Melo Villareal
Palawan is a large chain of islands to the west of the Philippines and it has recently been selected by Lonely Planet as on the of the best value travel destinations for 2014. This is great news for Palawan and it’s a well-deserved designation.
Lonely Planet’s 2014 Best Value Travel Destinations
Palawan has the best of what the Philippines has to offer. Beautiful white sand beaches, crystal clear waters, exotic wildlife both in and out of the water, and lush jungle. Of course, it’s all priced reasonably for now, but with this announcement from Lonely Planet and the additional attention Palawan will get, don’t be surprised if that changes.
Palawan has a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and endangered animals are actively being protected in game preserves and sanctuaries. You can also enjoy small, friendly fishing villages that still move at the pace of traditional Philippine life. There is so much to do that even if you stayed for a month or two you’d still be hearing about not-to-miss opportunities.
Places to See and Things to Do
One of the most magnificent things to do in Palawan, Philippines is to stay in the stilt rooms on the beaches at El Nido on Lagen Island. There are plenty of beautiful beachfront hotels to stay at, but here you can stay right on the water.
The Calauit Game Preserve and Wildlife Sanctuary is a complete island which was declared a sanctuary in 1977. You can go and visit the zebras, giraffes, crocodiles, mousedeer, and endemic species like the Palawan bearcats. There are even local dugongs, or manatees, which live in the waters around the island.
Don’t miss the Puerto Princesa Underground River tour. And if you’re a diver, you’ll be in heaven. Japanese shipwrecks are plentiful off Coron Island.
