Palawan, known as the country's "last frontier," is a mini-archipelago of virgin islands, home to rare species of flora and faunA. The province ha been declared a protected area making it one of the world's largest nature reserves. On the map, Palawan is that long thin island west of Mindoro Island and North Borneo. There are basically two areas that are most interesting and most visited. The southern part is were it's capital city, Puerto Princesa is located, and the northern tip, is home to some of the most exclusive and most beautiful island beach resorts in the whole country.Unfortunately due to generally undeveloped roads in most parts of the island, traveling by land from the southern end to the northern end is not really done (although possible, and with some parts by water). Due to its untouched landscape and terrain, there are lots of mosquitoes in the island. So, before traveling to Palawan, be sure to get some prescription for anti-malaria pills just to be on the safe side.
what to see?
Puerto princesa is the main gateway with regular flights from Manila daily. While there, visit the Palawan Museum, to see archological artifacts and fossils. But on top of the list is the St. Paul Subterranean National Park, an 8-kilometer long underground river. Caves studded with stalactites and stalgmite formations often fill tourists with awe. This is a 3-hour ride away on dusty and unpaved roads and is really a whole day affair. Close to the city, is Honda Bay, with waters good for swimming and snorkeling. One other interesting place is Luli Island (short of "lubog-litaw"), meaning an island that sinks during high tide, and emerges during low tides.
what to do?
Besides swimming and snorkeling, diving is the major sport in Palawan. The Tubbataha Reef Marine Park is without doubt the best dive spot in the country and present on all the dive maps in the world. After all it is a World Heritage Site. It is composed of two atolls, 180 kms, southeast of Puerto Princesa. Being approximately 10-12 hours off-shore, diving in the area is done on fully-equipped live-in dive boasts. The season is very short too, sometime March to May only, which is our summer months.
With more time, a trip to the Tabon Caves is possible. It is acknowledged as our country's cradle of civilization, where the fossilized bones of the Tabon man carbon dated 22,000 years old, was discovered. It is nestled in the mountainous cape of Lipuon Point and with the 29-cave complex a tresure trove of archeological artifacts.