Friday, March 20, 2009
Davao
Davao City is also one of several cities in the Philippines that are independent of any province. The city serves as the regional center for Davao Region (Region XI), politically called as Southern Mindanao. Metro Davao can also be dubbed as The City of Royalties or The Royal City, because of the presence of the kings and queens of nature present in Davao. The Queen of Philippine Orchids which is Waling-waling, the King of Exotic Fruits, which is Durian, The King and Grandfather of Philippine mountains, Mt. Apo, the largest eagle in the world and the King of Philippine skies which is the Philippine Eagle.
In recent years, the sprawling urban Metropolis of Davao has emerged as the business, investment and tourism hub for the entire southern Philippines. The city boasts of some of the finest beaches and mountain resorts in the country, and proximity to the Philippines’ most captivating diving spots as well as its highest peak, Mount Apo.
How To get There :
By air
Davao City is served by Francisco Bangoy International Airport (Davao International Airport). DIA is currently served by the following carriers:
Air Philippines
Cebu Pacific
Philippine Airlines
PAL Express
SilkAir ( From Singapore V.V)
Wings Air Charter flights to Manado, Indonesia
Zest Airways
What to see in Davao :
Camp Domingo Leonor -– Quarters of the Spanish and later American soldiers in the 1920s. (San Pedro St.)
City Hall of Davao –- The former municipal building constructed in 1926. (San Pedro St.)
Davao Historical Society Museum -– Features the historical and indigenous collections of the Davao Historical Society (Magsaysay Park)
Fort of Datu Bago -- Site of the bastion of the Muslim hero Datu Bago who lorded over the Tagloc River, the old name of Davao River. (Junction of Washington St. and Quimpo Blvd.)
Furukawa Plantation -– The abaca plantation in Daliao which was acquired from the Bagobos as a result of the Otha Public Land Act in 1903. (Toril)
Japanese Museum –- The museum features historical accounts of the Japanese community residing in Davao before and during the war including their tools which they used in the abaca plantations, currencies, publications, among others. (Calinan)
Japanese Peace Memorial Shrine -– During the "Ubon Yasumi, " Japan's version of All Souls' Day held in August, Japanese war veterans and their kin take a pilgrimage to visit this memorial shrine. (Mintal)
Memorial to a Brave Son -- This memorial marker was built in recognition of the gallantry of Armando Generoso, who died in the very site of the bridge while defending it from the Japanese invaders during World War ll. (Gov. Generoso Bridge)
Mintal Historical Marker -– A memorial to Col. Yamada who defended Mintal during the war. It is also the site of the visit of McArthur, Stillwel and Eichelberger. (Mintal)
Monument of Peace & Unity -– Unveiled during the celebration of the Philippine Centennial in 1998, the monument depicts the peaceful relationship of the migrant and indigenous inhabitants of Davao in the last 100 years. (San Pedro St.)
Mosques -– Islam is also one of the major religions in the city with several places of worships found in Bankerohan, Quezon Blvd., Panacan, Quimpo Blvd., among others.
Museo Dabawenyo -– a government owned museum located at cor. pichon st and claveria st.
Ottha Kyosaburu Memorial Shrine -– A memorial obelisk built in honor of Otha Kyosaburu who invoked the Public Land Act No. 926 of 1903. (Mintal Elementary School)
Uyanguren Landing Site -– The landing site of Don Jose Oyanguren y Cruz of Guipuzcoa, Spain, the Spanish conqueror who later became the Governor of Davao. (Rodriguez Park, Quezon Blvd.)
Shrine of the Holy Infant Jesus of Prague -– A local mecca of the city's Roman Catholic devotees. (Shrine Hills, Matina)
St. Mary of Perpetual Rosary -– A shrine built in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary which features series of steps which leads to the main chapel. (Cabantian, Buhangin District)
SUGGESTED HOTEL IN DAVAO :
THE APO VIEW HOTEL
WATERFRONT INSULAR DAVAO
CROWN REGENCY RESIDENCES
MARCO POLO DAVAO
PEARL FARM DAVAO
GRAND REGAL HOTEL
ROYAL MANDAYA HOTEL
Coron Island
Wreck Diving Sites in Coron Bay include the Irako Wreck, Okikawa Maru Wreck, Akitsushima Wreck, Kogyo Maru Wreck, Olympia Maru Wreck, Kyokuzan Maru Wreck, East Tangat Gunboat Wreck (real name of the ship, Teru-Kaze Maru, was recently discovered by a group of Dutch divers, who spent a couple of days digging into bottom sand around the stern), Nanshin Maru Wreck, Lusong Gunboat Wreck and Skeleton Wreck.
The aquatic views from the sunken Japanese warships off Coron Island are listed in Forbes Traveler Magazine’s top 10 best scuba diving sites in the world
Coron Bay Palawan Philippines Dive Site - World Famous Wreck Diving
Coron Bay is one of the most popular diving destination here in the Philippines. This site is one of the most famous wreck diving destinations of the entire world due to the amount of historic sunken ships which can be visited and seen with great clarity due to these area's waters usual transparency. The wrecks in Coron Bay are alive with soft and hard corals and variety of exotic wild marine can be found. The wrecks in Coron Bay are some of the finest sites in the Philippines today. Some of the wrecks are huge up to 160 meters in length. Coron Bay is located in North of Palawan that lies between Busuanga and Culion Islands.
On World War II, Twelve Japanese supply ships are anchored in Coron Bay where US Navy launched a massive air strike. These ships were sunk at depths of 10 to 43 meters. Eight of these ships are discovered in Coron Bay where it is now became a wreck diving paradise in the country. All the wreck ships are still intact structurally and some stunning penetrations and swim throughs are possible. Some wrecks have huge blast holes, allowing masses of natural light to penetrate deep into the wrecks, making for a magical experience for the novice wrecker!
The Coron wrecks are one of the best kept diving secrets in the World and, as a result, you will be unlucky to find another dive boat at any of the wrecks you visit. Today, Coron is not only famous for its wreck diving, it is also become popular for its reef diving too. Coral reefs are re-establishing itself because of the fish sanctuaries that are being implemented. Spectacular and beautiful artificial reefs can be found outside the wrecks and are laden with both hard and soft corals and an abundance of fish life. How to get there by air from Manila to Coron airport. Live-aboards Famous Wreck Diving Site Sites in Coron Bay Palawan Philippines Irako Wreck: This is a Japanese refrigeration ship which is about 147m long. This is probably the best wreck dive in the Philippines. Irako is located at the mouth if Coron Bay. This shipwreck is still intact and has a good visibility. This is the best of any wreck in the area and also popular with diver enthusiast. Spectacular marine life is varied and you can see big groupers, schools of tuna and yellow fin, lion fish and scorpion fish live around this wreck. Sea turtles live in the crumpled and folded metal of the superstructure.
The best to explore in this wreckage is the underneath of the superstructure. It is possible to go down into a cargo hold at 36m and swim through to the galley. There are still pots, pans and wiring to be seen. From here, you swim out through a stairway amidships. There is a beautiful deep penetration through the engine room for trained, experienced and properly equipped divers.
Okikawa Maru Wreck: This wreckage was a civilian tanker/oiler which was sunk near Sunk near Busuanga Island, 2 miles south of Conception, near Coron Bay. The ship is 160m long. The shipwreck is lying upright in 26m of water and by length, width and volume is the largest of the Coron wrecks and an hour long dive is possible. This wreck site is also known as Conception wreck. This wreckage is totally covered with beautiful corals and offers a variety of marvelous marine life.
The deck of this wreckage is between 10m and 16m and is good for wreck dive beginners. For advance wreck divers, many penetration are possible including the propeller shaft from the outside of the ship all the way into the engine room. A spectacular swim through is possible from the front portion of the ship which is accessible, starting at a cargo hold on top and coming out of the twisted wreckage at the front.
In this wreck dive site, you will ecounter sweetlips, grouper, lionfish, surgeons, wrasse, tang and soldierfish. In addition, the whole wreck is covered with soft and hard corals and sponges.
The Akitsushima Wreck: This is the only Japanese warship sunk in Coron Bay. This ship is 118m long. The ship was hit directly towards the stern where the flying boat was kept but still the ship was intact. The ship was almost torn into two pieces and the flying boat disappeared. This is a beautiful wreckage to dive because the wreck also attracts a good amount of marine life. You will experience a magnificent marine life like giant groupers, schools of barracuda hiding under the bow, yellow fin tuna, yellowfish, grouper, snapper, batfish and a huge assortment of smaller reef fish.
Kogyo Maru Wreck: This Kogyo Maru was a Japanese freighter carrying construction materials for building a airfiled for the Japanese and was sunk into Coron Bay. The ship is 158m long, displaces 6,353 tons and situated to the north of Irako Wreck, just off Tangat Island. This wreck site is good for beginners and most swim throughs are large. You can see cement bags are evident and you'll come across a bulldozer, tractor and air compressor, all of which are intact and encrusted.
Swim through the cavernous engine room and look at the hardware then out through the bridge. If air is low go up to the port side of the bridge and look at the soft corals growing there and the fish life living on this artificial coral reef at 22 meters.
Wonderful marine life can be seen in this wreckage like giant pufferfish, waspfish and barracuda. Soft and hard corals are everywhere as are sponges.
Olympia Maru Wreck: This was Japanese army cargo ship which was sunk in Coron Bay. This ship is 120m long and lies on her starboard. This wreckage is located south of Busuanga and west of Tangat Island. Penetration in this wreckage is easy at the cargo holds. This wreckage is a very good wreck dive site because it has a fantastic variety of marine life with large shoals of banana fish, scorpionfish, giant bat fish and giant puffer fish, especially around the mast, bow and stern. The superstructure of this wreckage is covered with beautiful soft corals and bushes of black corals.
Kyokuzan Maru Wreck: This is a Japanese army cargo ship which was sunk in Northeast of Busuanga Island. The ship is 136m long. This wreck site is far from Coron Bay in which that it is not often visited by divers. This is a beautiful wreck dive site. This huge ship is still intact and offers a good visibility. You will discover various cars and trucks from a bygone age in the cargo room.
East Tangat Gunboat Wreck: This is a Japanese gunboat or a submarine hunter and is located off the eastern side of Tangat Island. This wreckage is ideal for novice divers. Beautiful coral reefs can be seen.
Nanshin Maru Wreck: This is a Japanese oil tanker which is located close to Black Island Beach and can be reached in a day from Coron. The ship is 50m long that sits upright on a sandy bottom. This is a good wreck dive site for beginners. Photography is good in this area because the water is clear. Exotic marine life can be seen in this area like scorpionfish, batfish, groupers, lionfish and trumpetfish. Night diving is excellent as well.
Japanese Freighter: This is an unknown Japanese Freighter but some say that this is the Taiei Maru, The Morazon Maru or even The Mamiya Maru. But no one seems so sure if what is the name of ship. This ship is located not far west off Tangat Island in 25m of water and is 140m long. The massive boilers in the center of the ship are still intact and are a big attraction to the divers. If you time your dive between 10am-2pm and it's sunny, the wreck is lit up like a cathedral.
This is an impressive wreck dive site because variety of marine life can be experience. Hard corals cover the port side and you'll also see groupers, sweetlips, sea snakes and the occasional turtle. See if you can find the two resident trumpet fish that hang out half a meter over the part side corals. Many scorpion fish hang out around the wreck area.
Lusong Gunboat Wreck: This is a Japanese gunboat or a submarine hunter which is sunk in the east side of Lusong Island. This wreck site is good for snorkeling and photography. This site has a good variety of hard corals and marine life.
Skeleton Wreck: All that remains of this 25m steel-hulled boat are the keel, ribs and stringers. This wreck was beached with the bow a dozen meters from Coron Island. The stern points directly away from the island. A pass through on the starboard side of the hull at 14 meters allows you to swim from the inside of the boat out over the coral reef.
Cathedral Cave: This site is an unusual sites which is located on the south end of Coron Island on the east side. This cave illuminates when a shaft of daylight penetrating from a fissure higher up the outside rock face. Breathtaking colorful corals are visible in the area and look out for lobsters and cowrie shells.
Barracuda Lake: This is also one of the unusual dive site. Firstly, you will have to climb up a limestone mountain in full gear for 15-20 minutes until you arrive at the lake. Then there's a 33m dive to a cave with 30m of penetration. The cave is situated on the north wall of the lake and so named for its resident barracuda who may deign to show you around. The opportunities for photography at this point are excellent.
Vicinity Map of the WWII shipwrecks around Coron, Palawan, Philippines.
El Nido
El Nido is a municipality located at the northwestern tip of the province of Palawan in the Philippines. It is about 430 kilometers southwest of Manila, and about 238 kilometers northwest of Puerto Princesa, Palawan’s capital. El Nido is bordered by the Linapacan Strait in the north, the Sulu Sea in the east, and the South China Sea in the west. The Municipality of El Nido is composed of 18 barangays (villages) covering a total land area of 50,000 hectares. Its population of 27,000 people, is a mix of native Palaweños, with a heavy presence of migrants from other parts of the Philippines.
El Nido is named after the edible nests of Swiftlets (Collocalia Fuciphaga) found in the crevices of its limestone cliffs. These nests, “nido” in Spanish, are the main ingredient for the gourmet nido soup.El Nido is considered as a showcase of Palawan’s geology and diverse wildlife. Its majestic limestone cliffs stand guard over clear waters, with hundreds of species of tropical fishes and corals, and three species of endangered sea turtles. El Nido’s forests are host to more than 100 species of birds, a large number of which are endemic to Palawan
The most striking feature of El Nido is its scenic landscape - massive limestone islands of varying shapes and sizes scattered about the sparkling sea.
The limestone cliffs of El Nido were naturally carved out of extensive and thick layers of coralline deposits. They formed 250 million years ago in the shallow sea covering the area that North Vietnam and South China now occupy. These layers slowly rose from the sea as a result of the collision of India and mainland China about 60 million years ago.
Like the rest of Palawan, El Nido is part of the Eurasian Plate, an entirely separate plate from the Philippine Mobile Belt to which the rest of the country belongs. A proof of this fact is that Palawan has no active volcanoes, unlike the rest of the Philippine archipelago. Another is that limestone cliffs similar to those in Palawan can be found in Ha Long Bay in Vietnam and Guilin in China, countries which are part of the Eurasian Plate. It is believed that Palawan was detached from mainland China some 40 million years ago. Palawan drifted southward and linked up with the rest of the Philippines around 15 million years ago.
LAGEN ISLAND RESORT
Lagen Island Resort is set in a cove, fringed by a thick primary forest. The sprawling grounds cover more than four hectares. Lagen Island is a showcase of El Nido’s flora and fauna, where trees provide various niches for a diverse variety of birds and mammals, providing a wealth of opportunities and experiences for wildlife observation and sightings. At the back of the resort is a trail that passes through a forest and ends in a private cove. The Lagen trail is one of the best sites for birdwatching, more rewarding during the early morning or towards late afternoon. Lagen Island hosts a high diversity of birds including almost all of the species endemic to Palawan.
At Lagen Island’s Clubhouse is the air-conditioned main dining area. Buffet and a la carte meals are served here. On the lower level are the boutique, game area, library, clinic, and conference room that can accommodate up to 70 persons theater-style and 60 persons classroom-style. The 12 x 25 meter swimming pool, designed with an even depth of 4 feet so as not to touch the roots of trees that lie underneath, is located in front of the clubhouse. Nearby is the poolside bar.
The resort has a marine sports center with a complete line of diving and snorkeling equipment as well as kayaks, windsurfs, and hobie cat. Lagen Island Resort provides fast and convenient access to the different islands within El Nido. Among the activities available at Lagen Island Resort are hiking, lagoon tours, cave tours, mangrove river tours, bottom fishing, bird watching, hat making, picnic lunches, sunset cruising, kayaking, windsurfing, hobiecat sailing, snorkeling, diving, and with prior arrangement, dive courses.
PANGULASIAN ISLAND
With its many attractions, it is possible to spend the entire day at Pangulasian Island. The long stretch of white sand beach is perfect for sunbathing and offers the best view of the sunset. In the waters fronting the beach are clusters of coral reefs that make Pangulasian a good snorkeling and diving site. A trail located in the middle of the island is a good place for birdwatching, especially during early mornings and late afternoons. The trail ends at the peak of the island and provides and excellent view of the bay and nearby islands.
ENTALULA ISLAND :
Entalula Island, with its fine white sand beach lined by coconut trees, is a perfect example of a tropical island. The beach in Entalula Island is a favorite place for picnic lunch. Right off the beach is a good swimming site, especially for beginners. Just recently, this island has been transformed into a rock climbing and team building venue.
VIGAN ISLAND:
Located near Pangulasian Island, it is also referred to as, "Snake Island," because of the fine natural sandspit (s-shaped sandbar) that "snakes" off it shores. The sandspit is clearly visible only when the tide is low. On both sides of the sandspit are shallow swimming areas.
PINASIL ISLAND :
Pinasil Island has a cathedral-like cavern accessible by dinghy or kayak. Its cool interior is lit at certain times of the day by sunlight coming through an opening at its peak.
MATINLOC ISLAND :
In Matinloc Island, Kalmung Point and Kulasa Beach are among the places to visit for swimming or snorkeling. Another famous attraction in this island is Secret Beach, a sinkhole which is accessed by snorkeling into a small opening through a limestone wall. At the corner of the sinkhole is a pocket white sand beach - hence the name, "Secret Beach."
CADLAO ISLAND :
Of all the islands in El Nido, Cadlao has the highest peak at 609 meters above sea level. It is the largest island, with a land area of 1,006 hectares. Cadlao Island is known for its white sand beaches, hidden lagoons, and its lush forest cover.
PINAGBUYUTAN ISLAND :
Pinagbuyutan Island is one of the most striking islands in El Nido because of its shape and sheer limestone walls. It is possible to have a picnic lunch at the beach area on the southeastern side of the island.
7COMANDOS ISLAND:
Along Palawan mainland, the best beach areas to visit are Ipil, 7 Commandos Point and Lapus-Lapus Beach. On the eastern side of the bay are several mangrove river areas. Aberawan River is the recommended site for a mangrove tour. The highlight of the tour is seeing egrets roosting in the mangrove trees at the mouth of the river. Another attraction found in Palawan mainland is Cudugnon Cave which archeologists believe was a burial site during the Neolithic period. Also in the mainland are several coastal villages, the largest and most populated of which is El Nido Town.
Cebu
Top Hotel in Cebu
Marriott Hotel
Rosales Ave
Cebu, Cebu Island 6000 Philippines
Marriott Hotel Description Cebu City Marriott is ideally located in the city*s premier financial district. With modern convention facilities and complete audio and visual equipment, Cebu City Marriott is Cebu*s premier location for business meetings. The city*s convention center and downtown district are a five-minute drive away. The impressive Ayala Shopping Center is within the block, and the Mactan Export Processing Zone *MEPZ* is only 10 kilometers away
Shangri-La’s Mactan Resort & SPA
Punta Engano Rd
Cebu, Cebu Island 6015 Philippines
The Philippines' first and largest De Luxe resort, Shangri-La's Mactan Resort & Spa gives visitors the ultimate tropical paradise vacation experience. Located in the Philippines' most historic province of Cebu, the Resort lies on a private 13 hectare beach. Each room and suite blends tropical decor with the most modern amenities available. From your own private balcony is a panoramic view of the Visayan Sea and outlying islands. The Resort's sports and recreational activities...
Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino
Salinas Drive Lahug
Cebu 6000 Philippines
At the center of the Queen City of the South is Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino, one of the Philippines' famous landmarks. Located 30 minutes from Mactan international Airport, and a stone's throw away from the city's financial district and best attractions, Waterfront Cebu city Hotel & Casino is the place to go and stay. A combination of elegance and style. Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino features 561 exquisitely designed guest rooms.
Alegre Beach Resort
Calumboyan Sogod
Cebu, Cebu Island 6000 Philippines
Exclusive Beach Resort located in the seaside town of Sogod, 90 minutes north of Cebu City.
Maribago Bluewater Resort
Maribago Mactan Island
Cebu 6015 Philippines
The Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort is a large beach resort on Mactan Island, located approximately ten miles from Cabu City, and six miles from Mactan International Airport. Local attractions include the beach, and Cabu. Hotel amenities include three restaurants, two bars, 24-hour room service, two outdoor pools, beach chess, massages, private island area, children's playground, nursery, water sports, scuba diving, and island hoppingCEBU, nicknamed the "Queen City of the South", has become something of an urban nightmare in recent decades, with jeepneys taking over the inadequate road network. There's history and architecture in there somewhere, but you have to look hard for it among the clutter, the exhaust fumes and the malls. The good news is that it's not half as bad as Manila. It's possible to get from one side of the city to the other in less than thirty minutes and the excellent airport and ferry connections might make you want to consider using Cebu as your base. Hotels are cheaper than Manila, taxi drivers are less confrontational, and while gridlock is not unknown, it's much less common that in the capital. The big annual attraction in Cebu City is the Sinulog Festival, which culminates on the third Sunday of January with a wild mardi gras street parade and an outdoor concert at Fuente Osmeña. The Sinulog Festival, in honour of Cebu's patron saint the Santo Niño, is almost as popular as Kalibo's Ati-Atihan and hotels are usually full, particularly for the climax of the festivities during the third weekend of January.
Bicol
- Breakfast
- Camarines Sur Tour Highlights :
Ø Basilica Minore (MASS)
Ø Consocep Mountain Resort
(Swim in the cool waters of the 3 waterfalls here.Enjoy a short nature trail)
Ø Cam Sur Watersports Complex (One of the BEST in ASIA and the BEST wakeboarding complex in the Philippines! http://www.camsurwatersportscomplex.com/. Activities are wakeboarding, knee boarding, water skiing, cable ski, wake skating! Awesome Place!)
- Lunch
- Continue Cam Sur Tour
- Proceed to Legazpi city 4:30pm
- Check-in at accommodation
- Dinner
Day 2 Sorsogon (WS and firefly)
- Breakfast 6:30am
- 7am depart for Donsol
- Whaleshark Interaction Tour (8:15am – 3pm)
- Lunch
- Dinner 6pm
- Firefly Watching Tour 6:30pm – 7:45pm
- Depart for Gubat , Sorsogon 8pm
- ETA in Gubat 10pm
Day 3 – AlbayTour
- Breakfast
- FREETIME until 10am
- Depart for Legazpi City 10am
- Lunch
- Albay Tour Highlights :
Ø Mayon Skyline (Nestled P2,500 ft on the most perfect cone volcano in the world!)
Ø Philceramics (Famous clay factory producing export quality products. Televised numerous times in ABS-CBN).
Ø Daraga Church (1 of the most prominent churches in the Philippines!)
Ø Pilinut Factory
Ø Cagsawa Ruins Park (Site of the famous Cagsawa ruins, after the 1814 worst eruption of Mayon!)
Ø Souvenir Shopping at the satellite market.
- Dinner
- Depart for Manila 8pm
End of Tour
Inclusions :
- 3 Days Aircon Bus (2 buses) service.
- 3 Days Tourguide service (Registered with the Dept of Tourism)
- Albay tour entrance fees
- Camarines Sur entrance fees
- 9 meals (BF x 3, Lunch x 3 & Dinner x 3). All lunches and dinners buffet.
- 1 Night aircon accommodation in Gubat, Sorsogon (Max 6pax/room)
- 1 Night aircon accommodation in Legazpi City (Max 7pax/room)
- Whaleshark Interaction boat service (5 or 6 boats)
- Butanding Interaction Officer services (1 per boat)
- Whaleshark Interaction registration
- Firefly Watching Tour registration
- Firefly Watching Tour boat services (maximum 8 boats)
- 2 hours (half-day) wakeboarding usage or 1hour massage at CWC.
- FREE lifevest usage
- FREE snorkeling gears usage each
- Full coordination
Ultimate Ilocandia Tour : Laog -Pagudpod -Vigan
Pagudpud Beach
Vigan - Old streets Banaue -Sagada Heritage Tour
Day 1. Manila/Banaue.
First, travel north on the expressway to the town of Bagabag in Nueva Vizcaya, where you start your climb to Banaue, 1,300 m/4300 feet above sea level. Reach Banaue late in the afternoon. Check in to the Banaue Hotel. After dinner, watch Ifugao tribal dances performed by the young and old from nearby villages.
Day 2. Banaue.
Proceed to the town's public market to mingle with the local people, and view the vast array of native handicraft. Time permitting, visit another village before returning to the hotel in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight at the hotel. B
Day 3. Banaue.
Day 4. Banaue/Manila.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Puerto Princesa
Puerto Princesa City is the capital of the island province of Palawan. The city has been acclaimed several times as the cleanest and greenest city in the Philippines. With a wide range of attractions ranging from beaches to wildlife reserves, Puerto Princesa is a nature lover's paradise. MUST SEE IN PUERTO PRINCESA :
A must-see for first time visitors and tourists in Palawan. The longest navigable underground river and reputedly the most beautiful subterranean river in the world.Its main attraction is an 8.2 kilometer Underground River that winds through a spectacular cave before emptying into the South China Sea.
At the mouth of the cave, a clear lagoon is framed by ancient trees growing right to the water's edge. Monkeys, large monitor lizards, and squirrels find their niche on the beach near the cave.
Visitors can also enjoy bird watching, mountain trekking, and exploring the deeper part of the forest .
The park was declared a premier ecotourism destination and has been inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage lists for its outstanding universal value and ecological significance as a natural site of intense beauty.
Honda Bay - Just 30 minutes form Puerto Pincesa is Honda Bay. One can take a boat and beach hop the dozens of beaches on the islets that dot the bay. One can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, diving or just relaxing on the beach amidst the clear waters and fine sand. The panoramic view would surely leave a lingering impression on the visitor.
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (also known as Sabang’s St. Paul Subterranean National Park). It is a wonder to behold; carved by nature for millions of years; the length of cave and river network is unknown up to this day. The cavern stretches away in an almost perfect rectangle with walls and ceiling decorated with natural carvings in many colors. Stalactite and stalagmites seem like they have been intentionally crafted to awe the visitors. Further inside, one reaches a grand chamber, decorated with multi faceted colored stones. One has to be there to see its grandeur.
One of the islands you can hop to is Snake Island. Some people who have been there may wonder why the island is named that way but if you look at it from above or have walked its whole length, then you can see that Snake Island is an apt name. The island’s very lengthy sandbar is about 3 kilometers long and I’ve read that some parts of it gets submerged during high tide.