Palawan

The known history of Palawan begins 22,000 - 24,000 years ago with the Tabon Man whose remains were discovered in 1962. Because of this, the Tabon Caves are also referred to as the Cradle of Philippine Civilisation. Malay settlers from Borneo began arriving in the 12th Century. In the 14th Century, Palawan was placed under the control of the Sultanate of Borneo, although there was a conflicting claim with the Sultanate of Sulu. There are several variations as to the origin of the name Palawan. In Chinese, from Pa Lau Yu meaning Land of Beautiful Harbours. In Indian, Palawans meaning Territory. Another origin is from a plant called Palwa but the most popular is from Paragua in Spanish, a reference to the shape of the island resembling a closed umbrella. When the Spanish arrived to the area in 1591, they tried to establish some influence over the Calamianes and missionaries established settlements in 1622 which were later raided by Moros. The Sultan of Sulu ceded Palawan to the Spanish in 1705 and the Sultan of Brunei ceded territory to the Spanish in 1749. Despite this, the Spanish had little control over Palawan because of Moro hostility. The area was established as the Calamianes province in 1818 which was divided in 1858 - 1859 into the sub-provinces of Asturias and Castilla and later, the Balabac, Calamianes and Paragua districts. With the arrival of the Americans, the Paragua province was established in 1902 which was renamed Palawan in 1903.

Puerto Princesa City

There are three different origins as to the name Puerto Princesa. The first is from the name of a Spanish princess, the second, a princess-like maiden who roamed around the area certain nights of the year, and the third as the area is a princess of ports, a reference to it being a very good natural and deep harbour that can accommodate any size of ship. The Spanish established a settlement in the area on March 4, 1872. In May the same year, the port became the centre of Spanish naval operations because there were few natives in the area and because of the good natural harbour conditions. Settlers began to arrive and by 1883, the town had a hospital and port. Puerto Princesa became the capital of the Palawan province in 1911 and became a city on January 1, 1970.

American POW Camp and Rizal Park

The remains of what was once used as a prisoners of war camp for Americans during the Japanese occupation in WWII. (May 2004)

154 American prisoners were forced into small trenches then the Japanese doused them with petrol and set them on fire. Only 11 survived. (May 2004)

There is little left of the structure that served as the American POW camp. (May 2004)

Across the road from the POW camp is Rizal Park with the Puerto Princesa City cathedral looming in the background. (May 2004)

Butterfly Garden

The Palawan Butterfly Garden located in Santa Monica, Puerto Princesa City. (May 2004)

It includes butterflies not only native to the province, but, from other parts of Southeast Asia too. (May 2004)

Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Centre

The skin and skeleton of a very large crocodile! (May 2004)

Some of the of the medium size crocodiles outside in their cage area. (May 2004)

Other wildlife like this Ostrich can be found on the grounds too. (May 2004)

The Palawan bearcat, also known as binturong and the Malay civet cat, is neither a bear nor a cat. (May 2004)

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

Departing for the Puerto Princesa Subterranean National Park and its underground river. (May 2004)

The contours of this landscape resemble those of a human face (turn it 90 degrees clockwise). (May 2004)

One of the residents of the national park that roam freely around the area. (May 2004)

The entrance to the Underground River. (May 2004)

The 8.2 kilometre long river runs through a cave beneath limestone and marble cliffs. (May 2004)

Within the cave are stalactites, pillars and rock formations. (May 2004)

Exiting the Underground River from the same entrance after a brief tour inside. (May 2004)

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