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Palawan
is an exquisite destination in the southwestern part of the
Philippine archipelago. It is a long, narrow island pointing
to Borneo. It is known as the "Last Frontier" and is now
being promoted as an ecotourist destination, attracting a
steady stream of visitors. It is, in fact, one of the most
visited tourist spots in the Philippines.
There are daily flights to Puerto Princesa-Palawan's
capital-from Manila, Cebu, and Iloilo. There are also boat
trips and round trips that take you directly to El Nido and
Busuanga.
Here, you will
find diverse and rare species of flora and fauna. There is
the fish-eating Palawan Eagle, the Scaly Anteater, Giant
Turtles, Palawan Peacock Pheasant, Palawan Bear Cat, Mouse
Deer, and the Tabon Bird. But Palawan's beautiful beaches,
islands, reefs, resorts, forests, and underground rivers are
what really lure visitors to it.
Beneath
the waters of Palawan lies a stunning
display of underwater life - an ideal destination for
snorkelers and scuba divers. If you want to go diving, you
will find one of the best diving spots in the world here -
the Tubbataha Reef. Some of the spots in the northern
islands are delightfully unspoiled.
In the capital
town of Puerto Princesa, you can stroll along the
waterfront, where picturesque houses are built over the
water. Visit the Palawan Museum, which has a display of
archaeological artifacts and fossil remains; and the Palawan
State University, which has a smaller museum with displays
of archaeological finds, artifacts, butterfly and shell
collections.
For
those who wish to enjoy Palawan's resplendent natural
sights, there is a 30-minute bus ride to Honda Bay where
boatmen will readily cruise you along the shores of Palawan
and further down to the islands of Cowrie, Pandan, Snake,
and Bat Island. Full or half-day cruises, snorkeling, island
explorations, and accommodations are available in these
islands.
For those who are
interested in longer treks, there is a 3-day 2-night safari
that will take you camping out in coves during the evening
and exploring the beaches and waterfalls by day. Go to St.
Paul's Underground River-Palawan's best known attraction.
The river exits from a cave into a beautiful pool near the
beach in the Puerto Princesa Subterranean Park (formerly St.
Paul's National Park). |