EXPLORE THE BEAUTY OF PALAWAN
Palawan is a narrow archipelago of 1,700 islands on the western border of the Philippines. It is geographical location makes it seem remote from the rest of the country, and in fact, some of its southern islands are closer to Malaysia than to other provinces. The waters of the South China Sea lap the western shores of Palawan, while the Sulu Sea hugs its eastern coast. With a land area of more than 1.7 million hectares, Palawan is the country's largest province.Its irregular coastline stretches almost 2000 kilometers long, indented by numerous coves and bays. Highlands and rolling terrain covered with lush forests create a cool and scenic landscape. Except for the northern towns, which are occasionally visited by storms, Palawan is generally typhoon- free. Warm weather prevails from March to May , while the coolest months are from December to February. Heavy rainfall is usually experienced in July and August, often accompanied by the southwest monsoon.
Palawan is one of the few relatively peaceful provinces in the country. The crime rate is relatively low and most Palaweños are contented to lead simple lifestyles. Food is abundant to all who are willing to work for a living. The province is a melting pot of migrants from various parts of the Philippines and other countries. The influx of settlers accounts for the high population growth rate of 3.64% annually.
Long before tourist resorts began setting their sights on Palawan, adventure travelers known as "backpackers" had discovered and explored the rugged natural wonders of the province. Palawan earned the Destination of the Year from the prestigious Kalakbay Awards in 1995, proving that the province has made it to the mainstream travel industry in the country.
One may also encounter tribal peoples in upland communities, providing a glimpse of indigenous lifestyles. Respect for local traditions and customs is a MUST when interacting with the tribes. When the day is done, visitors may dine in native-style cottages and villas offering sumptuous feasts of seafood delicacies. There's always time for a drink or two in seaside restaurants while gazing at the moon and stars in unpolluted skies.Lodging places range from upscale resorts to affordable family-owned inns. Among the highly rated resorts in Palawan are the Lagen and Miniloc Resorts of Ten Knots Development Corporation in El Nido, Club Noah Isabelle in Taytay, Club Paradise in Busuanga, and Amanpulo in Pamalican Island in Cuyo. Modest accommodation is also available in tourism destinations like Sabang near the Puerto Princesa City Subterranean River National Park, Port Barton in San Vicente , and El Nido town.
With its natural charm and abundant potentials in eco-tourism, northern Palawan is expected to enhance the growth of the industry in the province. As such, both the Provincial Government and the resources nature has offered by optimizing their potentials as one of the best tourism destinations in the Philippines.
The municipalities of Taytay, El Nido, Culion, Coron and Busuanga at the northern tip of the province are beneficiaries of a $17M loan from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation under the Sustainable Environment Management Project. Components of the project are: 1.) Project Management and Tourism Development in which eight new tourism products will be developed in El Nido and Busuanga; 2.) ECAN Zoning for the preparation of a land use plan; and 3.) rehabilitation of the 60 km national road between Taytay and El Nido. By the end of 2006, locals and tourists can look forward to faster and smoother travel between these two municipalities.
As the province continues to move forward in the travel trade, local government units are striving to to harmonize the needs of "backpakers" with leisure- oriented tourists, and adventure travelers with retirees on vacation.
With its natural charm and abundant potentials in eco-tourism, northern Palawan is expected to enhance the growth of the industry in the province. As such, both the Provincial Government and the resources nature has offered by optimizing their potentials as one of the best tourism destinations in the Philippines.
The municipalities of Taytay, El Nido, Culion, Coron and Busuanga at the northern tip of the province are beneficiaries of a $17M loan from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation under the Sustainable Environment Management Project. Components of the project are: 1.) Project Management and Tourism Development in which eight new tourism products will be developed in El Nido and Busuanga; 2.) ECAN Zoning for the preparation of a land use plan; and 3.) rehabilitation of the 60 km national road between Taytay and El Nido. By the end of 2006, locals and tourists can look forward to faster and smoother travel between these two municipalities.
As the province continues to move forward in the travel trade, local government units are striving to to harmonize the needs of "backpakers" with leisure- oriented tourists, and adventure travelers with retirees on vacation.
