Calamianes Islands

Travelling to the Calamian group of islands in Palawan is like exploring a mystery. This is where the adventure begins. Busuangga is the most accessible amongst the other Calamian Group (Coron, Culion and Linapacan).

This group offers the best attractions that cannot be found in the rest of Palawan: great white-sand beaches, best wreck diving site, snorkelling and private islands. In short, the Calamian group is the haven of sports adventurers and islanders. It has also numerous endemic species unique only to the islands such as the Calamian Deer, Palawan Porcupine and Palawan peacock.

The most popular among the group is Busuangga. The town is the convenient base of divers, island hoppers and adventurers. It is the "bridge" to the secret treasures of the world. From Coron town (which is confusingly located in Busuangga) to Coron Island is around 20 minutes. To Culion is around 2 hours and to Linapacan is around 4-5 hours. There are no regular boats available, so you have to hire a local motor boat and get an experienced boatman to take you to the islands. Cruising around Busuangga fo a day is around 1,000 pesos, holding a maximum of eight people. There is a lot of snorkelling and diving gear in town - dive centres are all over the area, as well as lodging houses, inns, beach cottages and island resorts for you to stay in.

Busuangga Island and the rest of the Calamian group of islands are served by Sea Air and Asian Spirit. From the airport to Coron town is about a 1 hour jeepney ride/150 pesos.

Linapacan

Just above El Nido and below Culion, Palawan in the north is a municipality unknown to travellers and even to some Filipinos: Linapacan. It has a population of only 9,198 people in 1,721 households. Going to Linapacan by boat, from El Nido town, travel time is around 4-5 hours/ around 13,000 Php (whole day). You can also choose to travel north by jeepney (around 1,500 Php including waiting time) from El Nido town to Dipnay, a small village in El Nido. From Dipnay you have to rent a boat (around 3,000 Php) going to Linapacan, but local boatman in Dipnay will charge additional if you will stay longer in Linapacan. Travel time from Dipnay to Linapacan is more or less 2-3 hours. If you prefer the sky to be part of your adventure to Linapacan, you can choose to hire a sea plane (around 1,500 USD) from Manila and back, or a helicopter (around 3,000 USD).

Since Linapacan is still considered as remote, untouched, uninhabited and separate amongst other popular destinations in the province. What sets this town apart are the islands that you can only find uniquely in this town. There are no available lodging houses and basically tourism still has not reached this town. The closest town near Linapacan frequented by tourists is El Nido. The best time to go island hopping is early in the morning around 5am and go back early in the afternoon. If you insist on staying for another day or two, you have to ask permission from local townsfolk in the area to allow you stay in their place and they charge a minimal fee or you can also choose to sleep on the boat. People here are hospitable and very much willing to let you stay for a night.

Linapacan is mythically beautiful and mysterious. If you want nature all to yourself, Linapacan is perfect for you. Panoramic island views will capture your heart while travelling around the islands. You will find yourself totally speechless by the magnificent creations welcoming you and that only you will witness. The white sand beaches, blue waters and rich corals which you will find pristine and perfect, are just some of Linapacan's unique characteristics. While going around Linapacan, you will realize that there is a part of you that wants this place to be discovered and there is a part of you that wants to keep it a secret. Nevertheless, Linapacan has the potential to become one major tourist destination in the future.

Wet Season here starts in July and ends in October. The rest of the year is dry. The heaviest rainfall is experienced during the months of July and August.

Calypso Island

What sets this island apart from other private islands in the area, like a princess waiting for her prince? Calypso Island is isolated, pristine, feminine and just waiting for her "Odysseus" to share with her immortal paradise.

This island has an irresistible beauty that will hook you even from far away. You will find yourself paying tribute to a goddess that has long been separated but still shining and beautiful in her grandeur. The almost 180 degrees of powdery white sand beach will soothe your senses while soaking yourself under the relaxing heat of the sun. While on the island, you will get a sense of being reborn and transformed.

The natural wonder of this island is truly enchanting and the view from Calypso is nothing compared to the view you will get from a high rise building anywhere in other cities in the world. Stepping on this island is like stepping on a mystical place. The moment you set foot on its pure white sand beach, it's like being finally connected to other side of the world where only the immortals are invited.

Calypso will give you ample opportunity to marvel at the clear blue waters surrounding the island and its uniquely rich and dense vegetation, instilling a feeling of harmony and being at one with nature.

The nearest town from this island is around 15 kilometres. Calypso can be best developed into a private luxury resort. Local materials for building can be transported from El Nido or from the main city of Palawan ( Puerto Princesa) to Calypso and labourers can be hired from the main town of Linapacan for a minimal fee per day. If the Aman Resort built Amanpulo in a very remote island in Cuyo, Palawan, this island can also be developed into such including all the conveniences you'd like to put up on this island. If they are the first to develop that island into a luxury resort in Cuyo, its just about time that somebody should develop an island in Linapacan and put Calypso Island on the map.

Whatever it is you plan on Calypso, this island will make it happen for you. While experiencing this island, you will also experience the feeling of being nurtured, soothed and comforted that your dream is finally becoming real and that Calypso will make it possible for you.