ALL ABOUT PALAWAN

PALAWAN is part of REGION IV-B or MIMAROPA (MIMAROPA stands for MIndoro provinces, MArinduque, ROmblon and PAlawan).

PALAWAN is the largest province in the Philippines in terms of land area.

PALAWAN has 1 city (PUERTO PRINCESA) and 23 municipalities (ABORLAN, AGUTAYA, ARACELI, BALABAC, BATARAZA, BROOKE'S POINT, BUSUANGA, CAGAYANCILLO, CORON, CULION, CUYO, DUMARAN, EL NIDO, KALAYAAN, LINAPACAN, MAGSAYSAY, NARRA, QUEZON, RIZAL, ROXAS, SAN VICENTE, SOFRONIO ESPANOLA and TAYTAY).

My first time in Palawan was in February of 1996. I higly admired the CLEANLINESS and ORDERLINESS of PUERTO PRINCESA during that time. I have never seen a place as clean until this very moment. 

In this blog, I will share to you some of the places that I already visited in the PROVINCE of PALAWAN. (Please CLICK the LINK, the underlined word/s, to read more about the PLACE)

1. PUERTO PRINCESA UNDERGROUND RIVER

I came to this place many times already, but I will always come back excited and in total amazement because this is absolutely a wonderful creation of nature. The boat tour inside the cave or underground river is an unforgettable experience. You will be amazed by the different structures and figures inside the cave as if they were masterpieces by great sculptures. But they are all works of nature. They were formed and created by the falling waters from the ceilings of the cave hammered by other factors especially time. 

If you love challenge and adventure, you should try to trek the trail from SABANG BEACH going to the UNDERGROUND RIVER. But if you like a relaxing journey from Sabang Beach to the underground river, you can hire a motorized boat.

Puerto Princesa Underground River is voted as one of the NEW 7 WONDERS OF NATURE.

2. SABANG BEACH, PUERTO PRINCESA CITY

The Sabang Beach is the gateway to the PUERTO PRINCESA UNDERGROUND RIVER. There are various activities in the area like swimming in the sea or in the pool, trekking going to the underground river, island hopping, and many more. There are also high-end hotels and resorts where you can stay. There are also many nice big restaurants and also small food stores where you can satisfy your hunger, thirst and cravings after a long walk, swimming in the crystal clear sea or pool water, or just enjoying the wonderful sights of the blue skies.

3. BAKER'S HILL

The BAKER'S HILL in PUERTO PRINCESA can be compared to the GOOD SHEPHERD in Baguio City where you can buy high quality and delicious "PASALUBONG". HOPIA is my favorite.

4. CROCODILE FARM AND NATURE PARK

The CROCODILE FARM is located within PUERTO PRINCESA CITY where you cannot only enjoy the sight of the different sizes of real and live crocodiles, but you can also taste CROCODILE SISIG and other crocodile meat products. Aside from crocodiles, there are also numerous species of birds and wildlife animals that you can enjoy to watch and learn about them. You have to bring fully-charged camera to capture hundred or even thousand moments while inside the large compound of crocodile farm and nature park.

5. ANTONIO BAUTISTA AIR BASE

My first deployment as a HUEY PILOT is in PALAWAN. I was able to explore the province both from above while flying the aircraft accomplishing various missions and while on the ground when there were no flying operations. The ANTONIO BAUTISTA AIR BASE is the home of the PHILIPPINE AIR FORCE in PALAWAN. It is strategically located in PUERTO PRINCESA CITY.

6. EL NIDO

My first time in this remarkable paradise was in 1999 when I was still a pilot of the UH-1H Helicopter. As a pilot, it is a great privilege to explore numerous places and at the same time a gargantuan responsibility to be able to fly safe while successfully accomplishing the mission. EL NIDO is one of the places that heavily embedded in my heart and imprinted in my mind. We were flying missions then related to the MALAMPAYA operations. In the picture below, we were treated to an amazing island hopping to the incredible sights of the beautiful islands of EL NIDO. Unfortunately, there was no digital camera then for me to capture more pictures. We have limited camera "film". You have to spend in buying the camera film and spend again for the developing.
Good thing, I was able to save some pictures.

I will continuously share my JOURNEY in PALAWAN...