Palawan is popularly known as the “Last Frontier” pointing to Borneo and is also located just north of Malaysia’s Sabah island. It is the largest province in the Philippines with an area of 1.5 million hectares and has 1,769 islands and islets.
With almost 2,000 kilometers of coastline, Palawan is known as having one of the most beautiful seascapes in the world. Sprawled beneath the seas are nearly 11,000 square kilometers of coral reefs. Palawan was proclaimed as a fish and wildlife sanctuary in 1967 and to this day, this group of islands is probably the most protected province in the whole Philippines.
Palawan has been called the "island of the gods" and it is not without reason, the spectacular sea and landscapes of Palawan; especially at El Nido, gives the impression of seeing heaven's beauty on earth. Acknowledged as the Philippines' last frontier, Palawan is a must see for the traveler who appreciates the majesty and splendor of nature.
The main tourist destination is the group of Calamian Islands. It has the richness of white sand beaches, clear water and a wide range of marine resources perfect for scuba diving. Some places of the main island of Palawan are recommended for trekking particularly in the deep dense forests of the central district. But be aware, heading further south where Malaria is common should be avoided. Other attractions are St. Paul subterranean National Park that has underground river, Tabon Caves, where fossils of 50,000 years old ancient man were found and El Nido Village, the home of Nido Soup that is made out of bird’s nest. This is place known for its world-class resorts, powdery whitesand beaches, limestone hills, scattered islets and marine-rich dive sites.
Palawan Hotels, Inns and Resorts:
Coron Island :
Las Hamacas Resort, Salvacion Busuanga
Las Perlas Beach Resort, Old Busuanga
Kokosnuss Garden Resort,
Maricaban Bay Marina Resort, Talisay San Jose
El Nido :
Dolarog Beach Resort,
Lagen Island & Miniloc Resorts, Miniloc
Malapacao Island,
Lally & Abet Beach Cottages
Popular Resorts in Palawan:
Marina de Bay, Central Palawan
Dos Palmas Arreceffi Hotel, Central Palawan
Princessa Holiday Resort, Central Palawan
Crystal Paradise Resort, Central Palawan
Dolarog Beach Resort, El Nido
Lagen & Maniloc, El Nido
Bambua National Park, Sabang
Green View Resort, Port Barton
Club Noah, Tatay
Club Paradaise, Busanga
Coral Bay, Northern Palawan
Discovery Dive, Northern Palawan
Lamud Island Resort, Northern Palawan
El Rio Y Mar, Northern Palawan
Rio Playa Beach, Northern Palawan
Amanpulo, the most expensive Island resort in the Philippines
Coco Loco Island Resort, Roxas
Possible ways to go to Palawan:
To get to Palawan by air or by sea.
By air, PAL Philippine Airlines (to Puerto Princesa)
South East Asian Airlines (to El Nido, Busuanga, Taytay & Cuyo)
Air Philippines (to Puerto Princesa)
Zest Airways (formerly Asian Spirit)
Cebu Pacific (to Puerto Princesa)
By sea, From the nearby islands of the Philippines, Palawan is accessible by boat. The length of travel is very long. From Manila, the trip to Puerto Princesa may take around 26 hours. During the holidays, passengers prefer inter-island trips for personal safety reasons.