Palawan, the narrow group of islands found in the western part of the Philippines, is the largest province in the country. Consisting of a number of islands that have been gaining popularity among tourists because of its breathtaking natural beauty, Palawan is a treasure trove of immaculate beaches, unexplored coral reefs, diving and mountain sites, rock formations and an underground river which made it to the list of one of the world’s wonders. Palawan takes on the name of the province’s largest island, Palawan island. Other main islands that comprise the province are the Calamianes group of Islands, Kalayaan group of islands, Busuanga, Coron and Culion. Palawan is also home to virgin and pristine beaches, and is protected by environmental groups to maintain its natural and exquisite beauty. The abundant marine life with rich coral reefs has made Palawan a sought-after diving site. The capital city of the province is Puerto Princesa, where the Subterranean River National Park can be found. A UNESCO Heritage Site, this underground river has been named the 8th Wonder of the World. The river is also a significant habitat for biodiversity conservation that is situated in an area considered as one of the most important forests in Asia. Another tourist destination in Palawan is the Tubbataha Reef Marine Park, which encompasses 332 square kilometers of coral reefs and lagoons teeming with marine life. The park also serves as a nesting site for birds and turtles that are abundant in the island.
