PSP Level 01 Lesson 7

Its more fun in the

PhilippinesModule 7

P a l a w a n

PalawanPalawan is an island province of the Philippines that is located in the Mimaropa region

It is the largest province in the country in terms of total area of jurisdiction

The coastline serves as an alternative highway ferrying travellers between fishing villages and tourist-friendly towns

About Palawan

‣ Palawan is composed of the long and narrow Palawan Island, plus a number of other smaller islands surrounding the main island

‣ Palawan Island measuring about 450 kilometres (length) and and 50 kilometres (width)

Palawan

‣ After Ferdinand Magellan's death, his remaining fleet landed in Palawan where they were saved by the abundance of nature there

‣ They named it the Land of Promise

Palawan

About Palawan

Palawan is known for its strict adherence to wildlife preservation and protection, having more protected areas than any other province in the country.

It has been declared as a nature sanctuary of the world

About PalawanPuerto Princesa is the capital of Palawan

The city’s main attractions are largely its natural wonders

It’s been named the Philippines cleanest and greenest city, and has been internationally recognized for environmental excellence

It has a wide range of attractions ranging from beaches to wildlife reserves, Puerto Princesa is a nature lover's paradise

About Palawan

Waves of migrants from other Philippine provinces, and even other countries, have turned Puerto Princesa into a melting pot of various cultures

Getting Around

The jeepney is a popular fixture in the public transport scene in Palawan

There are jeepneys that serve all the main highways of the province, taking in passengers along the way

Larger jeepneys regularly travel from the small towns of the island going to Puerto Princesa

Tricycle rickshaws and taxis provide another viable transportation option in Palawan

The rickshaws can be hailed in the main as well as other cities in the island

Tricycle rickshaws are available for hourly rentals for pleasure sightseeing tours

Getting Around

If you want to save some money and also avoid the discomforts that come with travelling by road, then you should take a boat.

Three ferries operate along the island province

1. Super Ferry connects Coron and Puerto Princesa

2. Atienza Shipping Lines runs between Coron, Liminancong and El Nido

3. San Nicolas Line connects Manila to El Nido and Coron

Getting Around

One can also hire a boat on an hourly or daily basis for journeys between offshore islands and the main island or for island hopping

Boat services are easily accessible; signs are advertised while walking the main beach of El Nido

Getting Around

Exploring Palawan

As we discussed in Module 1, Philippines is a delight for tourists. We will now focus our attention on the same elements. So let’s look at the main attractions that would appeal to the Indian tourists.

Shopping Night Life

Beaches & Natural Beauty

Casinos

Historical Heritage

Amazing Hotels

Shopping

El Nido Boutique

El Nido Boutique has everything a tourist needs from T-shirts printed in their in-house artshop to local handicrafts, snorkeling equipment, beach wear and snack

You will certainly find a suitable souvenir to bring home from El Nido

El Nido Boutique has its own boats and departure piers

Tiangge TianggeTiangge Tiangge is a great place to visit for shopping during your visit to Palawan

Visitors can find a range of souvenir items, fancy jewelries, clothes and pasalubong items

Pasalubong is the Filipino tradition of travelers bringing gifts from their destination to people back home

If you are thinking of shopping at Tiangge Tiangge, one needs to understand that the prices of the items are not fixed. Hence bargain a lot

Robinsons Place

Robinsons Place is the first full service mall in Palawan to cater to both residents and tourists

Only 15 minutes from the airport and seaport of Puerto Princesa, the mall is very close to other public markets too

It is conveniently located and is en route to most popular tourist attractions like Butterfly Garden, Honda Bay, Crocodile Farm, etc

What to Buy?The must-buys in Palawan include freshwater pearls, dried or fresh seafood, woodcarvings, and paintings from Kamarikutan Gallery

If the paintings are too expensive, then buy the shirts!

For those with a sweet tooth, take home some cashew nougat, yema or other sinfully sweet pasalubong

Kaingud Arts and Crafts MakersKaingud Arts and Crafts Makers are makers of unique handicrafts and jewelry

They specialize in tribal jewellry as well as decorative items

The other products available here are wall hangings, lamp shades, wind chimes and much more

Nightlife

KaLuiKalui is a must visit place for tourists

Kalui Restaurant is entirely made of native wood

Its floor is clean and well-polished, you have to walk barefoot because footwear has be left outside entering the restaurant

Your footwear will be kept safely in small lockers

KaLuiIt is about 15 minutes away from the Puerto Princesa Airport and you MUST call first for reservations

They offer a wide variety on their menu, which depends on the fresh catch of the day

Everything on the menu is either seafood or vegetarian

Bilao

Bilao at Palayok is a must try for those who visit the city

It is an open air native Filipino restaurant made of bamboo

The interior, ambience and feel looks expensive but the Bilao at Palayok dining experience is affordable!

Specialties are sizzling grilled tuna, steamed prawns, pinakbet, and kare-kare

KinabuchsThis is a relatively new restaurant in Puerto Princesa, but already has made a name through word-of-mouth

The service is good, prices are a bit high but worth it

The ambience is perfect with a huge outdoor seating area

The food served is good and has a lot of the local Philippines delicacies

This is a quiet little place with a little of everything

‣ Food, for the body, in distinct & delectable cuisine

‣ Feast, for the soul, in visual treats of artworks by local artists

‣ Soothing melodies by local musicians, which make easy listening

All this can be enjoyed al fresco (open air) under starry, moonlit island skies

Gypsy's Lair Art Cafe

Bruno’s Swissfood and DeliBruno’s Swissfood and Deli is a wine and delicatessen store popular with Europeans

They carry a wide selection of wines, European cold cuts, condiments and sweets

Their stew is perfect and their baked spaghetti is a very popular item

Badjao SeafrontBadjao Seafront is an open air restaurant built on stilts nesting on a cluster of mangroves right on the water

Their specialties include a large range of fresh seafood cooked Filipino style

Their rich seafood is surprisingly and pleasantly lighter than normal

During the day, you can see the water, and at night, the yellow light and interiors contribute to the ambience

La Terasse

La Terasse is among the best fine-dining restaurants in the city

Ideally located near the airport, La Terrase is easily accessible and worth a visit

The restaurant is surrounded by bamboos giving it a peaceful vibe

In terms of decor, cuisine and creativity, La Terasse is influenced by Palawan

Balay TubayBalay Tubay, in El Nido, is actually two distinct establishments: Home of Arts and Music and the Bistro

Home of Arts and Music, is an artsy pub that offers live music

Bistro, is a cozy restaurant and their specialty is fresh seafood

Local musicians gather here every night to perform western and local favorites up into the wee hours of the morning

Tom-TomsTom-Toms is located in Manalo Extension and all the locals know this place

A good selection of beers, wines and spirits is available here as well as some very good food

The bar normally opens up around 5 pm and closes after midnight

Live music can also be heard on different nights of the week

City Baywalk Puerto Princesa City Baywalk is Palawan’s very own version of Manila Baywalk

It’s located beside the port area and is walking distance from the public market

The baywalk is a developed seafront strip providing a scenic place to view the sunrise or the beautiful sunset

There are a lot of food stalls and restaurants along the baywalk and a designated area for bike rides

Beaches and Natural Beauty

Tubbataha Reef

The Tubbataha Reef is situated on the Cagayan Ridge, made up of extinct underwater-volcanoes

It was declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO

Over 1,000 species of marine life inhabit the reef with many considered as endangered

Animal species found include manta rays, lionfish, sea turtles, clownfish, and sharks

Tubbataha ReefTubbataha is a popular site for seasoned sport divers because of its coral walls where the shallow coral reef abruptly ends giving way to great depths

It is considered as one of the best dive sites in the world according to CNN Travel

Trips to Tubbataha National Marine Park from Puerto Princesa operate during the diving season from mid-March to mid-June, the period where the waves are calmest, skies clear and water visibility of about 30 to 45 metres (98 to 148 ft)

The park is about ten hours by boat from the city

Honda Bay Honda Bay is a bay on the eastern shore of the island, near Puerto Princesa City

The bay is used for fisheries and recreation

Boats can be rented for the day and used for travel to nearby islands, many less than 45 minutes from the shore

Honda Bay is ideal for snorkeling

Starfish are commonly found near the Starfish Island

Secret LagoonSecret Lagoon is located in a small island surrounded by limestone karst cliffs

As you enter into a small hole, you will see a cave, which collapsed and now is surrounded by karst cliffs

You enter the secret hidden lagoon by swimming through a small hole in the cliffs

The water inside the Secret Lagoon is mainly rainwater collected by the towering cliffs that surround it

Small LagoonThe Small Lagoon is located on the cove of Miniloc Island

You enter the small lagoon, either through a kayak or swim in

Once inside, you will see the tranquil turquoise-green waters of the lagoon with orchid-lined limestone walls

It is a magnificent showcase of marine life

Big Lagoon

A visit to Big Lagoon is a running tour on outrigger boats

You approach the lagoon in the middle of karst limestone formations and are welcomed by water that is clear and full of marine life

Big lagoon is a breeding ground for fishes and crabs

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is one of the most important biodiversity conservation areas of the Philippines

It features a spectacular limestone or karst landscape that contains an 8.2 km long underground river


A distinguishing feature of the river is that it flows directly into the sea

The Puerto Princesa Underground River is the longest navigable underground river in the world


It is one of the few rivers which the public can easily access, experience and appreciate

The main area of the river within the park is covered by primary forest, which is home to many species of animals and plants

HikingPalawan has mountains, mangrove forests, lakes, rivers, sheltered bays, secluded white beaches just waiting to be explored on foot

Palawan has also unique flora and fauna

There are hikes suitable for all ages on the island

There are several operators organizing hiking trips in Palawan, or you can go hiking on your own.

Amazing Hotels

Sheridan Beach Resort & Spa

Within easy reach of Sabang Boat Terminal and Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, this resort is on its own private beach

It has a private beach and you can pamper yourself at the full-service spa, or enjoy surfing

Balay Tuko Garden Inn

Situated near the airport, in Puerto Princesa, this hotel is close to Robinsons Place Palawan

At Balay Tuko Garden Inn, recreational amenities include an indoor pool and a children's pool

The hotel also features a shuttle from the airport to the hotel and a bar/lounge

Amanpulo

Amanpulo, which means peaceful island, is rimmed by seven square kilometres of pristine reef

It is set on a private island and can be reached only by a private charter

It is surrounded by clear waters and the coral reef is just 300 m from the shore

The resort offers a variety of water sports including diving

Deep Forest Garden Inn Deep Forest Garden Inn features an outdoor swimming pool and a restaurant with air-conditioned rooms that gives guests a garden view

Guests can relax with a massage in the comfort of their own rooms

Other facilities include car and bicycle rentals and a mini-mart

Deep Forest Garden Inn is a 5-minute drive from Puerto Princesa International Airport

Blue Lagoon Inn & Suites The Blue Lagoon Inn & Suites is located just 5-minutes away from Puerto Princesa International Airport

Guests at Blue Lagoon can unwind amidst its lush green garden or relax by the terrace

Rooms also feature a balcony overlooking the pool and garden

The Blue Lagoon Restaurant serves local cuisine while KaLui Restaurant and Kinabuch Restaurant are both a 3-minute walk from the property

Aziza Paradise Hotel Featuring an outdoor pool and a garden, Aziza Paradise Hotel offers modern accommodation in Puerto Princesa

The property provides evening entertainment, such as DJs and stand-up comedy nights

On site, Voda Bar specializes in cocktails and alcoholic beverages

Aziza Paradise Hotel is a 10-minute drive from Robinson’s Place Palace, while Puerto Princesa International Airport is 25 km away

Microtel Puerto Princesa

Microtel Puerto Princesa offers beachfront accommodation with balconies on Emerald Beach

Guests can take a city tour, go island hopping or snorkeling

Massage services are available

Microtel Puerto Princesa is a 20-minute drive from the city centre

El Nido Four Seasons Beach Resort

It is located on the beach, 3 km from the town centre

Located in a quiet area, with a spectacular view of both Miniloc and Helicopter Islands, it offers the best view in town for El Nido's magnificant sunsets

7 Commando Beach is right in front of the resort and can be reached by kayak

Miniloc Island ResortMiniloc Island Resort in El Nido is the perfect holiday destination for those in search of a fun and vibrant holiday

The resort is tucked in a beautiful cove with a backdrop of limestone cliffs. Built like a coastal village, Miniloc Island Resort’s charm is enhanced by its crystal clear waters with vibrant marine life

At its very doorstep, the long dock where guests are welcomed, guests can snorkel among hundreds of multi-colored tropical fish

Miniloc Island ResortIt offers al fresco dining at the Clubhouse restaurant and has a beach bar

Miniloc Island Resort is a gateway to popular activity sites

With its convenient location, it is a welcoming and charming hideaway, allowing for numerous recreational activities

Apulit Island Resort Apulit Island Resort, located in Taytay, offers an idyllic tropical paradise style

The resort is set within a pristine cove with a wide expanse of white-sand beach lined with coconut trees

It boasts of an unspoiled location and showcases a wealth of wildlife, colorful tropical fishes, and scenic landscapes

Apulit Island Resorts’ 50 over-water cottages, built in traditional architecture mixed with contemporary design, invite guests to simply relax and bask in the serenity of the island

Lagen Island Resort

Nestled between a lush four-hectare forest and a calm, shallow lagoon, Lagen Island Resort in El Nido is an ideal destination for those seeking a relaxing holiday on a private and tranquil island

The resort offers a magnificent view of Bacuit Bay and the El Nido sunset

The surrounding forest and the breathtaking limestone cliffs are natural attractions that also serve as a sanctuary for a diverse variety of birds and mammals

Lagen Island Resort offers 50 modern rooms that exude an air of subdued elegance

Historical Heritage

Palawan Museum

The Palawan Museum was created in 1991 with a vision of serving as a center and repository of relics and artifacts in Palawan

It is a genuine source of the rich natural and historical legacy of Palawan

It has a growing collection and reference on Palawan’s cultural heritage

Palawan Heritage CenterThe Palawan Heritage Center or PHC hopes to preserve and to promote the rich cultural heritage of the province that has evolved through time, considering that Palawan is home to its different ethnic groups

The PHC showcases the life, culture and history of the proud Palaweños, who considered Palawan to be their home

The PHC is educational, highly informative, and entertaining

It contains artifacts as old as 300 years, old photos, life sized dioramas, interactive modules, information kiosks and learning stations that make it interesting venue for the local and international visitors

Palawan Heritage Center

Palawan Wildlife Rescue & Conservation Center

Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation, formerly known as Crocodile Farming Institute, is located about 40 minutes from the city

The Philippine Crocodile is currently included in the endangered species list and the conservation center is making ways to increase the number of the species

Apart from crocodiles, the center takes care of other animals like ostriches and bearcats

The main attractions include a huge skeleton of a crocodile and its leatherette skin, baby crocodiles, and the resting adult crocodiles

Palawan Wildlife Rescue & Conservation Center

Let’s Recap

‣ Palawan is the largest province of the Philippines, located in the Mimaropa region

‣ After Ferdinand Magellan's death, his remaining fleet landed in Palawan where they were saved by the abundance of nature here, they named the place Land of Promise

‣ El Nido Boutique has everything a tourist needs from T-shirts printed in their in-house artshop to local handicrafts

‣ The Tubbataha Reef is situated on the Cagayan Ridge, made up of extinct underwater-volcanoes, it was declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO

‣ The Puerto Princesa Underground River is the longest navigable underground river in the world

‣ Palawan has mountains, mangrove forests, magical lakes, rives sheltered bays, secluded white beaches waiting to be explored on hiking