Palawan Island is one of the most beautiful and biodiverse regions in the Philippines. Often called the "Last Frontier" of the country, it is known for its pristine beaches, limestone cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and rich marine and terrestrial biodiversity.
š Location & Geography
- Region: MIMAROPA (Philippine Region IV-B)
- Capital: Puerto Princesa City
- Main island: Palawan (plus over 1,700 smaller islands and islets)
- Bordered by the South China Sea (west) and the Sulu Sea (east)
- Part of the Coral Triangle, one of the most important marine biodiversity zones in the world
šæ Natural Features
- Underground River: Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature
- El Nido & Coron: Famous for limestone karst landscapes, lagoon systems, shipwreck diving, and turquoise waters
- Forests & Wildlife:
- Lush tropical rainforests
- Home to endemic species like the Palawan hornbill, Palawan peacock-pheasant, and Philippine pangolin
- Rich in mangrove forests, seagrass beds, and coral reefs
š Marine Biodiversity
- Part of the Sulu-Sulawesi Marine Ecoregion
- Coral reefs support thousands of marine species including:
- Sea turtles
- Dugongs
- Reef sharks
- Giant clams
- Over 500 coral species
š Cultural and Indigenous Significance
- Inhabited by several indigenous groups, including the Tagbanua, Palaw’an, and Batak peoples
- Traditional lifestyles often revolve around fishing, hunting, and shifting agriculture
- Indigenous communities play a vital role in forest and coastal conservation
š️ Ecotourism & Conservation
- Palawan is a leading ecotourism destination in Southeast Asia
- Tourism hotspots:
- El Nido
- Coron
- Port Barton
- Balabac Islands (less developed, more remote)
- Ongoing environmental issues include:
- Overtourism
- Illegal logging and fishing
- Mining
- Conservation efforts by the Philippine government, NGOs, and local communities aim to protect the fragile ecosystems
✈️ How to Get There
- Puerto Princesa International Airport: Main gateway to central Palawan
- Smaller airports in El Nido, Coron (Busuanga), and San Vicente