Travel Guide Mimaropa
In the western part of the Philippine archipelago, Palawan is the wildest, most unspoiled and least populated island of the archipelago. With its beauty and its natural assets, rocky mountains, lush forest and sea beds, it has become one of the most popular islands of the Philippines for tourists. Fine sandy beaches, turquoise lagoons, sumptuous underwater fauna. As much to say that the destination is worth the detour. Palawan is divided into four regions that can be reached by boat, from north to south: Coron (the most fantastic natural area), El Nido (the most touristic), Port Barton (the quietest village) and Puerto Princesa (the largest city of the island). Rent a scooter and ride along the main road, along the rice fields and beaches, to take your time to enjoy your discovery. No internet connection in Palawan, you should know that! This can be an opportunity to really disconnect from the digital life and browse the pages of your favorite tour guide. You can sleep in guest houses and small hotels. To dive and discover the marine and underwater treasures, you must be accompanied by an accredited local guide. Diving in Palawan is an unforgettable experience. You will discover an underwater landscape populated with exotic fishes like in an epinal image!
Suggested addresses Mimaropa
When to go to Mimaropa?
When to go to Palawan? The high tourist season, and the best time to go to the Philippines and Palawan in particular, is from the beginning of November to the end of February-beginning of March and during the Holy Week (March-April). The low tourist season is from June to October (lower rates most of the time). During this monsoon period, about 20 typhoons cross the country. However, many travelers went around in August-September and had very good weather (especially in Palawan). If we had to rename the Philippines, we would certainly call this archipelago the one of festivals. They are very numerous and all very rich in colors. The locals invite visitors to their homes to share not only food, but also some good times. So, no matter when you visit the Philippines, you can attend one of the many festivals.
Weather at the moment
The Philippines and particularly the island of Palawan have a tropical, hot and humid climate all year round. The average humidity is 77% and the average temperature is 25°C in Palawan. Most of the country experiences a monsoon climate, with a dry season, more favourable to tourism from November to March, when temperatures vary between 22°C and 28°C. Only southern Mindanao is characterized by an equatorial climate.
The cost of living is much lower in the Philippines than in Europe, but tourists often use expensive services such as car rentals, which add to the cost. For backpackers, however, the Philippines is very inexpensive. Staying in Malawan will not add much to your fortune. The currency is the Philippine peso, but the more stable dollar is often accepted. ATMs are available in major cities. Tourist establishments often accept credit cards. Bring cash for small purchases. A 10% tip is usually given.
For a stay of less than 30 days in the Philippines and thus in the island of Palawan, no visa is required for most Western visitors. Above this length of stay, you will need to apply for an extension of stay. This extension is easily obtained in one of the immigration offices scattered throughout the Philippines.
No vaccinations are required for a trip to the Philippines and particularly to Palawan. However, it is advisable to be vaccinated against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough and poliomyelitis, as well as hepatitis B, typhoid and hepatitis A, and possibly rabies and Japanese encephalitis. Anti-malarial treatment is strongly recommended and it is advisable to use mosquito repellent in general and to wear long clothing to avoid contracting dengue fever. Water is not drinkable in Malawan as in the rest of the Philippines, it is advisable to drink bottled water or to purify water with adapted tablets.
Practical information
- When to travel?
- Weather forecast
- Budget
- Formalities
- Health
- How to travel by yourself?
- How to get organized?
- Getting around
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How to go to Mimaropa? Our advice & tips
Most of the tours in the Philippines last 15 days, but count on a good 20 days for a great tour of the archipelago. Different thematic tours are offered by travel agencies over two weeks: an adventure tour and treks around the rice terraces and volcanoes, or a tour around the dream beaches and diving in a Palawan/Bohol combination, for example.
The Philippines is a low risk country for independent travelers. Thefts are few, but it is better to leave your valuables in a hotel safe, especially in Manila. When traveling to Mindanao, you should be aware that you are taking some risks, as some areas such as Zamboanga are considered the stronghold of armed groups that organize kidnappings for ransom. This area aside, the rest of the Philippines is not a problem.
It is easy to travel by plane in the Philippine archipelago, but it is mostly by boat and the many ferries that serve the islands. The most picturesque means of public transport are the jeepneys, jeeps abandoned by the American army and converted into minibuses. There are also, by extension, sea jeepneys, also known as bangkas, small wooden boats that make connections between the islands, but which can also be rented by the day.
