In a nutshell

Forget the standard tourist tours and postcard-worthy excursions! Here, you're a world away from the Palawan of perfect beaches: instead, the focus is on the history that you won't find in schoolbooks.

Main stops

Immaculate Conception Cathedral
Plaza Cuartel
Palawan Heritage Center
Iwahig Penal Colony

The programme

If you thought Palawan was just heavenly beaches and picture-postcard sea, prepare to be surprised. We'll start with the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, with its surprising and unconventional architecture, a blend of daring innovation and history.

Right outside, you'll find Plaza Cuartel, a memorial which will make you reassess all of your "little daily challenges". Here, in December 1944, Japanese soldiers took their revenge on history, inflicting atrocities that would make even the most hard-hearted shudder. This is the place to reflect on the brutality of war.

Then, it's time to visit the Palawan Heritage Center, where the history of the island is told with the help of interactive technologies, through objects and stories that have stood the test of time. Get ready to discover a culture that has succeeded in adapting to everything, even the most disruptive events.

At the Iwahig Penal Colony you'll find a prison without bars, created by the Americans in 1904. Here, rather than being locked up in cells, the prisoners work the land, and are so productive that they even sell their handicrafts.

The tour ends at a lively corner where you can pick up some local souvenirs, an authentic memento of Palawan, as you reflect on the stories of resilience and courage that you've discovered along the way.

Good to know

The gate of Plaza Cuartel is closed until further notice due to a number of security checks. Guests can only enter the outside area.
The order of the visit may vary.
It is advisable to be in good physical health in order to take part in this tour.
Wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for the experience.
Your guide will do their best to speak English, but be aware that the limited tourist infrastructure here is part of the charm of the city, and as such, we ask you to be tolerant of any linguistic difficulties you may encounter.