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| Palawan / The Island |
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| Written by Administrator |
| Wednesday, 01 October 2008 00:41 |
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Palawan
Philippines / Palawan / The Island Palawan is the Philippine island with the most fascinating countryside. Especially on the north side of the island there is a coastline of beaches and curious rock formations which gives the feeling that they have been taken straight from a fairy tale. Small islets are scattered all around Palawan; actually of the more than 7000 islands of the Philippine archipelago, some 2000 belong to Palawan province. Big portions of Palawan’s terrain remain untouched by man and still feature virgin jungle and a wildlife in a variety not found in the more populated and more civilized islands. However, according to the latest discoveries of anthropological science, Palawan was the first island of the archipelago to be settled by man. Palawan was reached by an Australoid type of early man some 22,000 years ago via a land bridge which connected it to Borneo. About a thousand years ago, Chinese traders regularly came. They gave the island the name Pa lao yu, referring to the beautiful safe harbors it provided. From these original Chinese words, today’s name of the island is derived. After the Chinese came the Indonesians, particularly via Borneo, but not, like the Chinese, just for a visit but to stay. The Indonesian Malays settled along the coasts of the island and drove the natives to the interior. The situation remained like that. The descendants of the Indonesian settlers, en-forced by migrants from Luzon and the Visayas, populate the coastal areas whereas in the interior of the island, the tribes of the original inhabitants still live quite undisturbed in their native ways. The Spanish had given Palawan a new name, Calamianes. Their colonization of Palawan was very slow and concentrated more on the north than the south of the island. The newest human wave reaching Palawan is made up of foreign tourists. For many of them, The Country side alone is thrill enough to visit the place. However, Palawan meanwhile also has some tourist infrastructure to offer, with accommodations of all classes and facilities for water sports. However, those who already see Palawans natural beauty in danger of being destroyed by tourism can be appeased. The tourist infrastructure does not encompass wide areas but is rather dotted. A typical example for the Palawan situation is the El Nido resort hotel. This is one of the most luxurious beach resorts in The Country . However, as its location may be described as somewhere in the jungle, the most common means of transportation to reach this resort is by small aircraft. To go there overland would be an unreasonable demand for a clientele coming mainly for a luxury holiday. If one disregards flying, traveling on Palawan is always exciting but never comfortable. Asphalted roads are only found in the towns. During the rainy season, it is generally more convenient to travel by banca on coastal waters than on land. Land travel anyway also would mean a lot of wading through swamps and swimming on roads which become rivers. The south is the least explored part’ of the island. There, it is even unclear what the dominant organized force is. Only some claim the representatives of the national government to be in charge. Others say the area is ruled by the MNLF, or the NPA. Those from Quezon and Brooke’s Point say it’s by organized bandits. But whoever may rule, there are only very few reports of violent incidents on Palawan. The traveler may therefore see the Anopheles mosquito as the more immanent danger. This little animal transmits a big disease, malaria. On all of Palawan, there is a risk of acquiring malaria throughout the year. Prophylaxis is possible with the same medical preparations, which are used to treat the illness, Resochin and Fansidar. Fansidar nowadays is the more commonly used drug as malaria seems to have developed some resistance against Resochin. In the U.S. and in Europe, efforts are being undertaken to develop a remedy against malaria using methods of genetic engineering. Malaria is not an Incurable illness. And because the drugs used for prophylaxis may have unpleasant side effects if taken over long periods, those who are residents on Palawan would rather keep a dosage of the appropriate medicines at home than taking them regularly as prophylaxis. Anyone traveling or staying on Palawan should be alert for sudden high fever. It could be caused by malaria, as high fever is the only immediate symptom of this illness. Physicians in Puerto Princesa are generally well informed about malaria - and may be consulted. For addresses, see entries under Puerto Princesa. Philippines / Palawan / Geography Land Area: l4,896sqkm (5,75lsqmi) Topography: hilly and mountainous Mountains: Mt Montalingahan near Brooke’s Point 2,073m (6,802ft) Riven: Iwahig Philippines / Palawan / Population Majority Group: Tagalogs Language: Tagalog and Cuyonan Minorities: Tagbanuas, Bataks, Palawanis, Kalamianes, Ken Uy Kuyonis, Tau’t Batu Cities, Towns: (Census of 1980; x1000) Pto Princess 60 Quezon 33 Coron 25 Brooke’s Pt. 46 Nara 30 Roxas 25 Philippines / Palawan / Political Structure Province: Palawan Provincial Capital: Puerto Princess Philippines / Palawan / Puerto Princesa Philippines / Palawan / Puerto Princesa / The City Puerto Princess, formerly called Puerto dela Ascuncion is the 2nd largest city in The Country in terms of land area (2, l42sqkm, 827sqmi). The big Cathedral near the pier is worth seeing. Fiesta is on December 8.
Philippines / Palawan / Puerto Princesa / Accommodation Rafol’s Hotel (11) - National Hwy, best hotel in town Princess Hotel (13) (formerly Emerald Hotel) Malvar St, Tel 26-11; middle class hotel Badjao Hotel (4) - 182 Rizal Ave Ext Tel 27-61 ; good value Palawan Hotel (3) - Rizal Ave Ext Tel 24-61; Circon Hotel (30) - Rizal Ave cor Valencia St, Tel 27-38 Garcellano Tourist Inn (18) - Rizal Ave Tel 23-14; coffee shop Yayen’s Pension (2) - Manalo Ext, Tel 22-61 Duchess Pension House (27) - Valencia St
Rover’s Pension House (6) - Rizal St Casa Linda (5) - Rizal Ave behind Badjao Hotel, Tel 21-27 Dynasty Hotel (35) - Rizal Ave cor Burgos St Tel Gasthaus Sonne (2) - Manalo Ext
Abelardo’s Pension (40) - Demangga St Tel 20-68; Philippines / Palawan / Puerto Princesa / Restaurants Pagitik (30) - Rizal cor Valencia Sts (Phil) Ignacio (41) - Quezon St (Phil) Tissie’s Canteen (28) - Valencia St (Phil) Edwin’s Food Palace (24) - Rizal Ave cor Valencia St (Chin) Nautilus (11) - Rafol’s Hotel, National Hwy (int’l) Emerald Plaza (13) - Malvar St (int’l) Kamayan Drive Inn (16) - Rizal Ave (int’l) Badjao Restaurant (4) - Rizal Ave Ext (int’l) Palawan Hotel (3) - Rizal Ave Ext (Japanese) Cafe Puerto (15) - Rizal Ave (int’l) Sheena’s Restaurant (7) - Rizal Ave (int’l) Zum Klelnen Anker (18) - Rizal Ave (German) Bavarian Beergarden - Nat’l Hwy (German) Tipanan (38) Rizal Ave (seafood) Philippines / Palawan / Puerto Princesa / Entertainment Disco In the Rafol’s Hotel (11) - Nat’l Hwy plain disco Edwin’s Food Place (24) - Valencia St; disco El Tabon (29) - Valencia St; disco Bottleground (19) - Rizal Ave; go-go bar Leahs (19) - Rizal Ave; go-go bar Dynasty (35) - Rizal Ave cor Burgos St go-go bar El Burrito’s (37) - Rizal Ave; go-go bar Badjao (4) - Rizal Ave; disco w/ shows Nanette’s, Today, U & I, Harana all located on National Hwy; go-go bars Philippines / Palawan / Puerto Princesa / Health Provincial Hospital (12) - Malvar St Palawan Medical Center - Abad Santos St the new hospital on National Hwy junction north/south, may be finished in 1988 Dr. Miguel - Manalo St; gen. physician Dr. de Guzman - Malvar St; gen. physician Dr. Villa Fuerte - Baltan Rd; dentist Dr. Bilog - Valencia St; dentist Mercury Drug (34) - Mendoza St; drugstore Drugman (23) - Mendoza St; drugstore Philippines / Palawan / Puerto Princesa / Transportation Airplane and Helicopter Charter (4) information at Badjao Hotel jeepney & Bus Terminal (21) - Malvar St btw Mendoza and Magtanong Sts; all directions William Lines (14) - Rizal Ave Palawan Shipping Corp (17) - Demangga St Philippines / Palawan / Around Puerto Princesa White Beach - near the airport, 5 min by tricycle; entr P 3; no accommodation Museum at Palawan State College - in Tiniguiban, 5km (3min) south of Pto Princess; this museum features anthropological finds, artifacts, a butterfly and a shell collection; open weekdays 8:00- 17:00 Crocodile Farming Institute - in Irawan, PtoPrincess; a 10 hectare area for the preservation and breeding of crocodiles. Vietnamese Refugee Center - close to the airport, by tricycle; with Vietnamese rest Iwahig Penal Colony-16km (10mi) south of Pto Princesa; at the market one can hire a tricycle or take a passenger jeepney to get to Iwahig. It is the only penal colony in the world where the convict and their 'amilies are integrated with the rest of the community, living a fairly normal life. Convicts have turned farmers for their livelihood but the place also is noted for handicrafts made by the convicts for additional income. The penal colony was established in 1904. Philippines / Palawan / North Palawan HONDA BAY The fastest way to reach Honda Bay is via Barrio Tagburos is a mercury slag heap, one should not eat fish there. A dozen small islets with beautiful beaches and good sites for diving lie along the bay. Boats to the islands can be chartered in Tagburos. The best known islands of Honda Bay are Cowrie and Bat named because of the large fruit bats coming out of their holes at sundown for their evening feed. Another is Snake island, of curvaceous tongue shape and with a white sand beach noted for large and lovely shells. Other interesting islands are Canon, Pandan and Meara.
Accommodation Meara Marina Resort - Meara Island, accessible from Tagburos by outrigger (30 min) one way P 150 pp; cot 250, 450 (tb); rest, speed boat, island hopping, water skiing, diving equipment; yacht trips to the Tubbatha coral reefs (Sulu Sea) AROUND BACUNGAN Nagtabon Beach - jeepney to Maranat, then a 1.5 hr hike to the beach; a lovely stretch of white sand; however, one should bring antibiotic powder to cure the infections caused by sand flies (nik-niks); the water from the small river is not safe for drinking Acc: cot 80-250 Kiao Sea Lodge - west of Pto Princesa; luxury bungalows, full board lodging $ 50pp insl. Private transportation from/to Pto Princesa (2 hrs); restaurant, excursions by foot, jeep or boat, wind surfing and diving; information in Pto Princesa hotels; open from December 1 to May 31 ROXAS & VICINITY Accommodation Gamalain Inn - Roxas, nr market; rm 30 pp Rover Luncheonette - Roxas; rm 30 pp Coco-Loco Resort - Coco-Loco island off Roxas, 30 min by service boat from RoxasHarbor (7:00-14:00, one way P 40 pp) cot 80-100, 250 (tb)wind surfing, sailboat and speed boat; private flight (5 pass) Pto Princesa-Roxas available Mondays 7:30, return at 9:00; P 2000 one way for the whole plane, information at airport or Badjao Hotel Underground River
On the west coast, near Sabang; jeepneys to Baheli from Public Market In Puerto Princesa, then by chartered boat direct to the Underground River; however, this trip might be difficult during rainy season due to high waves; alternative route to Tagnipa and the rest of the way on foot to the village Cabayugan, where accommodation is available. One should proceed the next day with a guide. There are also special boat rides available from Port Barton. Provisions should be brought along.
The river which is situated under the St. Paul's National Park is accessible only during good weather. Bancas can go 3km (1.8mi) inside. 8.2km (5mi) of the cave have already been explored but its end has not been reached. It is believed to be the world's longest known underground river. As the journey entails passing through spacious caves inhabited by thousands of bats, knee deep guano is encountered on the way. Picture taking is possible only with cameras with powerful flashes. PORT BARTON A small fishing village with a light sand beach on the west coast north of Puerto Princesa, 7-8 hrs by jeepney; a beautiful jungle trip between San Jose and Port Barton; good sites for snorkeling and scuba diving are around the small offshore islands. Several waterfalls can be found around the village. Acc Swissipina Cottages - cot 80-10 Elsa's Beach House - rm 30 pp Marie's Cottages - cot 60-100 EL NIDO & VICINITY A small sleepy fishing village surrounded by steep cliffs. The Bacuit archipelago near El Nido, with numerous tiny islets, beautiful beaches and diving sites is a area for exciting excursions. The town is also noted for edible bird's nests, the prime ingredient for Nido soup. Accommodation El Nido Resort - Miniloc Island luxury bungalows at around $ 80 pp, including 3 buffet meals a day; high class resort with aquatic sport facilities, exciting coral gardens, scuba diving and snorkeling Mla Off Manila Garden Hotel, Makati Tel 85-79-11 bc 3907; flights with private plane from Puerto Princesa (45 mm) and from Manila (2 hrs) available Pangolasian Island Resort - cots for rent CALAUIT ISLAND In 1976, a wild life sanctuary was established on Calauit island. Not only rare Philippines species as the Calamian deer, Philippines mouse deer, Palawan peacock, bear cat scaly anteater, Philippines crocodile, and marine turtles were brought there but also some African giraffes and zebras. Allegedly, the son of desposed president Marcos, used to go hunting there. In 1979 the some 300 families living on Calauit were relocated to Culion island. That stewed a contrversy still not cleared today. CORON ISLAND Noted for fine basketry, wild honey and the Maguinit Springs with warm sulfurous waters. CUYO ISLANDGood for diving and snorkeling enthusiast. Its 300 year old church is worth visiting. Philippines / Palawan / South Palawan NARRA Acc Mt Victoria Lodge - rm 25 ppTiosin Boarding House - rm 20-45 BROOKE’S POINT A protruding spear-like black stone mountain.Acc: Sunset Garden - rm 25-120
Silayan Lodge - rm 25 pp Villa Senior - rm 20 pp QUEZON & VICINITY Quezon is the particular area of the Philippines first settled by man. It has a branch of the National Museum which exhibits stuffed examples of wildlife, collections of, insect and handicraft of the native tribes. Tabon Caves - Boats to the caves at Lipuun Point can be chartered in Quezon (30 min). The cave complex consists of about 200 caves but only few are for sightseeing. Prehistoric finds like Stone Age skeletons and simple tools prove the settling there of man some 30,500 years ago. It is believed that the caves have served as burial sites. Acc: Tabon Village Resort Diwata Cave - A burial site of native tribes. One will pass this site in going to the Tabon caves. Philippines / Palawan / Transportation Land Transportation
Land transportation on Palawan is rather uncomfortable and dusty. There are no paved roads outside towns and travelling often takes more time than expected due to breakdowns, flooded roads and landslides. Trips of several hours should always be startet in the mornings as buses and jeepneys always leave early enough to reach their final destination before late afternoon, even allowing for breakdowns.
Excursions to places off the main roads, especially in the north, are often not possible overland but can only be made by hired outrigger. Which makes such excursions quite expensive. Pto Princesa - Brooke’s Point (7-8 hrs) few buses daily Brooke’s Point - Rio Tuba: by outrigger Pto Princesa - Quezon (4-5 hrs) 1 bus daily at about 9:00 Quezon - Brooke’s Point - Batarasa (6 hrs) 1 jeepney almost daily Pto Princesa - Roxas (4-5 hrs): buses at 7:00, 9:00; jeepneys btw 7:00 and 12:00 Pto Princess - Port Barton (5-6 hrs) 2-3 jeepneys daily btw 7:00 and 12:00 Roxas - Port Barton (1 hr) jeepneys from the market in Roxas Roxas - Taytay (3 hrs): jeepneys in the morning from the market in Roxas only in the dry season; during the rainy season one can take outriggers from Tabuan, 1 km (0.6mi) north of Abongan
Taytay - El Nido: the road between Taytay and El Nido is still under construction and not passable; presently the connection is still by outrigger (3 hrs) Pto Princesa - El Nido (45 mm): by chartered plane for 5 passengers; fare is P 5000 one way for the whole plane. Mr. Brown at the airport is in charge.
FLIGHTS FROM PALAWAN P.Princesa to Days Dep Arr Fare Manila daily 7:20 8:30 782 Manila daily 120:30 21:40 548 Cebu Mo,We 12:25 14:20’ 672 SHIPPING SCHEDULE DESTINATION Isl/Port FROM Company DEPARTURE time-days! travel . time! via! vessel Luzon Manila P.Princesa William 14:00-Sun ! 25 bra / MV Misamis Manila P.Prineesa William 22:00-Wed / 32 bra ! via Malay /MV Misamis Panay lloilo P.Princesa Palawan 08:30-Sat / 17 bra Malay P.Princesa William 22:00-Wed ! 17 bra / MV Misamis Cuyo 1st Cuyo sometimes the MV Misminis 0cc. of William Lines passes Cuyo on its way to Malay (Panay)
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| Last Updated ( Wednesday, 01 October 2008 01:13 ) |
