Sunday, February 26, 2012

Palawan: The Final Frontier of the Philippines

The province of Palawan is located on the Philippines' western border. It is located southwest of Manila and it will only take an hour-long flight to get there. Palawan is an idyllic paradise with an invitingly calm atmosphere and nature themes of tropical bliss. It is a fine getaway from the tiring daily grind of work and an ideal place to take a time out from life's pressures.

Palawan Climate

Like the rest of this tropical country, Palawan gets a lot of rainfall during the months of June to December. January to May give favorable weather and is perfect for a summer escapade. The southern part of Palawan enjoys virtually no storms, however it does experience tropical rains. The perfect time to sail to the province is from March to June. The summer months still remain as the peak season for tourists and travelers.

Palawan Origins

It is believed that the name of Palawan came from a Chinese word that means a safe beautiful harbor. Another theory is that the Spanish named the place after the shape of the main island that resembles a closed umbrella. Palawan's history reaches far back even before the Philippines was under colonial rule. Relics like porcelain and jars found on the islands date back from the country's pre-colonial era and also means that the early inhabitants of this small archipelago was actively engaged in trade.

Palawan's Sights

People come to Palawan for its beaches, waterfalls, hot springs, dive sites, caves, and other ecotourism destinations. Some of the popular sites are the Underground River, Tigman Beach, Manikit Hot Springs, Estrella Falls, Mangit Cave, and Miniloc Island Lagoons. Diving is also a huge attraction here in Palawan. The place has a variety of dive sites to thrill diving enthusiasts. Wreck divers will especially have a fun time, as there are many wreck sites here to see.

Palawan's Accommodations

There are a lot of places to stay in Palawan in case you decide to travel here. There are many hotels of different classes, inns, and pension houses to serve and accommodate and budget. Some standard class hotels in Palawan include The Legend Hotel, Airport Hotel, Asturias Hotel, and Hotel Fleuris. Staying in one of the world class resorts here is a good idea if you want to be closer to wonderful nature scenes.
Two of the best places you might want to check out are Dos Palmas Island Resort and Puerto Beach resort. Both resorts offer rustic scenes and tropical comforts. Some of the other resorts that you might be interested to see are Lally and Abet Beach Resorts, El Nido Resorts, BM Lamuro Resort and Spa, and Princesa Holiday Resort.

For those who are a bit short on the budget, they can go for one of the inns and pension houses that dot this island province. These pension houses and inns offer different grades of service and accommodation. A short sample list of these places include the following: Lola Itang Pension, Badjao Inn, Bulwagang Princessa Inn, Circon Lodge, Hillside Resort, Moana Hotel, Duchess Pension, and Payuyo Pension.

Palawan's Restaurants


Palawan is not only a place for immersing with nature; it is also a perfect venue for some enjoyable food tripping. Hence, to top off one’s relaxing vacation in Palawan, here are some restaurants that provide the guests an unforgettable dining experience:

Badjao Seafront Restaurant

Known for serving delectable seafood cuisine, this restaurant that is the namesake of a Filipino ethnic tribe is situated on a lovely white beach giving the guests a romantic view of Palawan’s natural beauty. Badjao Seafront Restaurant serves native Filipino and international cuisines. Dishes that are highly recommended include the Lobster, which costs 135 pesos per 100 grams, and the Squid, which costs 175 pesos per 300 grams. Meals are also affordable, as they range from 95 pesos to 295 pesos. Set meals are served with a side dish choice of rice, vegetables and French fries are chosen from chicken, beef and fish as main course. This restaurant serves a nature-inspired ambience, from the walkway covered with trees to its wooden interiors. Badjao Seafood Restaurant is specifically located at Abueg Road in Puerto Princesa, and can be contacted by calling 63-48-433-9912.

Bilao at Palayok Seafood and Native Restaurant

Bilao at Palayok Seafood and Native Restaurant is one of the most frequented stopovers in Palawan. This restaurant offers the classic Filipino dining experience as it has a country-style ambience complete with bamboo cottages. Guests can sit inside the cottages for a more private setting and enjoy Palawan’s cool, fresh air. The restaurant specializes in grilled Filipino dishes, mostly pork, seafood and chicken. The price of the budget meals in the restaurant cost around 70 to 80 pesos, while meals for more than two persons cost 150 to 500 pesos, depending on the serving size. This restaurant is a perfect ambience for family and friends who want to experience a country-style dining at affordable rates. The place is located at 353 in Rizal Avenue at Puerto Princesa. For booking and reservations, call 63-48-433-6190.

Café Arturo

Café Arturo is a family-owned restaurant that serves international and Filipino dishes. This restaurant is known for its friendly staff and its very hands-on owners, which are sure to provide you with warm hospitality. Café Arturo boasts of many delectable dishes including the lobster thermidore and the crab cooked with butter and garlic sauce. Meals are more expensive than average since prices start at 150 pesos. However, guests are sure to enjoy their meals inside the restaurant where they are met with Palawan’s fresh air provided by the restaurant’s picturesque garden. Café Arturo is found at Mahogany Drive in San Jose, Puerto Princesa, and can be contacted at 63-48-433-4146.
Read more about Café Arturo

Ka Lui Restaurant

Ka Lui Restaurant is a quaint, nature-inspired restaurant frequented by locals and regular tourists. Guests dine at Ka Lui while enjoying the picturesque landscape of the mini-waterfalls and the gardens outside the restaurant. Ka Lui offers only seafood dishes ranging from lobster to tuna. Desserts offer a native theme as they are composed of fruits, coconut and native rice cakes. Visitors are asked to remove their footwear and enter the restaurants barefooted, and courtesy might compel one to do so. However, the restaurant exudes a clean and peaceful vice with its cool bamboo interiors and tranquil environment. Meals are affordable given the quality of food and service, as price ranges from 100 to 150 pesos. Ka Lui Restaurant is located at 369 Rizal Avenu in Puerto Princesa, and can be contacted through 63-48-433-25-80.
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Kamarikutan Kape and Galeri

Kamarikutan Kape and Galeri, which translates to “Wilnerness Café and Gallery”, is a coffee shop that serves as a haven for Palawan’s best artists. As the province of Palawan continually becomes an inspiration for artists through its natural beauty, Kamaricutan promotes local artists in a nature-and-art-inspired setting. Also known for serving the best snacks, coffees and local dishes, this place is a local hangout for artists and guests who want to chill out with music and drinks. Kamaricutan Café and Gallery helps out local artists by selling the art pieces that they put on display. Kamaricutan Café and Gallery is located at the Rizal Avenue in Puerto Princesa, and can be contacted at 63-48-433-5182.

Balay Tubay

Considered as the oldest residence at El Nido in Palawan, Balay Tubay features a restaurant that offers delicious and affordable meals to locals and tourists. The restaurant specializes in European as well as Filipino delicacies. The prices of meals at this dining place range between Php 100 to Php 300. If you want to unwind after visiting the tourist destinations in El Nido, you can listen to western music played by live band at this restaurant. Discounted prices of alcoholic beverages are offered from 5 pm to 7 pm. In addition, the place has a section where customers can view handicrafts and artworks by local craftsmen and artists.
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Balinsasayaw Grill

If you are craving for authentic Filipino dishes, one of the best places to see in the province is Balinsasayaw Grill. Travelers will not have problems with budget when they dine at this establishment since they can order meals for as low as Php 60. Some of the most ordered dishes at this place are calamares, grilled liempo, grilled chicken Bicol Express, Adobong Pusit and Sinigang na Baboy. The ambiance at this restaurant is very homey and romantic. The establishment opens at 8:30 am to 10:30 pm.
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Cashew Bar and Restaurant

Cashew Bar and Restaurant is located beside Rovic’s Inn along Hama Street within Barangay Masagana in El Nido. The operating hours of this dining establishment is from 6 am to 11 pm. The restaurant specializes in Filipino delicacies as well as seafood dishes. Customers can have a relaxing time at the place because it offers a nice and relaxing beach view. The prices of meals at this establishment range from Php 200 to Php 400. The ambiance at the dining place is very cozy so customers can have a relaxing time at this establishment.
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Squido’s

A simple and small dining place along Calle Hama at Barangay Masagana in El Nido, Squido’s offers European and Filipino dishes. The dining area of the restaurant is relaxing. The prices of meals at this dining establishment range from Php 50 to Php 200. Examples of delicious viands offered at the restaurant are Sinigang na Baboy, fried porkchop, Adobong Manok as well as fried chicken. Sometimes the dining place serves satisfying Filipino breakfast meals to consumers like Longsilog, Tocilog and Tapsilog. The prices of beverages offered at Squido’s are between Php 15 to Php 30.
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Tom Tom Club

If you crave for a satisfying and scrumptious steak, then you should consider visiting the Tom Tom Club at Manalo Extension in Puerto Princesa. This establishment serves Austrian and German dishes like paella and Pepper Steak with Jacked Potato. Music lovers can have an enjoyable time at this dining area because it has a wide selection of songs compiled in CDs. Once a week, a live band performs at the restaurant. All the dishes and beverages offered at this restaurant cost less than Php 400.
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Bistro Cabalen

Bistro Cabalen is one of the inviting restaurants at Quezon Street in the City of Puerto Princesa. Tourists who want to taste Kapampangan dishes should try the specialties in this place. Some of the delectable dishes available at this place are the Cabalen Sisig, Inihaw na Hito with Buro Hipon, Dinuguan and Kare-Kare. Dishes are priced below Php 200. The place is very relaxing and it promotes Filipino style of dining. The waiters at the restaurant are accommodating and approachable. Additionally, the place offers buffet dining for affordable price so travelers can feast at mouthwatering Kapampangan delicacies
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Bulwagang Princesa Restaurant

Bulwagang Princesa Restaurant is easy to find because it is situated along the National Highway of Santa Monica, El Nido. This dining place is open 24 hours a day. It specializes in Filipino delicacies. The food available at the restaurant is reasonably price. The prices of the dishes range from Php 150 to Php 400. Since it is inside the Bulwagang Princesa Tourist Inn, customers can expect a peaceful and serene environment. Additionally, the restaurant has a relaxing atmosphere and it is only few minutes away from El Nido beaches and tourist spots.
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Haim Chicken Inato

If your budget is below Php 200 and you want to have a satisfying meal, then you can dine at Haim Chicken Inato. A single serving of Chicken Inato, the specialty of the house, costs Php 73. It includes rice and atchara, a Filipino side dish made of unripe papaya. Another special dish offered at the establishment is Tuna Kilawin, which is priced at Php 120. For beverage, customers can order the delicious Ube Shake for only Php 38.
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Ayette's Bamboo House Restaurant

Ayette’s Bamboo House Restaurant is found within Port Barton in Palawan, which specializes in different kinds of beef, pork and chicken dishes. More than anything else, this dining facility is famous for its delectable seafood treats especially the crabs. Another notable dish is the Stuffed Squid, which is served with tomatoes and other vegetables. It has a refreshing and relaxing ambiance from the inside all the way out. Expect to pay somewhere around 500 pesos to 1,000 pesos.

Ditchay

Ditchay is another classy first-rate restaurant situated within Puerto Princesa City. It serves lunch, snacks as well as dinner. The presentation of the different types of food is quite impressive, which provides special attention even to the smallest details. It serves fixed menus for lunch, all of which are guaranteed to satisfy customers. For dessert, no one deny the pleasant goodness of Tarte Mimosa. After sumptuous meals, guests can try the Profiteroles, which is a special dish known for its distinctively sweet and pleasant taste. It is open from 11am until 12mn. Aside from these yummy treats, the place also serves pitik, crabs and huge prawns. The place is clean while the ambiance is very nice.
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Blueazul Restaurant

Located along Calle Real Street at Buena Suerta within the area of El Nido, Blueazul Restaurant is one of the highly interesting food service providers in Palawan. The service is good, which complements well the wide selection of delicious dishes. The prices are not that bad, with a budget of only about 200 pesos to 300 pesos enough to satisfy every customer. Aside from the food, there are other services available inside such as van for hire, boat rentals and island hopping arrangements. Furthermore, customers can also access have free wireless internet access whenever they dine inside this place. The facilities are clean and the floors are maintained very well.
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The Lotus Garden

The Lotus Garden is a fine dining restaurant that serves fresh and delicious Asian delicacies. It offers a relaxing and peaceful ambiance, where customers can enjoy the beauty of nature while eating tasty dishes. The interiors are filled with native decors like wooden chairs and bamboo walls. Because it is a garden, people can find many different plants and trees all over the area, which contribute a lot to the serene and relaxing environment of this place. Some of the main dishes available here include Fried Pork Thai Style, Vegetarian Thai Curry as well as Sweet and Sour Pork. For those who love fish, there are plenty of options available including Fish Fillet Fingers in Tartar Sauce, Pink Salmon Teriyaki and Stuffed Whole Fish with Spices and Herbs. A visit to this place is not complete without trying any of the different Filipino dishes being served here such as Grilled Squid with Bagoong Sauce, Sauteed Kangkong with Mixed Seafood and Sizzling Pork Sisig.
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Artcafe

Artcafe is found along Sirena Street within the area of Buena Suerte in El Nido, which is a very nice place to wine and dine. The place opens as early as 6:30am and closes late at around 11pm. It is also Wi-Fi ready, which gives customers instant access to the internet whenever they want. The specialties of the house include pastas and pizzas. Furthermore, there are plenty of delectable seafood treats to choose from like Fish Steak, Sweet and Sour Snapper as well as Spicy Shrimps. The fruits are fresh the organic farm, which is also run by the restaurant.
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Taraw Vista Lodge & Restaurant

Taraw Vista Lodge & Restaurant is a seaside dining facility that specializes in different seafood dishes. It is found within the Sabang area of Palawan, the amenities of which are mostly native in style such as the long wooden tables and nipa hut design. Aside from fish and other delectable yummy seafood specialties, it is nice to try other in-house specialties, which are made from chicken and pork. Buffet-style dining is available. Another heavy favorite amongst guests is the Kangkong, which comes with a generous serving of rice.
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La Senerita

La Senerita is found along Coron Waterfront, which is close to Seadive in the province of Palawan. The dining facility specializes in seafood dishes, specifically crabs, squids and shrimps. Aside from these, there are also a wide variety of pork, beef and chicken dishes available. The prices of food and drinks are very affordable. The ambiance is very nice and relaxing.
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Kinabuchs

Kinabuchs is located in the City of Puerto Princesa, the specialties of which are mostly yummy seafood dishes made from squids, shrimps and crabs. The place serves Tamilok, which is very popular in the province of Palawan. Local dishes are also served including Laing and Sisig. People can conveniently wine and dine in this place, which also has a bar and a pool table.
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Amphibi-ko

Amphibi-ko is a simple native-style dining establishment found in the Town of Coron. This Palawan facility features wooden tables, nice clean plates and a very cozy ambiance. The place is Wi-Fi ready, which gives customers instant internet access. Guests can order beer and other alcoholic beverages. The Japanese dishes are very good. The prices are not that expensive, considering the superior gastronomic experience that this restaurant provides.
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Vietville Restaurant

Vietville Restaurant is part of Vietnamese Village in the province of Palawan. It has a Pacific Rim and Pan-Asian theme. One of the most popular dishes in this place is the Beef Stew, which is described as super tasty by many customers. Soft and pleasant-tasting French bread is also served here. Expect to pay a little less than $10 or about 470 pesos.
Read more about Vietville Restaurant… 

Balsahan Natural Pool

Balsahan Natural Pool can be found within Iwahig Penal Colony, which is one of the major tourist spots in Palawan. It features native cottages, where customers can eat their orders. The food here is very cheap, unlike other fine dining facilities in the area. Many people love to order the Broiled Native Chicken, which can satisfy 2 to 3 individuals for the cheap price of 150 pesos. They also love to drink fresh Buko Juice, which is made from fresh coconut straight from the trees. Each order only costs 10 pesos. Customers can rent a cottage for only 100 pesos. For the rice, expect to pay 100 pesos for each pot filled with newly cooked rice. The ambiance is very refreshing and relaxing because there are many trees all over the place. There is a river nearby, which serves as an added attraction.
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Starfish Island Restaurant

Starfish Island Restaurant is found within Honda Bay, which serves tasty, fresh and affordable seafood dishes. It features a refreshing ambiance, which adds to the gastronomic experience of customers. The food is simply delicious, which is served with special sauces and vegetables by the different friendly and highly accommodating restaurant staff members.
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Credits : ( http://www.palawanboard.com/palawan-restaurants.php )

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