Melo Villareal
Palawan is the Best Island in the World
More than just an island-province that holds the title of being the biggest province in the country in terms of total area of jurisdiction, the Province of Palawan, is now also holding another title as the best island in the world. Not surprisingly and rightfully so, here are the reasons why:
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park photo by Shankar via Flickr
1. It holds the Puerto Princesa Underground River, one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature in 2012, a Unesco World Heritage Site, and the river said to be one of the longest in the world.
On November 11, 2011, it was provisionally chosen as one of the New7Wonders, together with the Amazonia, Halong Bay, Iguazu Falls, Jeju Island, Komodo Island, and Table Mountain. This selection was officially confirmed on January 28, 2012.
Sunset in El Nido by Mr Snoopy via Flickr
2. As an island province, Palawan is surrounded by seawater whose beaches are popular for their crystal clear waters, taking Entalula Island for example.
Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park photo by ati.da.gov.ph – Best Island
3. It is a popular spot for undersea adventurers for its Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park, another Unesco World Heritage Site.
Red Grouper Epinephelus morio also called Lapu-Lapu in the Philippines and Rock Cod in other places are for sale at a seafood market in Puerto Princesa.
4. National Geographic Traveler once dubbed Palawan as one of the best islands in the world.
Just get a hammock and do nothing
5. Conde Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards puts Palawan Islands as some of the most popular destinations in the world and one to top all other destinations, making in number one. This is as a result of votes amounting to 76,600. This makes Palawan the “Top Island in the World.”
El Nido Bay and Cadlao Island – Best Island
6. Palawan is the area in the Philippines where you can find the municipality of El Nido which is most popular for its clear water beaches.
Bacuit Bay in El Nido Palawan by yougotadance via Flickr
7. If you are in El Nido, you can go diving at Bacuit Bay for its coral reefs teemed with tropical fishes. Another specific destination at Palawan.
Barracuda Lake by Roslyn via Flickr
8. Dubbed as “the craziest dive site in the Philippines,” Barracuda Lake in the Coron Bay, declared as one of the world’s natural and beautiful sanctuaries, is an interesting and unusual diving spot in Palawan. What’s more interesting about it is that it is located at the top of a volcano crater noted for its dreamy scenery, blue-turquoise waters, and limestone cliffs.
Calauit Island Wildlife Sanctuary by brownpau via Flickr
9. Home to exotic and rare animal species that roam freely, Caluit Island Wildlife Sanctuary in Busuanga, Palawan in northern Calamines Island makes it one of the popular tourist destinations in the area.
Tabon Cave in Quezon by Mang_Kiko via Flickr
10. Dubbed as the “Cradle of the Philippine Civilization,” Tabon Caves is an archaeological place to visit if you are in Palawan. This is the place where the 22,000-year-old Tabon man was discovered with his tools along with artifacts like burial jars, earthenware, jade ornament, and other jewelry. This makes Tabon Caves of great importance to the history and heritage of the country.
Honda Bay by Herman Layos via Flickr
11. Known as the “Last Frontier” in Palawan, Honda Bay is one of the country’s premier tourist destinations. It hosts some of the many exclusive resorts and beaches in the country. It is also most noteworthy as a haven for its species of birds and a bay which consists of several islets with shallow reefs.
Crocodiles Skin at the Puerto Princesa Crocodile Farm by Benson Kua via Flickr
12. It is home to Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center which serves as a sanctuary to Philippine crocodiles endemic to the country. Here you will find freshwater and saltwater crocodiles.
Tropical Beach in El Nido Palawan
13. A breeding haven for fishes and crustaceans, Big Lagoon in El Nido, Palawan is a place to be for its tranquil waters and natural scenery.
Kayangan Lake photo by Eugene via Flickr
14. Nestled on top of a mountain, Kayangan Lake is a 10-minute steep climb ideal for tourists which can only be found in Palawan.
Island Hopping in El Nido Palawan
15. An interesting island beach only found in El Nido, Secret Lagoon Beach is the only place of its kind where you will see a lagoon separated into two by a limestone cliff.
Small Lagoon in El Nido by Deepa Paul via Flickr
16. Another tourist spot in El Nido, Small Lagoon is a must-see attraction of Palawan for tourists for its turquoise-green waters, orchid-lined limestone walls, and bountiful marine life.
Coron Ship Wrecks photo by PhilippineDiveSafari.com
17. Coron Palawan is the place where you will find fantastic dive sites including shipwrecks and other interesting spots.
Ugong Rock Adventures in Puerto Princesa photo by Ugong Rock FB
18. As a promising travel destination in Palawan, Ugong Rock in Puerto Princesa, Palawan makes your trip exciting with its unique combination of caving, climbing and zip line.
Snorkeling in Coron photo by Tripadvisor
19. Coron in Palawan hosts many snorkeling sites. Some of which are just a few minutes away from the town center.
Snake Island aka Vigan Island in El Nido photo by Jack Versloot via Flickr
20. Named after a crawler animal for its S-shape island but never really a home to snakes, Snake Island in one corner of Bacuit Bay which can only be found in Palawan.
Beautiful sunset in El Nido Palawan Philippines
21. Boat paddling tour throughout the river with mangrove? This is possible at the Sabang River if you are in Palawan.
Dolphin Watching in Puerto Princesa Palawan
22. Dolphins are a rare sight if you are at some parts in the Philippines. However, this is not the case if you are to see them by the Puerto Princesa Bay.
Boats waiting for tourists to travel between the islands
23. Palawan is the home to the Batak tribes which makes one of the 70 indigenous people of the country.
Nacpan Beach in El Nido Palawan
24. Nacpan and Calitang Beaches at El Nido, said to be among the best beaches of the overall province, can only be found in Palawan.
Malcapuya Island photo by malcapuyaisland.blogspot.com
25. Just a boat ride of one and a half hours from the town of Coron to Malcapuya Island, there you will find arguably as well one of the best beaches in Palawan.
Also Read: Resorts in San Vicente Palawan
