Location South East Asia Area rank 64th | Archipelago Philippine islands Length 425 km (264.1 mi) | |
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Adjacent bodies of water South China Sea
Sulu Sea Area 12,188.6 km (4,706.0 sq mi) | ||
Palawan is the largest island of the province of Palawan in the Philippines and the fifth largest island of the country. The north west coast of the island is along the South China Sea, while the south east coast forms part of the northern limit of the Sulu Sea. Much of the island remains traditional and is considered by some as under-developed. Abundant wildlife, jungle mountains, and some white sandy beaches attract many tourists, as well as International companies looking for development opportunities.
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Map of Palawan, Philippines
As of 2016, the main island of Palawan is rated the "Most Beautiful Island in the World" as voted by respective readers of rival travel publications Conde Nast Traveller and Travel + Leisure. It is the second year running that Palawan has won the Conde Nast Traveller award, as well as the second time in four years that it has occupied Travel + Leisure's top spot (2013). El Nido, located at the northern tip of the island, is also currently rated the "Most Beautiful Beach in the World" by Conde Nast Traveller readers. In 2007, National Geographic Traveler magazine rated Palawan the best island destination in East and Southeast Asia region, having "incredibly beautiful natural seascapes and landscapes. One of the most biodiverse (terrestrial and marine) islands in the Philippines. The island has had a Biosphere Reserve status since early 1990s, showing local interest for conservation and sustainable development".
Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm, one of seven operating units of the Bureau of Corrections, is located on the island.
Geography
The entire length of the island forms a mountain range, with a peak altitude of 2,086 metres (6,844 ft) at Mount Mantalingajan. Other significant peaks include Mount Gantung (1,788 metres (5,866 ft)) in Batazara and Victoria Peak (1,726 metres (5,663 ft)) in Narra.
History
In April 2013, a fishing vessel loaded with illegally poached animals ran aground on a coral atoll off the coast of Palawan Island.
In 2014, armed forces chief of staff General Emmanuel Bautista said that Oyster Bay may be developed into a naval base with United States Navy support.