Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
razor-sharp limestone cliffs that rise from
crystal-clear water. Palawan province
encompasses 1780 islands and islets,
many of which are surrounded by a coral
shelf that acts as an enormous feeding
ground and nursery for marine life. It is
sometimes said that Palawan's
Tubbataha
Reef
is so ecologically important that if it
dies, the Philippines will perish too. If
you're looking for varied and challenging
diving, you won't find better anywhere in
the world, but there's also plenty to keep
non-divers happy.
he capital and main gateway,
Puerto
Princesa
, makes a good starting point for
exploring the northern half of the island,
which is where all the tourist attractions
are. A typical journey through Palawan
might take you from Puerto Princesa,
north to
Honda Bay
and the
Underground
River at Sabang
, then onwards up the coast
to
Port Barton
, and
El Nido
, before heading
across to
Busuanga
and the rest of the
Calamian Islands. he southern half of
Palawan, from Puerto Princesa downwards,
is relatively unexplored, one reason being
that during the wet season the southern
roads become almost impassable.
Palawan
If you believe the travel agent clichés,
Palawan
is the Philippines' last frontier.
For once, it's almost true. Tourism is
making inroads into this long, sword-
shaped island to the southwest of Luzon,
and travellers willing to take the rough
with the smooth will find a Jurassic
landscape of coves, beaches, lagoons and
Mindoro
0
50
San José
kilometres
Apo Reef
National Park
Busuanga
Coron
Cuyo Islands
Concepcion
Culion
Cuyo
To w n
Culion
8
Linapacan
Bacuit
Archipelago
El Nido
Tay t ay
Dumaran
PUERTO PRINCESA
Most visitors treat
PUERTO PRINCESA
, the
provincial capital and only major town in
Palawan, as a one-night stop on the way to
the beaches, islands and coral reefs of the
north. It does, however, have a handful of
exceptionally good
restaurants
, and is the
administrative centre of the island - stock
up on cash and arrange Underground
River permits while you're here. It also
prides itself on being clean and green, with
enforced fines for littering.
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
By plane
The airport is at the eastern end of Rizal Ave, the
main drag, within walking distance of most accommoda-
tion. Though there are always tricycles waiting (P50), it's
cheaper to flag one down on the road outside.
Destinations
Air Asia, Cebu Pacific and PAL Express fly to
Manila (11 daily; 1hr 20min). Air Asia and Cebu Pacific also
fly to Cebu (2 daily; 1hr 10min).
By bus, van and jeepney
Buses, vans and jeepneys
depart from the San José terminal 7km north of the centre.
A multi-cab to the centre of town will set you back P15, a
San Vincente
Port Barton
Roxas
Sabang
Underground
River
Port Barton
Honda Bay
Narra
Quezon
Brooke's Point
Mount
Mantalingajan
(2085m)
Rizal
Balabac
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