Before anything else, I just want you to forget about those annoying deadlines. Forget about your unresponsive groupmates, loaded works, and forget about this stressful environment—just for a while. Even for 30 minutes, sit back and close your eyes. Everybody deserves a rest don’t we? Go and maybe…book a vacation? There are lots of beautiful places here in our country and there’s so many to choose from!
You may think that booking a vacation is too much and you might not have enough time and of course, money. No worries! Let this blog be your tour guide to one of the places here in the Philippines that will surely take your breath away for its breathtaking views and stunning tourists spots. Ladies and Gentlemen, the one and only—Palawan.
Here’s a brief information about Palawan. Palawan was cited as the world's best island in the Travel+Leisure (T+L) 2020 World's Best Awards. It is endowed with species-rich, biologically diversified ecology, with teeming forests, tangled mangroves, wetlands, and vivid coral reefs. The island is home to 232 indigenous species, making it one of the world's most diverse ecosystems.
As you all know, Palawan is known for its white sand beaches, clean turquoise waters, coral reefs, and limestone rock formations that would render you speechless. Many tourist spots can be seen in Palawan because of its amazing features and our first destination is El Nido, Palawan. Shall we?
Bacuit Archipelago, El Nido
Ah yes, El Nido, Palawan. Look how beautiful this place is! El Nido has been named one of the best tourist destinations in the Philippines, as well as one of the top-ranked tourism destinations on so many other bucket lists throughout the world. It is known for its lagoons, 100 white sand beaches. Yes, you’ve read that one right. One hundred. And take note—WHITE SAND BEACHES. Not to mention the Bacuit Archipelago and its beautiful islands which can be seen in the picture above.
One of the beautiful beaches here in El Nido is the Seven Commandos beach. Seven Commandos Island was titled after the seven commandos who used to live there, who’s names are carved into the island's rocks.
Seven Commandos Island, El Nido
I mean, who wouldn’t fall for its beauty? Look at those coconut trees aligned across the white sand beach. Look how the sun shines on the warm and crystal clear water. It is truly a feast for my eyes. What a nice place to have a vacation with your loved ones. Just enjoying the view and chilling, relaxing, listening to the sound of the waves, and enjoying the awesome and memorable moment.
But this doesn’t end here. Wanna do something adventurous? I know just a place. It is known for its popular underground cave. Folks, Puerto Princesa, Palawan
Puerto Princesa Underground River, Puerto Princesa
A beautiful limestone karst environment with an underground river may be found in this park. One of the river's distinguishing characteristics is that it flows directly into the sea, with the lowest portion of the river vulnerable to tidal forces. In addition, the area is an important habitat for biodiversity conservation.
Puerto Princesa Underground River is the most popular tourist spot in Puerto Princesa, Palawan. Those cave formations are formed from the dripping minerals above the cave. If you’re thinking if all of these would be worth the visit, oh darling I promise you that it would be an out of this world experience. As you explore deeper into the dark, the clicking of bats and the echoing droplets of water are the only sounds you would hear. Sounds cool doesn’t it? Wait till you read this amazing part of this adventure!
Firefly Watching Tour, Ihawig River
Oh, no honey. Those aren’t stars, but it’s fine. I thought so too. Aren’t they beautiful? Just to let you know, those are thousands of fireflies which can be seen in Ihawig river, in Puerto Princesa, Palawan. Tourists gather in this magical place while having a sit-down supper at the Iwahig Firefly Restaurant, Ka Inato Restaurant, or District Seven Restaurant.
Close your eyes and imagine that you are one of the tourists adoring the beauty of this place. Taking a river excursion along the banks of the Sicsican and Iwahig Rivers and while witnessing innumerable fireflies dazzling along the mangrove trees. Ah, sounds magical. Can’t wait to witness this event someday!
If your thinking that we’re done, then you’re wrong. Let me introduce you to another place here in Palawan. Don’t worry, this would be the last destination so bare with me. I can guarantee you that you would love to know more about this location. Scuba diving. snorkeling. Beautiful lagoons. Welcome to Coron, Palawan!
See? I told you. Coron is a tropical island in Palawan. As the island is most known for its world-class WWII wreck diving, it also has limestone karst landscapes, stunning beaches, crystal-clear lagoons, and shallow-water coral reefs.
Looking for a place to try scuba diving? How about snorkeling? Then voila! You can do it all here. Although you can also do these things in the first two cities in Palawan I have mentioned earlier, this is the best place you could those scuba diving thingies in my opinion.
Do you ever wonder what makes Coron unique from El Nido and Puerto Princesa? Well, here’s the tea. Unlike El Nido, which is known for island hopping, and Puerto Princesa, which is known for underground river excursions, Coron is noted for its distinct tourist attractions. Coron's turquoise waters are home to stunning World War II wreckage, vibrant coral reefs, and a plethora of marine life. So what are we waiting for? Let’s explore the beauty and secrets of our last destination!
Welcome to Kayangan Lake! Kayangan Lake is known as the “cleanest lake in the Philippines” and some consider it as the cleanest lake in Asia. That's why itis one of the places that you must see in Coron. The water here super clear and clean which makes it perfect for swimming. Kayangan Lake is surrounded by tall limestone formations, so if you want to take pictures of the entire area for your instagram post, all you have to do is climb a 300-step hill and you can have an instagramable shot! Although it's a bit of a hike, the sights are worth it. The lake is warm and welcoming, making it ideal for swimming.
But if you feel like trying scuba diving, here is a place for you!
Ladies and gentlemen, this is the Coral Garden, also located in Coron. You can see beautiful and colorful fishes and corals that would literally satisfy your eyes. Because of its colorful view, this is the finest area to go snorkeling. But if you want to go deeper, and you are an experienced diver, this location has depths of 131 feet and is completely filled with beautiful marine life, providing the clearest diving experience you've ever had.
The last place I would show you is something different. There are multiple shipwrecks on this island that were sunk during World War II. This place is called the Skeleton Wreck.
In Coron Bay, the Skeleton Wreck is a popular snorkeling area. This little 25m long Shipwreck is also suitable for scuba diving. The Skeleton's top is 5 meters deep, with a depth of 22 meters at the stern. This is a simple dive that is great for novices. It’s like traveling back through time and space as you encounter sunken ships during the second world war. These ships and vessels has restored the growth and development of a magnificent reef. While exploring this reef, you would encounter colorful corals, black and white striped fishes, and other marine life.
Ah, how I wish to go to these places at once! All of them are worth the visit, feast for the eyes, and would surely help you to lessen your worries and relieve stress. Every place will literally take your breath away which is also a perfect place to travel with your loved ones. If you have ever been to one of these places, you sure are lucky. You can always go back and explore to other tourist spots here, especially during summer.
Palawan is full of excitement, mystery, adventures, and most especially—water. There are so much more to visit here in Palawan. More lagoons, hot springs, reefs, and yes, beaches—white sand beaches. Many more adventures to explore and encounter!
I just want you to always remember that it’s not selfish to pick yourself. Learn to rest when you’re already tired and continue when you’re ready. You can do this, fighting!
