Discover Palawan: A Bit of Heaven on Earth in the Phillipines

Imagine a lazy day on a beach, where the sand is a surreal, fine-as-powder white, the scorching sun is met by sparkling, pristine waters that give off the bluest glow, the wispy coconut trees sway gently with the refreshing sea breezes, and best of all, you're far, far away from the stresses of the urban lifestyle. Welcome to Palawan, one of the many gems of the Philippine Islands.

The Philippines, being an archipelago, is dotted with so many beaches and shorelines. Many of them have become hardy destinations for both local and foreign tourists, being wildly popular especially among Australians, Japanese, Koreans, Taiwanese, and Chinese. Different beaches offer up different itineraries, which may include jet-skiing, banana boating, kayaking, windsurfing, parasailing, and the like. But for those who would love a good portion of adventurous frolicking and lazy sunbathing, El Nido is the perfect place to be.

Other white sand beaches in the country have been commercialized at such a dizzying pace that they've practically become overwhelmed by the sheer number of tourists, hoteliers and restauranteurs each eager to get a piece of the pie. Boracay, for one, is in the throes of pollution and whatever else you get from "over-commericalization", if there is such a thing. When I last visited the island ten years ago, the only way to get there was by local flights to the city of Kalibo, followed by a bumpy 2-hour bus ride through dirt roads that will take you to the coast line and finally, a short ferry ride to the island of Boracay. Back then, there were traditional huts that you could rent by the beach and the local wet market was a haven for cheap souvenirs and the freshest seafood at rock bottom prices. I've never been there since, but practically every other person I know has. Today, there are chartered flights at cutthroat rates that take you directly to the island. The wet market has long been gone and in its place has sprung up fast food eateries and gourmet restaurants, budget accommodations and posh lodgings, all privy to the tourists that are willing to pay. Commerce is thriving, at the expense of nature's woes.