When it comes to traveling, one of the destinations that everyone, especially girls, is looking forward is Palawan City. This has been considered one of the “paradise” in the Philippines. This comprehensive guide will give you essentials that you need to know to get the most out of your much-awaited trip in this marvelous city, whether alone or with your family, girlfriends, and significant other.
How to Get There
Palawan’s capital city which is Puerto Princesa has now an international airport so this is the most convenient way to get to this place. But since very few international flights fly in from abroad, if you will travel from abroad you can land through Ninoy Aquino International Airport then afterward take a domestic flight up to Puerto Princesa’s airport.
While there is no definite best place to go there, be particular if you are planning to go during a peak season like holidays and summer. If you are looking forward to visiting at this time, better to book your flight as early as possible since there is always a possibility that most of the accommodations will be fully booked and the price rates will be significantly higher at those times. After all, Palawan is considered top destinations not only in the country but also internationally speaking.
You can also check out some promo fares of some airline websites to get the most deals with your best travel, of course.
What to Bring
One of the best things that people love in Palawan is the beaches around. So expect that your itineraries will be filled with outdoor activities, particularly at the beach. With these, it’s pretty obvious that you bring your light and cool clothes along with your favorite swimwear, shorts, and flipflops. Your sarong will be your best friend during sunbathing moments and drying up after enjoying the cool waters. Also, you have to bring light sweaters because you have to expect the cool breeze at night. Do not forget your hygiene kits and sunscreen to save yourself from the intensity of the sunlight. Insect repellents must be with your bag too. And speaking of hygiene stuff, be sure to bring sanitary pads, liners, and tampons because it may be quite hard to buy them, especially tampons.
Be sure to check your techie devices like charger, power banks and camera and to have them fully charged before the travel day. You must also have a phone case that works in the water as well.
Most importantly, be sure to have enough cash on your travel. ATMs will be quite hard to find especially if you’re going to a rural area.
Where to Go
Puerto Princesa
Puerto Princesa is one of the must-visit places in Palawan. There is so much to visit and explore on Palawan’s capital city and it would take two to three days to fully enjoy it. You can check out its best places via tricycle, a local and most convenient mode of transportation in the place. You can visit selling and souvenir shops and check out its local souvenirs like pearls and handicrafts.
Of all the places you can look forward to Puerto Princesa, the most famous is the Puerto Princesa Underground River located in Sabang, a half hour drive from the city proper. In 2012 it was declared one of the Seven Wonders of the World and this has been the great factor for the province’s boosting tourism. With this and the Sabang Beach, you can really get the most from this wonderful city.
You can also check out the local meals you can exclusively experience in Palawan like Kalui and Kinabuch’s and taste its local beers at Palaweno Brewer, the island’s only microbrewery.
El Nido
This place should never be out of your itineraries when you travel to Palawan. It may be quite hassle to reach it along with the crowds, going to El Nido will always be worth it.
Because of its fame, there are four tours that are easily recognized among travel agencies, boats and men, to take you to the awesome spots on this place. Any adjustments can be willingly arranged by your guide. While exploring El Nido, expect to see breath-taking nature sights like the towering lime formations, spotless beaches and sparkingly cool waters.
Coron
This municipality from the island of Busuanga can be reached via island’s airport or ferry. Like El Nido, Coron is another word for breath-taking. One of the things to watch out for is the Kayangan Lake and is said to be the cleanest lake in the country. This lake is also famous for its numerous reef and shipwrecks from World War II that will complete your diving experience. Be sure to check out also its distant mountains, karst limestone formations and azure waters along with its white-sand beaches.
Balabac
Another place to watch out for is Balabac which is home of the province’s hidden gems. Made of more than 30 islands and islets, many of these are already privately owned that’s why arrangements in visiting the islands should be made prior to the travel schedule by the owner or its local tour guides. However, the tourism industry here is not yet well-developed, so its essential to get in touch with a travel agency to arrange a local tour.
This group of islands is quite far from Puerto Princesa, but this is another place worthy to be travelled and discovered. Aside from the spots waiting to be discovered, its unscathed charm is waiting for the travellers.
Port Barton
This may be the not-so-famous place unlike El Nido and Coron, but this place will never let you down. If you want to experience nothing but the solemnity, this is the place that you must explore. With the peace and calmness that awaits you, various activities can be enjoyed like island hopping, snorkelling above the turtles, and kayaking to islets. In Port Borton, you can savor the stillness you need while getting closer to nature.