Palawan

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Palawan is a famous group of islands in the Philippines. It is synonymous for white beaches, palm trees, lagoons, cliffs and coral reefs. Oh, and crystal clear water.

In polls asking what the most beautiful island in the world is, the island of Palawan in the Philippines often gets a mention. It’s large with 11.785 km², but quite hard to access, so it’s still very pristine.

Palawan is much more rugged than most people expect, as most photos taken are of the lagoons between the steep cliffs, but the coastline is around 2.000 kilometres long, and boats lots of inlets and bays.

Puerto Princesa

Puerto Princesa is the capital of the island of Palawan. You will probably arrive after a long flight. It is good to spend the night, but it offers a number of special trips on the islands.

Iwahig Prison

The Iwahig Prison on Palawan.

The Iwahig Prison in Palawan is unique. This is a tour you will not soon forget. This prison was set up by the Americans in 1902. But the most special thing is that most prisoners are not kept between walls. While most of the inmates have committed murder. They live on a gigantic complex that you can even call a village. With houses, a church and even a café.

During the day the inmates have a lot of freedom, in the evening they are locked away. It is an experiment that works well according to the government. Most prisoners are given more and more freedom with good behaviour, but they stay in the complex. That is why they all wear a t-shirt in a certain color.

Orange is for people who are still locked up all day. You'll see mostly blue t-shirts, they work often in shops and make souvenirs to sell. The brown ones are the longest here and enjoy the most freedom.

You can visit the prison and chat with the prisoners. You will hear countless special stories. Including the stories about the innocent, but they are rare here. Take your time for Iwahig Prison. Bring some little things for the prisoners. Think of cigarettes, toothpaste and a stamp. So they can send a letter to their family.

Mount Matalingahan

Hiking on Mount Matalingahan.

If you go inland you will quickly notice how hilly and rocky the landscape is. The main island has a mountain ridge of around 1.200 meter high running over it, with the highest peak, Mount Matalingahan, reaching 2.085 meters. It is a good spot for hiking. You'll find several hiking trails.

El Nido

The beauty of El Nido on Palawan.

El Nido is the most touristic place in Palawan. From where most excursions leave for the beaches for example. You see this everywhere when you walk down the main street. With Tour A, B or C. These tours are pretty much the same everywhere.

It is better to book a private tour. These are more expensive, unless you are travelling with a group. But this excursion is much more intimate and gives you that much more pristine feeling.

But, El Nido cannot appeal to everyone (anymore). And to be fair, it is mostly crowded with tourists. There are also many horror stories about people who get sick from the food and the water. But the environment remains magical, especially the beaches.

Hidden Beach

Hidden Beach at Palawan.

The name Hidden Beach shows hoe special this beach is. Still, you'll be amazed at this hidden beach on El Nido. It's remote, but well worth it. Hidden Beach is located between the steep rocks and if you don't know it's location you can easily pass it. During the excursion you make a stop at Hidden Beach, so that you can walk on the beach yourself.

Port Barton

Alternatively, you can use Port Barton as a base to sleep and book your tours. Be sure to check out the beaches in the area. They have wonderful names such as Coconut Beach, White Beach and Pamuayan Beach. Think of white beaches, palm trees and tranquility.

St. Paul Subterranean National Park

The boat tour in St. Paul Subterranean National Park.

Don't just lie on the beach, but also venture out into the rainforest. The best place to do so is St. Paul Subterranean National Park. You will find, among other things, an underground river that you can descend by boat. This excursion is an experience in itself.

Wildlife Palawan

A colourful hornbill at Palawan.

Much of the original rainforest is preserved on the islands thanks to a ban on logging since 1992. With some luck you can spot lots of interesting animals. Some of the creatures you may encounter are the very cute tarsiers, monkeys and deer, and five different kinds of hornbills.

Busuanga Island and Coron

The island of Busuanga is also a wonderful place. The best place to stay is the village of Coron. It is also the perfect base from which to explore this area. Again, a private tour is the best choice to visit various places. Including the famous lakes on the adjacent Coron Island.

Kayangan Lake

Kayangan Lake at Coron.

Kayangan Lake is a very beautiful freshwater lake. With crystal clear water so you easily can see the bottom of the lake. It is surrounded with steep rocks that make Palawan so famous. You can swim in the warm water. And you can snorkel well here. Lake Kayangan is located on Coron Island and can be done via a tour from Coron.

Visiting Palawan

The province of Palawan is located in the west of the Philippines. Puerto Princesa has a large airport with connections to, for example, Manila and Cebu. Hence the adventure begins. You can travel by rickshaw or jeepney.

Or with your own driver of course. To get to another islands you have to take the boat. There are many services, but you can also arrange a captain with a private boat yourself.