The Philippines has multiple tourist attractions with thousands of islands to explore. Among these islands is Palawan, which stretches long on the west side of the Philippines. The area is rich in natural resources, leaving tourists in awe. To know more about the travel experience, continue reading for the ultimate Palawan travel guide.
Top 5 Attractions of Palawan Travel Guide
Palawan boasts abundant attractions, making it challenging to list them all. However, here are the top 5 must-visit tourist destinations that promise unforgettable experiences.
Puerto Princesa Underground River
The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River Natural Park presents a stunning limestone landscape featuring an underground river ripe for exploration—a recognized New Seven Wonder of Nature. Flowing into the sea, its lower reaches are shaped by tides. Moreover, the park is a vital hub for biodiversity conservation, hosting one of Asia’s most crucial forests, with its diverse ecosystem spanning from mountain slopes to coastal shores.
The underground river is 8.2 kilometers long. Due to its lower portion being subject to tidal influence, the area is a natural global phenomenon. Visitors can avail a river cruise to explore the underground river and its beauty. The travel process to the underground river is an extensive journey composed of a drive, a boat to the island, and waiting in line, which makes tourists find it worth it.
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Tubbataha Reef
This Palawan tourist spot is popular for tourists who enjoy diving. The reef boasts diverse marine biodiversity, beautiful underground water terrain, and various marine animals. The prominent animals of the reef include:
- Sea turtles
- Manta rays
- Sharks
It is located in Cagayancillo, Palawan. Due to its extensive marine biodiversity, extraordinary measures have been taken to protect Tubbataha. On August 11, 1988, the reef was declared by late President Corazon Aquino as a national marine park. The proclamation states, “The said area shall be known as “Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park” and shall remain under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources administration.
The primary purpose of establishing this national marine park is to protect and preserve the coral reef atoll with its abundant and diverse reef assemblage, including the marine turtles and water birds found roosting in the area.
Any person who shall collect, gather coral reefs, wildlife or any marine life from the said marine park or disturb or destroy the habitat and wildlife therein shall be punished per the penalties prescribed in Section 71 of PD 1559.”
Busuanga Island
To provide an island for a Coron, Palawan travel guide, Busuanga island is an ideal place for those who want to visit Kayangan Lake and Twin Lagoon. The lake is one of the cleanest in the country and a popular destination for local and international visitors. In addition, for visitors who want to know more about the area’s traditional history, the lake is under the ancestral domain of the indigenous Tagbanua group. All entrance fee proceeds go to the Tagbanua Tribe of Coron Island Association, Inc. (TCIA).
Twin Lagoon, on the other hand, is another breathtaking Coron attraction. It awes tourists with two bodies of water divided by limestone cliffs on either side. This division makes up Palawan’s Calamian Archipelago. To visit the lagoon, tourists can rent motorboats that take them to the lagoon. Furthermore, there are numerous budget-friendly travel guides to Coron, Palawan, that visitors can seek.
Taraw Cliff
For tourists who seek high peaks, this destination for the El Nido, Palawan travel guide is for you. The trip to the top of the cliff takes approximately thirty to forty-five minutes to complete, but the view is worth it. This cliff is for thrill-seeking tourists who want to experience a challenge climbing the vertical points of Taraw.
To explore Taraw, tourists can hire a guide to take them to the cliff. Before heading up, the journey is moderate since it’s a short ride from the city to the specific spot. Moreover, the peak of Taraw is visible in various locations in the town.
Bato ni Ningning
For the San Vicente, Palawan travel guide, tourists must take advantage of this TV popular rock in Barangay Sto. Niño. This rock is randomly in the middle of a mountain in the municipality and became popular due to the TV show that showed the character “Ningning” and how the rock area was her favorite playground.
Additionally, visitors can hike the mountain or ride on motorbikes to reach the top and the Bato ni Ningning. They can also go to the Philippines’ longest beach after seeing the boulder or vice versa.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Palawan is rich in natural resources and globally known for several reasons. However, questions still need to be addressed regarding these tourist spots.
What is the Best Month to Visit Palawan, Philippines?
Though the Philippines only has hot and cold seasons, there are still ideal times to visit its islands. Ideally, tourists should come to Palawan in February and March when there is the least chance of rain.
What is the Most Expensive Part of Palawan?
Though this Palawan travel guide aimed to provide eager tourists with budget-friendly options, some areas of Palawan cost more than others. The most expensive part of Palawan is Banwa Private Island, given that it is a private resort and island.
What are the Locals in Palawan Called?
Locals in Palawan are commonly known as Palaw’an or Palawano. However, there are numerous ethnic and indigenous in Palawan as well.
Final Thoughts
Numerous travel spots in Palawan can overwhelm any tourist or traveler. With the help of a Palawan travel guide, it narrows down the top tourist destinations in the area and gives them sufficient information to visit the spot. In that regard, the Palawan attractions are only a few must-go spots in the place. That said, there are certainly more scenic and natural destinations to see from time to time.