Palawan's Best Ecological Treasures

Palawan is an island paradise that can only be described in superlatives. Magnificent, stunning, majestic, awe-inspiring - these words perfectly capture the essence of this tropical destination. Often referred to as the Philippines' last ecological frontier, the province is a lush sanctuary where flora nd fauna thrive. Its 2000-kilometre coastline and 1,700 islands boast some of the most beautiful scenery in the country.
Further, tucked beneath the cobalt blue seas is 11,000 km of pristine coral reefs teeming with marine life. Because of this, the island of Palawan was declared a wildlife and fish sanctuary. It is also one of the most protected areas in the country. As a result, it remains largely rugged and untouched.
If you're planning a visit to this paradise-like island, it's best to equip yourself with a map and a guide of the best places to see in Palawan. There are many, so planning an itinerary well will ensure that you'll be able to make the most of your visit.
Here is a list of the must-sees in the Philippines' last frontier:
The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is one of the first things tourists visit in the province. The underground river is said to be the second longest navigable river in the world, spanning 8.2 km. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, enchanting everyone who comes to visit its magnificent stalactite and stalagmite formations.
Enter the river via a guided tour. A paddleboat will take you up to 5 km inside the river where you'll be awed by the rock formations and the large limestone structures. Around the underground river, you'll find a rich landscape that is home to a diverse collection of plants and animals.
The Tubbataha Reef Marine Park is another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Covering 332 km of reefs, the marine park boasts a high density of marine life. The site features a 100-metre wall of coral reefs, lagoons, and two coral islands - one of which is a nesting ground for birds and sea turtles. Along with the Subterranean River, the Tubbataha Reef Marine Park is nominated as one of the "New Seven Wonders of the World." It's certainly a can't-miss destination for divers, whether you're an amateur or a veteran.
Tabon Cave, located in the southern part of Palawan, is popularly known as the Philippines' "Cradle of Civilisation." Its group of 29 caves tucked in the mountains of the Lipuan Island is a trove of fossilised remains of Tabon men, as well as archeological artefacts. In fact, the fossilised skull cap of a native was found here and was dated to be 22,000 years old. This proves that the Tabon Cave is one of the oldest habitation areas in Southeast Asia.
Apart from that, the caves were also used as a burial site for its early residents. As such, the government has proclaimed the site as a Museum Reservation Site and opened only 3 of the 29 caves to visitors.
Calauit Game Preserve and Wildlife Sanctuary. Located in Calauit Island in Busuanga, the game preserve and sanctuary houses not just exotic animals from Africa but also endangered native Palawan animals. Here, they are free to roam the lush hills and plains, which is the perfect environment for both animals and plants to thrive harmoniously with minimal human intervention.
The preserve and sanctuary is home to the Palawan peacock, Palawan bear cat, Palawan monkey and parrot, as well as the scaly ant eater, mouse deer, mongoose, and porcupine. Among the indigenous animals are the African animals, including the zebra, giraffe, and waterbuck, to name a few.
El Nido is world-renowned for its pristine, sparkling emerald green lagoons and private white-sand beaches. It got its name from the swift's nest, which is the main ingredient in a Chinese delicacy - bird's nest soup. The nest is found all over El Nido, high atop the limestone cliffs.
The area is rich in biodiversity and is home to many endemic flora and fauna, which enchants all who visit this piece of heaven on earth. In addition, El Nido boasts some of the best dive spots in the Philippines. Surrounded by as much as 50 islands, El Nido is a haven for those who love to snorkel and dive.