ph
Classification: Class “A” Resort

CAPARII BEACH RESORT
Bo. Panindigan, Poblacion, San Vicente, Palawan
Tel. No.: (048) 433-4868
Fax No.: (048) 433-8078
Email: /
Classification: Class “A” Resort

EL RIO Y MAR RESORT (FORMERLY MARICABAN BAY MARINA RESORT)
Brgy. San Jose, Talisay, Coron, Palawan
Tel. No.: 838-4956 to 63
Fax No.: 838-4462 / 838-4762
Email:
Classification: Class “A” Resort

CORAL BAY RESORT
Popotan Island, Coron, Palawan
Tel. No.: 375-2561 / 376-2048
Fax No.: 371-9928
Classification: Special Interest Resort

LALLY & ABET BEACH COTTAGES
E Nido, Palawan
Tel. No.: 454-5656
Fax No.: 455-5656
Email:
Website: http://www.lallyandabet.com
Classification: Special Interest Resort

KOKOSNUSS GARDEN RESORT
Brgy. 6 Poblacion, Coron, Palawan
Tel. No.: (0919) 48-7879
Classification: Special Interest Resort

SUMMER HOMES BEACH RSORT & COTTAGES
Purok Pag-asa, Brgy. Port Barton, San Vicente, Palawan
Tel. No.: 533-6684 / (0921) 401-6906
Email:
Website: http://www.oxfly.co.uk/portbarton
Classification: Special Interest Resort

HOMESTAY

ADORACION CERVANTES
Brgy. Salvacion, Busuanga, Palawan

ASUNCION AGUILAR
Brgy. Salvacion, Busuanga, Palawan
Tel. No. (0921) 498-6248

CAROLINA SARIEGO
Brgy. Salvacion, Busuanga, Palawan
Tel. No. (0918) 461-2636

SOTERO ALARCON
Brgy. Salvacion, Busuanga, Palawan
Tel. No. (0918) 677-9556

ADORACION DANTIC
Brgy. Salvacion, Busuanga, Palawan
Tel. No. (0920) 542-2039

Puerto Princesa City

Like any city, it has hotels, resorts, restaurants, inns and other comforts. The city is host to conferences an meetings, ad promises adventure trips, family holidays and cultural treasures.

Some of the city’s attractions include Immaculate Conception Cathedral, a unique angular-structured edifice where the first Mass was celebrated in 1872, and the Palawan Museum, a treasure-trove of pre-colonial relics and artifacts.

As a leading destination, Puerto Princesa is a model in ecotourism management. North of the city lie Honda and Ulugan Bays which offer stunning islets and beaches. Nagtabon, Napsan, Panaguman and Marufinas have white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. Lion’s and Cawili Caves near Sabang welcome spelunkers. Nature enthusiasts will be enthralled by fluttering colors in the Butterfly Garden, and the awesome rock formations of the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River. A refreshing alternative to the beaches are Sta. Lucia and Sta. Lourdes hot springs, and the waterfalls of Sabang and Salakot.

What interest you?

Palawan has become synonymous with spectacular dives. Numerous dive sites from north to south beckon novices and seasoned underwater explorers. Discover magnificent seascapes and follow the type of diving that suits you. Top sites are Tubbataha Reefs National Marine Park, Taytay, Coron, Busuanga and El Nido.

Snorkeling is an excellent option for exploring the marine environment. Float lazily on the surface of the sea as you glide over shallow reefs that are as speacular as the deeper ones accessible only to divers.

Palawan’s many islets are excellent sites for day trip and picnics. Sanctuaries, hidden lagoons, soaring limestone cliffs, and pristine beaches dazzle the visitor.

The waters off many islands offer prime opportunities to enjoy a day of kayaking. Paddle your way around beaches and hidden coves. San Vicente, El Nido, Busuanga and Honda Bay are favored spots for this activity.

Special Activities

Palawan has its share of natural hideouts for spelunking and offers those who care to see amazing views of nature’s architecture within. Among places to visit are Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park and the Tabon Caves Complex in the municipality of Quezon.

Whether making your way to a river, a cave or mountain, gear up for an exciting experience on the trails. Places to visit include Tumarbong Falls in Quezon municipality, Mt. Capoas in the Malampaya Sound and Bulalacao Falls in El Nido. Challenging peaks for mountain climbers are Thumb Peak and Mt. Straveky in Central Palawan, Mt. Capoas and Cleopatra’s Needle, and Bulajao Range, Mt. Matalingahan, Mt. Landargan, End Peak, Victoria Peak and Anapahan Peak.

Test your skills on a mountain bike as you pedal your way along rough trails to places inaccessible by motorized transportation. A destination for this adventure is the old logging trail to Tawa-Tawa Station in Quezon municipality.

Heritage for the World

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

Stretching 8 kms. the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is regarded as the world’s longest underground river. Located underneath St. Paul mountain, it is a passage through glistening formations of limestone rock including a huge cathedral-like cavern. Marvel at the inner recesses filled with stalactites and domed amphitheaters.
Board a small paddled outrigger boat equipped with a searchlight to enter and explore the underground river. As the boat slices through calm dark waters, focus your lights on wonders of nature seldom seen and remain untouched by the sun. The park, made famous by the monkey trail, is also home to long-tailed monkeys monitor lizards wild Palawan pigs, Tabon birds, mynas, hornbills and other fauna.

Explored in 1912, the cave and its environs were declared a national park in 1971. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located at the westcoast, 81 kms. from the city proper.

Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park

This marine park has coral reefs filled with 46 coral genera and over 300 coral species. Whale sharks, hammerheads, manta rays, moray eels and giant jacks swim around while hawksbill and green sea turtles gracefully pass by. Cruising beside these are at least 40 families and nearly 400 species of fish. This is Tubbataha, your dive paradise.

Tubbataha, as named by the Samal people, means a long reef exposed at low tide. Composed of two large shallow platforms separated by a wide channel, it lies in the center of Sulu Sea, the world’s richest marine biogeographic area.

Tubbataha Reef and surrounding islets and waters were declared a national marine park in 1988 and as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. Tubbataha is also a bird sanctuary where tens of thousands of water birds rest during migration.

Peak diving season is from April to June. Dive tours need a permit issued b the Tubbataha Management Office.

Nature’s Endowments

Calauit Game Preserve and Wildlife Sanctuary
Go on a safari in the northern tip of Busuanga. This zoo without bars is a wildlife refuge that is home to both African animals and Palawan’s endemic creatures.

In 1976, Calauit Island became home to exotic animals from Kenya in response to the appeal of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) to provide a sanctuary for propagating endangered African Wildlife.

In the Calauit Game Preserve an Wildlife Sanctuary, one encounters freely roaming giraffes, zebras, gazelles, topis, elands, impalas, bushbucks and waterbucks. These are bread alongwith endemic wildlife such as the Calamian deer, mouse deer, Palawan bear cat, scaly anteater and the Palawan peacock.

The surrounding pristine waters also provide refuge for dugongs, sea turtles and giant clams. A permit is required to visit the sanctuary. This may be secured at the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development office.

The National Integrated Protected Areas Project focuses on biodiversity conservation and management of natural habitats in eight protected areas, many of which are in Palawan.

Coron

In Coron Island, 75% of the forest overlying limestone rock is still intact. The Kayangan Lake which has been given the distinction of being the country’s cleanest and greenest lake, make Coron Island a worthy destination.

El Nido

As the last dugong stronghold in the Philippines, El Nido was originally established as a marine reserve for the protection of the marine turtle population. Its status eventually expanded to include mangrove forests and watershed areas. Travelers to El Nido are rewarded with outstanding seascapes, marine life, cliffs, secret coves and archeological sites.

Malampaya Sound

Another protected area is Taytay’s Malampaya Sound which is sustained by one of the largest mangrove forests.

Paradise welcomes you…

In a destination blessed with the country’s highest concentration of pristine islands and forests, it is no surprise that it offers an amazing variety of natural wonders. The appeal of this destination, ringed with brilliant white sands and crystal waters, bathed in sunshine, and outstanding biodiversity of marine life, flora and fauna, promises an unforgettable experience.

The 1,780 islands, the wealth of nature and the tapestry of the unique culture of its people await you.

This is Palawan, your paradise.