PALAWAN

A Glimpse of Palawan

Time has stood still in Palawan. Branded as the country's last frontier, Palawan has managed to preserve its fascinatingly natural habitat over the years.

     Situated southwest of Mindoro and north of Malaysia's Sabah Island, Palawan stands as the country's largest province with its 1.5 million hectares. More than a thousand island and islets make up Palawan's territory making the province an ideal breeding ground for tropical flora and fauna. Indeed, it is in Palawan where monkeys, squirrels, bear cats and zebras thrive with wild tropical plants and corals.

    Palawan's population follows the same pattern. Through the years, the province has attracted peoples of all backgrounds. It is said that today's Palawenos are the result of 81 different cultural groups. Foreigners, from Swiss to Germans, have also come to love this quiet province. That's certainly a far cry from the renowned Tabon Man, remains of the province's first inhabitants unearthed at the Tabon Caves which dates back to 22,000 years ago.

    What is it about Palawan which attracts all these forms of life? Is it the fine weather? The temperate sea? Or maybe, just maybe, it is Palawan's almost magical powers of letting time stand still while each creature finds his own place under the sun.

SNAPSHOTS

Calauit Island. Located on the northwestern coast of Palawan, Calauit Island is a 3,700 hectare game preserve and wildlife sanctuary. Apart from indigenous species, the island also features African wildlife like giraffes, zebras, and gazelles. Sea turtles, seacows, and a variety of marine life nestle at its shores.

St. Paul's Subterranean National Park. Beneath St. Paul Mountain lies a quiet underground river which snakes for about eight kilometers before opening up into a clear lagoon, then flowing into the South China Sea. The Park also features the exciting Monkey Trail with its series of wooden paths to the forest. The forest itself is a hotspot for tropical flora and fauna. Monkeys, lizards, and squirrels can be seen scampering away at the sound of human footsteps.

Tabon Caves. Called the "Cradle of Philippine Civilization," the Tabon Caves is the oldest known habitation site in Southeast Asia. In it was unearthed a skull that date backs to 22,000 years ago.

ISLAND ADVENTURES

Beach-Combing. If the sun is your master, then Palawan is your refuge. Visit the Balsahan or Tagbarungis Swimming Resort, Kalis Point, or better yet, get a taste of El Nido.An almost utopian island resort, El Nido features black marble caves, tabletop corals, fantastic marine life, and the requisite white sand beach. Named after the swallow's nest which abound in its mountain caves, El Nido also features one of the most delicious samplings of the freshest seafood in the land.

Diving and Snorkeling. With its numerous islands, Palawan easily lends itself to diving and snorkeling. Some of the most popular dive sites are Rita Island at Tres Marias, Pandan Island, Panglima reefs, and Tubbataha Reefs. A startlingly beautiful site, Tubbataha's charm is accented by the giant turtles and flock of birds which come to visit its shores.

Archaeological Hunts. Though seemingly untouched, Palawan has its fair share of history. Go down Cuyo Island and visit the Cuyo Spanish Church Fort with its massive walls ten meters high and two meters wide. Archaeologists have also unearthed stone-age tools, Chinese burial jars and ancient ornaments in Palawan's numerous caves.

Island-Hopping. Palawan consists of about 1,769 islands: the Calamian Island group to the north, the Cuyo Island group to the northwest; and the Balabac-Bugsuk group to the southwest. For the less adventurous, hie off to Honda Bay. From there, you an take your pick of your own little hideaway from Cowrie Island and Pandan to La Isla Bonita and Isle de Nagusuan. Amidst these islands lie lovely white sand beaches, exciting dive sites, or just a quiet refuge to get away from it all.

TRAVEL SMARTS

Getting There. There are twice-daily flights from Manila to the province's capital, Puerto Princesa, via Philippine Airlines and Air Philippines. The flights take about one hour. Puerto Princesa is only about one and a half kilometers from the airport. Daily chartered flights are also available to El Nido, Taytay and Busuanga in Northern Palawan. Flying time is about one hour and forty-five minutes.

Staying in. The main hotel in the province is the Asiaworld Hotel located in Puerto Princesa City. There are smaller but equally comfortable accommodations like those at Hillside Inn Puerto Pension. Likewise, there are numerous island resorts scattered all over the province: El Nido Resort - Miniloc and Pangalusian Island Resort in El Nido; Club Noah Isabelle in Apulit Island, Taytay; and Amanpulo Resort in Pamalican Island, Cuyo, Palawan.

Getting Around. Tricycles and motorbikes with two-seater sidecars, are the most accessible forms of transportation. There are also buses and jeepneys, but they are more often than not, cramped and crowded. Rental cars are available in Puerto Princesa. Go island hopping via pumpboat.