Palawan

About Palawan

The Philippines is truly a tropical travel destination, particularly with its exceptional hiking, explore the underwater by scuba diving and finest beaches, and of course very beautiful islands. Palawan's main island has been classified as the “Most Beautiful Island in the World” by the respective readers of competitive lifestyle travel publication, Conde Nast Traveler, and Travel + Leisure. This is not the first time in the world that Palawan becomes a ranked top, and it's easy to see why. Palawan is a secret slice of paradise that has beautiful blue water blends with green jungle-filled mountains that seem to arise from the ocean, and small fishing villages in the island. This makes the Palawan, called paradise, together with its neighboring islands. 

Before becoming one of the "Most Beautiful Islands in the World" and becoming a major tourist destination not only in the Philippines but also around the world, Palawan played a vital role over the years, especially during those dark days of the Philippines colonial period. The people of Palaw'ans and Tagbanuas are believed to be descended ancestors and the earliest settlers of Palawan. With seaborne trade, they have developed an unofficial form of administration, language, and style of trade. In the 12th century, Malay settlers arrived in Palawan, with most of their settlements governed by the chieftain of Malaya. These people grew farm products like rice, ginger, coconuts, sweet potatoes, sugar cane, and bananas. Animals such as pigs, goats, and chickens were also raised. Fishing, farming, and hunting by using bamboo traps and bow guns were their economic activities. 

The entire Palawan Island later named Paragua, it was unified as a separate province in 1818, and called it Calamianes, by Taytay as its capital. The province, however, was split into two provinces in 1858, namely: Castilla, covering all northerly municipalities with Taytay as their capital, and Asturias in the southerly region with Puerto Princesa as its capital. 

From 1873 to 1903, Cuyo became the second capital of Palawan throughout the colonization of Spaniards in the Philippines. The Americans founded a Federal Rule of Civil Procedure on the northerly portion of Palawan after the 1902 Philippine-American war, calling it the province of Paragua. In 1903, the region was rearranged to comprise its southerly portions and renamed as Palawan under the Philippine Commission Act No. 1363, and Puerto Princesa was proclaimed its capital. 

Palawan is the largest province in the Philippines, home to several ethno linguistic native groups such as Batak and Agutaynen are in the northern part, Tagbanuas, believed to be descendants of the Tabon Man, Molbog the migrants from North Borneo, Palaw'an or Palawano, indigenous ethnic group, Tao't Bato and Cuyonon lives in the municipality of Cuyo 

Whenever "Palawan" is described, the first thought that comes to mind is the breathtaking scenery that is found on the island. However, it is not just about clear blue waters and beaches of white fine sand. The culture of Palawan is also captivating. Its incomparable culture is a mixture of tribal cultures and elements of Spanish culture. 

Festivals form a strong bond with the members of the community. The community's culture will also be reflected by a festival. It has become one of our ancestors ' greatest practices where we can capture ample of fun. Palawan is not only a sanctuary of attraction and rich resources but also a place with colorful and artistic culture. The residents regularly conduct a street parade and dress colorful and artistic outfits. The most awaited part of the festival is the competition of street dance. They are also allowed to exhibit their unique culture in which every municipality’s specialties and additional products that are related to the festivity will be featured. 

One of the famous festivals Palawan has is the Puerto Princesa City Foundation Day and Balayong Festival. It is the founding anniversary of the capital of Palawan, Puerto Princesa. The said festival is celebrated on the 14th of March. Throughout the day, the city administration organizes numerous activities that showcase the residents of the city's good collaboration, comradeship, skills, and capabilities. The city administration also organizes sports events, street dances and parades and also beauty pageants. The festival is occurring annually to celebrate the declaration of Puerto Princesa as a city. The Balayong Festival is also celebrated simultaneously with the Puerto Princesa City Foundation Day. This feasts the Palawan Cherry that is very likely with famous Japan's Cherry Blossoms. The tree's flowers only bloom during February and March–for non-tropical countries around the spring season. 

Every 14th of February, citizens of Puerto Princesa express their love for Mother Nature. Puerto Princesa's people meet at the shore of Barangay San Jose on Valentine's Day to plant mangroves along the beach to preserve the city's marine ecosystem. Another festival is the Baragatan sa Palawan where citizen's of Palawan showcasing their amazing history, rich culture, and the lives of the people who have long resided in the province. Other famous festivals in Palawan are Anihan or Palay Festival, Tarek Festival, Cuyo Fiesta, etc. 

Many famous tourist spots in Philippines are located at Palawan where you can see overwhelmingly seascapes and island scenes. It is an archipelago of about 1,780 islands and islets. In El Nido, on the northern part of Palawan, you will notice the place that has superb powdery beaches and refreshing waters. The famous Puerto Princesa Underground River is a must. It was voted as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World on January 28, 2012. Coron has stunning underwater views where considerable coral reefs, pristine waters, rich marine life, and even sunken Japanese shipwrecks from the Second World War can also be seen. Aside from these famous islands, there are many islands that you can explore during your stay at Palawan: Linapacan Islands, San Vicente Long Beach, Port Barton, Cuyo Islands, Amanpulo Resort, Tubbataha Reef & Cagayancillo Islands, and Balabac Islands. 

You can notice that most people on the island are exceedingly nice and friendly, happy-go-lucky and incredibly hospitable. It certainly helps with the enjoyment of the holiday to be surrounded by chilled-out people all day. Also, you should not miss the fresh native fish caught just a few moments before cooking it. Seafood will always tickle your taste buds. 

Palawan indeed provides a vast array of experiences. If you're after serenity and solitude, go to one of the isolated islands of Palawan where beautiful beaches surrounded by crystal-clear waters are located.