Considered as the “last frontier” of the Philippines, Palawan is a group of islands that harbor tremendously diverse endemic animals and plants. What sets Palawan apart from all the others is its natural assets. This is the most sterling quality that makes Palawan one of the world’s best destinations for relaxation. The Calamianes Group of Islands, for instance, offers unique islands so astounding that Palawan island hopping tours have become an essential part of anyone’s itinerary when visiting the province.
Diving: The Best Way to Do It
Diving is one of the most exciting ways to explore the province’s treasures. You can find several dive sites in Palawan, each promising its own offerings. Some Palawan tours include diving excursions. On the west side and northeast of Busuanga, you can take a back-to-the-past leap by looking at Japanese shipwrecks from World War II. If you wish to experience the diverse underwater life of Palawan, think about going to the Apo Reef Natural Park. The place is teeming tuna, mantas, and mackerel. Feeling more adventurous? Dive a little deeper and you might catch a view of more fascinating creatures.
Dugong Dive Center Club
See the dugongs, the “mermaids of the sea,” in their natural habitat when visiting the Dugong Dive Center at Club Paradise. Dugong (Sea Cow) Watching Trips lets you observe these gentle mammals. Make sure this trip is part of your Palawan tours. Dugongs consume about 25 kilos of seagrass each day. The sea cow’s life span reaches up to 75 years. The female sea cow has to wait for 10 years before it can have a baby. Gestation takes 13 months. Calves (baby sea cows) suckle from their mothers for 18 months. When fully grown, they measure up to three meters in length and can weigh as much as 400 kilos.
The Rock
If you haven’t seen pygmy seahorses yet, this is your great chance. Tara Island is on the north eastern side of Busuanga, Palawan. It houses a famous dive site called “The Rock.” You’ll find an abundance of seagrasses, gorgonians (sea fans), soft corals, feather stars, and sponges where pygmy seahorses live at the site. Pygmy seahorses are tiny, well-camouflaged seahorses. They can be as short as 14 millimeters, so they can be very difficult to spot in their habitat. When you plan your Palawan tours, don’t forget to put these fascinating little creatures on your list.