Dubbed as the Philippine’s last frontier, the island of Palawan is a natural sanctuary which hosts a multifarious array of natural wonders and exotic locations, making it the ideal destination for family vacations. Palawan, Philippines is enveloped in a mantle of thick rainforests, with majestic mountain ranges and unspoiled beaches surrounding its limits. The coral shelf which extends far out into the sea is flourishing with varied marine life.

The island province of Palawan is also the last remaining habitat for the mousedeer and the scaled anteater, as well as flora and fauna which are rarely found anywhere else. Near Puerto Prinsesa, Palawan is Saint Paul’s Underground River, an eight-kilometer stretch of meandering waterways which traverse under an almost endless succession of caverns. The underground river is truly of distinct charm, as the British captain who surveyed Palawan, Philippines in the 19th century was so enthralled at the striking resemblance of the rock formations with St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, that he used the namesake for christening it. There are guided tours on paddle boats through it, for a cost of 250 pesos (about 5 dollars) per person; even the most curious child’s wanderlust will be sated with what waits within. The scent of fresh earth and crystal waters, the play of lights on the immense walls and the vaulted ceilings, and the sublime rock formations lend a sense of mystery and spirituality with the area. Puerto Prinsesa, Palawan is the province’s pride, and the underground river is its treasured gem.

The entire family can take a nature hike in the El Nido Marine Reserve, a popular attraction within easy access from Puerto Prinsesa, Palawan. This 96,000-acre ecosystem of rainforests, coral and limestone reefs, white beaches, and mangroves is the breeding ground for a wide variety of fishes, as well as the manta ray and the ‘dugong,’ or sea cow. African animals coexist in perfect harmony with those endemic to the province of Palawan, Philippines in the Calauit Island Wildlife Sanctuary, and Rio Tuba Village in Palawan offers a haven for the numerous species of birds which congregate in the area, two hours to sunset. You can book a reservation with everything practically covered at the El Nido, Palawan resort, either at Miniloc or Lagen Island. There is a striking contrast between the two, as the former is surrounded by steep limestone cliffs, and the latter boasts of lush forests and a magnificent sunset. Either way, the accommodations and services are truly a class on its own, considering that you can have a sampling of various cuisines at such a secluded location. And you can engage in snorkeling just off of the shore if you wish. One of El Nido’s main attractions is the Big Lagoon, which can be reached with a fifteen-minute kayak trip from Miniloc. You can also go way out to sea and explore the Tubbattaha Reefs southeast of Puerto Prinsesa, Palawan. This UNESCO Natural heritage site is a protected ecosystem of teeming marine life, and is open in the tropical summer months. There is something in Palawan, Philippines for everyone in the family, and small children will especially enjoy the pleasant thrills which nature has in store for them.