Palawan island Philippines how to get there. Palawan Island, Philippines. Whale Shark Watching

Palawan is one of the most unusual islands in the Philippines, which allows you to truly feel unity with nature and is created for both lovers of a quiet family holiday and for fans of water sports.

Interesting Facts

Palawan is the largest island in the country and is a small archipelago of a large central island (Palawan itself) and many smaller islands.

Palawan has the status of a nature reserve of global importance due to its amazing nature.

One of the longest underground rivers in the world flows on the island.

One of the parts of the famous "James Bond" - "Tomorrow Never Dies" - was filmed in Palawan.

The largest pearl in the world was found here, weighing 24 kg.

Famous ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau believed that Palawan had the most magnificent seascapes in the world.

You should know it

Getting to Palawan There are two ways: by ferry and by plane, which depart from Manila to the capital of Palawan - Puerto Princesa. But the ferry is, firstly, a method of transportation for people with strong nerves or complete romantics. Such movement may also be justified by the presence of large cargo. The journey takes 2.5 days. An airplane is faster, more pleasant and more expensive at just 200-300 rubles.

Concerning weather conditions , then the best time to travel to the Philippines to Palawan is from December to May, because the rest of the time you may experience prolonged downpours. The temperature in the dry season is quite comfortable - 26-29 0 C.

Beaches of Palawan

If you want to feel like Robinson Crusoe stranded on a desert island, then Palawan is the right choice. One of the favorite pastimes of tourists is traveling by boat to one of the 45 nearby uninhabited islands. The deserted beaches that are hidden by the coastal cliffs will amaze you after the mountainous terrain of Palawan itself.

The most ecological resort in Palawan - Apulit Island - will not leave you indifferent, thanks to its beaches with white sand, clear water and amazing representatives of flora and fauna: more than 1,500 species of plants, most of which are from the orchid family, cat bear, pangolin (giant salamander).

Cat bear (or red panda)

Diving and snorkeling enthusiasts will find happiness in Honda Bay. In general, diving in Palawan is rightfully considered the best in the world, and Tubbataha Reef is recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site. For your attention - a variety of corals, ocean and coral fish, shellfish.

But the resort and reserve area of ​​El Nido, which consists of many islands, most often uninhabited, deserves special attention. And you have the wonderful opportunity to spend the whole day on the beach, which is only yours, enjoying the sun, ocean and swimming in the lagoons.

Cultural and entertainment program

Palawan is a unique nature reserve, so all the entertainment and attractions of this island are directly related to its nature.

One of the popular activities here is going down to the wrecks of the Second World War, which can be found near islands such as Coron, Busuanga, Kalamian.

It is worth mentioning the El Nido Islands again. Ursula Island is home to a fish and wildlife sanctuary, and Pagsanyan has Pagsanyan Falls and stunning river rapids. The El Nido resort area is centered on two islands: Miniloc, where there are houses on stilts in the water and a simple fishing village, and Lagen, which boasts the title of the best resort in Palawan.

If you have time, be sure to visit the Palawan Museum, the Butterfly Farm, the Original Jail Without Walls, and the Crocodile Institute, all in Puerto Princesa.

The huge complex of 200 Tabon caves is interesting from an archaeological point of view: the remains of human ancestors were found here, dating back to the 24th millennium BC.

Another interesting place that deserves your attention is the old capital of Palawan - Taytay Island. Here you will discover the ruins of the largest Spanish fleet, the fort's chapel and bring back original souvenirs, presented in abundance on the island.

Amazing mountains, impenetrable jungles, a rich underwater world and pristine nature - isn’t this the best way to take a break from the everyday bustle of the concrete jungle?

Palawan Island, Philippines

Palawan (Palawan) is the westernmost of the large islands and Philippines and the center of the province of the same name.

In 2007, the American magazine National Geographic Traveler named Palawan the best destination for a holiday on the islands in Eastern And South-East Asia and 13th best island in the world. Palawan was also named among the must-visit destinations in 2011.

Location of Palawan Island

Palawan located in the west Philippine archipelago, between o. Kalimantan (Borneo), belonging to Indonesia and Malaysia in the southwest and the Philippine islands. Mindoro in the north-east. From Borneo separated by a strait Balabak. South of Palawan - South China Sea, from the middle part Philippine Islands Palawan will separate Sulu Sea.

Palawan usually referred to as the northern part Philippine archipelago, island group Luzon. It is included in the region Mimaropa (Mimaropa) or (Region IV-B). In 2005 there was an attempt to translate Palawan to the region Western Visayas(VI) and, accordingly, to the island group Visayas, but the decision seems to have never been implemented, so the regional affiliation Palawan- the question is open.

With surrounding islands Palawan makes up the province of the same name, the largest in area among all in Philippines. Province Palawan make up about 1,780 islands from Mindoro before Borneo. Coral reefs with a total area of ​​11,000 km 2 are hidden under the water column. Geologically the same Palawan is an extension of the island Kalimantan (Borneo), owned by Indonesia And Malaysia. Once upon a time Palawan amounted to Kalimantan one whole. And now the flora and fauna of these islands have many similar species, but from other islands Philippine archipelago Palawan differs significantly in biological diversity.

Length Palawan- 425 km with a width from 8.5 to 40 km. Area - 14896 km 2

Features of Palawan Island

Capital Palawan- the only highly urbanized settlement on the island, Puerto Princesa (Puerto Princesa), named after the Spanish princess Eulalia.

About the origin of the name of the island Palawan there is no reliable information. The word is believed to have Chinese roots, "pao-lao-yu" meaning "country with convenient harbors." The point is that to be the first to master Palawan became Chinese traders (X-XI centuries). And until 1903 Palawan was called Paragua (Paragua).

Palawan recognized as a natural reserve of world significance: majestic cliffs, impenetrable jungle, mangrove forests, primeval caves, a rich underwater world, underground rivers, wild beaches, exotic flora and fauna: scaly anteater and mouse deer.

One of the longest underground rivers in the world flows along the western coast of the archipelago, and Ursula Island designated as a fish and wildlife sanctuary. It is home to rare, critically endangered sea turtles and the sea cow, the rarest mammal in the world. There is a crocodile farm in the central part of the island. Island Palawan created for those who want to retire on the shore of a cozy bay among dense exotic vegetation. Ideal for a relaxing family holiday, as well as for those who want to enjoy water sports.

All the natural wonders of the province Palawan concentrated in El Nido (El Nido) - one of the most beautiful places on Philippines. Islands Anilao, Puerto Galera, Balicasag- ideal places for diving, snorkeling and underwater photography. Pagsanian- famous place Pagsanyan Falls and river rapids.

Resort El Nido(Spanish: nest, hiding place, shelter) - one of the most picturesque island resorts, part of the archipelago of the same name, a marine reserve El Nido. Majestic limestone cliffs, amazingly beautiful coral gardens where bright tropical fish frolic, lush greenery of the virgin jungle. In a marine reserve El Nido in the northern part Palawan all the geological and underwater natural wonders of the island are concentrated.

Limestone cliffs have protected the bays and lagoons for about 250 million years. The diversity of local fish and coral species is incalculable. El Nido- These are many small islands, most of them uninhabited. Each is easily accessible by boat - so you can spend the day on your own private beach, sunbathing, diving and swimming in the lagoons. In forests El Nido More than a hundred species of birds live, most of which can only be seen on Palawan.

On Palawan in 1934, the world's largest pearl (the pearl of Lao Tzu) with a diameter of 24 cm and a weight of 6.4 kg (!) was found.

On Palawan one of the films was filmed about James Bond- “Tomorrow never dies” ( Tomorrow Never Dies).

Diving in Palawan Island

Palawan- a real paradise for diving. A huge number of sunken ships (from the Second World War) in the area of ​​the islands Coron, Busuanga etc. Reefs Tubbataha And Basterra in the Sulu Sea are included in the list of the world's best dive sites.

The Philippines can delight tourists with a warm tropical climate and good infrastructure. But you need to pay attention to the rainy season, which on the islands usually lasts from May to October and it is better not to travel to the country at this time. Tropical showers are possible even in the dry season, but they do not last long and are quickly replaced by the sun. The best time to holiday in the Philippines is from December to March. In both Boracay and Palawan, the tourist season lasts until April - mid-May.

In terms of tourism popularity, Boracay is far superior to Palawan. This island is considered the most popular tourist destination in the country and has beautiful beaches, some of which are included in the list of the best beaches in the world. Tourists are found here at any time of the year, regardless of whether it is the dry season or the rainy season. It is on this island that the best restaurants, diving centers and surf schools are concentrated (in some places on the island the waves are quite high). The beaches have everything you need for a comfortable stay, from toilets, changing rooms, sun loungers to all kinds of bars and entertainment.

Palawan offers a slightly different holiday experience. Mostly those tourists come here who want to relax in peace and quiet, without large crowds of vacationers. The island also boasts a unique and inimitable nature, where there are wild, deserted beaches and almost impenetrable tropical forests. The island will appeal to diving enthusiasts, as there are places here that you will not find in any other part of the country. Experienced divers come here for several days, since it is impossible to explore all the beauties of the local underwater world, including numerous sunken ships, in a short time. The resort is also famous for the fact that the largest pearl in the world was found here and many come here to try their luck.

When going to Boracay, you need to be prepared for the fact that serious problems may arise in finding budget accommodation, especially during the high season. On the first and second lines there are mainly expensive hotels, and further on you can find some simpler and therefore cheaper options.

In Palawan, there is a much greater choice of budget accommodation, including in close proximity to the beach. For around 12-15 dollars per night you can find small rooms with a bathroom, air conditioning, several beds and good furniture (in Boracay, for that kind of money, the most you can rent is a room with a ceiling fan in a guesthouse). For 20-25 dollars you can find accommodation options with breakfast. If you go on vacation with friends, you can rent a small villa with all amenities at an affordable price.

Boracay is famous for its large selection of food, not only Filipino, but also other cuisines from around the world. The island has a sufficient number of not only expensive restaurants, but also budget canteens, where you will have to pay only a few dollars for lunch. There are also establishments here where the visitor pays a fixed amount and can eat an unlimited amount of food. There is a large selection of goods in local stores, and their prices depend on their location relative to tourist areas.

In terms of price, Palawan is not very different from Boracay; prices in shops, cafes and restaurants are approximately the same, but the island will be a real find for lovers of fish and seafood. Their diversity is simply amazing: shrimp, lobsters, crabs, different types of fish. Such dishes are distinguished by the fact that they are prepared only from fresh, and not from frozen products.

As a result, we can say that each island is interesting and unique in its own way. To make a choice, you should start from your preferences: if you are interested in parties, a lot of people, then you should definitely go to Boracay, and if you prefer a more relaxing holiday, then Palawan has the advantage here.

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Island Palawan located on the coast of the South China Sea near the border with. It is a fairly long piece of land with a length of over 420 km. It is covered with mangrove forests, tropical jungles and mountain peaks. The island is inhabited by more than 85 nationalities, forming the most multinational region on Philippines. Palawan can be called a kind of archipelago within an archipelago. The main part of the land is surrounded by dozens of small islands, forming picturesque lagoons and bays of a pronounced turquoise color. From a bird's eye view, the island appears to be an endless tropical paradise of countless mountains, hills and hills covered with dense jungle. The resort is of particular interest to eco-tourists, who have the opportunity to have a wonderful rest in the cozy hotels of the exotic reserve El Nido in the north of Palawan.

Divers also get the best impressions from staying in these fabulous places, plunging into the emerald sea waters that wash the island from all sides. Several dozen magnificent beaches in the most secluded areas are the reason to fulfill the dreams of many romantic couples and people who want to spend time alone with nature. Numerous excursion routes add significant variety to a beach holiday, making it even more eventful and exciting. As for the cost, Palawan is considered one of the most expensive resorts in the Philippines, which, however, is quite reasonable.

The most densely populated area of ​​the island is its administrative center - Puerto Princesa. First of all, it is famous for its crocodile farms and underground river, which has the status of a National Park and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The abundance of limestone karst rock formations contributes to the appearance of natural cavities into which water flows. The reserve is located 50 km from the city limits between Saint Paul Bay and the Babuyan River, in the north of the island. The entrance to the cave with an underground river begins in a turquoise-colored water lagoon, near the city of Sabang. The river flows for 8 km towards the South China Sea through many grottoes replete with massive stalactites and stalagmites. The land part of the park, located above the river, is covered with mountain forests and mangroves. About 800 plants characteristic of tropical Asia grow here. In addition, the reserve is home to almost two dozen reptiles, 30 species of mammals and about 70% of the birds represented throughout the archipelago. Among the animals, such unique individuals as the bearded pig, long-tailed macaque and Palawan binturong are common. A visit to the Underground River National Park is a must-see itinerary for guests visiting the island of Palawan. The reserve is extremely rich in colorful sights and is a wonderful example of wild nature, carefully preserved by man.

The city of Puerto Princesa is named after Princess Eulalia de Bourbon, who was the daughter of the Spanish Queen Isabella II, who founded the island's capital in 1872. During the time of Spanish colonialism, Puerto Princesa developed rapidly, becoming the main industrial, commercial and economic center of the country. Already at the end of the 19th century, the city was recognized as the most beautiful in the Philippines. Over time, numerous refugees from Southeast Asia and other regions of the Philippine archipelago found shelter here, gradually turning Puerto Princesa into an international city with beautiful architecture and high social status. Today, it is home to about 160,000 people of different cultures and nationalities, speaking different languages, among which English, Tagalog and Visayan are widely spoken. Among the city's attractions, it is worth noting the picturesque Princess Eulalia Park, founded in 1872, Palawan Museum dedicated to the history of the island, Mendoza Park, erected in honor of the resistance fighters who fought against the Japanese occupiers during the Second World War and Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Rizal Avenue.

The best diving spot on the island is considered Honda Bay. There you can see a whole scattering of exotic fish and magnificent landscapes of coral gardens. The most remote area for scuba divers, Tubbataha Reef is located 180 km from the resort, but is nevertheless very popular among divers. Along the island coast lie gorgeous sandy beaches, some of which have modern luxury hotels, restaurants and nightclubs, and some are intended for a secluded holiday away from civilization. Thrill seekers can visit the cave complex Tabon, where fossil remains of humanoid creatures dating back to approximately the 24th millennium BC were once found. At the moment, out of more than 200 caves, only 7 are open to the public. Lovers of sea walks have the opportunity to rent a boat, canoe or speedboat and go on an unforgettable journey along the coast.

The best time to visit Palawan is from January to April, when the bright sun shines over the island and there is not a single cloud in the sky. From May to December, the region experiences heavy rainfall and strong winds. At the same time, the average air temperature does not change much throughout the year and is +27 degrees, but a significant part of tourists come here on vacation both in summer and winter, preferring to focus on the weather forecast in the near future.

Holidays on the island of Palawan are attractive in many ways. These include snow-white beaches of fine sand, a rich underwater world, the azure waters of the South China Sea, colorful natural landscapes, and a developed tourist infrastructure. As one of the best eco-resorts in Asia, Palawan annually attracts tens of thousands of tourists from all over the world, thereby fully justifying its reputation.