Travel Thursday: Palawan

Known as the Philippines' last frontier, Palawan has managed to preserve its fascinatingly natural habitat through the years. Situated in the North of Mindoro and north of Malaysia's Sabah Islands, Palawan is the country's largest province spanning 1.5 million hectares. An ideal breeding ground for tropical flora and fauna, Palawan has more than a thousand islands and islets where monkeys, squirrels, bear cats, and zebras thrive with wild tropical plants and corals.

Palawan's population follows the same pattern. The province has attracted people of all backgrounds and it is said that today's Palawenos are a fusion of 81 different cultural groups. Foreigners, too, have grown to love this quiet province.

Palawan consists of about 1,769 islands: The Calamian group to the north, The Cuyo Islands to the northwest, and the Balabac-Bugsuk group to the southwest. For the laid back trip, Honda Bay is an ideal destination. 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.

Wildlife. Calauit Island is 3, 700 hectare game preserve and a wildlife sanctuary alive with indigenous species and African wildlife like giraffes, zebras, and gazelles. Sea turtles, sea cows, and a variety of marine life nestle on its shores.

Underground River. Beneath the St. Paul Mountain lies a quiet underground river which snakes for about eight kilometers before opening up into a clear lagoon flowing into the South China Sea. The Park also features the exciting Monkey Trail with its series of wooden paths to the forest.

Tabon Caves. The oldest known habitation site in the Southeast Asia, the Tabon Caves, unearthed a skull that dates back to 22,000 years ago.

Beacher. Visit the Balsahan or Tagbarung Swimming Resorts, Kalis Point, or better yet, get a taste of El Nido. El Nido features black marble caves, tabletop corals, fantastic marine life, and the requisite white sand beach. Named after the swallow's nest which proliferates in its mountain caves. El Nido also features one of the most delicious samplings of the freshest seafood in the land.

Archaeological Hunts. Go down Cuyo Islands and visit the Cuyo Spanish Church Fort with its massive ten meter high and wide walls. The Archeologists have also unearthed stone age tools, Chinese burial jars, and ancient ornaments in Palawan's numerous caves.

Here is more of the beautiful province of Palawan:

This is just one of the reasons as to why the Philippines has been tagged as one of the top adventure places to go to by National Geographic. More to come to do keep coming back :)