Tourist Attractions in Palawan, Philippines with big accommodation discounts provided by TravelMart.net |
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Tourist Attractions in PalawanPalawan Is Famous For...Calauit Game Preserve & Wildlife Sanctuary It is a unique game reserve and wildlife sanctuary of exotic African animals and endangered endemic animals of Palawan. Established on August 31,1976 by virtue of Presidential Decree No.1578, this was initiated in response to the appeal of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature to help save African wildlife when former President Ferdinand Marcos attended the 3rd world Conference in Kenya. By virtue of RA 7611 (SEP), administrative jurisdiction of DENR was given to the local government of Palawan, effective December 31,1993. Management of the area is the responsibility of the PCSDO (Palawan Council of Sustainable Development Office). It is located in Calauit Island, Busuanga, Palawan. Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center (formerly Crocodile Farming Institute) It aims to preserve and conduct further research studies on endangered species of crocodiles. One of the structures is a ""hospital"" for sick and disabled crocodiles. It also intends to make good use of the raw materials derived from crocodile skin. The place also maintains a mini-zoo featuring some of Palawan's endemic animals, under the supervision and management of DENR-PAWB. Visiting hours are from 1 :30 to 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday and 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 nn, and 1 :00 to 5:00 p.m. Saturdays. Feeding time is every Monday and Thursday afternoon. It is located in National Road, Barangay Irawan, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, 30-40 minutes' travel from the city proper. One can take a tricycle and get off at Barangay Irawan where the crocodile farm is located. A jeepney could be hired to get to the place. Tubbattaha Reefs It is a marine sanctuary located in the Middle Central Sulu Sea, 98 nautical miles southeast of Puerto Princesa City. Declared a World Natural Heritage site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on December 1993, it is under protective management by the Department of National Defense (DND). It is under technical supervision by the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) & the Department of Environment & Natural Resources (DENR). It is located in Cagayancillo town, Palawan. Trips to Tubbattaha from mid-March to mid-June are all vessel-based and require planning for a minimum of six weeks prior to departure. To reach the place, take a 70-minute flight from Manila to Puerto Princesa City. From the airport, a shuttle bus takes you to the dive boat. Boat ride from Puerto Princesa City takes approximately 12 hours. the crocodile farm is located. A jeepney could be hired to get to the place. Coron Reefs, Coron Bay, Busuanga Seven enchanting lakes surrounded by craggy limestone cliffs attract hundreds of nature lovers to Coron Reefs in Northern Palawan, near the town of Coron. Busuanga Island, whose main town is Coron, is the jump-off point for numerous dive operators. The principal dive sites are 12 WWII Japanese shipwrecks sunk on September 24, 1944 by US Navy action. They range in depth from the surface to 40M. This large variety offers exciting wreck exploration for enthusiasts, from novice divers and snorkelers and recreational divers to experienced TEC divers. Dive operators offer PADI dive courses ranging from Discover Scuba to Assistant Instructor, Technical and Enriched Air Diving, as well as other specialty courses. Dive operators offer day diving, snorkeling trips, and overnight dive safaris. Live-aboard and charter boats also offer diving in the area. El Nido Marine Reserve Occupying an area of 96,000 hectares, this popular nature spot boasts of diverse ecosystems such as rainforest, mangroves, white sand beaches, coral reefs, and limestone cliffs. It is now one of the country's premier tourist destinations. Blessed with extraordinary natural scenery, El Nido is, the sanctuary of various forms of wildlife. Countless varieties of fish are also found here. Manta rays are a common sight; when in season, divers may see one of the world's rarest marine mammal, the sea cow, known locally as "dugong." Accommodations are available at El Nido Resorts. It has two properties:Miniloc Island Resort and Lagen Island Resort. Miniloc is set in a cove surrounded by sheer limestone cliffs. Lagen on the other hand, is the most luxurious resort in the area, set in a lush forest with a magnificent view of the bay and the El Nido sunset. While each resort has its own special charm, both offer the same distinct quality of service that is attuned and responsive to the unique needs of each guest and focuses on making sure that your holiday is worry-free and filled with enriching experiences. El Nido Resorts are noted for their hidden lagoons, palm forests, orchids, and offshore cruise points. Apart from the cozy accommodations, recreational facilities and aqua sports equipment are also available for tourists. From the Manila Domestic Airport, a charter plane flies to mainland El Nido, from where a pumpboat is taken for a trip to Miniloc Island where the resort is situated. Travel time is two hours by plane from Manila, 45 minutes by pumpboat to the resort area. Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park A world heritage site, this natural wonder features an 8.2 kilometer navigable underground river, reputed to be the world's longest, that winds through a spectacular cave before emptying out in to the South China Sea. This river flows within a deep cavern under rugged limestone and marble cliffs, special features of the park. Known as one of the world's wonders, this river stretches eight kilometers deep into an underground lagoon with crystalline waters. Within the hallowed recesses, one winds through the tunnel aboard a paddle boat with outriggers to be enthralled at every turn which reveals stalactite pillars, rock formations, and domed amphitheaters. The park is located in Bahile, Puerto Princesa, Palawan. Located 81 kilometers from the city proper, the place can be reached through Barangay Cabayugan to Sabang, from where one could take a pumpboat ride to the Underground River, or hike through a monkey trail. An alternative way to reach the river is through a hired pumpboat ride from Bahile wharf. Travel time through Barangay Cabayugan is 1 1/2 hours' jeepney ride and 10 to 15 minutes' pumpboat ride or 1 1/2 hours' hike. Honda Bay The bay consists of several islets with shallow reefs bordering fabulous beaches which have become the favorite swimming, snorkelling, and diving destinations of local residents and tourists. These islets are the Cannon (Cowrie) Island, Bat Island, Lu-Ii Island (derived from the word ""lulubog-lilitaw"", meaning floating and sinking island, is visible only during low tide), Meara Marina, Starfish Island (known for its fine white sand and clear water that teems with starfish), Snake Island (an island with a long stretch of fine white sand shaped like a snake), Pandan Island, and Senorita Island (the breeding site of lapu-lapu fish). Lodging facilities are available for overnight stays in the islands of Meara Marina and Starfish (Sandbar Resort). The bay is located in Sta. Lourdes Tagbanua, Puerto Princesa City. About 12 kilometers east of Puerto Princesa City is Sta. Lourdes wharf where pumpboats could be hired to take tourists to the island of their choice. Some islands require an entrance fee; others are privately owned, thus, permits from the owners are necessary. Sta. Lourdes wharf is 25 minutes away by hired tricycle or jeepney. A pumpboat ride from the wharf to the different islands is from 15 to 50 minutes. Tabon Caves Known as the ""Cradle of Philippine Civilization,"" Tabon Caves consists of a series of chambers where anthropologists discovered the remains of crude man and his tools. Anthropological significance came to the fore with the discovery of the remains of the 22,000 year old Tabon Man in one of its interiors, along with other artifacts decades ago. The caves are located in Lipuua Point, Quezon, Palawan. About 155 kilometers south of Puerto Princesa City, the place can be reached by taking a bus or jeepney ride from the provincial capital to Quezon. It is followed by a pumpboat ride from Quezon wharf to the caves. Travel time is 3-4 hours by bus or jeepney to Quezon and 20-30 minutes' boat ride from Quezon pier to the caves. Archeological Exploration The activity can be fun and endlessly appealing to both new and perennial visitors to Palawan. Visit the Tabon Caves and be enthralled by the chambers which yield knowledge about life 50,000 years ago. Baragatan sa Palawan A grand celebration of the founding of the civil government of Palawan is celebrated every third week of June in Puerto Princesa City. Highlights of the Baragatan are the LGU Trade and Food Fair, and colorful parade with participation from the different municipalities and private sectors, featuring the ethnic groups and the coronation of Ms. Palawan. Seacows Palawan is home to the seacow, known locally as dugong, a unique animal, being the only herbivorous mammal in existence today. We probably owe our childhood fantasies of the mythical mermaid to the dugong, which, because of its fish-like tail, smooth brownish skin, mammary glands, and woman-like genitalia, was often mistaken by sailors, weary from long voyages, as a mermaid. The dugong can grow to more than three meters in length and can weigh more than 400 kg. Its body is torpedo-shaped with small short flippers and whale-like flukes. Its lip is shaped like a disk with thick hair. Palawan Sea Kayaking The islands scattered north of Palawan offer one of the world's most spectacular marine environments. Towering limestone cliffs rear straight up from seas teeming with marine life, and hidden bays offer deserted beaches for camping. The coral reefs here are amongst the most extensive in the country, so be sure to bring your snorkeling gear. Many islands are also covered in jungle, the habitat of rare bird species. If you are willing to carry your boat, you can explore some of the lakes on Coron Island, home of the reclusive Tagbanua Tribe. Internationally known tour operators run regular sea kayaking tours among the islands around northern Palawan. Things to Do and see in Palawan... Historical Puerto de Sta. Isabel The historic Taytay Fort, built in 1667, under the Augustinian Recollect Fathers, was used as a military station during that period. The fort's small chapel and cannon are still intact. Constructed in 1667-1738, it is under the National Museum of the Philippines. Cuyo Fort Built during the early Spanish period, purposely to protect the people from their enemies, it is considered as one of the most ancient and unique forts in the Philippines. Within its walls are the church, the convent, and the only Perpetual Adoration chapel in Palawan. Cuyo, incidentally, became the second capital of Palawan from 1873 to 1903. Completed in 1680, the fort is a historical naval structure that was built during the early part of the Spanish colonial period. Three forts were constructed to protect its ancestors against the attacks of "" Moros"" which were prevalent during the 15th to 18th centuries. It is located in Poblacion, Cuyo, Palawan, an hour and 30 minutes by air and 24 hours by sea from Manila. Cuyo can be reached from Manila via the Air Pacific Airways. It is also accessible by sea from Puerto Princesa City and Iloilo province via MV Milagrosa, and from Manila, via MV Asuncion. Cagayancillo Fort It was built on the coast atop a small mountain. It is made of sea rocks mixed with lime. This old fort served as a church, ground force, and safety place of the residents during attacks staged by pirates and marauders. It is located in Cagayancillo, Palawan. Melville Lighthouse It is still in use after more than 100 years. It serves as guide for international vessels which pass through the Balabac Strait. It is located in Poblacion, Balabac Island, Palawan. Melville Lighthouse It is still in use after more than 100 years. It serves as guide for international vessels which pass through the Balabac Strait. It is located in Poblacion, Balabac Island, Palawan. Plaza Cuartel Former site of a Japanese garrison, it is a few yards from the Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral. 143 American soldiers were burned inside a tunnel during the World War II. It serves as a Memorial Park in honor of local heroes, and American soldiers. Culion Cathedral It is managed by Jesuits in Culion, Palawan. Port Miller & Lighthouse Tower A historical landmark in Brooke's Point, Port Miller is a cemented water tank constructed as a source of potable water for the natives and the settlers of the municipality. The original Lighthouse Tower constructed by Sir James Brooke is still visible but much of the area is now occupied by a new lighthouse tower. It is located in Brooke's Point, Palawan, about 192 kilometers south of Puerto Princesa City or 3-5 hours by land. Buses and jeepneys depart daily from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm from Puerto Princesa City. Cultural Batac Tribal Community One of Palawan's indigenous groups, the Bataks are mountain people who dwell in the river valleys north of the provincial capital. They are of Negrito stock, and since only less than 500 of them thrive today, they are considered a "disappearing people." Batak Settlement sites are on the slope of Cleopatra's needle, a 1,593-foot sharp mountain peak in Northern Palawan, and also found in Sitio Riandcan in Tagabinet, Tanabag Concepcion, Langogan, and Roxas. Sitio Riandacan is about 3 kilometers from Barangay Maoyon, Palawan. Tabon Museum Visitors must come to Tabon Museum for orientation before proceeding to the Tabon Caves Complex. A lecture on Palawan pre-history, the archeology of Tabon caves; the ethnology (study of different tribes) of Palawan, and other related information are presented here. The museum houses some of the archeological diggings and other artifacts. It is presently under the supervision of the National Museum of the Philippines. It is located in Quezon, Palawan. About 155 kilometers south of Puerto Princesa City, the town of Quezon can be reached by taking a bus or jeepney ride from Puerto Princesa City. A tricycle can be hired to take one to the museum. It takes 3-4 hours by bus or jeepney to Quezon and 5-10 minutes by tricycle to the museum. Palawan Museum Under the management and supervision of the Natural Historical Foundation of Palawan and City of Puerto Princesa, Inc., it is an institution that showcases the history, culture, music, arts, and crafts of Palawan. Its exhibit shows the archeological, ethnological collections, such as jars and porcelain, hunting and trapping tools used by the early ancestors, musical instruments, brassware, and some artifacts from the Tabon Caves and antique diggings from Cuyo during the Spanish Era. The museum is also provided with a library where books on Philippine and Palawan history, anthropology, archeology, entomology, literature, and flora and fauna can be found. There are also magazines, pamphlets, write-ups, and other publications about Palawan, which are helpful to researchers' works. It is located in the city proper of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. Palawan State College Museum This museum features archeological artifacts and prehistoric diggings, which include fossils and crude tools of ancient man. It is located in the city proper of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, from where one can take a tricycle and ask to be let off at the school. Travel time is 5-10 minutes. Palawan Puerto Princesa National Museum This museum showcases the history, culture, music, arts and crafts of Palawan. On exhibit are archeological, geological, ethnological collections, such as jars and porcelain, hunting and trapping tools used by ancestral man, musical instruments and brassware, some artifacts from the Tabon Caves,as well as antiques and Spanish era artifacts found near Cuyo. Books on Philippine history, anthropology, archeology, entomology, literature, and flora and fauna are also found. Museum hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 nn, and 2:00 p.m. to 5: p.m., Monday to Friday except Wednesday. A minimal fee to get in the museum is charged. It is located at the Old City Hall Building, Rizal Avenue, Puerto Princesa City. From the city proper, one can take a tricycle or multicab plying the Rizal Avenue route. Natural Tubbattaha Reefs It is a marine sanctuary located in the Middle Central Sulu Sea, 98 nautical miles southeast of Puerto Princesa City. Declared a World Natural Heritage site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization {UNESCO) on December 1993, it is under protective management by the Department of National Defense {DND). It is under technical supervision by the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) & the Department of Environment & Natural Resources {DENR). It is located in Cagayancillo town, Palawan. Trips to Tubbattaha from mid-March to mid-June are all vessel-based and require planning for a minimum of six weeks prior to departure. To reach the place, take a 70-minute flight from Manila to Puerto Princesa City. From the airport, a shuttle bus takes you to the dive boat. Boat ride from Puerto Princesa City takes approximately 12 hours. Coron Reefs Seven enchanting lakes surrounded by craggy limestone cliffs attract hundreds of nature lovers to this island in northern Palawan, near the town of Coron. El Nido Marine Reserve Occupying an area of 96,000 hectares, this popular nature spot boasts of diverse ecosystems such as rainforest, mangroves, white sand beaches, coral reefs, and limestone cliffs. It is now one of the country's premier tourist destinations. Blessed with extraordinary natural scenery, El Nido is, the sanctuary of various forms of wildlife. Countless varieties of fish are also found here. Manta rays are a common sight; when in season, divers may see one of the world's rarest marine mammal, the sea cow, known locally as "dugong." Tubbattaha Reefs It is a marine sanctuary located in the Middle Central Sulu Sea, 98 nautical miles southeast of Puerto Princesa City. Declared a World Natural Heritage site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization {UNESCO) on December 1993, it is under protective management by the Department of National Defense {DND). It is under technical supervision by the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) & the Department of Environment & Natural Resources {DENR). It is located in Cagayancillo town, Palawan. Trips to Tubbattaha from mid-March to mid-June are all vessel-based and require planning for a minimum of six weeks prior to departure. To reach the place, take a 70-minute flight from Manila to Puerto Princesa City. From the airport, a shuttle bus takes you to the dive boat. Boat ride from Puerto Princesa City takes approximately 12 hours. source: Department of Tourism |
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