Palawan Island is the largest island in the province of Palawan in the Philippines. It is located in the westernmost part of the country, between the South China Sea and the Sulu Sea. The island is known for its beautiful beaches, lush forests, and unique wildlife. Some other facts about Palawan Island facts include:
- The island is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, many of which are found nowhere else in the world.
- The island is a popular tourist destination, particularly for scuba diving and snorkeling, due to its clear waters and diverse marine life.
- The island is home to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and features an 8.2 km long underground river.
- There are several indigenous groups, such as the Tagbanwa, Palawano, and Batak tribes, inhabit the island, each with their own distinct culture and traditional way of life.
- Palawan has been named several times as the Best Island in the World by different travel magazines like Conde Nast Traveller, Travel+Leisure, etc.
- The capital city of Palawan province is Puerto Princesa City, which is located on the east coast of the island.
- Palawan Island is part of the Calamian Islands, an archipelago of about 1,780 islands located in the northern part of Palawan province.
- The island has a total land area of approximately 14,896 square kilometers.
- The island is long and narrow, with a mountain range running through the center, which creates a diverse landscape of limestone cliffs, rainforests, and grasslands.
- The climate in Palawan Island is tropical, with an average temperature of around 27 degrees Celsius and a rainy season that lasts from June to October.
- Palawan Island is home to several protected areas, including the El Nido-Taytay Managed Resource Protected Area, the St Paul Subterranean River National Park, and the Tubbataha Reef Marine Park, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and known for diverse marine life.
- Palawan Island is also a popular spot for adventure and eco-tourism activities such as island hopping, rock climbing, bird watching, and hiking.
- The island’s culture is a mix of Malay, Chinese, Spanish, and American influences. The island is also famous for its food and culinary specialties like Tamilok, which is a type of mollusk, Kinilaw, and the famous “Palawenos Lechon”
- Palawan Island has a relatively small population, with most people living in small rural communities or in the capital city of Puerto Princesa. The majority of the island’s inhabitants are of Tagalog, Cebuano, or Ilocano descent.
- The main industries on Palawan Island include tourism, fishing, and agriculture. Fishing is a significant source of income for many coastal communities, and the island’s coral reefs are home to a wide variety of fish species. Agriculture also plays an important role in the island’s economy, with crops such as coconut, rice, and banana being grown in many parts of the island.
- Palawan Island has a rich history and has been the site of many important historical events, such as the Battle of Palawan during World War II. The island also has a significant cultural heritage and is home to many important cultural landmarks such as the Tabon Caves, a complex of caves that have been used as human habitation for over 50,000 years.
- Palawan Island is a favorite destination for many visitors looking to enjoy natural beauty, adventure, and culture. The island is easily accessible by air or sea and offers a wide variety of accommodations and activities to suit different tastes and budgets.
- Palawan Island is also known for its diverse marine biodiversity, including its coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds, which provide important habitats for many species of fish, birds, and other animals. The coral reefs in particular are some of the most important in the world and are home to a wide variety of species of coral, as well as many species of fish, crustaceans, and other marine life.
- In addition to its beaches and forests, Palawan Island also has several limestone cliffs and caves, including the famous Underground River in Sabang, where visitors can take boat tours and explore the limestone formations. There are also several other subterranean rivers and caves on the island that offer similar experiences for visitors.
- Palawan Island is also home to several lagoons and lakes, including the famous Kayangan Lake, which is located on Coron Island. It is considered as one of the cleanest and most beautiful lakes in the Philippines.
- The island has many marine and land parks where visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities such as snorkeling, diving, island hopping, trekking, and swimming. Some of the most popular parks include the El Nido-Taytay Managed Resource Protected Area, the St. Paul Subterranean River National Park, and the Tubbataha Reef Marine Park.
- Palawan island is surrounded by several other islands, many of which are uninhabited and perfect for island hopping, diving, and fishing, making it a great destination for adventurers.
- In 2020, Palawan island was included in the list of New 7 Wonders of Nature. It is one of the 28 finalists worldwide and only one from the Philippines that made it to the list.
- Palawan Island is also known for its traditional boat building. The island’s inhabitants have been building boats for generations, using techniques that have been passed down through the generations. The traditional boats, called vinta, are made from locally-sourced materials and are still used today for fishing and transportation around the island.
- Palawan Island is also a major ecotourism destination, in addition to its beaches and marine life, it has also rich biodiversity in its terrestrial ecosystems, it also has a variety of endemic and endangered species. The island is home to a number of national parks and other protected areas, which are home to many species of birds, mammals, reptiles, and plants that are found nowhere else in the world. Some of the most famous examples include the Palawan peacock-pheasant, Palawan hornbill, Palawan bearded pig and Palawan bearcat among others. Visitors can enjoy activities such as bird watching, trekking, and wildlife safaris while learning about conservation efforts in the area.
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