Palawan Island, Philippines, is a lush, green island with some of the best dive spots in the country. The dive sites, as well as the luxury resorts, are at El Nido, at the north end of the island. There is also an Amanpulo resort that many international celebrities have visited. Remember that Palawan is a large island and many flights to various areas in the province are best taken from Manila, which is 300 mi/485 km to the northeast.
On the west side of the island, near Sabang, the excellent St. Paul Subterranean National Park includes a 5-mi/8-km underground river. Jeepneys make the four- to six-hour trip from Puerto Princesa, Palawan's capital. Puerto Princesa has a small museum with a nice collection of local seashells and a wall-less prison where visitors can mingle with friendly convicts (and purchase their handicrafts).
The Tabon Caves, an ancient burial site, lie about 100 mi/160 km southwest of the city.
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