The hidden paradise of Palawan, Philippines

Not many people know about the island Province of Palawan in the Mimarop region, and even though it is the largest province in the Philippines, it remains unspoilt and ripe for exploring.

The best way to see it is with a local Filipino company like Tao that fosters ecotourism and sustainability while introducing tourists to these islands’ local way of life.

I would spend three days with a group using one of Tao’s small vessels and doing some island hopping. We started our adventure on the island of Busuanga,  connected by air to the capital Manila.

We had to go through a fairly rigorous training session before setting sail. It started with a quick geography lesson to give us our bearings, followed by packing instructions and stressing the importance of our “dry bag.” This is self-explanatory, particularly as we would get off the boat and use kayaks to reach some islands.

The accommodation was little huts.

This experience showed me many of the fundamental cultural elements of basic life in these remote islands. It also tested me to see if I could live in a little hut under a bamboo roof and cope with sharing time and space with strangers. So I was about to find out.

The cruise itinerary was not set as it would change to adjust to the tidal vagaries, weather and passenger requests. The following day, we set off in our Bangka boat.

Bangla Boat in the open sea

This type of craft is the favoured method of transport for Filipinos living in coastal or wetland areas. Ours had a kitchen, toilet cleansed by seawater and a large storage area for our kit. It comes with large outriggers for stability and skims gracefully through the water.

Tangat Island

We soon found ourselves in the open sea but could just make out the hilly landscape of Coron. We were heading towards our first stop – Tangat Island – famous for its clear water diving and marine life. Here, on the sea bed, is a wrecked ship that attracts fish and other marine life. Great for divers. Even surface snorkelling, I could see the wreck’s many phantoms below.

Lusong

Creamy sands and crystal clear water of Lusong

After this activity, we had a relaxed lunch on board our boat, all the food being organic and sourced from local farms. Then, after lunch, we headed to the nearby island of Lusong, Coral Garden, where we enjoyed a brief stop to enjoy the soft, creamy sands and the crystal clear waters.

Patsy Island

Sunset at Patsy Island

The third island of the day was Patsy Island, our overnight stop. We swam ashore while our belongings travelled in style by kayak. Before we began dinner, we took the opportunity to marvel at the stunning sunset. You may have seen them in photos, but this was for real, and it was gorgeous.

Dinner consisted of local fruits and vegetables, fish and egg dishes. Because the only electricity source on the island powered up for four hours in the evening, we all rushed to charge our mobiles after dinner.

Culion

Rock shot  out of the water, perfect for climbing and diving

We slept well and woke up early with the rising of the sun. It was a busy schedule, so we hurriedly ate our breakfast on board as we headed towards the tip of Culion, where a wall of rock shot out of the water. Some of our group went ashore to climb the rock and, from the top, dive down into the clear blue waters.

Kulaylayan Island

Our voyage between Culion and Linapacan Islands meant venturing out into open water. This time it was a bit rough and, even with the stabilising effect of the outriggers, my stomach rejoiced when we reached the sheltered sea surrounding Kulaylayan Island.

Here and the Cagdanao Islands were the next islands we sailed past. It seemed that the water here was even clearer with more marine life. Yes, the temptation was Irresistible, and I dived in and snorkelled to my heart’s content.

Tabayan Base on Campon

On the last night of this adventure, we camped at Tabayan Base on Campon. This is an uninhabited island, but the crew and guides produced a barbecue of grilled fish which we had seen them catch during the day. No one wanted the day to end, so we sat singing and reminiscing until sleep claimed us.

I started my final day with a cold shower behind a wooden bamboo curtain in the woods. We stopped at El Nido Island, from where we journeyed for about an hour to Pangaraycayan. Here was a long white sandy beach shaded by tall palm trees. Sadly it was time to head back to Manila.

Back in my Manila hotel room, the last few wonderful days seemed just a dream.

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