Palawan is the most well preserved major island group in the Philippines. It is also the largest province in the Philippines in terms of land area. The rain forest, caves, coral reefs, mangroves, beaches and clear blue waters are its best assets. One has to go around the islands of Palawan to see how its people and the local government’s conservation efforts have born fruit.

With over 1,700 islands and islets and almost 2,000 kilometers of coastline, Palawan is known as having one of the most beautiful seascapes in the world. Sprawled beneath the seas are nearly 11,000 square kilometers of coral reefs. Palawan was proclaimed as a fish and wildlife sanctuary in 1967 and to this day, this group of islands is probably the most protected province in the whole Philippines.

The Calauit Wildlife Sanctuary in the northern Calamianes islands is home to exotic and endemic species of animals that roam freely in its verdant hills and plains. Palawan is the home of Palawan Monkeys, Palawan Parrots, Palawan Bear cats, Palawan Peacock, Mongoose, Scaly Ant Eater, Porcupine, and mouse deer.

A must see is the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (also known as Sabang’s St. Paul Subterranean National Park). It is a wonder to behold; carved by nature for millions of years; the length of cave and river network is unknown up to this day. The cavern stretches away in an almost perfect rectangle with walls and ceiling decorated with natural carvings in many colors. Stalactite and stalagmites seem like they have been intentionally crafted to awe the visitors. Further inside, one reaches a grand chamber, decorated with multi faceted colored stones. One has to be there to see its grandeur.

El Nido – the place with crystal clear waters and many wonderful dive spots with first class resorts. El Nido Marine Reserve is noted for its very expensive and edible birds’ nests that is harvested on majestic limestone cliffs that end up on our dinner table as Bird’s Nest Soup.

Honda Bay – Just 30 minutes form Puerto Pincesa is Honda Bay. One can take a boat and beach hop the dozens of beaches on the islets that dot the bay. One can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, diving or just relaxing on the beach amidst the clear waters and fine sand. The panoramic view would surely leave a lingering impression on the visitor.

Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its beauty and richness of marine  life. Tubbataha Reef is made of of 2 atolls (North & South reefs) located 92 nautical miles southeast of Puerto Princesa City covering 33,200 hectares. The North Islet serves as a sanctuary for birds and marine turtles. Tubbataha Reef has pristine waters, lagoons, a line of extinct underwater volcanoes, two corral islands with a magnificent 100-meter perpendicular wall.

Tubbataha Reef and Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park are nominated as one of the “New 7 Wonders of Nature”.

Palawan has been called the “island of the gods” and it is not without reason, the spectacular sea and landscapes of Palawan; especially at El Nido, gives the impression of seeing heaven’s beauty on earth. Acknowledged as the Philippines’ last frontier, Palawan is a must see for the traveler who appreciates the majesty and splendor of nature.

Popular Resorts in Palawan:

Marina de Bay, Central Palawan

Dos Palmas Arreceffi Hotel, Central Palawan

Princessa Holiday Resort, Central Palawan

Crystal Paradise Resort, Central Palawan

Dolarog Beach Resort, El Nido

Lagen & Maniloc, El Nido

Bambua National Park, Sabang

Green View Resort, Port Barton

Club Noah, Tatay

Club Paradaise, Busanga

Coral Bay, Northern Palawan

Discovery Dive, Northern Palawan

Lamud Island Resort, Northern Palawan

El Rio Y Mar, Northern Palawan

Rio Playa Beach, Northern Palawan

Amanpulo, the most expensive Island resort in the Philippines

Coco Loco Island Resort, Roxas

Source: philsite.net

The island of Boracay is 7.5 kilometers long and 2 kilometers wide. The popular powdery White Sand Beach (which take up most of the western side of the island) is where most of tourist go to see and be seen. Boracay Island has electricity and piped water and has grown into an international tourist hub with 20 dive sites, scores of bars and restaurants, native tattoo parlours, banks, a fire department, and a police station. There is also a Tourist Center that also serves as a souvenir shop and an airline reservation center.

Boracay Resort is one of the hottest travel destinations in the Philippines attracting thousands of foreign travelers every season.

Aside from scuba diving, snorkeling & sunbathing, a common sight round Boracay Island is sailing on slender hulled boats called Paraw. Passengers occasionally seat on a webbing area between the outrigger supports. The Paraw is exceptionally fast off the wind, but difficult to maneuver, requiring the foresail to be backed. They can be hired for trips round the island, a wonderful experience if you don’t mind getting wet. There are three classes of Paraw with size limits on each. Races are regularly staged each year with the winning boat getting a considerable prize.

The nightlife of Boracay is very lively with the numerous clubs and bars spanning the whole stretch of the beach. From Friday’s at the northern part of the beach to Lorenzo South at the southern end. It is specially so during Lent & Christmas season when Boracay Island is transformed into a big fiesta. It is the time when local & foreign tourist come in droves. But whatever season, If partying is your cup of tea, then the nightlife of Boracay is for you.

You can reach Boracay Island by air via South East Asian Airlines (Seair). It has regular daily flights to Caticlan (it is nearest airstrip to Boracay). From Caticlan is a short boat ride to Boracay. You can also catch the daily flights of PAL, Cebu Pacific or Zest Airways (formerly Asian Spirit) to Kalibo, Aklan, from the airport, take a 2-hour bus ride to Caticlan, then the short boat ride to Boracay. And if you are not in a hurry, you can take the ferry boat trip from Manila to Caticlan (twice a week – Mondays & Saturdays) of WGA’s Supper Ferry. The ferry boat ride takes approximately 15 hours.

Another alternative if you are not in a hurry, is to take the Philtranco Bus (tel # 852-2523, 853-3218) from Manila (EDSA, Pasay) to Caticlan then take the short boat ride to Boracay Island.

Resorts & Hotels in Boracay Island
Alice in Wonderland Resort Hotel
Regency Beach Resort
Club Panoly
Club Ten Beach Resort
Cocomangas Beach Resort
Crystal Sand Resort
Friday’s Resort
Fairways and Blue Waters Hotel
Gold Crowne Club Resort
Le Soleil de Boracay
Pink Patio Resort
Pearl of the Pacific
Jony’s Resort
Lorenzo Hotels (Grand Villa, Main Beach & South Beach)
Nigi Nigi Hotel
Nami Private Villas Resort
Paradise Garden Resort
Pearl of the Pacific Resort
Pink Patio Resort
Red Coconut Resort
Seawind Resort
Sandcastles Beach Resort
Seraph Resort
Terraces Hotel
True Home Hotel Resort
Willy’s Beach Resort
Waling Waling Beach Resort
357 Boracay Resort