
▲ Palawan in the Philippines is known as the last unspoiled paradise, resembling a slice of heaven on Earth. (Photo / Reporter Chen Zi-Yin)
Reporter Chen Zi-Yin / Special Report
Palawan in the Philippines is known as“the last frontier”, and was recently voted by readers of the renowned American magazine Condé Nast Traveler as the best island in the world for 2014. Beating out islands from Europe, the Americas, and Australia, what exactly makes Palawan so enchanting?
Like a piece of heaven, 56% of Palawan is covered in pristine forests and mangroves. It was designated as a fish and wildlife sanctuary as early as 1967, and boasts the highest number of coral reefs in the world—600 species, even more than Australia’s Great Barrier Reef with 400—making it a dream destination for divers thanks to its completely natural beauty and ecology;Rita, a Taiwanese woman who has worked as a guide in the Philippines for two years, said: “Palawan is still relatively unknown to Taiwanese travelers, but it’s definitely worth a visit, especially Coron Island in Northern Palawan, where you can experience the vibe of a hidden paradise.” Rita highly recommends Coron Island and the nearby Seven Maidens Islands (Siete Picados).
Seven Maidens Islands
Rita says the Seven Maidens Islands is a special protected area, with its underwater world at depths of about 4 to 15 meters featuring a rich variety of colorful tropical fish and coral reefs. Snorkelers might even encounter jellyfish here. The waters around the island are ideal for first-time snorkeling.
Coron Island
The highly acclaimed Coron Island is the most unmissable and breathtaking island in Northern Palawan. It is home to Kayangan Lake, known as “the cleanest lake in the Philippines,” also called Cayangan Lake, which is surrounded by towering coral limestone cliffs. Its crystal-clear, emerald-green waters are so transparent that you can see fish swimming even without diving. Another highlight is the hidden gem within a gem—Twin Lagoon, two lakes separated by rocks. To reach the inner lake, you must swim through a hole in the rocks. The small lake, nestled among towering cliffs, is incredibly beautiful. It can only be described as a hidden paradise on Earth, offering visitors an unforgettable sense of tranquility.

▲ The Seven Maidens Islands are often the first diving spot for tourists, featuring calm waters and abundant marine life. (Photo / Reporter Chen Zi-Yin)

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Busuanga Main Island
Additionally, Rita recommends the western waters of Busuanga Island (Busuanga Island), such as the WWII shipwreck Lusong Gunboat, visible up close while snorkeling, about a two-hour boat ride from the main island; the 500-meter-long Coral Garden, where the diversity of coral species is astounding, and you can simply float on the surface to see tens of thousands of vibrant corals right before your eyes. There’s also Pass Island, home to a large number of giant clams. All are must-visit islands for island-hopping.

▲ The WWII shipwreck Lusong Gunboat can be closely explored while snorkeling, and the coral-covered hull is quite a stunning sight. (Photo / Reporter Chen Zi-Yin)

▲%济嘌拥00米的珊瑚礁花园,大量软硬珊瑚聚集相当美丽。(图/记者陈姿吟摄)



▲ Pass Island is a gathering place for giant clams. (Photo / Reporter Chen Zi-Yin)
Starfish Island
In the central Puerto Princesa area, locals joke about the “Comeback Comeback Syndrome,” meaning once you come, you’ll want to come back.; The Puerto Princesa area is also perfect for an island-hopping trip. Ajun, who has been guiding island tours for 20 years, said: “I highly recommend Starfish Island, Pandan Island, and Snake Island northeast of Honda Bay—they’re the three must-visit islands for island-hopping.” Starfish Island is famous for its sea stars, which are said to be “the tears of the princess,” and they are often seen in large numbers along the shore. Tourists love taking photos with them, but remember to put them back in the ocean!


▲ Starfish Island is named for its large population of resident sea stars. (Photo / Reporter Chen Zi-Yin)
Pandan Island
Pandan Island (Pandan Island) is a laid-back and peaceful little island, loved by many Filipino families for holidays. With its azure waters, white sandy beaches, and swaying palm trees, it's a true tropical paradise. Locals enjoy saying “Mommy, I don’t want to go home,” as they relax under the shade while sipping fresh coconut water or savoring the delicious grilled seafood.
Snake Island
Snake Island (Snake Island) is named for its 4-kilometer stretch of pristine white sand. The island features powder-fine white sands, countless crabs, shellfish, and living coral. Unfortunately, Snake Island was recently purchased by someone and is currently closed to the public. Ajun mentioned that if the new owner plans to develop it, it may reopen for visitors in the future.

▲ The relaxed Pandan Island is also a favorite holiday destination for Filipinos. (Photo / Reporter Chen Zi-Yin)
Tubbataha Reefs
The Tubbataha Reefs (Tubbataha Reef), located in the middle of the Sulu Sea in southern Palawan, are the most renowned area for diving, featuring 33,200 hectares of coral reefs where a wide variety of tropical fish, groupers, sea turtles, and even sharks can be seen. According to guide Rita, due to climate and ocean currents, the Tubbataha Reefs are best visited between March and May. However, they are too far from the main island of Palawan, usually requiring liveaboard trips on the sea, and participating in such a diving journey costs over 2,000 USD per person.
Introduction to Palawan Island
A long, narrow island located in the southwest of the Philippines, administratively part of Palawan Province. Most of the area remains undeveloped and is rich in biodiversity. Covering an area of approximately 11,785 square kilometers, it is the fifth largest island in the Philippines. There are no direct flights from Taiwan to the Palawan region; travelers can take a flight with Cebu Pacific to Manila and then transfer. They can enter northern Palawan via Busuanga Airport in Coron or fly to Puerto Princesa International Airport to reach the Puerto Princesa area.
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