Palawan
Welcome to Palawan, a Tropical island in the South China Sea, part of the majestic Pacific Ocean. This guide offers a comprehensive overview of what makes Palawan unique – from its geography and climate to its population, infrastructure, and beyond. Dive into the details:
- Geography and Size: Explore the island’s size and location.
- Climate and Weather: Weather patterns and temperature.
- Topography and Nature: Uncover the natural wonders of the island.
- Infrastructure and Travelling: Insights on reaching, staying, and making the most of your visit.
- News and Headlines: Latest News.
Geography and size of Palawan
Size: 11498 km²
Coastline: 2007 km
Ocean: Pacific Ocean
Sea: South China Sea
Continent: Asia
Palawan is a Giant Island spanning 11498 km² with a coastline of 2007 km.
Archipel: Malay Archipelago – The world’s largest archipelago, located between mainland Southeast Asia and Australia, known for its immense biodiversity and cultural diversity.
Tectonic Plate: Sunda – Extends across Southeast Asia, encompassing parts of the Sunda Shelf, known for its interaction with the Australian Plate, contributing to volcanic activity in Indonesia.
The geographic heart of the island is pinpointed at these coordinates:
Latitude: 9.7309823 / Longitude: 118.55859088
Climate and weather of Palawan
Climate Zone: Tropical
Climate Details: Tropical Monsoon Climate
Temperature: Hot
Climate Characteristics: Characterized by heavy rainfall, high humidity, and uniformly high temperatures, but with a distinct short dry season. It features a seasonal reversal of prevailing wind directions.
Topography and nature of Palawan
Timezone: UTC+08:00
Timezone places: Australia/Perth
Max. Elevation: 2085 m Mt. Mantaling
Mean Elevation: 209 m
Vegetation: Evergreen Broadleaf Forest
Tree Coverage: 59%
The mean elevation is 209 m. Dominating the island’s landscape, the majestic “Mt. Mantaling” rises as the highest peak, soaring to impressive heights. The island is characterized by Plateau: Elevated flatlands rising sharply above the surrounding area, with a maximum elevation over 500 meters but a mean elevation less than 300 meters, forming unique highland areas on islands.
Dominating Vegetation: Evergreen Broadleaf Forest
Characterized by dense, lush canopies of broadleaf trees that retain their leaves year-round. These forests are typically found in tropical and subtropical regions and are known for their high biodiversity. Palawan has a tree cover of 59 %.
Vegetation: 15 vegetation zones – Exceptionally Diverse Island
Islands with more than ten vegetation zones are among the most ecologically rich and varied in the world. These islands are akin to miniature continents, boasting an incredible array of ecosystems. The sheer range of habitats, from high peaks to deep valleys, rainforests to deserts, creates a mosaic of life that is unparalleled. They are crucial for conservation and ecological studies.
Infrastructure and Travelling to Palawan
Does the island have a public airport? yes.
Palawan has a public and scheduled airport. The following airports are located on this island: El Nido Airport, Cesar Lim Rodriguez (Taytay-Sandoval) Airport, San Vicente Airport, Puerto Princesa International Airport / PAF Antonio Bautista Air Base.
Does the island have a major port? yes.
Palawan is home to a major port. The following ports are situated on the island: PUERTO PRINCESA.
The mean population of Palawan is 94 per km². Palawan is Gently Populated. The island belongs to Philippines.
The name of the island resonates across different cultures and languages. Here is how it is known around the world: Arabic: بالاوان; German: Palawan; Spanish: Isla de Palawan; French: Palawan; Portuguese: Palawan; Russian: Палаван; Chinese: 巴拉望
Continuing your journey, Tuluran is the next notable island, situated merely km away.
Philippines is classified as Emerging region: G20: Group of Twenty – Major economies comprising both developed and emerging countries, representing the world’s largest economies. The level of income is Lower middle income.
News – Latest Updates and Headlines from Palawan
Stay informed with the most recent news and important headlines from Palawan. Here’s a roundup of the latest developments.
- K-pop stars, free movies, a drone show and fireworks: Where to count down to 2025 in Singapore - The Straits Timeson 20 December 2024
K-pop stars, free movies, a drone show and fireworks: Where to count down to 2025 in Singapore The Straits Times
- SMC confirms land ownership in Palawan’s Bugsuk Island - Philstar.comon 3 December 2024
SMC confirms land ownership in Palawan’s Bugsuk Island Philstar.com
- Palawan voted 'world's best island' for 2017 - ABS-CBN.COMon 22 November 2024
Palawan voted 'world's best island' for 2017 ABS-CBN.COM
- Palawan makes it to the list of Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards' Most Desirable Island - GMA Networkon 19 November 2024
Palawan makes it to the list of Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards' Most Desirable Island GMA Network
- Palawan among Wanderlust Travel Magazine’s most desirable islands in the world for 2024 - GMA News Onlineon 19 November 2024
Palawan among Wanderlust Travel Magazine’s most desirable islands in the world for 2024 GMA News Online
- Palawan celebrated as a Top Island Destination - PALAWAN NEWSon 10 November 2024
Palawan celebrated as a Top Island Destination PALAWAN NEWS
- The 21 Most Beautiful Islands In The Philippines - The Culture Tripon 8 November 2024
The 21 Most Beautiful Islands In The Philippines The Culture Trip
- Palawan remains one of the ‘best islands’ in the world - BusinessWorld Onlineon 24 October 2024
Palawan remains one of the ‘best islands’ in the world BusinessWorld Online
- Palawan named one of the world’s best islands to visit - INQUIRER USA & CANADAon 23 October 2024
Palawan named one of the world’s best islands to visit INQUIRER USA & CANADA
- Palawan makes it to 'World's Best Islands' 2024 list, joins 3 others in 2025 shortlist - Philstar.comon 22 October 2024
Palawan makes it to 'World's Best Islands' 2024 list, joins 3 others in 2025 shortlist Philstar.com
Social Media Posts about Palawan
- on 29 November 2024
Novellino, D., (2024) “'The myth of integrating local knowledge': Living and ideological landscapes on Palawan Island, the Philippines”, Journal of Political Ecology 31(1), 909–938. doi: https://doi.org/10.2458/jpe.5968#PoliticalEcology […]
- on 4 November 2024
And for some good, good local sports news from the City in a Forest, yesterday, our team emerged 1st overall in this year's edition of the recently-concluded ICF Dragon Boat World Championship at the #PuertoPrincesa Baywalk, edging out Germany's in […]
- on 16 October 2024
Bilang parte ng Flag Retirement Ceremony, sinunog ng boy scouts at girl scouts of the Philippines ang bandila ng Pilipinas.#FlagRetirement #Palawan
- on 12 October 2024
Going on my very first hike here in #Palawan !I am beyond excited but also a bit worried lest I wouldn't be able to summit. ;)What I've decided so far is to enjoy the journey. #hiking #TresMarias#SouthernPalawan
- on 4 September 2024
Para sa mga kaugnay na ulat ng @bayanmoipatrolmo: https://news.abs-cbn.com/bmpmViral #Pride #Palawan
- on 4 September 2024
Proud na ibinahagi ni Bayan Patroller Kristine Poquis ang beki dad niyang si tatay Jojie Poquis na nagtaguyod sa kanilang limang magkakapatid.#Viral #Pride #Palawan
- on 31 August 2024
At kahapon, may idinaos na pista para sa wikang #Cuyonon sa Coli ng Puerto Princesa; paggising ko nga sa kama'y iyan ang nabungad ko sa ingay ng radyo namin sa labas.Mukhang masaya't kapupulutan ng aral roon, kahit na hindi ako makapunta […]
- on 27 August 2024
Para sa mga kaugnay na ulat ng @bayanmoipatrolmo: https://news.abs-cbn.com/bmpm#Viral #Pride #Palawan
- on 27 August 2024
Proud na ibinahagi ni Bayan Patroller Kristine Poquis ang beki dad niyang si tatay Jojie Poquis na nagtaguyod sa kanilang limang magkakapatid.#Viral #Pride #Palawan
- on 25 August 2024
The collision took place near the disputed #SabinaShoal, 140km (87 miles) west of the #Philippine island of #Palawan and about 1,200km (746 miles) from #Hainan Island, the closest Chinese landmass. Beijing is shamelessly laying claim over the entire […]
Please note: The data used here has been primarily extracted from satellite readings. Deviations from exact values may occur, particularly regarding the height of elevations and population density. Land area and coastline measurements refer to average values at mean high tide.