You’ve definitely seen photos of azure seas, towering limestone formations, and white-sand beaches – the perfect picture of paradise. Palawan is the name of the island. But if you still need more convincing, here are eleven reasons why people flock to Palawan.
It is the world’s most gorgeous island.
Take our word for it, but don’t just take it from us. Palawan has been chosen to Travel+Leisure magazine’s World’s Best 2021 list, re-establishing the Philippines as a tourist destination.
With an 88.63 score, the province of Mimaropa in the Mimaropa area was placed 19th in the magazine’s Top 25 Islands in the World, and sixth in the Asian category. In addition to its gorgeous perspective, mountain vistas, and white sand beach, Palawan, like Thailand’s Koh Samui, is noted for being a “unrivaled diving” destination.
Despite pandemic travel restrictions and other roadblocks, Philippine tourist destinations are still recognized as world-class destinations. Palawan was recently named second in the “Travel’s Top 50 Best Islands in the World” list published by Big 7, while Cebu was ranked 25th.
On both sides, there are beautiful beaches.
You’d have a long list of beaches to see even if you spent a month in Palawan. Locals frequent beaches in the vicinity of Puerto Princesa, such as Nagtabon and the Honda Bay islets. If you drive north, you can go beach hopping on your way to El Nido. If you drove south towards Balabac, you could still do it. You’ll never be too far from the water because the island is such a long, thin stretch. It’s a beach lover’s fantasyland.
Views worth dying for
These aren’t filter-saved, too-good-to-be-true photographs you’ve seen on vacation websites or on your Instagram explore page; they’re authentic depictions of the island’s splendor. Yes, you can kayak across crystal clear waters in front of karst landscapes; yes, you can dive shipwrecks and swim with turtles; and yes, they are real sunset colors. The views you’ll witness on a vacation to Palawan will make you pinch yourself and make you reconsider your return flight.
There is a “Nature Wonder” there.
The Underground River of Puerto Princesa is less than an hour’s drive from the capital city. In 2012, this national park was officially included to the list of the World’s New Seven Wonders of Nature for its incredible ecological makeup. The underground river is entered through a cave and explored by paddle boat. It is considered to be one of the world’s longest. Amazing stalactite and stalagmite structures, as well as freshly discovered small waterfalls, may be found in the cave. Tourists can either take a boat journey from Sabang’s port or hike through the forest from Sabang Beach to enter the park.
It’s the ideal time to disconnect.
It’s tempting to post envy-worthy posts on all your social media accounts when visiting Palawan, but it’s also a place that encourages you to disengage from such distractions. It encourages you to focus on the present moment and your current place. Spend the time speaking with the locals, renting a scooter, and going out to a secret beach; where you can relax in a hammock by the sea with a nice book in hand, rather than spending a half hour refining that Instagram shot and watching the likes pour in. At this point, genuine moments and real life are even more picture-perfect than the ones on your Facebook.
Diving and snorkeling spots
Here’s some fantastic news: the underwater sights in Palawan are just as stunning as those on land. Leisure snorkelers may like having schools of fish swim about them in the seas of numerous Palawan beaches, but the island also contains truly unique underwater attractions, such as the battle wrecks seen in Coron. Palawan is also a gateway to the Tubbataha Reefs, which have one of the most diverse marine environments on the planet. The journey to the reefs is lengthy, and divers’ only option is to visit through live-aboard vessels, necessitating considerable planning.
Seafood that is both fresh and reasonably priced
For a reasonable fee, visitors to Palawan may dine like high rollers and enjoy daily feasts of rock lobster, prawns, and crabs. Many island-hopping cruises will take care of this for you, especially in places like El Nido and Coron. On your chartered boat or an island you’ve chosen to dock on for lunch in the middle of the day, the crew will prepare a magnificent buffet of grilled fish and rice. Some restaurants, such as K’na Boyet on the city’s Baywalk, offer a “select-and-cook” dining experience; in which customers can choose their meal from a range of fresh fish set out in front of them; and have it prepared according to their preferences. If you’re interested in grilling some of your own on a regular basis, go to the palengke, or local wet market, and look through the morning’s fresh catch.
Off-the-beaten-path destinations in Palawan
Despite the fact that swarms of tourists have discovered this gem of an island in recent years. Those who prefer straying off the main route will find many hidden beauties. While El Nido and Coron can get rather crowded; many of the places around Puerto Princesa are still relatively unknown to tourists. For a change of scenery, turn a beach day into a trekking day by hiking up one of the island’s many mountains. Many hiking trails near the city lead to waterfalls, ensuring that you always have something refreshing to drink at the end of your trip.
As beautiful as Palawan’s tourist sites are, they may lose some of their attractiveness if they are shared with too many people. The beaches of San Vicente and the islands of Port Barton are ideal for those seeking isolated beaches.
These fishing settlements are less frequented by tourists, providing more opportunity for solitude and learning about the locals and culture. Travel south to the Balabac Islands, where commercialization and tourism have yet to make an impact, for beaches in their purest form.
It’s a backpacker’s dream come true.
As a Southeast Asian country, the Philippines is known for being relatively inexpensive for most travelers. As a result, Palawan is great for travelers who appreciate the rustic experience of staying in a simple nipa hut by the beach or simply a dependable hammock and dining with the locals at a carinderia (a tiny, affordable café). While excursions to renowned destinations like Coron and El Nido can be costly; everyday expenses will always provide simple and affordable options for the budget traveler.
Getaways in Style
While perfect for tourists, Palawan may also be the epitome of a luxurious tropical holiday. The Lagen, Pangalusian, and Miniloc island resorts in El Nido are among the island’s high-end havens. A hideaway frequented by Hollywood A-listers like Tom Cruise, Mariah Carey, and Robert de Niro would be more enticing if you’re really going for it. Amanpulo is a private resort on Pamalican Island, just northeast of mainland Palawan, and is technically still part of the province of Palawan.
This resort provides perfect privacy; and seclusion to its visitors in exchange for a high price tag by spacing casitas and villas far apart. It gives the appearance that they have the entire resort to themselves – with the exception of the personal butler assigned to them for the duration of their stay. Guests are transported to the island’s own airport on hired planes; and treated to a variety of amenities, including spa treatments, watersports, and floating bars.
It is the country’s ‘Last Ecological Frontier.’
Palawan is commonly referred to as the Philippines’ “Last Ecological Frontier.” It has a diverse range of species in its forests and waters; and it is this natural beauty that draws travelers. Whether ascending the island’s majestic peaks or diving the island’s coral reefs; this title serves as a great reminder to travel responsibly and environmentally; to leave no trace.
Because tourism is expanding at a quicker rate than in the past; it must be accompanied with a purposeful effort to be knowledgeable and responsible travelers. It’s the only way to ensure that all of these points stand the test of time.
Camella welcomes you back to Palawan
Camella Homes, the country’s largest housing brand, has a presence in one of the country’s most beautiful islands, Palawan. The brand offers houses and condos for sale in Puerto Princesa, notably along Gabinete Road, Brgy. Bancao-bancao.
Learn more about Camella Palawan and Camella Manors Verdant, your next investment destination in the city; offering home and lot and ready-to-move-in condo units for sale in the heart of Puerto Princesa City.
