Pristine Palawan: An Eco-friendly Getaway
Katie Kenny says farewell to Wi-Fi and gears up for an eco-friendly journey through northern Palawan’s pristine karst landscapes and aqua blue waters. Photos by Chris Place and Katie Kenny.
The island province of Palawan has managed so far to escape the grasp of tourism and is therefore often referred to as the Philippines’ “last frontier:” Most of the fishing province is unapologetically without Wi-Fi, banks or credit card machines. It’s not for everyone. But as one of the most beautiful island chains in Asia, Palawan welcomes a mix of travelers, from backpackers to those who like a bit of pampering, wreck divers to adventure newbs, motorcyclists to boat-trippers. Once you’ve experienced the Palawan way of life, you’ll find it hard to leave that blissful simplicity behind.
Boat to Basics
The five-day open-group expedition (PHP25,000 ($4,332)) travels between the regions of Coron and El Nido, stopping at different community-owned base camps along the way. You island-hop, snorkel, drink a lot of rum and beer—possibly drunkenly sing old-school karaoke all night if there’s a typhoon—and eat amazingly fresh and delicious organic seafood.
Breakfast on the boat