Bordering the western side of the Philippines is Palawan - a collection of more than 1,700 islands and islets that 250 million years ago, were once part of the Asian mainland.

CENTRAL PALAWAN

• For centuries, the people of Palawan have lived off its generous bounty, in harmony with nature and each other. Their hospitality towards foreign and local visitors dates back to the first millennium, when Palawan's many bays and coves provided shelter to the ships of Chinese traders, and later the galleons of Spanish explorers.
  
  
• The province takes pride in its rich natural endowments - of lagoons, caves, white sand beaches and limestone cliffs sculpted by wind and water, of a rich wildlife that traces its origins to Borneo, of lush forest that rival those of its regional neighbors in terms of biodiversity, and of its crystal clear waters with extensive coral reefs that host thousands of species of marine life.

NORTHERN PALAWAN

• Puerto Princesa City in Central Palawan is the province's capital. It has been recognized for its environmental and cleanliness programs. Puerto Princesa offers the most convenient way to sample what the rest of Palawan has to offer in terms of natural attractions and adventures. Puerto Princesa is home to the Puerto Princesa Underground River, a UNESCO-declared World Heritage Site.
  
  
• Dotting Northern Palawan are enchanting islands and magnificent limestone cliffs, secluded white sand beaches, and picturesque lakes and lagoons. The surrounding clear waters are perfect for marine adventures such as snorkelling, kayaking, sailing, and diving coral reefs and WWII wrecks.

SOUTHERN PALAWAN

• Southern Palawan, on the other hand, boasts of lush virgin forests where rare flora and fauna thrive. It is also in this area, in the Tabon Caves Complex, where human fossils carbon-dated to be 22,000 to 24,000 years old, were found.

ISLAND ADVENTURES

• Beach-Combing. if the sun is your master, then Palawan is your refuge. Visit the Balsahan or Tagbarungis Swimming Resort, Kalis Point, or better yet, get a taste of El Nido. An almost utopian island resort, El nido features black marble caves, tabletop corals, fantastic marine life and the requisite white sand beach. Named after the swallow's nests which abound in its mountain caves, El nido also features one of the most delicious samplings of the freshest seafood in the land.
  
  
• Diving and Snorkeling. With is numerous islands, Palawan easily lends itself to diving and snorkeling. Some of the more popular dive sites are Rita Island at Tres marias, Pandan Island, Panglima reefs and Tubbataha Reefs. A startlingly beautiful site, Tubbataha's charm is accented by the giant turtles and flock of birds which come to visit its shores.
  
  
• Archeological Hunts. Though seemingly untouched, Palawan has its fair share of history. Go down Cuyo Island and visit the Cuyo Spanish Church Fort with its massive walls ten meters high and two meters wide. Archeologists have also unearthed stone-age tools, Chinese burial jars and ancient ornaments in Palawan's numerous caves.
  
  
• Island-Hopping Palawan consists of about 1,768 islands: The Calamian Island group to the north, the Cuyo Islands group to the northwest, and the Balabac-Bugsuk group to the southwest. For the less adventurous, hie off to Honda Bay. From there, you can take your pick of your own little hideaway from Cowrie Island and Pandan to La Isla Bonita and Isla de Nagusuan. Amidst these islands lie lovely white sand beaches, exciting dive sites, or just a quiet refuge to get away from it all.

HOW TO GET THERE

• Palawan is accessible by air and sea from Manila, Cebu, Iloilo, and Boracay. Travelling within Palawan is now more convenient, making the province a virtual network of adventure islands.

Seair : Manila-Busuanga - vice versa (v.v.) Manila-Busuanga-El Nido-Puerto Princesa v.v. Manila-Taytay (Sandoval) v.v. Manila-Taytay (Sandoval)-Puerto Princesa-v.v. Boracay-Busuanga v.v. Cebu-Puerto Princesa v.v. (2001) Philippine Airlines : Manila-Puerto Princessa v.v. Cebu-Iloilo-Puerto Princesa v.v. Air Philippines: Manila-Puerto Princesa v.v. Asian Spirit Manila-Busuanga v.v. A. Soriano Aviation: Manila-El Nido v.v.     WG&A Manila-Coron-Puerto Princesa v.v. Negros Navigation Manila-Puerto Princesa v.v.