Palawan _ Paradise Prescribed

By Gregory Curley

Contributing Writer

PALAWAN, the Philippines _ Contrary to what many die hard fans may have been led to believe, Alex Garland’s famous cult novel ``The Beach,’’ undoubtedly frayed and stowed safely away on the shelves of many a backpackers’ bookcase, was set only in Thailand due to its tremendously marketable appeal.

The reality exists, however, that the author drew his inspiration from a lesser-known, reclusive series of hideaways housing powdery white shores, towering limestone cliffs, warm crystal clear, turquoise waters and secluded, verdant lagoons. And after stepping foot upon its welcoming sands, it’s not hard to figure out why.

What made the elusive stretch of paradise all the more inviting in his mind was that amongst its far-flung lushness, maddening crowds ceased to materialize.

Unmistakably, this particular South East Asian gem of a retreat remains well beyond the fringe of commercialization, with an incredibly vast amount of yet uncharted expanse, free from imposing development and seemingly well off the maps of any worn out guidebook.

Sure Thailand boasts the frenzied, socially magnetic allure of its intoxicating nightlife _ the endless blurry streams of glowing boardwalks bordering steamy social venues, tucked tastefully away from sight, coupled with its infamous, world renowned full moon beach parties.

But such trodden trails lack all what really motivates us to get off the beaten path _ the hunt for an eco-friendly escape with all the sun drenched elements as far as unforgettable adventures go.

And if that is, in fact, what you’re after; Palawan has all the tropical trappings guaranteed to leave lasting imprints.

Just one of the over 7000 islands that collectively make up The Philippines, Palawan splinters off the country’s west coast, slicing through the Sulu Sea to its south and the South China Sea to its north.

Stretching over 2,000 kilometers, its coastline is dotted with 1,780 islands and islets, rocky coves and, of course, the aforementioned sugar-white beaches.

A mere 45min rickety, propeller-driven plane ride from Manila, it’s about as far away from civilization one can get without battling too many constraints.

The southern tip of the island is invitingly underdeveloped, while one need only venture a little further up north to experience some of the more familiar, albeit basic, comforts of home.

Regarded as one of nature’s last frontiers, the island offers some of the finest, most picturesque, virgin landscape as yet untouched from threatening capitalization. The glossy travel magazines simply don’t measure up; one needs to scale its irregular coastline to fully take in the sheer beauty of its appeal.

Of particularly striking appeal is Palawan’s magnificent archipelago of lushly carpeted islands sprouting from marine rich waters and strewn off the northwestern shores of El Nido.

The quaint little coastal village, with friendly, helpful locals, operates bangka boats that escort travelers from the mainland to outlining resorts nestled in natural wonder.

Visitors are required to pay a small fee to help aid in the preservation of Palawan’s prized habitat, and proceeds from traditional handcrafted souvenirs go toward governmental efforts that ensure the environment remains in balance. The amount is so minimal and the rewards so significant one almost wants to purchase acres just to have it forever stay the way it is.

The island of Pangulasian, with its castaway feeling of idyllic isolation is a must see. The mysterious, solemnly still beach of Helicopter Island is another highlight. And trekkers need to scribble the big and small lagoons of Miniloc Island on their itineraries.

Kayaking through their incredibly clear, peacefully pristine waters is an unforgettable experience. Miniloc Island Resort rents both kayaks and scuba diving gear for anyone adventurous enough to charter out and ``rough’’ it in Miniloc’s wildlife wonderland.

Geographically, Palawan is an island province, located in the country’s Western Visayas Region. It remains the largest in terms of actual landmass, and its clustered islands stretch from Mindoro to Borneo in the southwest, close to neighboring Malaysia.

Several smaller island groups also offer unparalleled wildlife. The Calamian Group to the north, including Busuanga, Culion and Coron Islands, are remarkably remote. There are resorts so isolated; you have the sense venturing out to these hidden, hillside hideaways that time is standing still. Coron Island also boasts world-class scuba diving, easily edging out its neighbors as the ideal place to dunk. Dimakya Island to its very north is another hidden gem, flung far off the beaten trail on a shimmery, sandy atoll where visitors can enjoy every conceivable water activity. To the south, in the Sulu Sea, are the luxurious Cuyo Islands.

The time to go is between March and May. Warm weather prevails, while the cooler, unpleasant months are from December to February. Monsoons usually strike in July and August, but the island is virtually free from typhoons.

Be forewarned to book well ahead. Given Palawan’s eco-friendly location, means of transportation remain relatively scarce. The island’s swelling growth rate, due mainly to a high influx of settlers, it is not overly surprising. With a current population of 755,412, the numbers will continue to climb on the heels of eco-tourism’s welcoming appeal.

Inspiring, rewarding and relaxing beyond anything as far as getaways go, Palawan will have you booking your next flight out back to its shores the day you return, longing to sample another slice of its wonderfully untouched landscape.

gbcurley@gmail.com