Destinations
Palawan voted most beautiful island in the world
Palawan is both a province and an island and is located to the central west of the Philippines, stretching from Mindoro to the North East and Borneo in the South West. The province of Palawan has a total of 1,780 islands. This is approximately one-quarter of all the islands in the total Philippines archipelago.
Palawan has taken the mantle as the Philippines best island and has also been voted the most beautiful island in the world in 2015, by the very reputable travel publication, Condé Nast Traveler. Just like it’s rival Boracay, there isn’t much I can write about Palawan to do it justice, but I will give it a try.
Palawan is blessed with amazing natural attractions
Palawan is split into two major islands, north and south. In the north is the Calamianes Group of Islands consisting of Busuanga Island, Coron Island and Culion Island. Coron “town proper” is actually the capital of Busuanga, with Coron Island itself being the island south of Busuanga.
Coron Island is the major tourist attraction of the northern area. It is laden with beautiful lagoons, lakes, pristine white sand beaches, with abundant coral and marine life. There are also shipwrecks and amazing limestone cliffs and karsts rising high out of the water.
In the south of Palawan province, you have Palawan Island. The capital of Palawan Island is Puerto Princesa. The main destination for tourists on Palawan Island is Puerto Princesa and El Nido, which like its counterpart Coron in the north, is equally as beautiful and simply defies words.
UNESCO World Heritage Site
One of the main highlights of Palawan Island, of many, is the Puerto Princesa subterranean river, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. At 8.2 kilometers in length, it is the longest navigable underground river in the world.
El Nido is probably the most popular place for tourists in the whole province of Palawan, and it also is one of the most historical places in the Philippines. El Nido has been inhabited by humans as early as 2,680 BC, or even as much as 22,000 years ago (source: Wikipedia). With over fifty white sand beaches, extensive marine life, lagoons, and a number of endangered animal species, El Nido is truly one of the most unique places not just in the Philippines, but arguably the world. Palawan is also the only non-volcanic island in the entire Philippines.
Plan your stay and make it worthwhile
There really is so much to see and do in the whole province of Palawan that you really do need several nights, if not more, to really fully explore it. I have absolutely no doubt this is the best of the best the Philippines has to offer. It is well worth the time to explore as much as you can.
Palawan easily has the best resorts in the Philippines. There are a number of travel companies offering packages to see all the landmark areas of Palawan province. I recommend this as the best way to see this tropical paradise. Just make sure that they are reputable and duly registered.
Kagayan Lagoon is one of the most amazing spectacles you will see. As you pull in, giant limestone karsts and cliffs greet and surround you. The clear turquoise water has to be seen to be believed.
Kagayan Lagoon backs onto Kagayan Lake. This is a freshwater lake with water so clear, you can just about see the bottom. There is a little bit of an uphill hike from Kagayan Lagoon to get there. However, the refreshing water cools you down in a hurry as demonstrated here by my daughter and myself.
Beach 91 in Coron doesn’t have the most awe inspiring name, but that doesn’t matter. This beach small and secluded beach is the epitome of a tropical paradise. Powdery white sand, nipa leaf huts, crystal clear water and limestone cliffs with total peace and serenity. You could not possibly want for more.
CYC (Coron Youth Club) Island is the only public beach in the area. The only drawback is the large population of sea urchins lurking around the shore.
Twin Lagoons in Coron is an absolutely amazing sight. There are two lagoons literally side by side, with a large limestone wall separating them. There is a very small opening in the wall which allows you to swim through. This allows you to experience the beauty and tranquility of both lagoons.
The sand bar on Bulalacao Island is amazing and just has to be experienced. The powdery white sand bar snakes its way out from the exclusive Two Seasons Resort. It is then surrounded on each side by the best tropical waters you will ever see.
Banana Island was a lunchtime stopover and was another spectacular white sand beach with swaying palm trees and postcard perfect views. The boat crew prepared a seafood lunch which was awesome to eat whilst taking in the views.
Malcapuya Island may well be the best island of the lot. If I was ever to be stranded on a tropical island, then this is the one!
Club Paradise Resort was a place in Coron that we stayed at. This is literally an island resort and words just can’t describe the beauty of the place.
Club Paradise Resort faces towards the west so you are able to catch the sunsets. Whilst sitting there on the beach enjoying several cocktails, I was treated to this epic sunset.
