Palawan

Balabac, Palawan: A DIY Travel Guide to the Main Island

Posted on August 9, 2023

Balabac, the southernmost municipality of Palawan Province, has gained popularity as a tourist destination only in the past ten years. Fortunately, it remains non-touristy as compared to the northern destinations like El Nido and Coron. This is largely due to its remote location. To get to Balabac island from Puerto Princesa International Airport, one has to take a six-hour van ride to Buliyan Port, then transfer to a speedboat (1 hour) or ferry (2-3 hours) to the main island. MostRead More→

Puerto Princesa, Palawan: A Heritage Walking Tour

Posted on July 13, 2023

The provincial capital of Puerto Princesa City — and the rest of Palawan — may be known foremost for its natural beauty, but a handful of historic sights is worth visiting at the city center. The provincial capital is the gateway to the Palawan mainland by air and sea, and most travelers often make a beeline to the World Heritage-listed underground river or the island-hopping paradise of El Nido. However, it’s worth staying in the city center for a nightRead More→

Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park: Liveaboard Diving with M/Y Narayana

Posted on April 25, 2023

After an unexpected postponement three years ago due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I finally ticked off one of my dream dive destinations this summer! Last March 17 to 23, I joined the season’s first trip of M/Y Narayana liveaboard to Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, the crown jewel of scuba diving in Philippines. Consisting of reef-fringed atolls in the heart of the Sulu Sea, Tubbataha is an isolated dive destination that may only be safely visited by more than a dozenRead More→

Wanderlust Bed & Breakfast: New Palawan-Themed Boutique Hotel in Puerto Princesa City

Posted on April 1, 2023

As the largest province in the Philippines, teeming with natural wonders, no other place inspires wanderlust like Palawan province. Centrally located along the pencil-shaped island, the provincial capital of Puerto Princesa City is the perfect jump-off point for adventures to El Nido, Port Barton, and the region’s two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park and Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park. Wanderlust Bed & Breakfast is one of the newest accommodations in town, conveniently located along Rizal Avenue,Read More→

Mount Magarwak: Stunning Sunrise Hike in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan

Posted on August 21, 2022

When plans for a Mt. Victoria hike fell through, I decided to look for easy yet rewarding day hikes in Puerto Princesa City, the provincial capital of Palawan. Situated only 17 km north of the city center, Mount Magarwak is one of the most accessible hiking trails. Popular among local hikers and off-road bikers, this row of forested hills in Barangay Bacungan rises only a little over 300 masl but offers impressive views overlooking Honda Bay and the lush mountainsRead More→

Malampaya Sound: Watching Rare Irrawaddy Dolphins in Taytay, Palawan

Posted on July 28, 2022

After spending an incredible week in El Nido, I decided to revisit Taytay before continuing further south to Puerto Princesa City, the capital of Palawan, Philippines. I’ve been to this quiet coastal town a couple of times before, as I never tire of visiting the beautiful 18th-century fortification of Fort Santa Isabel. Aside from the heritage sites, I wanted to visit Malampaya Sound for the first time to see a rare marine resident. Declared a protected area in 2000, theRead More→