It’s a Paradise, sanctuary to an amazing variety of flora and fauna. Palawan is the country’s biggest province in terms of land area. More than 1700 islands are surrounding that awesome landscape. The Islands are surrounded by coral shelf’s. The Mountains are canopied by broad virgin forests. The green Mountains seem to be the place of the origin of the clouds.
Puerto Princesa is the capital town, called the City in the forest. The island is still almost untouched. Only 6 percent are developed. The income is based on fishing, farming and “tribiking”. Industrial areas are less, and even the tourism is still a young growing plant.
The destinations are scattered all over the islands. Amazing white beaches, waterfalls and hot springs, are the most visited tourist spots. The unique underground river is just one of them.
The roads are part of the adventure, wherever you go, about 80 Kilometers away from the capital the roads are as virgin as the forest and the construction is still in progress. Mary and I were most impressed of the uncountable colors of green and the light emotions. We stored them in our picture gallery.
Klaus has to keep care for his back. That’s why we discovered all the places which are within 3 hours from Puerto Princesa. And you know..7 days weren’t not enough. For couples like us the best way to discover the surroundings is hiring a Tribike. Then the driver is included and if it is Noel, who was our Tour guide, then it would be perfect. For destinations which are more far away you can hire a van and driver for yourself or join a guided Tour with a group. There are several Agencies which offers their service for affordable prices. The tours which are offered by the Hotels are a bit more expensive. We recommend contacting Noel; he always knows what is best for you.
The City office of Tourism beside the Airport also provides you with all Information’s you need. The team is friendly and helpful.
More general information's you can find in the Wikipedia. We have a special of Palawan in our Picture Gallery.
Palawan offers the whole range of accommodations. Even if you did not book ahead, you will find a place which fits to your whishes. We prefer the simple resorts and hotels. That’s why we will introduce them here.
Our first 3 nights we spend in the Dankalan Resort & Inn. A small resort, a bit far from the center of Puerto Princesa. The Resort offers a drop off to the center for free. The Rooms are simple and clean, having Aircon and TV and a private Bathroom. The Resort is one of the few, which have an own beach. The rate was 1200 Peso including breakfast and airport transfer. We liked the morning hours. The light is very special and the lagoon provides a spectacular view while having breakfast.
The Resort DeLoro was our second place, Rates between 1300 P and 1700 P including a continental breakfast and Aircon, TV, private bathroom and Airport transfer. It is closer to the center. The service could be a bit better, and fewer flies during breakfast or dinner would make it more perfect. Anyway, Puerto Princesa offers lots of different kind of Restaurants so it doesn’t really matter.
The cheapest Hotel, the White View with a rate of 750 P per Room and the same standards was unfortunately fully booked, we checked the rooms; they are small but comfortable enough for 2 persons. It is also close to the center.
We also had the experience of one night in the Legend Hotel Palawan, because the Airline offered this for free, because our flight home was overbooked. This Hotel offers a luxury Standard of accommodations and since April 2008, they also offer a cheap alternative. The PADS. These rooms are new, small and some are without windows, but Aircon and TV and private bathroom are standard. The rates we do not know, but you can check them out on their own website.
And by the way, even if you are booked in the Pads, you can join the comfort of the Hotel and the breakfast, which is included, is spectacular, compare to other resorts.
There are plenty of it, any kind of style and quality. We joined some of them.
The Lotus Garden, is a Japanese styled Restaurant which offers various kinds of meals. Don’t worry, they also offer table and chairs beside the native style of dining. The meals are fresh and very tasty; the atmosphere is friendly and authentic. The staff is well trained and the prices are affordable.
The Puerto Pension offers beside bed and breakfast also a view over the Bay of Puerto Princesa. The meals in the Restaurant, which is above the Baywalk, are cheap and tasty.
The Badjao Seafront Restaurant is a must. Between the Mangroves it is the only one Restaurant which offers a breathtaking view combined with a perfect dinner, fresh meals and a wide range of international cuisine. The Lobster is 135 P /100g. We also tried the Seafood Platter for 495 P. This was good for two and so fresh, you really can taste the difference.
The City Tour we joined for 500 P each. We choosed the Sanctuary Tours&Travel Agency. We booked the tour in the City office of Tourism. The Guide was Archie. A good choice. It is not a City Tour as you would expect. It leads you also into the surroundings of Puerto Princesa.
We had some nice discoveries, even the weather was not really on our side. The Butterfly Garden was our first stop. A small private Garden with plenty of Butterfly’s which are common in the region. A colorful spectacle. The crocodile farm was an additional stop, and gave us an idea about the salty and sweet water crocodiles which are still living in Palawan. On Bakers Hill we joined a cup of coffee and joined the view over the mountains down to the bay. And have you ever been in Prison? No? Than the City Tour leads you also through the Iwahig Prison. This place was built in 1904. At this time it was the worst punishment for the inmates, because of the Malaria and the hard work to urban the fields. Nowadays the prisoners are producing the Rice for all Prisons in the country and also some kinds of vegetables. The Prison still has no fences. And the inmates, who have 5 years left to live there, are allowed to live together with their families. Now the Prisoners all of the country are dreaming to be there. You see times are changing. At least it is a successful project to rehabilitate. If you like, you should buy the souvenirs in the prisons shop. One more thing, never take pictures of the inmates. Do not even think about it.
That’s the place where you go for Island hopping and snorkeling. Some minutes from the center of Puerto Princesa. You can join a guided tour with a group, or charter the boat for yourself only. As we did, for a rate between 900 P and 1900 P (depends on the size of the boat), you will have a nice trip to 3 of the 1700 Islands.
On our first tour we had a small snack at the Snake Island. Don’t worry; the name is given because of the shape of that Island, not because of living snakes. There is no separate Entrance Fee. On Pandan Island are 25 P per Head and if you like to rent a small cottage than you have to ad 150 P.
When we had our second tour we let Noel, our Tour guide, prepare the lunch. Together with his wife and daughter we spend one of our most beautiful days in Palawan. The Sky over the Islands clear and blue, while the Mountains covered with clouds. Perfect, the real “Bacardi-Feeling”. Thanks to Noel and his wife
The Underground River Tour we joined in a guided group by the TopStar Agency for 1200 P each.The half of the way you drive on a comfortable street and then it changes to an off-road trail. Some cemented parts are already in progress, but still an adventure and a quest for the van and your back. One way is about 2.5 Hours. There are also 20 minutes to ride in a small boat.
But it’s worth. You will be impressed by the darkness of the Underground River, which is lighted only by a small torch, which one of the guests in the front of your boat carries. The Nature formed some spectacular Stalagmites. Indeed that destination is unique and a must in your tour calendar. Eat all you can while you have the included lunch. We arrived a bit later in the morning so there was not time enough left to join the Monkey Trail, which is close to the Underground river.
Close to Honda Bay, are several Hot Springs. There you can feel the power of Nature. Relaxing and health for your skin in a unique landscape built by men. You pass the springs also on your way to one of the new 7 world wonders. The Underground River.
Noel is your trouble shooter and your warranty for a worry free vacation in Palawan. His english is perfect and his kindly way makes him your perfect guide.
For 400 Peso plus gasoline, he guides you through the whole day and makes it perfect. Even a rainy day becomes more friendlier, when he is arround.
Don't hasitate just contact him after your arrival.
Cell.No. 09067877829 or 09094053177
by the way:
Noel and his wife are also offering a fresh meal while you are discovering the Honda Bay. A fully service for you. Just tell him your whishes, he will find the best solution. And if he is not available, he will find a good friend, who is offering the same serious service for you.