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Palawan is perhaps the least developed and most enchantingly rustic of the major islands in the Philippines. It lacks completely the urban sprawl on Luzon. The commercial atmosphere of Boracay and Cebu is almost completely absent.
It is possibly the most neglected tourist destination in Asia. Palawan's beaches easily rival the sand and surf of Boracay, Phuket, or Kuantan. Accommodations are available, ranging from pampered luxury to the beach hut of a castaway. And the province's capital, Puerto Princessa, can be used as a base for exploring the region's 1,769 smaller islands.
But in addition to the normal attractions which draw the sun and surf crowd, Palawan may be Asia's ecotourism capital.
By and large, over land travel on this 400 mile long island is not possible. This is the largest province in the Philippines; yet on most of the island the rainforest begins where the white sand of the beach ends. Travel takes place on boats or planes.
If you're looking for nature, Palawan is the place. The beauty and life under the surface of the surroundings crystal seas is as impressive as the rain forests. The island offers more than can be taken in: orchids and cherry blossoms, coral and tropical fish, monkeys and parrots, anteaters and turtles. With 323 animal species, the province a reputation as an wildlife refugee - a reputation which simple sun-worshipers could miss completely if they allowed themselves to become too enthralled with the superb beaches.
The province has been declared a protected area, making it one of the world's largest nature reserves. In addition to its ample swimming and snorkeling, Palawan offers divers an undersea playground which is difficult to rival. The Tubbataha Reef Marine Park provides a marvelous dive spot; its two atolls are a World Heritage Site. The atolls are a 10 to 12 hour ride from Puerto Princessa, and diving in the area is usually based on live-in dive boats between March and May. Tubbataha has a reputation as the country's best dive spot. The abundant marine life can provides beginning divers with their first encounter with a native Tubbataha shark. The reef's gradual slope and variety of invertebrates and reef fishes is a great classroom for scuba.
Tabon Cave is known locally and in academic circles as the Cradle of Philippine Civilization. The caves have a series of chambers where anthropologists found the remains and tools of the 22,000 year old "Tabon Man". The caves are 155 kilometers south of Puerto Princessa, near the city of Quezon. Quezon is 3 or 4 hours by bus and the caves are another half hour by boat ride from Quezon pier. There are 29 caves. Several of the caves are easily accessible.
Palawan also offers visitors foot trails into the rain forest. Monkey Trail is a great way to see the tropical flora and fauna. The trail is a well maintained series of wooden steps and leads to a central ranger station on the island. Guest cottages and camp sites are available at the ranger station for overnight stays. The walk to the station takes about an hour if you’re in decent shape. One review calls the trip "a religious experience." Campers generally awake to a symphony of tropical birds at dawn.
The island is mountainous, though not volcanic; its highest point is Mt. Mantalingajan, at 2086 meters.
Be prepared: Palawan's undeveloped landscape and rich terrain is a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Before traveling to Palawan you should obtain a prescription for anti-malaria pills to be on the safe side.
Palawan's northern tip is home to some of the most exclusive and beautiful island beach resorts in the Philippines and is peppered with reserves and parks.
- Calauit Island, on the northwestern coast of Palawan, is a game preserve and wildlife sanctuary which stretches over 3,700 hectares.
- Tubbataha National Marine Reef Park, Rita Island at Tres Marias, Pandan Island, and Panglima Reefs are all perfect diving and snorkeling spots.
- Ursula Island provides a birds sanctuary where thousands of birds come to roost each evening.
- El Nido Marine Reserve occupies almost 100,000 hectares and is the home of a number of diverse ecosystems - rainforest, mangroves, white sand beaches, coral reefs, and limestone cliffs. It is now one of the island's leading destinations. Innumerable species of fish share the reefs with manta rays and rare sea cow (dugong, locally).