By JACKY LYNNE A. OIGA
August 18, 2010, 1:04pm
Underground River
With an astonishing mix of pristine dive sites, vertiginous cliffs, and idyllic islands and beaches, Palawan is considered to be the Philippines’ last frontier and the country’s biggest province. It includes 1, 169 islands and islets, most of which have irregular coastlines that make excellent harbors.
There are several stories regarding the origin of the name Palawan; some contend that it was derived from the Chinese words pa lao yu meaning ‘Land of the Beautiful Harbors’ though popular belief has it that Palawan is a corruption of the Spanish word paraguas or umbrella, the main island being shaped like a closed umbrella.
Palawan’s charm, although difficult to penetrate with thick jungle mountains and strikingly sharp limestone rock faces, boasts of ecotourism sites such as: El Nido and its towering marble cliffs and white sand beaches; the Underground River in Puerto Princesa where tourists can take a boat trip under limestone cliffs and sepulchral chambers along a subterranean river; Cayangan Lake in Coron, a hidden lagoon where you scramble uphill to a dazzling volcanic lake; and the Tubbataha Reef Marine Park.
However, many areas in Palawan are still relatively untouched by tourism, such as the friendly little fishing village of San Vicente and nearby Long Beach, one of the finest stretches of sand anywhere, yet rarely visited by tourists.
Fast facts:
Local Dialect:
Native dialects spoken are Cuyuno, Pinalawan, Tagbanua, Cagayano, Agutayano, and Batak. The non-native tongues are Tagalog, Ilonggo, Cebuano, and Muslim dialects.
Must see:
El Nido - Towering midnight cliffs that jut thousands of feet above mirror flat emerald waters are El Nido’s most distinguishing features. This interplay of somber darkness and ethereal light provide the dramatic backdrop for several luxury resorts and dozens of moderately priced diver lodges on the islands.
The Underground River in Puerto Princesa - Take a boat trip under limestone cliffs and through sepulchral chambers, the Palawan Underground River has also been continually in the top list of the New7Wonders of Nature online poll, and is now officially the country’s bet for the final stage which will be held in 2011.
Tubbataha Reef Marine Park – The country’s largest marine habitat, it hosts giant manta rays, sea turtles, and hundreds of reef fish species. Located at the heart of the Sulu Sea, the marine park is 33,200 hectares of coral atoll, barely emergent islets, and open water, and constitutes a unique complete open ocean ecosystem. It is inscribed in the World Heritage List as “rare and superlative phenomena as well as formations, features, and areas of exceptional beauty.” It is located some 98 nautical miles from Puerto Princesa and is a premier diving destination.
The Bacuit Archipelago – It is essentially a cluster of countless limestone islands and islets of all kinds of shapes and sizes that are sprinkled across the ocean in northern Palawan.
Must do:
Animal Safari in Calauit Island Wildlife Sanctuary - The Calauit Island Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of 3,700 hectares and is home to both endemic and African animals. The imported giraffes, zebras, impalas, waterbucks, and gazelles, among others, have successfully bred and graze the preserve undisturbed. They share the land with endangered endemic animals like the Calamian deer, Palawan mouse deer, bear cat, leopard cat, tarsier, Palawan peacock pheasant, scaly anteater, porcupine, and monitor lizard. Safaris can be arranged with the park rangers. Modest accommodations are available for overnight stay.
Backpacking in Port Barton – Port Barton is a laid-back and friendly beach town with simple accommodations and rustic nightlife. The town has been known as a backpackers’ haven because of its cheap accommodations. It offers a variety of sporting and leisure activities from snorkeling, sailing, hiking, and diving.
How to get there:
Palawan can be reached within an hour and five minutes’ flight from Manila to the capital city of Puerto Princesa or a 20-hour trip by sea.
Published in Manila Daily Bulletin August 18, 2010.
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