A concealed piece of paradise,
Palawan Island has been voted as the no. 1 island in the world
by the Travel and Leisure World’s Best Awards.
In 2014,
this exotic island was honored with the same title by Conde Nast Traveler.
Nicknamed “The Philippines’ Last Frontier,”
Palawan is an island
that has often been compared to a breathtaking piece of paradise.
It is a place where bright blue water mingles playfully with clear green;
and majestic mountains stand tall.
White beaches. Golden sand.
And hours of sunshine. Surely, heaven can wait!
The Best Time to Go to Palawan
The ideal time to plan a trip to Palawan is somewhere
between the months of October and May.
This would be just after the typhoon season
that hits the Philippines during July and August.
Try and go there before the peak season of December
when hordes descend to Palawan from Europe or
the US to escape the biting cold there.
September is the right time to visit with prices just about right.
Places to Visit in Palawan
This island holds a number of places for you to explore.
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River –
Perhaps the finest of all the prominent attractions in Philippines,
this place is well known for its unique karst mountains,
rock formations, stalactites,
and stalagmites.
And this river is considered the
“Longest Underground River” in the Philippines.
Honda Bay –
Who wouldn’t like to feel white,
fine sand between the toes while out for a leisurely stroll on a beach?
Honda Bay has just that!
It inevitably awakens in you the desire to swim
and snorkel in its clear, blue water.
The sight of the vast range of corals and starfish is both pleasing and enjoyable.
Tubbataha Reef –
If you are up for diving,
this should definitely be on your wish list.
This ring-shaped system of coral reef houses
the most extraordinary marine life forms for you to be mesmerized.
Tabon Caves –
Palawan Island has a lot more to offer than just beaches and coasts.
Its mysterious Tabon Caves,
with 29 explored caves, has an eerie aura about it.
El Nido –
The Marine Reserve
in El Nido is a concealed treasure in the heart of Bacuit Bay.
It is the largest area of wildlife preservation in the country.
El Nido boasts of dense mangroves
and rainforests, limestone cliffs, white sand beaches, and coral reefs.
This place houses Manta rays,
sea cows, hawksbill turtles, and a countless range of fishes.
Mt. Tapyas –
If you have had enough of indolent sunbathing
and want to indulge in something different,
then a hiking adventure on Mt. Tapyas is just ideal for you.
A magnificent panoramic
view of the town below awaits you at the summit of this mountain.
The challenging journey to the top will surely
be worth it once you witness the beauty of this place.
Calauit Safari Park –
Commonly considered as a slice of Africa owing to the wildlife here.
Here, you may find giraffes, zebras, Calamian deer,
crocodiles, civet cats, sea gulls, and porcupines.
Maquinit Hot Springs –
After having explored this gem of an island,
treat your sore muscles and fatigued body by
dipping yourself in the warming waters of this hot spring.
Surrounded by mangrove forests and
the majestic sea, Maquinit Hot Spring is a natural jacuzzi by itself.
Getting to Palawan
There are several flights available
from India to Manila or Cebu Island
and you can take a domestic ferry or ferry to reach the islands.
Flights are often cheap,
if you book in advance,
and stay in the Philippines ranges
from ultra-luxury to budget digs for every pocket.
So what are you waiting for?
Choose the flight that’s appropriate for you, and once in Palawan,
indulge in island hopping;
get familiar with the Philippines’ grand archipelagic province;
tickle your taste buds with its scrumptious cuisine;
and head into the water to witness the marine life stored beneath its surface.
Explore this beauty by hopping on a tricycle
and watch out for the incredible flora and fauna.
Rest assured that once you indulge in everything
that this place has to offer, you will barely want to leave!
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