Palawan, a Philippine treasure

The only green oasis in the city is Rizal Park, dedicated to the national hero José Rizal, who was killed on the spot where the park stands today. If we still have some time, let's take a look at the old town of the capital, Intramuros, which means the city within the walls. This is the walled part of the city, which was already settled by the Spanish. One of the most beautiful and well-known buildings in Manila is the Coconut Palace, which got its name from the extensive use of coconut in its construction. The former first lady of the Philippines Imelda Marcos, also known as a big fan of shoes, had an enormously expensive palace built for the arrival of the Pope. Manila is not only chaos and poverty, but on the other hand, it is also a paradise for shopping lovers, as there are shopping malls at almost every turn. Among the largest, both in Asia and in the world, is the SM Mall of Asia. There are a thousand options for where to travel from Manila. But that island that is different from the others and that offers a variety of experiences is Palawan. It lies in the extreme western part of the Philippine archipelago.

Palawan and Puerto Princesa
It only takes an hour's flight from Manila to land in Puerto Princesa, the capital of the island of Palawan. The small town is mostly just a springboard for exploring other parts of the island. But it is also a place where quality restaurants are slowly growing, famous above all for their delicious seafood delicacies. One such is the Lotus Garden on Rizal Avenue, where the visit and the interior are a real experience on the level. This is not typical for Filipinos, who are slowly learning tourism and service. Culinary both in Palawan and elsewhere is a seafood lover's paradise, fresh and sometimes caught just an hour before dinner. They use a lot of soy and coconut sauce, the most famous fish is Lapu Lapu, and rice is always and everywhere with it. The city is especially lively from May 23 to June 23, when the Baragatan Festival is held and there is no shortage of singing, dancing, Filipino food, crafts and typical products. Lovers of unique handmade products should visit the small shop Asiana in the city, where an artistic family creates incredible jewelry, tables, chairs, statues and paintings from natural materials. From Puerto Princesa, we can go on day trips to Honda Bay, which is surrounded by small islands and where people rush mainly to observe the underwater world. Most tourists limit their visit to Palawan to the part north of the capital: on the one hand because of the attractions and on the other because the southern part is quite a malaria-endangered area. Palawan's weakness is its road infrastructure, as there is only one mountain and gravel road leading north. We can travel by traditional jeepney or local bus. The main destination for most visitors to the island is the northern town of El Nido. A stop on the way there or a day trip from Puerto Princessa, a visit to the village of Sabang is a must. Here, you can drive into the interior of the Earth along the 8-kilometer and supposedly longest underground river in the world, which is also under the protection of UNESCO.

El Nido and Bacuit Archipelago
El Nido is a coastal town and the starting point for Palawan's greatest treasure - the Bacuit Archipelago. It is said about this part of the world that Mother Nature has really let her imagination run wild here. The Bacuit Archipelago is a collection of jagged limestone rock islands that rise out of the crystal clear sea. Reminiscent of Vietnam's Ha Long Bay or Thailand's Krabi, it boasts countless small, hidden, paradisiacal beaches. It is not surprising that "island hopping" has become the most widespread activity here. Mandatory equipment is a mask and a snorkel, because the underwater world is amazing. "Island hopping" is organized in almost every bar and in all lodgings, and we can see about six different combinations of islands. You can also go to nearby Cadlao Island or Seven Commandos Beach by yourself with a rented canoe, and some mainland beaches can be visited by motorbike or bicycle. El Nido is also a paradise for divers and all lovers of the underwater world. The cuisine here is also based on seafood, although pizza or pasta can also be found without any problems. Squidos is famous for its stuffed calamari with vegetables and is also the only place where they have a wireless internet connection. Fast computers can only be found at Tayo Caffe, where we must try their soups. The Alternative prides itself on first-class cuisine, professional massages and is one of the best providers of "island hopping", as they prepare a real culinary experience even on a secluded beach. There are hardly any cars in the city, but there is an airport nearby, which is owned by a Japanese man who has adjusted the prices to his own liking. To leave the city, there is no choice but to take an exhausting bus or boat ride back to the capital, or travel by boat further north to the city of Coron, which is located on Busuanga Island and has an airport. Adventurers with plenty of time can also opt for a three-day expedition from El Nido to Corona organized by Tao Philippines. The agency was opened over a year ago by two travelers, Jack and Eddie, and they take a group of people around the remote islands and villages between the two islands with a small banka (a typical Philippine boat).

Corona
Most travelers go to Busuanga Island and the city of Coron for the same reason - diving. There are at least ten sunken Japanese ships that were sunk by American aircraft in WWII. Some ships are sunk very deep and others quite shallow, so it is interesting even for beginners. Diving equipment can be rented in Coron and the diving license can also be obtained there. If there is still some time left for what is happening above the water, then Makinit Hot Springs, where you can soak in the hot water springs, and two lakes: Kayangan and Barracuda, which lie on the neighboring island and can be reached after a 15-minute climb inland, are of interest. of the island. The crystal clear but cold water is a paradise for divers and "snorkelers", and the view of the mighty rocks and silence is for lovers of unspoiled nature. What can negatively surprise us here as well as elsewhere in the Philippines are the swarms of miniature jellyfish that stick to the body. In Coron, you can sleep in hostels for very little money, and the hotels don't exaggerate their prices either. One of the newest is the Mt tapyas hotel, which stands on a hill above the city and offers an amazing view of Coron Bay and the Coron sign on the hill (in the style of the American Hollywood sign), but in a Filipino way.

The Philippines is made up of a huge number of islands, so at least a few domestic flights are mandatory on the trip. These are very reasonably priced and are best bought during the trip rather than in advance. Even if we arrive at the airport without a ticket, we will be able to fly to the desired destination within two hours. The largest and most reliable airlines are PAL, Cebu Pacific Air and Philippine Airlines. The airline company Zest Airways is not to be trusted, as it often cancels its flights and only communicates this via e-mail a day or two in advance. Internet connection is available in major cities, while in other places, not infrequently, an entire village loses connection for a week or so. Also, ATMs are only in larger cities, and English is the second official language. The Philippine archipelago fascinates nature lovers in particular and offers a glimpse into an authentic, unspoiled and simple life. Philippine sunsets are famous for being stunning and different from anywhere else. Everywhere we find a huge number of opportunities for trekking, cycling, diving, for entertainment, socializing with the locals and for good cuisine.