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Palawan Province is situated in the southwest part of the Philippine Islands chain. It is bounded on the north and west by the South China Sea and on the east by the Sulu Sea. Its southernmost tip faces the island of Borneo.

Capital: Land Area: Population: Cities: Munacipalities: Barangays: Districts:

Languages:

BRIEF PROFILE Puerto Princesa 14,649.7 km² 771,667 (2010) Puerto Princesa 23 433 1st and 2nd districts of Palawan Tagalog, Cuyonon, Hiligaynon, Tausug, Batak, Tagbanwa (Aborlan, Calamian,Central), Palawano, Kagayen, Bikol, English

The land_______________________________ Palawan is the largest province in the Philippines. Its three major island groups are: Calamain in the north, Dumaran-Cuyo in the northeast and Balabac-Bugsok in the south. The main island of Palawan is 425 km long. It has a width of 40 kilometers at its widest, and eight and one-half kilometers at its narrowest. Tall mountain ranges bisect the province into east and west coasts. The east coast has narrow beaches backed by plains and short valleys. The west coast is more rugged with mountains and narrow lowlands. Coral reefs along the western and northwestern coasts make navigation very risky. The province has two distinct climates.The west coast has approximately 6 months of dry season and 6 months of wet season.The east coast has a short dry season of one to three months.

1. Barracuda Lake

Image By: Maria Sahil Lim Sailor Location: Northern part of Coron Island, Palawan, Philippines Barracuda Lake in the Coron Bay is an interesting and unusual diving spot in Palawan. The lake is declared as one of the world’s natural and beautiful sanctuaries and is referred as the “craziest dive site in the Philippines”. It is located at the top of a volcano crater that offers a dreamy scenery with blueturquoise waters, surrounded by limestone cliffs.

2. Big Lagoon

Image By: Dodjie Location: El Nido, Palawan, Philippines The Big Lagoon in El Nido is a breeding haven for fishes and crutasceans. It is set on the middle of karst limestone formations with crystal clear waters.

3. Caluit Island Wildlife Sanctuary

Image By: A n g e l i Location: Calauit Island, Palawan, Philippines Situated on the Busuanga Island in the province of Palawan, the Caluit Island

Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a variety of exotic, indigenous and marine animals. Among these are the Bushbucks, Elands, Giraffes, Impalas, Calamian Deer, Mouse Deer, Palawan Peacock Pheasant, Dugong, Sea turtles and Giant clam. This part of the island is made up of undulating topography with narrow coastal plains, widespread grasslands and low ranges of hills.

4. Coron Bay

Image By: Avelino Rico Jr Location: Coron, Busuanga, Palawan, Palawan, Philippines Popular among divers around the world, the Coron Bay in Palawan boasts of fabulous wreck diving spots in the world. History says that US fighter aircraft and dive bombers have sunk 24 vessels from Japan in this area. Some of these wrecks have now been discovered. Aside from the wrecks, the corals in the area are quite exceptional and shouldn’t be missed.

5. El Nido Marine Reserve Park

Image By: m dee88 Location: El Nido, Palawan, Philippines Occupying a total of 96,000 hectares, the El Nido Marine Reserve Park is a premiere tourist destination that boasts of rain forest, mangroves, white sand beaches, coral reefs, and limestone cliffs. Its divers Eco-system creates a breathtaking and fascinating natural scenery that will surely enchant tourists.

6. Entalula Island

Image By: Angkulet

Location: Bacuit Bay, El Nido, Palawan, Philippines The Entalula Island is a private beach where tourists from Lagen and Miniloc can reserve in for dinner or lunch. Filled with water activities, the beach at the Entalula Island is fringed with white sand, some with rich coral and fish populations at forty to sixty feet.

7. Honda Bay

Image By: IcemanUK Location: Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines One of Palawan’s beautiful tourist destination is the Honda Bay in Puerto Princesa. It is surrounded with several islets with shallow reefs and wonderful beaches. Aside from the terrific opportunities of diving in the area, the bay is the perfect place for lounging around on its sand.

8. Kayangan Lake

Image By: Jay Suan Location: Palawan, Philippines Lake Kayangan is nestled on top of a mountain. For tourists visiting this place, a 10-minute steep climb is required. After this, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking view and crystal-clear waters. The lake Kayangan has been awarded as the cleanest lake in Asia.

9. Palawan Crocodile Farm

Image By: John Ryan Cordova

Location: Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines The Palawan Crocodile Farm is a conservation center that breeds Palawan’s crocodiles, some of which are saltwater species and others which live in freshwater only. The center provides some interesting and educational experience for its guests.

10. Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

Image By: Armando Alorro Location: Puerto Princesa, Palawan 5300, Philippines One of the most distinguished protected areas in the Philippines and awarded as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is Palawan’s most popular attraction. Featuring a karst mountain landscape with an 8.2 km long underground river that flows directly to the sea, the Underground River provides a unique nature experience that tourists visiting Palawan shouldn’t miss.

11. Secret Lagoon Beach

Image By: Angelica Andrea Cruz Location: El Nido, Palawan, Philippines Separated into two by limestone cliffs, the Secret Lagoon Beach is an interesting island in El Nido. A secret lagoon is hidden on one side while the second is comprised with gorgeous stretch of fine, white sand beach. Access to the lagoon is through a small opening.

12. Small Lagoon

Image By: Angelica Andrea Cruz

Location: El Nido, Palawan, Philippines The Small Lagoon is another must-see attraction in El Nido with its orchid-lined limestone walls and bountiful marine life. With its tranquil turquoise-green waters, the Small Lagoon is a favorite destination for tourists visiting El Nido.

13. The Immaculate Conception Church

Image By: scuba_dooba Location: Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines Serving as a dedication to the Patron Saint of Palawan, the The Immaculate Conception Church is one of the tourist attractions in Puerto Princesa. Its astounding architecture, with angular structures and well preserved edifice from a century back had made it a worthy place to visit.

14. Tubbataha Reef Marine Park

Image By: It’s More Fun in the Philippines!!! Location: Puerto Princesa City, Palawan The Tubbataha Reef Marine Park is an atoll coral reef that includes 130,028 ha, including the North and South Reefs. It has a very high density of marine species with pristine coral reefs, extensive lagoons and two coral islands. The area was a nominee at the New 7 Wonders of Nature.

15. Ugong Rock

Image By: Maricel Argenal

Location: Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines Puerto Princesa’s Ugong Rock is another promising tourist destination in Palawan. A trip to Ugong Rock is guaranteed to be as exciting as any travel destination with its unique combination of caving, climbing and zip line. The rock formation stands like a pedestal that offers a 360 degree of view of lush green fields and mountains.

FESTIVALS:

Arawedan The Arawedan Festival is held from January 23 to 24 in Port Barton in San Vincente, Palawan. The Arawedan is an event that showcases the numerous tourist attractions of the place, including their beaches, marine reserves and parks. There are also several programs that highlight the cultural wonders of Palawan.

Puerto Princesa Foundation Day This fiesta takes place on March 4, the date when the cityhood of Puerto Princesa was declared. The day is marked by several events. Among them are various games and sports competitions with exciting prizes; there is also a trade fair where merchants, traders, fishermen and other businessmen partake in an exchange of products; of course, there are several parades, floats and general merry making throughout. Read more about Puerto Princesa Foundation Day

The Kulambo Festival Every 15th of March up to the 18th, the town of El Nido hosts the Kulambo Festival, one of the most unique in the island province. While this fiesta is marked by dancing, singing and large gatherings and presentation of various types of delicacies, the top attraction here are the townspeople who dress in the kulambo, or mosquito nets, while parading in the streets.

The Pasinggatan Festival Singing and dancing are two of the Filipino’s favorite pastimes, and this can be seen in the Pasinggatan Festival, which happens from May 1-4 in Taytay, Palawan. Although it is held in Taytay, the fiesta is a celebration of the entire culture of the Philippines. Besides showcasing Filipino songs and folk dances, there are programs displaying the best in local handicraft skills and other works.

The Baragatan Festival From June 17 to 23, the city of Puerto Princesa, Palawan hosts this weeklong fiesta celebrating the establishment of the local government. In many ways it has become the festival of festivals in the island province, as it brings out the peoples from the other towns, cities and municipalities together in one grand celebration. Throughout the week each locale presents their native songs, dances, folktales and floats. There are also a series of trade fairs and shows that showcase the products and works of each place, and at the same time allowing for exchanges of items and goods.

Read more about The Baragatan Festival

Pista Y ang Kagueban The preservation of the environment is a priority of the government and this commitment is renewed every third week of June with this festival. It is held in Sitio Magrawak, Bacungan. There are various programs presented that aim to educate about the importance of preserving the environment, but the spotlight is on the tree planting that takes place in various locations in the city and indeed, throughout the province. Read more about Pista Y ang Kagueban

The Anihan Festival A lot of the fiestas in Palawan showcase the many wonders of the province, and one of the most popular is the Anihan Festival in Narra, which begins in the last week of October. The word anihan means ‘harvest” and the festival is both a presentation of the sights and sounds of Narra and also a thanksgiving for bountiful crops, which climax with the Farm Family celebration.

Hariraya Pausa The Hariraya Pausa marks the final day of Ramadan. Taking place in the initial week of December, it is observed by all the Muslims in Palawan. The festivities commence with a prayer of thanks, after which the people gather for a feast, and various forms of entertainment, ranging from games to singing.

Feast of the Immaculate Conception Every 8th of December Puerto Princesa celebrates this feast of the Blessed Virgin, which is also observed in various parts of the Philippines. This feast continues until the New Year, and is marked by a series of nightly parades and processions of the Virgin Mary. There are also other activities in the day, including displaying various products and crafts. Read more about Feast of the Immaculate Conception

Pagdiwata Tribal Ritual Another Palawan festival that you should not fail to check out when given the chance to visit this beautiful paradise is the Pagdiwata Tribal Ritual. This event is actually a tribal ritual practiced by the local residents. In this ritual, they give thanks to God for the bounties they continuously receive, and request God to heal the ill people of the province. Since it is a spiritual ritual, the people celebrate this on the month of December when the moon is bright and full. This is done at the Aborlan town. Read more about Pagdiwata Tribal Ritual…

Tarek Festival

The Tarek Palawan Festival is held in January each year by the indigenous groups -particularly the people belonging to the Tagbanuas and Batak groups. Usually, this takes places at the third week. The celebration involves ritual dances as its main feature. Read more about Tarek Festival…

Lambay Festival A long celebrated event is the Lambay Festival which has been annually done many years ago up to now. In the past, this festival is held to celebrate the start of the hunting season. It was also done to begin the gathering event during the early years. At present, the Lambay Festival is observed by the people as a festivity for spring. Read more about Lambay Festival…

Cuyo Fiesta In August, the Cuyo Fiesta is celebrated. It is similar in kind to the Ati-Atihan festival. To celebrate, those who participate in this event would have blackened skins. They usually dance in completeabandonment to the musical beat of the drums. Read more about Cuyo Fiesta…

Light a Tree Another of the many exciting festivals in Palawan is the Light a Tree which is celebrated on the first day of December in Mendoza Park at the heart of the city of Puerto Princesa. The celebration involves the lighting of a humongous Christmas Tree. Read more about Light a Tree…

Paskuhan at Kantahan sa Kapitolyo On the fifteenth (15) and twenty third (23) of December, one of the popular festivals in Palawan takes place. This is known to many local folks and frequent visitors of this place as the Paskuhan at Kantahan sa Kapitolyo. Held annually at the Provincial Capitol in Puerto Princesa City, this celebration is done to spread the spirit of Christmas. Activities during this particular festivity include the Carol Singing, Parada ng Lechon (a parade of a cooked pig, which is a local delicacy in the land), and Tunog Tao (which is actually an interesting display of musical prowess and rhythm by the participants by touching or gently slapping a part of the body to produce a sound).

DELICACIES:

10. Super Creamy Halo-halo at Noki Nocs Savory House (Rizal Ave. cor. Fernandez St., Puerto Princesa) – Once you arrive at Puerto Princesa airport, the 1st thing you should do, is hop on a tricycle ( I paid P50 fare for a short 1-3min ride) and tell the driver to take you to Noki Nocs! Once you’re there, order their famous Halo-halo with Ice Cream (P85) and Mais Con Yelo (P75-85)… prepare to be blown away!!! For me, it’s the BEST HALO-HALO in the WORLD! Far different and delicious than the others I’ve tasted around the country. I won’t tell you the secret… you have to try it yourself! I swear!!

9. Tamilok at Kinabuchs Bar & Grill

(Rizal Avenue,

Puerto Princesa) Ok ok… I would have to it that I’m not really a fan of Tamilok (or any kind of worm), but I included it in this list because it’s considered as a popular exotic Palawan delicacy which should be experienced by everyone visiting Palawan. I believe there are a lot of restos who also serve Tamilok but we tried ours at Kinabuchs located along the main road (Rizal Avenue).

8. Crocodile Sisig at Kinabuchs Bar & Grill

(Rizal

Avenue, Puerto Princesa) For exotic lovin’ foodies, another MUST TRY at Kinabuchs would be their Crocodile Sisig!

PHOTO BY: AMAZONNEWS.COM

7. Vietnamese Food at Rene’s Saigon (Rizal Ave Ext. Puerto Pricesa)

During our trip, I learned that there are a lot of Vietnamese immigrants living in Palawan. If you’re a fan of Vietnamese food, we recommend you visit theVietnamese Village or Rene’s Saigon which is nearer the city proper to experience satisfying yet affordable Vietnamese dishes!

6. Crispy

Chicken

Skin

at

Ka

Inato

(San

Manuel, Puerto Princesa City) Ka Inato is a popular name when it comes to Chicken Inato (Chicken BBQ) in Puerto Princesa and you’ll surely see a couple of its branches around town. During our visit, it was their Crispy Chicken Skin which really stood out from the rest, that’s why I’ve decided to include it in this list! Super super super sarap!

5. Hopia at Baker’s Hill (Mitra

Rd. Sta. Monica, 5300 Puerto

Princesa City)

Before my trip to Palawan, I got requests from family and friends to bring home Palawan’s famous Hopia. I got really curious of course, so I did my best to ask locals about it and they all mentioned one name: Baker’s Hill Bakeshoppe. Ok Fine! Per box is only around P40, so I bought a lot as my pasalubong! They have a wide variety of Hopia flavors to choose from, but I only bought my favorite Hopiang Monggo!

4. Danggit Lamayo I thought Cebu was the only one famous for danggit, but I was wrong! It was during my trip last month when I got introduced to Palawan’s very own version of Danggit called Danggit Lamayo. The difference? As opposed to the small dried danggit in Cebu, the Danggit Lamayo in Palawan is bigger in size and is marinated before deep fried in oil. Palawenos are very proud of their Danggit, so it’s truly a must order during breakfasts instead of the usual Pinoy Silogs and continental dishes.

Danggit Lamayo at One Manalo Place

Danggit Lamayo at Blue Palawan

3. Lechon Kawali at Blue Palawan (turn left at the end 5300/ +639178314118)

of

BM

Road),

Puerto

(Hidden Beach Princesa, Palawan

Oh my…… I don’t know even how to start. Uhhmmmm well, let me go straight to the point: It’s the BEST EFFIN’ Lechon Kawali in the planet! That’s it! I said it! I know that Palawan is famous for their seafood but honestly, I’ve forgotten all about seafood after tasting this! It’s super crunchy yet so tender and the sauce catapults you to palatal paradise! Expect a kilo of these beauties with every order! Best enjoyed with cocktail concoctions made by their resident bartender, Fabio! They are also very proud of their Kare-Kare and I can’t wait to try it next time!

Blue Palawan…the food here is as great as the place and its people. Had an epic stay here and looking forward to come back! Read about our Blue experience here: Blue Palawan Beach Club: A Wave of Good Vibrations.

2. Shabu Shabu Feast at Ipil Suites Purok Malaya, Bancao-Bancao, Puerto Princesa City / SMART 0908-880.2866 and GLOBE 0917-873.9831)

(Rizal Ave.,Ext. (+632) 682-7168,

We enjoyed such a guiltless pleasurable Shabu-Shabu feast at Ipil Suites! It was one of my most memorable Shabu-Shabu meals ever! It included a variety of fresh greens, seafood, meats and a lot more plus the dining ambiance at Ipil Suites‘ roof top had a superb view and lots of fresh air!

Never leave Puerto Princesa without trying it!

If you’re also looking for a very decent and affordable hotel in Puerto Princesa that’s near the main road, I highly recommend Ipil Suites! The photo shown above is only for P1500/night. They also have a hotel in El Nido as well as a private resort island called Ipil Waterfront which is also for rent!

1. Honey Nougat at La Terrasse Restaurant Cafe (Rizal Ave, Puerto Princesa city /tel +63 48 434 17 87 ) When in Puerto Princesa, never ever ever ever leave without experiencing the famous Honey Nougat at La Terrasse Cafe along Rizal Avenue! It tastes heavenly! It may be a bit pricey (around P300+) but I swear… it’s worth every peso! It’s also an ideal pasalubong to bring home but make sure to order it before your flight for it has to stay chilled/frozen. I bought 2 extra bars for my family and they loved it a lot! I think it’s the ULTIMATE PALAWAN DESSERT!

the Honey Nougat at La Terrasse Cafe: the ULTIMATE PALAWAN DESSERT!