Palawan, Philippines

Palawan, Philippines An elongated island-province southwest of Mindoro, it is a 55 minute flight from Manila. It is rich in natural resources and boasts of exotic wildlife, white sand beaches, world class snorkeling and scuba diving. Also known as "the last frontier", it is a haven for adventure seekers and nature lovers. Calauit Island in Northern Palawan is a national park and teeming with Palawan's rare and endangered species of flora and fauna. The Tabon Caves in Southern Palawan is a 29-cave complex of archaeological artifacts and fossilized bones of the Tabon man. The skull is carbon dated to be 22,000 years old. Dive spots in Palawan are plentiful, with each site offering a unique array of marine life. The Tubbataha Reefs are the best dive spots in the area.

Palawan has a land area of l,489,655 hectares. It reclines between Mindoro and North Borneo Islands. Palawan is appoximately 586 kilorneters southwest of Manila. The island province extends toward the southwest forming a partial land bridge between Mindoro and North Borneo. The western side of the island faces South China Sea. Palawan's important islands are Busuanga, Culion, Linapacan, Cuyo, Dumaran, Cagayanes and Balabac.

The mountain ranges average 3,500 feet in attitude with the highest peak rising to 6,800 feet at Mount Matalingahan. On both sides are virgin islands with rivers and streams serviceable for irrigation. The vast mountains are the source of valuable timber. Palawan's main island measures 425 kilometers long and averages 40 kilometers wide. Palawan has 1,959 kilometers of coastline which is mostly irregular and thus make excellent harbours. Puerto Princesa, the capital city, is the chief seaport and the center of trade and commerce.

Palawan island are consist of many islands. From the Mideast Palawan, this area is studded with coral patches up to 18 meters across. Depths is down to 24 meters. There are plenty of small reef fish, parrot fish, snappers, garoupas and sometimes crayfish. In this Mideast of Palawan has an island called Pandan Island , area is a cluster of submerged reefs about 6 kilometres west. And another island called Panglima Reef lies about 6 meters below the surface and it can be difficult to find so it needs the help of local boatman. There are schools of surgeon fish, fusiliers and small barracuda. Gray reef sharks sometimes visit this area.

Puerto Princesa, the capital, is the province's main gateway. The St. Paul's Subterranean National Park is an 8-kilometer long underground river. Caves studded with stalactite and stalagmite formations will fill the tourist with awe. Wildlife abounds in the sanctuary of Calauit Island in northern Palawan. Declared a game preserve in 1976, Calauit is home to a rich mix of exotic African game and endemic Philippines animals.

The Tabon Caves in Southern Palawan are acknowledged as the "Cradle of Civilization" of the Filipino people. Nestled in the mountainous cape of Lipuon Point, the 29-cave complex is a treasure trove of archaeological artifacts and the fossilized bones of the Tabon man. A skull of the Tabon Man was carbon-dated to be 22,000 years old.

Dive spots in Palawan are plentiful, with each site offering a unique array of marine life. The Tubbataha Reefs are among the world's best dive spots.