Welcome to Palawan, Philippines

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS AND SPECIAL INTEREST

Historical

Santa Isabel Fort - The historic Taytay Fort built in 1667 under the Augustinian Recollect Fathers was usedas a military station during that period. The fort's small chapel and cannon are still intact.

Location : Taytay
How to get there : From Malvar Terminal in Puerto Princesa, one can take a Taytay-bound jeepney or bus and get off at the Taytay church. The fort can be reached by a three-minute walk from the church. Taytay is 215 kilometers away from Puerto Princesa.
Travel time : Eight hours from Puerto Princesa to Taytay church.

Cuyo Fort - Built during the early Spanish period purposely to protect the people from their enemies. Considered as one of the most ancient and unique forts in the Philippines. Within its wall are the church, the convent and the only Perpetual Adoration chapel in Palawan. Cuyo incidentally became the second capital of Palawan from 1873 to 1903. Places to saty include: Amanpulo (Pamalican Island), Tabunan beach cottages, and Irene's lodging house.

Location : Cuyo, Palawan
How to get there : Cuyo can be reached from Manila via the Air Pacific Airways. It is also accessible by sea from Puerto Princesa City and Iloilo province via MV MIlagosa, and from Manila, via MV Asuncion.
Travel time : From Manila, travel time is an hour and 30 minutes by air and 24 hours by sea. By sea, Cuyo is 14 hours away from Iloilo province and 12 hours away from Puerto Princesa City.

Port Miller & Light House Tower - A historical landmark in Brooke's Point, POrt Miller is a cemented water tank constructed as a source of potable water for the natives and settlers of the municipality. The original Light House Tower constructed by Sir James Brooke is still visible but much of the area is now occupied by a new light house town.

Location : Brooke's Point
How to get there : Brooke's Point is about 192 kilometers south of Puerto Princesa City and is accessible by land. Buses and jeepneys depart daily from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. from Puerto Princesa City.
Travel time : 3 - 5 hours

Melville Light House - A century-old facility which used to guide ancient marine vessels landward is still glowing after a hundred years. At present, the lighthouse has become a familiar landmark to the local folks.

Location : Balabac
How to get there : An island municipality southermost of Palawan, Balabac is 147.6 kilometers from Puerto Princesa. It is accessible both by land and sea. From Puerto Princesa, one could take buses or jeepneys bound to Tio Tuba- Balabac, then pumpboat to the island.
Travel time : 6 - 7 hours land and 3 - 5 hours by boat.

Cultural

Batac Tribal Community - One of Palawan's indigenous groups, the Bataks are mountain people who dwell in the river valleys north of the provincial capital. They are Negrito stock and, since only less than 500 of them thrive today, are considered a "disappearing people."

Location : Batak Settlement sites in the slope of Cleopatra's needle, a 1,593 foot sharp mountain peak in Northern Palawan. Also found in Sitio Riandacan in Tagabinet, Tanabag Concepcion, Langogan and Roxas
Travel time : Sitio Riandacan is about 3 kilometers from Barangay Maoyon, Palawan.

Natural

Calauit Island Wildlife Sanctuary - Its 3,700 hectare area is devoted to a wildlife preserved. African animals from Kenya such as giraffes and elands, zebras and gazelles co-exist with endemic
Philippine animals like the Palawan bearcat, mousedeer and peacock pheasant. Modest accomodations are available for an overnight stay. Advisable visiting time is between 5:00 to 7:00 a.m. Tourists are required to secure permit at the Office of Palawan Council for Sustainable Development located in Coron. Thre are no regular transportation facilities in the area, thus, tourists are advised to hire a vehicle.

Location : Busuanga
How to get there : It is accessible by plane from Manila to Busuanga. From Puerto Princesa City, it can be reached by taking a jeepney or bus to Taytay, then by sea from Taytay to Coron and by jeepney or bus from Coron to Busuanga.
Travel time : 1 hour and 30 minutes flight from Manila. In Busuanga, 30 minutes by jeepney to Decalasiao Wharf and 3 hours by pumpboat to Calauit.

Coron Reefs - Seven enchanting lakes surrounded by craffy limestone cliffs attracts hundreds of nature lovers to this island in northern Palawan, near the town of Coron.

Location : Busuanga
How to get there : It is accessible by plane from Manila to Busuanga. From Puerto Princesa City, it can be reached by taking, a jeepney or bus to Taytay, then by sea from Taytay to Coron and by jeepney or bus from Coron to Busuanga.
Travel time : 1 hour and 30 minutes flight from Manila. In Busuanga, 30 minutes by jeepney to Decalasiao Wharf and 3 hours by pumpboat to Calauit.

Coron Reefs - Seven enchanting lakes surrounded by craggy limestone cliffs attract hundreds of nature lovers to this island in northern Palawan, near the town of Coron.

Location : Northern Palawan near Coron

El Nido Marine Reserve - Occupying an area of 96,000 hectares, this popular nature spot boasts of diverse ecosystems such as rainforest, mangroves, white sand beaches, coral reefs, and limestone cliffs. It is now one of the country's premier destination. Blessed with extraordinary natural scenery, El Nido is the sanctuary for various forms of wildlife. Countless varieties of fish are also found here. Manta rays are a common sight; when in season, divers may see one of the world's rarest marine mammal, the sea cow (known locally as "dugong").

Accommodations are available at El Nido Resorts on the Miniloc and Lagen Islands. El Nido Resorts are noted for their hidden lagoons, palm forests, orchids and offshore cruise points. A part from the crozy accomodations, recreational facilities and aqua sports equipment are also available to tourists.

Location : Miniloc Island, El Nido
How to get there : From the Manila Domestic Airport, a charter plane flies to mainland and El Nido, from where a pumpboat is taken for a trip to Miniloc Island where the resort is situated. Tours to the resort are possible through Ten Knots Corporation.
Travel time : Two hours by plane from Manila, 45 minutes by pumpboat to the resort area.

St. Paul Subterranean River National Park - This river flows within a deep cavern under rugged limestone and marble cliffs, a special feature of the park. Known as one of the world's wonders, this river stretches eight kilometers deep into an underground lagoon with crystalline waters Within the hallowed recesses, one winds through the tunnel aboard a paddle boat outriggers to be enthralled at every turn which reveals stalactite pillars, rock formations and domed amphitheaters.

Location : Bahile, Puerto Princesa City
How to get there : Located 81 kilometers away from the city proper, the place can be reached through Barangay Cabayugan to Sabang from where one could take a pumpboat ride to the Underground River, or a hike through the monkey trail. An alternative way to reach the River is through a hired pumpboat ride Bahile wharf.
Travel time : Through Barangay Cabayugan, 1 1/2 hours jeepney ride and 10 to 15 minutes pumpboat ride or 1 1/2 hours hike. From Bahile wharf, 1 1/2 hours trip by land, then 2 1/2 to 3 hours pumpboat ride to the river.

Honda Bay - The bay consists of several islets with shallow reefs bordering fabulous beaches which have become the favorite swimming, snorkeling, and diving destinations of local residents and tourists. These islets are the Cannon (Cowrie) Island, Bat Island, Lu-li Island (derived from the word "lulubog-lilitaw", meaning floating and sinking island, is visible only during low tide), Meara Marina, Starfish Island (known for its fine white sand and clear water that teems with starfish), Snake Island (an island with a long stretch of time white sand shaped like a snake), Pandan Island, and Señorita Island (the breeding site of Lapu-Lapu fish). Lodging facilities are avilable for overnight stays in the islands of Meara Marina and Starfish (Sandbar Resort).

Location : Sta. Lourdes Tagbanua, Puerto Princesa City
How to get there : About 12 kilometers east of Puerto Princesa City is Sta. Lourdes wharf where pumpboats could be hired to take tourists to the Island of their choice. Some islands require an entrance ` fee; others are privately owned, thus, permits are necessary from the owners.
Travel time : Sta. Lourdes wharf is 25 minutes away by hired tricycle or jeepney. Pumpboat ride from the wharf to the different islands could be from 15 to 50 minutes.

Tubbataha Reefs National Marine Park - Tubbataha is reputed as the country's best dive spot. The park was named a World Heritage Site because of its abundant marine life. Provides neophyte divers with their first encounter with a Tubbataha shark. The reef itself is gradual in slope with a good variety of invertebrates and reef fishes. Tubbataha Island consists of two islets with lots of soft corals and small caves where tip and nurse sharks nap, as well as turtles and manta rays. The northern islet, called "Bird Island", has costs which abound with fish schools, reef ray, leopard all these glories. Tubbataha Islands and its environs was declared by the World Tourism Association as a Herritage Site.

Location : Cagayancillo town
How to get there : Trips to Tubbataha from mid March to mid-June are all vessel-based and require planning for a minimum of six weeks prior to departure. To reach the place, take a 70-minute flight from Manila to Puerto Princesa City. From the airport, a shuttle takes you to the dive boat.

Tabon Cave - Known as the "Cradle of Philippine Civilization", Tabon Caves consist of a series of chambers where anthropologists discovered the remains of crude man and his tools. Anthropological significance came to the fore with the discovery of the 22,000 year old Tabon Man in its interior decades ago, along with other artifacts.

Location : Quezon
How to get there : About 155 kilometers south of Puerto Princesa City, the place can be reached by takign a bus or jeepney ride from the provincial capital to Quezon. It is followed by a pumpboat ride from the Quezon wharf to the caves.
Travel time : 3-4 hours by bus or jeepneys to Quezon and 20- 30 minute boat ride from Quezon pier to the caves.

Ursula Island Game Refuge and Bird Sanctuary - This Island is the heaven for birds that converge here two hour before sunset, to take their rest after a day's long flight.

Location : Rio Tuba Village, Bataraza
How to get there : About 236 kilometers from Puerto Princesa City, the town of Bataraza can be reached by bus or jeepney which departs daily from the city In Bataraza, proceed to Rio Tuba and take a pumpboat ride to Ursula Island.
Travel time : Bataraza is 5-6 hours drive from Puerto Princesa City. The bird sanctuary is about 2 hours pumpboat rde from Rio Tuba.

Man-Made

Irawan Crocodile Farming Institute - The Irawan Crocodile Farming Institute aims to preserves and further research studies on endangered species of crocodiles. One of the structures is a "Hospital" for sick and disabled crocodiles. It also intends to make good use of the raw materials derived from crocodile skin. The place is also maintains a Mini-Zoo featuring some of Palawan's endemic animals. Visiting hours are from 1:30 to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday and 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 nn and 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., Saturday. Feeding time is every Monday and Thursday afternoon.

Location : National Road, Barangay Irawan, Puerto Princesa City.
How to get there : From the city proper, one can take a tricycle and get off at Barangay Irawan where the crocodile farm is located. A jeepney could be hired to get to the place.
Travel time : 30-40 minutes travel from the city proper.

Iwahig Penal Farm - The colony encompasses a 37 hectare scenic farm planted with coconut palm
trees, rice and other crops cultivated by the prisoners and their families. The prison has about 4,000 population and many inmates live with their families in so-called rehabilitation areas. Within the farm is Balsahan river known for its cascading waters coming from the nearby mountain. Iwahig is more like a picture of a modern farm rather than a prison where prisoners toil their farms unguarded and are allowed to earn an income by working in the many shops which turn out various handicrafts, most popular of which are the handcarved items made from Mahogany wood. The farm is definitely a good stop tourists.

Location : Puerto Princesa City
How to get there : From the city proper, one can take a tricycle and ask to be let off at Iwahig. It is located 16 kilometers south of Puerto Princesa.
Travel time : 20 minutes by tricycle.

Vista Luz Picnic Grounds - The Vista Luz Picnic Grounds offer facilities like cottages and picnic huts. Locals come on weekends for swimming and picnicking. THe biggest hut called the pavilion is good for groups of up to 100 persons. Two cottages, each with two beds,electric fan and private bathroom are available for an overnight stay.

Location : Circulation Road, Puerto Princesa City
How to get there : Vista Luz Picnic grounds can be reached by tricycle from the city proper via Circulation Road. It is two kilometers away from the airport.
Travel time : 5-7 minutes by tricycle.

Nasin-aw White Beach and Silica Beach - A seaside fan place for those who wish to indulge in marine pleasures without leaving the confines of the city. The fine white sand and clears waters of White Beach make it a perfect spot for swimming. A few picnic tables were installed but an overnight stay is not possible since there are no accomodation facilities here.

Location : Puerto Princesa CIty
How to get there : White Beach can be reached by tricycle from the city proper. The beach is two and a half kilometers away from the airport.
Travel time : 5-7 minutes by tricycle.

Religious

Immaculate Concepcion

Location : Barangay Liwanag, Rizal Ave. Puerto Princesa City.
How to get there: Take public utility vehicle and ask to be let off at church located midtown.
Travel time : accessible between 5-10 minutes within the city proper.

Festival

Pagdiwata Ritual Festival - A Tagbanua tribal ritual asking the gods to heal the sick and as a thankgiving ceremony.

Tarek Festival - For the Tagbanua, a dance ritual comprising the observance of the Pagdiwata. For the Batak tribe, it is a form of war dance.

Lambay Festival - A Batak ritual that signals the start of the hunting and gathering season.

Cuyo Fiesta - Soot-covered revelers perform the At- street dance to frenzied drumbeats in this celebration.


Special Interest

Archaeologic Exploration - It can be fun and endlessly appealing to both new and perennial visitors to Palawan. Visit the Tabon Caves and be enthralled by the chambers which yield knowledge about life 50,000 years ago.

Canoeing / Boat Riding - In the Subterranean St Paul River and be mesmerized by the crystal stalagmites and stalactites which illumine the river ripples with their sheen.

Wildlife Center - Visit wildlife conservation centers like the Wildlife Sanctuary on the Calauit Island and the Crocodile Farm at Irawan.

Marine Sports / Scuba Diving - Engage in Marine Sports and Scuba Diving at Honda Bay where colorful shallow reef abound, and where a mangrove offers opportunities for water sports. Get a thrill out of shark sightings in the waters of Tubbataha. Aqua- sports like jets ski and kayak can be enjoyed at a variety of resorts and recreation centers island-wide.

Swimming - Combine swimming with country walks up the winding hilly terrains of Nagtabon Beach and the El Nido cliffs.

Swimming / Scuba Diving / Snorkeling -

It can be pleasurable at El NIdo where facilities for these sports are excellent. While, there, go raft riding in the clever hidden lagoon. Do the same in the white sandy beaches of San Clemente where sun tanning is perfect.

Sightseeing - Island hopping and guided tours can take you to destinations around Palawan
like the Iwahig Penal Farm, the Culion center, the and the museums in the heart of Puerto Princesa CIty.

Museum

Palawan State College Museum - This museum features archaeological artifacts and prehistoric diggings which include fossils and crude tools of ancient man.

Location : Puerto Princesa City
How to get there : From the city proper, one can take a tricycle and ask to be let off at the school.
Travel time : 5 - 10 minutes

Palawan Puerto Princesa National Museum - This museum showcases the history, culture, music, arts and crafts of Palawan On exhibit are archeological, geological, ethnological collections such as jars and porcelains, hunting and trapping tools used ancestral man, musical instruments and brasswares, some artifacts from the Tabon Caves as well as antiques and Spanish era artifacts found near Cuyo. Books on Philippine history, anthropology, archeology and flora and fauna are also found.

Location : Old City Hall Building, J. Valencia St., Puerto Princesa City.
How to get there : From the city proper, one can take a tricycle and ask to be let off at the Old City Hall Building.
Travel time : 10 - 15 minutes by tricycle.

Natural and Historical Foundation, Inc. - Mendoza Park, Rizal Avenue, Puerto Princesa City

Tabon Museum - Artifacts from the Tabon Caves are on exhibit in this museum.

Location : Quezon town proper
How to get there: About 155 kilometers south of Puerto Princesa City, the town of Quezon can be reached by taking a bus or jeepney ride from Puerto Princesa City. A tricycle can be hired to take one to the museum.
Travel time : 3 - 4 hours by bus or jeepney to Quezon and 5 - 10 minute tricycle ride.

Shopping - When in Palawan, try the shopping stores, arcades and stalls located in the key resortsdestinations. Best buy are shellcraft, woodcarvings, fashion jewelry, fruits and local handicrafts. The Ihawig Penal Farm also sells handcrafted items and woodcarvings made by the prisoners.

Dining - Palawan's specialty cuisine is sea-based. Try locale gourmet items in well appointed resorts like El Nido and in the premiere restaurants and hotels in Puerto Princesa City. The Palawan Tourism Development Association and the city Tourism Office of Puerto Princesa have developed a directory of local establishments, including restaurants for torurists referance.

Communication Services - Telecommunication companies provide local and international direct dialing telephone services, telegraph and fax services. Inter-island communications is available through the government's telegraph network and the Provincial Radio Communication System. Island towns are linked to maintain Palawan by 11 municipal telephone stations. In additional to the government's postal network which has 25 post offices, a number of cargo forwarders provide air parcel and freight services.

The province has access to our foru television stations. Five stations provide continuous satellite broadcast from Manila while two others are faciliate stations with local programming at certain hours. Cable television network is available. Five radio stations, two of them on the FM Band, are heard on the airwaves. More stations are planning to set up local affiliates in the capital city of Puerto Princesa.