Palawan, Philippines: A Prized and Pristine Destination for Adventure Seeking Travellers
The travelers have spoken: Palawan, Philippines is the world’s best island for 2014. Read about it in this article “The best island in the world! Travellers vote the little-known Philippines outcrop of Palawan as the most exotic on Earth” that’s posted in Mail Online – Travel News.
Palawan claimed top spot based on over 76,000 votes in Conde Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards for 2014.
It was largely thanks to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, one of the top natural wonders of the world.
At nearly five miles in length, Puerto Princesa is the second longest subterranean river in the world.
An island that boasts crystal clear waters, incredible beaches and one of the newest natural wonders of the world has been named the best in the world by readers of a leading travel magazine.
… And it’s largely thanks to its latest claim to fame: Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, a Unesco World Heritage Site, has been named one of the world’s best natural wonders.
It’s a Back-to-Back Win
This is not the first time that Palawan has received this recognition; Palawan and Boracay, another Philippine island, were also named as among the world’s best (Number 1 and 2) in the poll conducted by Travel + Leisure. Read this in Rappler’s ‘Palawan, Boracay lead ‘World’s Best Islands.’
“Two islands in the Philippines claimed the top two spots in Travel + Leisure’s “2013 World’s Best Islands” list published this July.
Palawan, famed for its pristine beaches, biodiversity, and natural wonders like the Puerto Princesa Underground River, was hailed the “World’s Best Island,” landing the number one spot. Second place went to Boracay, a popular tourist destination because of its combination of natural beauty and the vibrant night life.”
“The Beach” Setting: Unspoken Testimony
Take it from Alex Garland of the backpacker odyssey “The Beach.” Originally, it was set in Thailand. It was ruled out in favor of Palawan since Thailand has become the “backpacker superhighway” that it is now. Finding a deserted, picturesque and pristine island is a lot easier in the Philippines known to officially have 7,107 islands. There are a huge number that are literally deserted so that finding your own beach is an adventure on its own.
As the Philippine’s “Last Frontier,” Palawan makes a perfect choice for Garland. It flaunts everything you would want an idyllic beach/coastal holiday destination to be: stunning scenery, astonishing landscape and seascape, white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, diverse flora and fauna, and friendly locals.
Great Reasons to Visit Palawan
If you have gone island hopping around the world, it is time to set your sights to Palawan claimed to be the world’s best by travelers like yourself who have gone home leaving their hearts in this island.
Palawan has so much to offer you’ll forget you’re in the 21st century – rainforests, caves, lagoons, and richly diverse marine and forest life. Check out the Top Ten Places to Visit in Palawan and find out why it deserves all the honors and attention it is getting from satisfied globetrotters.
- Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park – … said to be one of the longest underground river in the world.
- El Nido – … one of the most beautiful places in the whole Philippines and it’s a great best to dive and snorkel, island hop or just to relax and lie comfortably on the beach.
- Honda Bay – is just a 30 minutes’ drive from Puerto Princesa… Island hopping is a popular activity in Honda bay among foreign and local tourists alike.
- Coron – … a great place to explore … to dive to see sunken ships…. home to a variety of colourful marine life which makes snorkelling and diving in Coron so much fun.
- Sabang – This beach village is nearest to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park … beach is quiet and beautiful … a great place to relax after your day tour to the underground river. You can also explore the nearby mangrove forest …
The sixth reason is the Batac Tribal Community, which is an indigenous tribe with only about 500 of them left. See how this slowly disappearing tribe is coping with all the changes in their environment.
The seventh is Puerto De Sta. Isabel, which is also popularly called “The Taytay Port.” This fort is a historical military station built in 1667 and used during the Spanish Era.
The eight attraction you shouldn’t miss is the gorgeous fishing village of Port Barton that is both laidback and idyllic, but which offers are enthralling activities such as diving and snorkeling, island hopping, swimming and a lot more. Check out too another enchanting attraction – the Pamoayan Falls.
Tabon Cave, the “Cradle of Civilization” takes the ninth place. This is where the skull and other paleontological remains of what are thought as the oldest inhabitants in the country were discovered.
Calauit Island, the tenth feature of Palawan takes pride of its “outdoor zoo,” which is actually a collection of African animals. The Kenyan wildlife consisting of impalas, zebras, giraffes, waterbucks, bushbucks, gazelles, elands, and topis were saved through international cooperative efforts in the 70s. Calauit is now considered as a wildlife sanctuary.
Just when you think you have every reason to fly to Palawan on your next vacation, “tamilok” titillates your fancy, if you are a foodie. While there are lots of gastronomic restaurants in Palawan, you can have the freshest catch of the day when you eat in the beach or cook your own meals with ingredients from the market. Filipinos will love to regale you with their stories and recipes. Locals, known for their easy ways and hospitality, can lend you a hand so you can learn to cook “sinigang na hipon” (shrimp soup cooked in tamarind), ginataang alimango (crabs cooked in coconut milk), kinilaw (vinegar-marinated raw fish), and of course, “tamilok” (raw mangrove worms) dipped in vinegar.
