This Week in Palawan (December 22 to 28, 2018)

Cloudy weather abounds almost all throughout this Christmas week in the province [1]. Since there’s a few showers and thunderstorms, it’s best to bring your umbrella when you go around to be sure you’ll stay dry. If you want to go to the beach to have some fun and sunshine, schedule it on Monday and Friday as the sun is expected to show up on these days. Warm weather continues to prevail this week, with the average day and night temperature at 27° C and 23° C, respectively.

The Department of Interior and Local Government has ordered the City Police to finally implement a memorandum ridding the national roads of tricycles for safety reasons [2]. The ban will paralyze 6,250 tricycle franchise holders, affecting the smooth mobility of commuters as tricycles are one of the primary modes of transportation in the city. If you’re in Puerto Princesa, you can also take a multicab or hire a motorcycle or car to get around, but make sure you bring a driver’s license with you. Meanwhile, the City Government is awaiting the department’s response on its request for exemption to the national ban.

See Also: What To Do on a Rainy Day in Palawan

Tourists going to El Nido should expect new island hopping rates for tours in Bacuit Bay [3]. The El Nido municipal government now imposes the following rates per person:

• Tour A (PHP 1,200) – Big Lagoon, Shimizu Island, Payong-payong, Secret Lagoon, and Seven Commandos;

• Tour B (PHP 1,300) – Pangulasian Island, Cudognon Cave, Cathedral Cave, Snake Island, and Pinagbuyutan Island;

• Tour C (PHP 1,400) – Secret Beach, Hidden Beach, Matinloc Shrine, Tapiutan Island, and Helicopter Island; and

• Tour D (PHP 1,200) – Small Lagoon, Nat-nat Beach, Cadlao Lagon, Pasandigan Cove, Paradise Beach, and Ipil Beach.

The new rates are inclusive of tour guides, food, and water.

As Palawan is one of the country’s top destinations, it goes without saying that three to five-star hotels and resorts in El Nido, Coron, San Vicente, and Puerto Princesa City get almost fully booked come Christmas week. So make sure you have a room reservation, especially when your scheduled stay falls on December 24 and 25. If not, there are also plenty of inns and the like to choose from in places that accept walk-in guests and online bookings.

El Nido authorities have started implementing the carrying capacity policy to address the overcrowding on its prime island destinations, Small and Big Lagoons [4]. Under the policy, Small Lagoon can only allow 30 tourists and 15 kayaks every 60 minutes (240 tourists and 120 kayaks per 8 hours), while Big Lagoon can only have 60 tourists and 30 kayaks every 90 minutes (480 tourists and 240 kayas per 8 hours). Both lagoons will accept guests from 7 AM to 4 PM. With limited slots, visitors are encouraged to book at least a day in advance with legitimate travel and tour agencies.

The tourist town of San Vicente has recently issued violation notices and closure orders to less than 200 business establishments that did not comply with the municipal tourism code and other government policies [5]. These establishments, particularly located in Barangay Poblacion, have violated the easement zone and road setback rules. This move is part of the municipal government’s initiative to clean up the town, as per the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ directive. Just last September, an estimated 100 establishments were shut down and 80 structures were also removed for similar violations in San Vicente’s tourism center, Barangay Port Barton.

Majors malls haven’t announced operation hours’ adjustments, meaning they follow their usual opening and closing hours from 9 am to 10 pm daily. Since it’s Christmas, expect that you can buy more from your money as malls usually sell lots of discounted items, from clothes, perfumes, bags, to home appliances, kitchenware, and more.

To know the best spots and attractions in Palawan, visit the Yoorekka Magazine