PALAWAN PARADISE

Many rate Palawan to be the best of the archipelago nation’s islands, and the region is often referred to as “the last frontier of the Philippines.” An idyllic, relatively undeveloped paradise of raw natural beauty, Palawan boasts world-class diving, jungles, caves, mangroves, lagoons, hidden beaches, coral reefs, clear blue waters and plenty of sand and sun. In 2014, Palawan was named the world’s top island by readers of the illustrious Condé Nast Traveler.

Top 5 Things To Do In Palawan

Exploring the Underground River
Puerto Princesa is the capital of Palawan and the main jumping off point for exploring the surrounding area. The most popular attraction here is the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, featuring the longest flowing undergound river in the world. A cruise along its 8km length through crystalline waters and limestone caves is a must-do. The site has been declared one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature.

Island Hopping at Honda Bay
Framing the coastline of Puerto Princesa is the beautiful Honda Bay. The islets and reefs found here are teeming with a wide variety of colorful fish and sea creatures. Clear shallow waters and stretches of pristine white sand make it perfect for leisurely boat trips with stops for swimming and snorkeling.

Diving the Tubbataha Reef
The Tubbataha Reef National Park is considered by many to be the mecca of diving. It is the Philippines' first national marine park as well as a UNESCO protected sanctuary. Rising from the volcanic depths of the Sulu Sea, these magnificent atolls encompass an astonishing diversity of marine life and some of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world. Accessible by boat from Puerto Princesa, Tubbataha is most popular with divers, many staying on live-aboard boats.

Discovering El Nido
El Nido Marine Reserve is 238 kilometres north of Puerto Princesa. A hidden gem in the center of Bacuit Bay and the country's largest wildlife preservation area, this stunning nature spot boasts diverse ecosystems of rainforest, mangroves, coral reefs, and limestone cliffs. Diverse underwater life can also be found, from countless varieties of fish, to manta rays and sea cows known locally as “dugong”. The waters in and around the bay are also a popular spot for hawksbill turtles and their nesting sites.

Diving at Coron Bay
Coron Bay is situated in North Palawan, lying beween Busuanga and Culion Islands. There is fabulous diving all around the area, but the bay is particularly well known as having some of the best wreck diving in the world. Over a dozen vessels are sunk here including a well preserved fleet of Japanese ships from World War II. Underwater visibility often extends up to 20 meters. Forbes magazine named Coron as one of the ten best dive sites in the world.