Palawan

Palawan is the largest province in the Philippines. You will not miss out this province when you look at the Philippine map for it is the unmistakable thin stretch of island on the western part of the country. It is also one of the best beach destinations in the country and of the world. It is a place where the budget traveler frolics, where families go for a vacation, where lovers spend their weekends and where the rich and famous play.

Coron, Palawan (photo credit : triciaspaws)

The flora and fauna of this province is similar to that of the island of Borneo. Some of the endemic species found here are the Palawan bearded pig, Palawan peacock-pheasant, Philippine pangolin and Philippine mouse-deer. Environmentalists frequent the island because 56% of the total land area of Palawan is forest and 3.35% is mangrove. This place already received a lot of recognition such as the best beach in Asia by Conde Nast Traveler Magazine and the best island destination in East and Southeast Asia of 2007 according to National Geographic Magazine. Palawan is also the home one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature and that is the Puerto Princesa Underground River.

The first settlers of Palawan came in the island by means of land bridges. They come from Borneo and are known as the Aetas. The early settlers are little and have dark complexion. During the pre-colonial era, Malays went to the island by means of boats. Now, the residents of the island are consist of Filipinos and expatriates alike. The province is divided into north and south portion; with two districts and 23 municipalities. Its capital city is Puerto Princesa, which is already highly-urbanized.

Aside from being a haven to natural wonders and a place to visit if you need to get away from it all, Palawan is also a destination full of festivities. January 23 and 24 is the date to mark if you want to take part in the Arawedan Festival. This festival is aimed at introducing the tourist attractions of Palawan to travelers. On March 4, you can witness the Puerto Princesa Foundation Day. It commemorates the date when Puerto Princesa was declared as a city. There are parades, exchange of products and dancing on the streets. One unique festival in Palawan is the Kulambo Festival done every 15th of March in the town of El Nido. Aside from the usual parade and games, people dress up in kulambo or mosquito nets. Two other festivals to watch out for are the Pasinggatan Festival every May and the Baragatan Festival celebrated from June 17 to June 23.

If you are lucky enough to have the chance to visit Palawan, do not forget to see the Calauit Game Preserve and Wildlife Sanctuary, dive at the Coron Reefs in Coron Bay and see the dolphins in Malampaya Sound Land and Seascape Protected Area. For those affluent travelers who claims money is not a problem, you might want to check out the renowned resort known as Amanpulo. Some of the celebrities who already walked its beaches are Michael Jackson, Robert de Niro, Diana Ross and the Prince of Wales.