The Province of Palawan: History, Geography and Tourist Destinations

Palawan (/pəˈlɑːwən/, Tagalog: [pɐˈlaː.wɐn]), officially the Province of Palawan (Cuyonon: Probinsya i'ang Palawan; Tagalog: Lalawigan ng Palawan), is an archipelagic province of the Philippines that is located in the region of Mimaropa. It is the largest province in the country in terms of total area of 14,649.73 km2 (5,656.29 sq mi). The capital and largest city is Puerto Princesa wherein it is geographically grouped but administered independently from the province. Palawan is known as the Philippines' Last Frontier and as the Philippines' Best Island.

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Palawan is the largest
province in the country
in terms of total area of
14,649.73 km2 (5,656.29
sq mi). Palawan is
known as the
Philippines' Last
Frontier and as the
Philippines' Best Island.
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Palawan’s capital and
largest city is Puerto
Princesa City, which on
2007 was named a highly
urbanized city. It is
geographically grouped
but administered
independently from the
province.

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The islands of Palawan stretch
between Mindoro island in the
northeast and Borneo in the
southwest. It lies between the
South China Sea and the Sulu
Sea. The province is named
after its largest island, Palawan
Island, measuring 450
kilometers long, and 50
kilometers wide.
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The early history of Palawan was
determined by a team of
researchers led by Robert
Bradford Fox. They found
evidence in the Tabon Caves that
humans have lived in Palawan
for more than 50,000 years. They
also found human bone
fragments, from an individual
known as Tabon Man, in the
municipality of Quezon, as well
as tools and other artifacts.
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The province is composed of the
long and narrow Palawan Island,
and other smaller islands
surrounding it, totalling roughly
1,780 islands and islets. The
Calamianes Group of Islands to
the northeast consists of
Busuanga, Coron, Culion, and
Linapacan islands. Balabac Island
is located off the southern tip,
separated from Borneo by the
Balabac Strait.
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In addition, Palawan covers the
Cuyo Islands in the Sulu Sea.
The disputed Spratly Islands,
located a few hundred
kilometers to the west, are
considered part of Palawan by
the Philippines, and is locally
called the "Kalayaan Group of
Islands".
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The world's second-longest
subterranean river is the Puerto
Princesa Underground River. It's
the one that attracts thousands
of tourists here and is also a
UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The drive going to the jump-off
point in Sabang Wharf will treat
you to a refreshing view of the
rural landscape.
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PUERTO PRINCESA
UNDERGROUND RIVER

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Situated in the southern region of
the island is a marine sanctuary, one
of the best diving spots in the
Philippines and the world This
beautiful area can be found in the
waters of the Cagayancillo town and
is also recognized as one of the
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the
Philippines. The whole sanctuary
comprises two atolls, or ring-shaped
reefs, that are home to an array of
colorful aquatic animals and corals.
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TUBBATAHA REEF

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Nacpan Beach is a four-
kilometer strip of cream-
colored sand and coconut
trees with crystal clear
turquoise water. It is 17
kilometers north of El Nido
town proper in Palawan.
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NACPAN BEACH

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El Nido Small Lagoon island-
hopping tour is a tourist favorite
because towering limestone cliffs
surround its turquoise waters.
The Small Lagoon has a narrower
entrance, unlike the Big Lagoon
where the opening is easily
reachable. To get inside, you can
plunge or ride a kayak and go
through a gap on a limestone
wall.
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SMALL LAGOON & BIG LAGOON

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The Japanese-sounding name makes
one wonder about the island's origin.
According to guides and boatmen, a
group of scuba divers explored the
waters of El Nido decades ago.
Unfortunately, one of them didn't
make it back from a deep underwater
tunnel.
Days were spent searching for the
diver's body until it's on an island
with imposing rock formations and
beautiful white sand. The deceased
diver's last name was Shimizu, and
the island was named after him.
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SHIMIZU ISLAND - EL NIDO

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A total of these 13 can be found
between the waters of Culion and
Busuanga and may be accessed
via Coron diving packages. The
majority of these are part of a
Japanese fleet used during World
War II. Collectively, these Coron
dive sites have been declared by
Forbes as among the world's best.
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SHIPWRECK DIVING IN CORON

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It's the Philippines' longest white
beach and the second-longest in
the whole of Southeast Asia.
The coastline of 14 kilometers is
undeveloped and is three times
the size of the White Beach of
Boracay.
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LONG BEACH IN SAN VICENTE

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Before you reach the top, there
are about 724 steps. There are
rails to hold on during way up.
Feel the fresh air and see the city
from a panoramic point of view
as you slowly reach the top. Rest
a while before going down; wait
until sunset to watch the blue sky
turn red and then dark.
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MT. TAPYAS

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Also known as Hidden Lagoon, it's a
must-visit destination during your
trip to El Nido and is part of island-
hopping tours in El Nido. Your boat
will first head for a small white sand
beach in the southern part of Miniloc
Island.
You're going to pass via an opening
like some hollow rocky cave, so be
extra careful and dock your head. If it
is low tide, you can easily wade into
the entrance.
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SECRET LAGOON

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Housing thousands of endangered and
endemic species, Calauit Safari Park
remains to be the Philippines' only game
reserve and wildlife sanctuary.
Its resident species include African
animals that were transported from
Kenya in 1976, including the reticulated
giraffe and the world's most endangered
zebra species, the Grevy's zebra.
These animals can be found freely
roaming in the sanctuary's 3,700-hectare
expanse, along with mouse deer, bearcats,
and the Calamian deer, which is in here.
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CALAUIT SAFARI PARK

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Fort Santa Isabel, which is commonly
known as the Taytay Fort, is a structure
that dates back to 1667, when it was first
built out of wood. It was named in honor
of the Queen Isabella II of Spain.
Eventually, it was rebuilt using coral
stone and was finally completed in 1738.
This coastal fortification mainly served as
a way to protect Taytay from Muslim
warrior-raiders during the Spanish reign
in the Philippines. Back then, the Spanish
army had fired cannons from the fortress
whenever the Muslim forces would sail
towards the small town.
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FORT SANTA ISABEL

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Punta Sebaring Beach is another
white-sand beach that rivals the
beauty of its more famous
counterparts, such as Boracay Island's
White Beach. This hidden gem sits
along the edge of Bugsuk Island,
which is part of Balabac, the
southernmost town of Palawan. As
Punta Sebaring Beach is located in a
more remote region of the province,
you will need to take a boat from the
mainland to reach it.
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PUNTA SEBARING BEACH

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The Balayong Festival, featuring the
unique Palawan Cherry that blooms
during February and March, is
celebrated on March 14th to
commemorate the founding of Puerto
Princesa City. Sports competitions,
parades, street dances, beauty
pageants, and job fairs are included in
the festival, with costumes inspired
by the Balayong tree and forest spirits.
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BALAYONG FESTIVAL

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Every February 14th, locals and
tourists gather at a beach in Barangay
San Jose, Puerto Princes to plant
mangroves along the shore and
preserve the marine ecosystem. This
event, similar to the Pista Y ang
Kagueban for forests, is attended by
prominent personalities from around
the country and serves as a reminder
of the importance of protecting our
marine biodiversity.
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LOVE AFFAIR WITH NATURE

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Baragatan sa Palawan is a week-long
festival celebrating the founding
anniversary of the civil government of
Palawan province. This event
showcases the rich history, culture,
and lifestyle of the people who have
long inhabited the area. Every third
week of June, locals from all over
Palawan gather in Puerto Princesa
City, where the Provincial Capitol is
located, to celebrate the anniversary
of the world’s best island.
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BARAGATAN SA PALAWAN

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The Batak tribe is an indigenous
group of people who reside in the
rugged interiors of the northeast
portion of Palawan, Philippines. With
only about 500 or fewer members
remaining, they are considered a
small and endangered group. They are
known for their close connection to
nature and their belief in nature
spirits, which they communicate with
through the aid of a “babaylan” or
shaman.
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BATAK TRIBE

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The Molbog people are an indigenous
group dominating the municipalities
of Balabac and Bataraza in southern
Palawan. They are the only
indigenous Muslim community in
Palawan, and their area has been
their homeland since the classical era
prior to Spanish colonization.
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MOLBOG PEOPLE

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Palawan is known for its cleanliness
and orderliness, and littering and
smoking in public places are strictly
prohibited. Violators may face fines
that increase with each offense. Be a
responsible tourist and help preserve
the natural beauty of Palawan by
avoiding littering and respecting the
local community and environment.
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PRESERVING PALAWAN

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Palawan's unique cuisine is
sure to take your taste buds on
an adventure, and the Tamilok
is a must-try. It's a mollusk
harvested from mangrove
trees, with a long, soft and
flabby body that tastes like
oyster.
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TAMILOK

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Crocodile Sisig in Palawan is a
twist on the classic sizzling
pork dish. Crocodile meat is
similar in taste to chicken,
with a mild flavor and firm
texture. It's a healthy meat
choice because of its high
protein and low-fat content.
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CROCODILE SISIG

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Lato seaweed, also called sea
grapes or green caviar, is a
highly sought-after dish in
Palawan because of its tender
and juicy texture. It goes well
with any dish, especially fried
ones, and is typically served
with either salt or vinegar.
Though common in the
Philippines and neighboring
countries, the highest quality
Lato seaweed is found in the
municipality of Cuyo in
Palawan.
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LATO SEAWEED

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It is made by marinating sun-
dried rabbitfish in a mixture of
vinegar, garlic, and pepper, and
is commonly served for
breakfast at hotels and
guesthouses.
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DANGGIT LAMAYO

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Hopia is a famous Filipino
pastry filled with beans, first
introduced by Fujianese
immigrants in the urban areas
of the Philippines. It is an
affordable treat and a popular
gift among friends and family.
There are two varieties: flaky,
made with Chinese puff pastry,
and cake dough, made with
soft cookie dough. Baker’s Hill,
which offers homemade bread
and baked goods, is renowned
for its delicious hopia bread.
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HOPIA BREAD

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An integral part of the local
Palaweño cuisine, Chao Long is
the Filipino version of Pho,
Vietnam's traditional noodle
soup. Localized to meet the
Filipino palate, Chao Long has
a sweeter broth than any
regular Pho, with heftier
chunks of meat, and a generous
amount of rice noodles.
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CHAO LONG
NOODLES

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References:
https://cavite.gov.ph/home/tourism/historical-sites/
https://guidetothephilippines.ph/articles/what-to-experience/best-cavite-
tourist-spots
http://lagunatoptenfestivals.blogspot.com/2017/04/pakil-laguna-turumba-
festival.html#:~:text=Each%20year%2C%20the%20people%20of,the%20Our%
20Lady%20of%20Turumba.
https://www.bria.com.ph/articles/laguna-celebrating-culture-and-tradition/
https://www.kkday.com/en/blog/35288/asia-philippines-where-to-buy-laguna-
pasalubong-delicacies
https://www.slideshare.net/bokie12/region-4a-48365152
https://guidetothephilippines.ph/articles/what-to-experience/best-batangas-
tourist-spots
https://batangasphilippines.org/batangas-church-national-shrine-of-padre-pio-
mass-schedule-how-to-get-there/
https://www.bria.com.ph/articles/11-of-the-best-batangas-specialty-foods-you-
should-try/
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https://www.studocu.com/ph/document/eulogio-amang-rodriguez-institute-of-
science-and-technology/hospitality-management/rizal-province-food-culture-
and-practices/18709690
https://sansapinas.blogspot.com/2015/05/sa-balagbag-falls-real-quezon.html
https://guidetothephilippines.ph/articles/what-to-experience/best-quezon-
province-tourist-spots
https://scenezonesquad.wordpress.com/2022/01/04/11-mouth-watering-and-
must-try-food-in-quezon-province/
https://www.slideshare.net/marchievillarante/mimaropa-region-4b
traveltothephilippines.info/2020/01/04/awesome-festivals-in-occidental-
mindoro/
https://mimaropa3c.wordpress.com/provinces-2/occidental-
mindoro/delicacies/
https://groupmindorawan.wordpress.com/2015/03/10/culture/
https://www.traveltothephilippines.info/2018/02/06/paadjao-falls-15-feet-of-
cascading-water-for-a-refreshing-enjoyment/
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https://guidetothephilippines.ph/articles/what-to-
experience/marinduque-tourist-spots
https://marinduque150833783.wordpress.com/
https://outoftownblog.com/the-best-native-delicacies-visitors-must-try-
in-marinduque/
https://guidetothephilippines.ph/articles/ultimate-guides/romblon-
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https://outoftownblog.com/food-trip-what-to-eat-in-romblon/
https://romblonparadise.com/a-foodies-guide-to-romblon-exploring-local-
delicacies-and-
cuisine/#:~:text=The%20most%20popular%20dish%20from,
(crispy%20fried%20pork%20belly)
https://guidetothephilippines.ph/articles/what-to-experience/palawan-
tourist-spots
https://www.travel-palawan.com/cultural-heritage/
https://www.travel-palawan.com/food/must-try/
https://tasteoftheplace.com/8-local-delicacies-to-try-when-visiting-
puerto-princesa-palawan/
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39. DANAO, ERON RASHID DG.
SS 8 - Geography 2