FX.co ★ Lost Paradise in Asia

Palawan covers an area of 425 kilometers long and from 8.5 to 40 kilometers wide. From time immemorial the island has been the gateway to the Philippines meeting merchants. At the end of the 19th century, the island was colonized by the United States. The former authorities left behind their Catholic faith and English language. Today, Palawan is a paradise nature, a cultural diversity (there are 87 national groups in the province) and a hospitable population.

Tourists started talking about Palawan when, due to environmental problems, the island of Boracay was closed. After that, Palawan has become almost the most attractive destination for tourists in all the Philippines.

How to get to the island? There are no direct flights to Palawan. You can get to the island through the capital of the Philippines, Manila. From there, a low-cost aircraft Cebu Pacific flies. The prices of this air carrier are very democratic. The ticket price includes the main feature of the company - flight attendants demonstrate safety rules by dancing.

The plane lands at the airport of Puerto Princesa. It is not worth staying here for more than one night. One day will be enough to see all the main sights. The world's longest underground river, which is akin to a real stone palace, is a must-see place.

Another main attraction is the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. The cathedral in honor of the Virgin Mary, who was declared in 1872 the patroness of the city, was built in a geometric style. Filipinos, as earnest Catholics, regularly attend church.

But the bulk of tourists go to Palawan because of El Nido. It is a nature reserve, which is located on an island with beautiful bays, majestic rocks, and clear water. In addition, there is only one main street in El Nido where all cafes are situated. Their variety will satisfy the tastes of any tourist: European, local and even vegan cuisine. In the Trattoria Altrove cafe, there is always a line for pizza. It is not surprising, it can really compete with the Neapolitan.

Local cuisine is pretty simple: mostly rice or noodles with vegetables and seafood. Its specialty is a suckling pig fried on a spit. Filipinos simply adore the sweet, so the local condensed milk is very popular which is added to almost all dishes, even in juices.

The main feature of this place is excursion tours through secret lagoons and neighboring small islands. Boats depart every day from the main pier, the tour takes all day and includes a chic dinner consisting of local cuisine and fruits.

You will be amazed by the local nature and the underwater world of Palawan. Diving here is considered the best in the world, and the reef of Tubbatah is recognized as the world heritage of UNESCO. If you like solitude, you can rent a kayak or a private boat and get to the neighboring beach in less than half an hour.

You will see Filipinos playing a game of backgammon, cards or billiards everywhere. Local residents are very gambling. But basketball is a "sacred" game for Filipinos. Even in a village in the woods, you will find a basketball court. Baseball caps, sports shirts, and shorts are a local high fashion.

It's so beautiful here that it's hard to believe in the reality of what's happening.