Palawan: The Last Frontier of the Philippines

• HelloKumusta
  [koo-MOO-sta]
• GoodbyePaalam
  [PAH-ah-lam]
• YesOo
  [oh-oh]
• NoHindi
  [hin-dee]
• Please/You're welcomeMangyaring / Walang anuman
  [man-GYAR-eeng / wah-LANG ah-NOO-mahn]
• Thank youSalamat
  [sa-LAH-mat]
• Excuse me/SorryPaumanhin / Pasensya
  [pah-oo-MAHN-heen / pah-SEN-syah]
• How are you?Kamusta ka?
  [ka-MOO-sta ka?]
• Fine. And you?Mabuti. Ikaw?
  [mah-BOO-tee. ee-KOW?]
• Do you speak English?Nagsasalita ka ba ng Ingles?
  [nag-sa-sa-LEE-ta ka ba ng een-GLES?]
• I don't understandHindi ko maintindihan
  [hin-dee ko main-tin-DEE-han]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseGusto ko sanang makita ang menu, mangyaring
  [GOO-sto ko sa-NANG ma-KEE-ta ahng MEH-noo, man-GYAR-eeng]
• I don't eat meatHindi ako kumakain ng karne
  [hin-dee AH-ko koo-MAH-kain ng KAR-neh]
• Cheers!Mabuhay!
  [mah-BOO-hay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseGusto ko sanang magbayad, mangyaring
  [GOO-sto ko sa-NANG mag-BAH-yad, man-GYAR-eeng]

• Help!Tulong!
  [too-LONG]
• Go away!Lumayo ka!
  [loo-MAH-yo ka!]
• Call the Police!Tawag ka ng pulis!
  [tah-WAHG ka ng poo-LEES!]
• Call a doctor!Tumawag ka ng doktor!
  [too-MAH-wahg ka ng DOK-tor!]
• I'm lostNawawala ako
  [nah-wah-WAH-lah AH-ko]
• I'm illMay sakit ako
  [mahy SAH-kit AH-ko]

• I'd like to buy...Gusto ko bumili ng...
  [GOO-sto ko boo-MEE-lee ng...]
• I'm just lookingNagtitignan lang ako
  [nag-tee-TEE-nyan lang AH-ko]
• How much is it?Magkano ito?
  [mag-KAH-no EE-to?]
• That's too expensiveMasyadong mahal iyan
  [mah-SYA-dong ma-HAL ee-YAHN]
• Can you lower the price?Pwede mo bang babaan ang presyo?
  [PWEH-deh moh bahng bah-BAH-ahn ahng PRES-yo?]

• What time is it?Anong oras na?
  [ah-NONG OH-rahs nah?]
• It's one o'clockAlas-uno na
  [ah-LAHS-oo-no nah]
• Half past (10)Ala-una y media
  [ah-LAH-oo-nah ee MEH-dya]
• MorningUmaga
  [oo-MAH-gah]
• AfternoonHapon
  [HAH-pon]
• EveningGabi
  [GAH-bee]
• YesterdayKahapon
  [kah-HAH-pon]
• TodayNgayon
  [NGAH-yon]
• TomorrowBukas
  [BOO-kas]
• 1Isa
  [EE-sah]
• 2Dalawa
  [dah-LAH-wah]
• 3Tatlo
  [TAHT-loh]
• 4Apat
  [ah-PAT]
• 5Lima
  [LEE-mah]
• 6Anim
  [ah-NEEM]
• 7Pito
  [PEE-toh]
• 8Walo
  [WAH-loh]
• 9Siyam
  [SEE-yahm]
• 10Sampu
  [SAHM-poo]

• Where's a/the...?Nasaan ang...
  [nah-SAH-ahn ahng...]
• What's the address?Ano ang address?
  [ah-NOH ahng ah-DRESS?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pwede mo ba akong ipakita (sa mapa)?
  [PWEH-deh moh bah AH-kong ee-pah-KEE-tah sa MAH-pah?]
• When's the next (bus)?Kailan ang susunod (bus)?
  [kah-EEL-ahn ahng soo-SOO-nod (boos)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Isang tiket (papunta sa ....)
  [ee-SAHNG TEE-ket (pah-POON-tah sa ....)]

Long before Spanish colonization, Palawan was home to various indigenous groups such as the Tagbanua, Palaw'an, Tau't Batu, and Batak tribes. These groups lived in harmony with nature, practicing sustainable fishing, hunting, and farming. They also engaged in trade with neighboring islands, exchanging goods like pearls, beeswax, and forest products.

In 1521, the Spanish expedition led by Ferdinand Magellan arrived in the Philippines, marking the beginning of Spanish colonization. However, it wasn't until 1622 that Spanish forces established a foothold in Palawan by founding the town of Taytay. They built forts such as Fuerza de Santa Isabel to protect against pirate attacks and to spread Christianity among the indigenous people.

Following the Spanish-American War in 1898, the Philippines was ceded to the United States. Palawan, like the rest of the country, underwent significant changes under American rule. Infrastructure improved, public education was introduced, and modern healthcare facilities were established. The Americans also conducted scientific studies, documenting the rich biodiversity of Palawan.

During World War II, Palawan became a strategic location for both Japanese and Allied forces. The Japanese occupied the island, and several significant battles took place, including the infamous Palawan Massacre in 1944, where Japanese forces killed 150 American prisoners of war. The liberation of Palawan by Allied forces in 1945 marked the end of Japanese occupation.

After World War II, Palawan began to recover and develop. The Philippine government initiated various development projects to improve living standards on the island. Roads were constructed, and efforts were made to boost agriculture, fishing, and tourism. The establishment of the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park in 1971 marked a significant milestone in promoting eco-tourism.

Palawan is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park and the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. The Tubbataha Reefs, inscribed in 1993, are renowned for their marine biodiversity, while the Subterranean River, inscribed in 1999, is famous for its impressive limestone karst landscapes and navigable underground river.

The indigenous people of Palawan have maintained their unique cultures and traditions despite external influences. Festivals like the Pagdiwata Ritual of the Tagbanua celebrate the community's connection to nature and their ancestors. Traditional crafts, such as basket weaving and wood carving, continue to thrive, reflecting the island's rich cultural heritage.

Today, Palawan is a thriving province known for its stunning natural beauty and vibrant culture. The capital city, Puerto Princesa, is a gateway to numerous tourist attractions, including pristine beaches, coral reefs, and lush forests. Efforts to balance development with environmental conservation have made Palawan a model for sustainable tourism in the Philippines.

Palawan is accessible by air and sea. The primary airport is Puerto Princesa International Airport, with flights from Manila, Cebu, and other major cities in the Philippines. There are also smaller airports in El Nido and Coron that cater to smaller aircraft. Ferries and boats are available from Manila, Mindoro, and other nearby islands, docking at Puerto Princesa, El Nido, and Coron.

In Palawan, transportation options include tricycles, jeepneys, vans, and buses. Tricycles are convenient for short distances within towns. Jeepneys and vans are popular for inter-town travel. For a more comfortable and private journey, you can rent a car or hire a private van. Motorbike rentals are also available for those looking to explore on their own. Ferries and boats are a common mode of transport for island-hopping tours.

The official currency is the Philippine Peso (PHP). Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it's advisable to carry cash, especially in rural areas and smaller establishments. ATMs are available in Puerto Princesa, El Nido, and Coron, but they can sometimes run out of cash, so it's wise to withdraw sufficient funds in advance.

Palawan is generally safe for tourists. However, standard precautions should be taken. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While Palawan has low crime rates, it's advisable to stay vigilant, especially in more touristy areas like Puerto Princesa and El Nido. Be cautious when engaging with strangers offering unsolicited services or tours.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Puerto Princesa has a regional hospital, while smaller medical facilities are available in El Nido and Coron. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available in major towns for over-the-counter medications. For water-related emergencies, ensure you are with a licensed tour operator who has safety protocols in place.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Light, breathable clothing is recommended due to the tropical climate. Religion: Do respect local customs, and always ask for permission before taking photos in religious sites. Public Transport: Do negotiate taxi and tricycle fares before starting your journey. Don’t expect exact change in jeepneys and buses. Greetings: Do greet locals with a smile and a slight bow; handshakes are also common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food graciously. Don’t waste food, as it is considered disrespectful.

To experience Palawan like a local, visit the public markets early in the morning to see the freshest catch and produce. Engage with locals who are often friendly and willing to share stories about their culture and traditions. Participate in local festivals and try to learn a few phrases in Filipino to make your interactions more meaningful. Don't miss out on the street food, which offers a taste of local flavors.