Palawan: Loose Yourself In The Natural Wonders

Palawan a poplular tourist destination

Down south of Manila is one island province that is set to satisfy the yearnings of tourists for natural fun and lush forests and crystal clear blue waters. It is the island-province of Palawan - all 2000 kilometers of irregular coastline that is dotted with 1,780 islands and islets. That unique geographical attribute of the island province is one reason why tourists flock to the area and why travel sites and publications are pointing it as their next travel frontier. Its unique geography plays host to many islands and islets that are waiting to be discovered, rocky coves that are waiting for the adventurers and sugar-white beaches that are waiting or tourists who want some fun time under the sun.

The island province is part of the MIMAROPA region and its political and administrative capital is Puerto Princesa City. The island province is the largest province in the Philippines in terms of land area. The islands and islets of the province stretch from Mindoro to Borneo and this lies between South China Sea in the northwest and the Sulu Sea in southeast. The disputed Spratly Islands are located a few hundred kilometers to the west of the province and this group of islands is known collectively as the Kalayaan Group of Islands.

The province of Palawan plays host to 432 barangays, 23 municipalities and one city. The province' total land area is 14, 896 square kilometers. Most of the largest municipalities in the province are situated in the central and the northern mainland.

The list of major towns in the province includes:

. Puerto Princesa
. Taytay
. Roxas

The smallest towns in the province are the so-called island-municipalities and these are:

. Cagayancillo which measures 15.40 square kilometers
. Magsaysay which measures 27.70 square kilometers and;
. Cuyo which measures 57.30 square kilometers

Based on the 2000 population survey, the provincial population is pegged at 737,000 and the province serves as the melting pot of many cultural groups- in fact 87 cultural groups are living in peace and harmony in the province. The province is home to many ethno-linguistic groups and these groups are the Tagbanua, the Tau't bato and the Bataks. These groups usually live in remote villages in the coastal areas of the province and in the mountains. In terms of language, there are 52 active dialects in the province with Tagalog as the major dialect spoken by 28 percent of the population. The province is known for its natural places- the natural wonders that make Palawan what it is right now in the eyes of foreigners and travelers.

The natural wonders of Palawan which are worth-checking

The island province plays host to Tubbattaha Reefs, Coron Reefs, El Nido Marine Reserves and a few more natural spots that will make nature lovers love and adore the island province.

. Tubbattaha Reefs. This is a marine sanctuary just waiting to be visited. This is one of the island-province' prized possession since the area was declared as a World Natural Heritage site by UNESCO. For those seeking to see the reef, there are travels to the reef starting mid-March and will last to mid-June and all trips will be planned weeks in advance.

. Coron Reefs. And speaking of other reefs in the province, this one will be part of the list. Visitors and tourists will get to see seven enchanting lakes that are surrounded by limestone cliffs. The area is a must-visit for those who love outdoor fun and nature.

. El Nido Marine Reserve. The reserve offers a diverse ecosystem and tourist can check out rainforests, mangroves and yes, there are white sand beaches too. The area is postcard-pretty and the rough and the natural look of the reserve is sure to take the interests of those who love beaches. The area is one of the premiere tourist spot in the island-province. And a visit to the province by a foreigner is not complete without checking out what El Nido has to offer.

Expect to see manta rays in the area and the sea cow can be seen in the area too. Accommodations should not be a problem since there are resorts that cater to these needs.

The island province of Palawan is also home to the sub-terranean river and the Honday Bay. This is just a partial listing of what to do and what to check in the island. Palawan has a lot to offer, and nature lovers will surely love what they will see.