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 Much of the forest has now been replaced by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. 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. 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. 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. 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
Magazine’s top 10 best scuba sites in the world.
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. 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. It’s 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 province’s capital, and are
maintained and managed by the National Museum.
