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When the National Geographic magazine judged island destinations around the world, Palawan was the lone Philippine island praised. Cited for its “incredibly beautiful natural seascapes,” the island of Palawan has become internationally renown for its biodiversity, both on the land and in the sea. Today, Palawan is liberally sprinkled with resorts, while its lush jungles and pure waters have remained untouched for the most part.
Palawan Island is also Palawan Province, and when the National Geographic Center for Sustainable Destinations examined the world for ecosystems that needed preservation, Palawan was categorized as “doing well.” Conde Nast has also voted its beaches among the best in Asia. The great diver and explorer Jacques Cousteau once praised the area as one of the most beautiful seascapes in the world. Caril Ridley, founder of Palawan Environmental and Marine Studies Center (PEMS) says the area around Northern Palawan will certainly become a future center for visitors from Asia’s multiplying economic and environmental conferences.
232 species of plants and animals are endemic to the island! They include the metallic-looking peacock pheasant, the mousedeer, bearcats, and the rare scaly anteater. In the surrounding oceans, endangered sea turtles swim and return to land to nest on white sand beaches, while gentle dugongs feed on the local seagrasses flourishing in the area. On the land, grasslands and forests mingle on the hillsides, and 200 species of birds fill the air with their songs. There are more than 600 species of butterflies that subsist here on the inland mountains and fields of Palawan, supported by the more than 1500 host plants growing everywhere.
When visiting Palawan, you should visit the Calauit Game Preserve and Wildlife Sanctuary, a unique reserve and wildlife sanctuary mixing endangered African animals with endangered endemic animals from Palawan. Another one of the primary attractions on the island is underwater. The Puerto-Princessa Subterranean River National Park features a an underground river flowing through a huge limestone karst area. The river emerges straight into the sea, and the tide has definite effects on the lower end, making it a challenging site for divers. The Tubbataha Reef Marine Park is comprised of 332 Sq. Km. all around Palawan, including the South and North Reefs. The Tubbataha is a unique example of an atoll reef with high densities of marine species. When you visit Palawan, you may want to try one of these hotels…
Busuanga Island Paradise
The Busuanga is located near the town of Coron, and the Dimanyan River is a stone’s throw from all of the rooms. You can enjoy beautiful vistas and see the tropical birds fluttering by when you take your breakfast on your veranda. All of the rooms also overlook the swimming pool. Every room features air-conditioning, television, a mini bar, a refrigerator and fan.
Hotel Dolce Vita
Only 10 minutes from the Puerto Princesa airport, this delightful hotel is located in the midst of a tropical garden with a lovely swimming pool that features a beautiful waterfall. All of the rooms here have a unique rattan design and shape, with large canopy beds. Your shower can be found at the back of the room in what seems to be a hidden cave, complete with pedestal lavatory and bidet!
Coral Bay Resort
Situated on Popototan Island, this resort is near limestone cliffs, unoccupied islands, a large pearl farm, and is set in the middle of a marine conservation area. With only four cottages along a white sandy beach the Coral Bay Resort is a real hideaway and island paradise.
Amanpulo Hotel
Asturias Hotel
Club Paradise Hotel
Club Paradise Resort
Dos Palmas Island Resort
El Rio Y Mar Island Resort
Fleuris Hotel
Legend Hotel