The island of Palawan is an elongated stretch of thickly
forested landscape bordered by coves, beaches, lagoons and
limestone cliffs, stretching from southwest of Luzon towards
Malaysia. The island's Tubbataha Reef is extremely ecologically
important to the Philippines as a feeding ground and nursery for
marine life, and the area is archaeologically important too.
Caveman remains have been discovered on the island dating back
22,000 years. The main attraction on the island, however, is the
underground river, St Paul's Subterranean Cave near Sabang, about
two hours by road from Puerto Princesa. The cave extends more than
five miles (8km) and contains the world's longest underground
river. Palawan is still 'off the beaten track', but it can be
reached by a flight from Manila.