Palawan is a narrow archipelago of 1,780 islands on the western border of the Philippines, with the greatest concentration of islands and the lowest density population in the country. Geographically, it is more remote from the other provinces in the country - in fact, some of its southern islands are closer to Malaysia than to the rest of the Philippines. It is bounded by the South China Sea on the west and the Sulu Sea on the east.

 

With a land area of nearly 1.5 million hectares, Palawan is the country's largest province. It has an irregular coastline of almost 2,000 kilometers, 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 experienced in July and August accompanied by the southwest monsoon. A melting pot of migrants from various parts of the Philippines and other countries, Palawan has a relatively high population growth rate of 3.64% annually due mainly to the high influx of settlers. Based on the latest official census, Palawan has a population of 755,412.

 

 

Northern Palawan consists of some of the most pristine natural habitats in the world. However, its remoteness puts it at risk for ongoing economic exploitation and environmental degradation. A few programs have emerged to monitor and mitigate negative impact through the initiation of economic alternatives. The development of ecotourism as an alternative to reef degradation, sand theft, illegal logging and wildlife poaching has been approached.

 

However, funding for the development of such programs has been scarce. The Palawan Environmental and Marine Studies Center (PEMS) has been slow in receiving funding, DENR (Government regulatory) remains ineffectively funded and programs offered by international organizations like USAID remain in their infancy.

 

Palawan Environmental and Marine Studies founder Caril Ridley says Northern Palawan has the potential for becoming an "Ecologic-Economic Conferencing Center" for growing Asia and she encourages regional governments and local organizations to work together toward ecological and economic development. "ECO2" she calls it, saying that eco-tourism may offer the most available and effective ongoing funding source for regional education, economic development and environmental protection.

 

 

Palawan is considered to be the Philippines' "last frontier". The province boasts of many splendid beaches and has two UNESCO World Heritage Sites - Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park and the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. 

 

 

Palawan is the Philippine's largest province in terms of total land area. It consists of the long and narrow Palawan Island, plus a number of other smaller islands surrounding the main island. The Calamian Group of Islands, to the northwest consists of Busuanga Island, Culion Island, and Coron Island. Durangan Island almost touches the westernmost part of Palawan Island, while Balabac Island is located off the southern tip, separated from Borneo by the Balabac Strait.

 

In addition, Palawan covers the Cuyo Islands in the Sulu Sea. The disputed Spratly Islands, located a few hundred kilometers to the west is considered part of Palawan by the Philippines, and is locally called the Kalayaan Group of Islands. Palawan's almost 2,000 kilometers of irregular coastline are dotted with 1,780 islands and islets, rocky coves, and sugar-white sandy beaches. It also harbors a vast stretch of virgin forests that carpet its mountain ranges.

 

 

FROM MANILA, you can take a one-hour flight from Manila to Busuanga (YKR) via SEAIR or ASIAN SPIRIT, or a 12 hour-cruise from Manila to Coron via WGA Superferry.

FROM CORON PIER, upon reaching Coron Pier, there will be a 1-hour jeepney ride from Coron Pier to YKR Airport (Busuanga).

FROM BUSUANGA AIRPORT (YKR), upon reaching Busuanga Island, there will be a 30-minute jeepney ride followed by a scenic 30-minute boat ride.

 

 

Pagdiwata Ritual Festival - (full moon of December; Aborlan town proper, Palawan). Pagdiwata ritual is a family affair and is the focal point of Tagbanua life. Its activities embody their traditional sentiments and contribute to their persistence. It is also used for securing seance when people are sick especially when treated by their relatives as a medium. It includes offering of wine, nuts, wax, food and many other commodities. Pagdiwata is also an offering to celebrate a bountiful harvest or a successful hunting trip.

 

Tarek Festival - (3rd week of January; Aborlan town proper) For the Tagbanuas, it is a dance ritual comprising the observance of the Pagdiwata. For the Batak tribe, it is a form of war dance.

 

Lambay Festival  - A Batak ritual that signals the start of the hunting and gathering season.

 

Cuyo Fiesta - (August 28; Cuyo town proper, Palawan) - Soot-covered revelers perform the Ati-Atihan street dance to frenzied drumbeats.

 

Feast of the Immaculate Conception - (December) is a celebration in honour of the city's patroness and highlighted by a parade and a procession of colourfully adorned floats and images of the Virgin Mary. Don’t forget your camera.