1. 1. PALAWAN B Y : M a b e t h W h i b l e y F a m i l a r a n
2. 2. OUR TOURIST SPOTS IN PALAWAN
3. 3. TOURIST SPOTS IN PALAWAN Calauit Wildlife Sanctuary The Calauit Wildlife Sanctuary in the northern Calamianes islands is home to exotic and endemic species of animals that roam freely in its verdant hills and plains. Calauit Game Preserve and Wildlife Sanctuary (CGPWS) is the Philippines outstanding improvement background for wildlife environment holding the azygos secernment as the premier eminent wildlife translocation research in Aggregation. It has evolved to becoming a plate of essential Philippine enzootic and foreign wildlife from Africa. It has total land area of 3,400 hectares with low-lying island in the Calamian group, north of Palawan. It is a short distance from the much larger island of Busuanga. The natural vegetation is lowland forest and mangroves along the coast. Much of the forest has now been replaced by plantations, secondary growth and open grassland. Marine habitat is said to have been haven to the dugong, sea turtles, giant clams, coral reefs and a sanctuary for commercial fish species as well. This project started in 1997 with the introduction of eight species on an experimental basis to see whether the movement of African wildlife from a subtropical to tropical habitat would succeed. The exodus of 104 different exotic animal species composed of giraffe, eland, zebra, impala, bushbuck, gazelle and waterbuck arrived in the island. After 24 years, the number has increased dramatically except for gazelle and topi and is now in existence with some endemic and endangered Philippine wildlife.
4. 4. EL NIDO MARINE RESERVE On the northern coastline, the El Nido Marine Reserve is noted for its edible birds nests and limestone cliffs. Occupying an area of 96,000 hectares, this popular nature spot boasts of diverse ecosystems such as rainforest, mangroves, white sand beaches, coral reefs, and limestone cliffs. It is now one of the country's premier tourist destinations. Blessed with extraordinary natural scenery, El Nido is, the sanctuary of various forms of wildlife. Countless varieties of fish are also found here. Manta rays are a common sight; when in season, divers may see one of the world's rarest marine mammal, the sea cow, known locally as "dugong." Accommodations are available at El Nido Resorts on the Miniloc and Pangulasian Islands. El Nido Resorts are noted for their hidden lagoons, palm forests, orchids, and offshore cruise points. Apart from the cozy accommodations, recreational facilities and aqua sports equipment are also available for tourists.
5. 5. TUBBATAHA REEFS In the middle of the Sulu Sea lies the Tubbataha reefs, a pair of coral atolls recently named as a World Heritage Site for its highly diverse collection of fishes and other marine life. It is a marine sanctuary located in the Middle Central Sulu Sea, 98 nautical miles southeast of Puerto Princesa City. Declared a World Natural Heritage site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization {UNESCO) on December 1993, it is under protective management by the Department of National Defense {DND). It is under technical supervision by the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) & the Department of Environment & Natural Resources {DENR). It is located in Cagayancillo town, Palawan. Trips to Tubbattaha from mid-March to mid-June are all vessel-based and require planning for a minimum of six weeks prior to departure. To reach the place, take a 70-minute flight from Manila to Puerto Princesa City. From the airport, a shuttle bus takes you to the dive boat. Boat ride from Puerto Princesa City takes approximately 12 hours.
6. 6. PUERTO PRINCESA SUBTERRANEAN RIVER NATIONAL PARK Along the west coast, the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park features old-growth forests, cathedral caves, white sand beaches, and one of the longest underground rivers in the world. A world heritage site, this natural wonder features an 8.2 kilometer navigable underground river, reputed to be the world's longest, that winds through a spectacular cave before emptying out in to the South China Sea. This river flows within a deep cavern under rugged limestone and marble cliffs, special features of the park. Known as one of the world's wonders, this river stretches eight kilometers deep into an underground lagoon with crystalline waters. Within the hallowed recesses, one winds through the tunnel aboard a paddle boat with outriggers to be enthralled at every turn which reveals stalactite pillars, rock formations, and domed amphitheaters.The park is located in Bahile, Puerto Princesa, Palawan. Located 81 kilometers from the city proper, the place can be reached through Barangay Cabayugan to Sabang, from where one could take a pumpboat ride to the Underground River, or hike through a monkey trail. An alternative way to reach the river is through a hired pumpboat ride from Bahile wharf. Travel time through Barangay Cabayugan is 1 1/2 hours' jeepney ride and 10 to 15 minutes pumpboat ride or 1 1/2 hours hike.
7. 7. CORON REEFS Coron Reefs. Seven enchanting lakes surrounded by craggy limestone cliffs attract hundreds of nature lovers to this island in northern Palawan, near the town of Coron. The main attraction of Coron is the Seven lakes surrounded by craggy limestone cliffs attract hundreds of nature lovers to Coron Reefs in Northern Palawan. Busuanga Island, whose main town is Coron, is the jump-off point for numerous dive operators. The principal dive sites are 12 World War II Japanese shipwrecks sunk on September 24, 1944 by US Navy action. They range in depth from the surface to 40 meters. This large variety offers exciting wreck exploration for enthusiasts, from novice divers and snorkelers and recreational divers to experienced TEC divers. Dive operators offer PADI dive courses ranging from Discover Scuba to Assistant Instructor, Technical and Enriched Air Diving, as well as other specialty courses. Dive operators offer day diving, snorkeling trips, and overnight dive safaris. Live- aboard and charter boats also offer diving in the area. The aquatic views from the sunken Japanese warships off Coron Island are listed in Forbes Traveler Magazines top 10 best scuba sites in the world.
8. 8. LEPROSY MUSEUM IN PALAWAN On the island of Culion, off the coast of Palawan, a group of nuns from France founded a leper colony in the early 20th century. In a few short years, 5,000 lepers were cared for on Culion, and the nuns kept such detailed records that a museum has now been founded on the same site. The actual colony closed in the 1920s, but an extensive register along with detailed photographs, clinical records and other documentation are still on display in this unique museum.
9. 9. TABON CAVE -THE PHILIPPINE CRADLE OF CIVILIZATION Tabon Cave is famous for the archeological findings of fossil human bones, claimed to be 22,000 to 24,000 years old. Dr. Robert Fox and his National Museum of the Philippines team, startedexcavations from 1962 to 1970, and unearthed burial jars, stone tools, animal bones, etc, apart from the very famous Tabon man skull cap remains. There are 200 caves that make up Tabon cave complex, but only one cave is open to the public. Tabon Cave is located in Quezon, a municipality of Palawan in the Philippines. Its a 138 hectareof rugged cliffs, connected to the Palawan mainland. Tabon Cave was declared a Museum Reservation Site in 1972, by the Philippine Government because of its importance to Philippine History. It is 155 kilometers away from Puerto PrincesaCity, the provinces capital, and are maintained and managed by the National Museum.