Open
the “Last Wild Frontier” of the Philippines and use the EZ
Map Palawan to help you find and enjoy the natural
wilderness, superb scenery, diving and fishing that makes
Palawan so special.
About Palawan Philippines
Based on the 2000 census, the population of the entire province is
737,000. The province is a melting pot of 87 different cultural groups
and races who live together in peace and harmony. Basically, its culture
bears a strong influence from China, India and the Middle East. Influx
of migrants from other parts of the Philippines, particularly from
Muslim Mindanao, accounts for the high population growth rate of 3.98%
annually. The native-born Palaweños still predominate the populace.
Eighteen percent is composed of cultural minority groups such as the
Tagbanua, Palawano, Batak, and Molbog.
Palawan, the only Philippine island cited, is rated by National
Geographic Traveler magazine as the best island destination in East and
Southeast Asia region in 2007, and the 13th best island in the world
having "incredibly beautiful natural seascapes and landscapes. One of
the most biodiverse (terrestrial and marine) islands in the
Philippines... The island has had a Biosphere Reserve status since early
1990s, showing local interest for conservation and sustainable
development.
Palawan Video
Palawan Photos
Seven lakes surrounded by craggy limestone cliffs attract hundreds of
nature lovers to Coron Reefs in Northern Palawan, near the town of Coron.
Busuanga Island, whose main town is Coron, is the jump-off point for
numerous dive operators. The principal dive sites are 12 World War II
Japanese shipwrecks sunk on September 24, 1944 by US Navy action. They
range in depth from the surface to 40 meters. This large variety offers
exciting wreck exploration for enthusiasts, from novice divers and
snorkelers and recreational divers to experienced TEC divers. Dive
operators offer PADI dive courses ranging from Discover Scuba to
Assistant Instructor, Technical and Enriched Air Diving, as well as
other specialty courses. Dive operators offer day diving, snorkeling
trips, and overnight dive safaris. Live-aboard and charter boats also
offer diving in the area. The aquatic views from the sunken Japanese
warships off Coron Island are listed in Forbes Traveler Magazine’s top
10 best scuba sites in the world.
The province has two types of climate. The first, which occurs in the
northern and southern extremities and the entire western coast, has two
distinct seasons – six months dry and six months wet. The other, which
prevails in the eastern coast, has a short dry season of one to three
months and no pronounced rainy period during the rest of the year. The
southern part of the province is virtually free from tropical
depressions but northern Palawan experiences torrential rains during the
months of July and August. Summer months serve as peak season for
Palawan. Sea voyage is most favorable from March to early June when the
seas are calm.
Palawan's economy is basically agricultural. The three major crops are
palay, corn and coconut. Mineral resources include nickel, copper,
manganese, and chromite. Logging is also a major industry. Palawan has
one of the richest fishing grounds in the country. About 45% of Manila's
supply of fish comes from here. Having natural gas reserves of
approximately 30,000 trillion cubic feet, the province is the only
oil-producing province in the country.
