About Discover Palawan

Learn about our mission to showcase the beauty of Palawan and promote sustainable tourism in this island paradise.

Our Story

Discover Palawan was founded in 2018 by a group of passionate local tour guides and international travel enthusiasts who fell in love with the unparalleled beauty of Palawan. What started as a small blog sharing travel experiences and tips has grown into a comprehensive resource for travelers seeking authentic experiences in this island paradise.

Our founders, having witnessed the rapid growth of tourism in Palawan, recognized the need for responsible travel guidance that would help preserve the natural beauty of the islands while supporting local communities. With this vision in mind, Discover Palawan was established to bridge the gap between curious travelers and sustainable tourism practices.

Today, we are proud to be one of the leading online resources for Palawan travel, working closely with local businesses, environmental organizations, and communities to ensure that tourism benefits everyone. Our team consists of Palawan natives and long-term residents who are dedicated to sharing the authentic beauty and culture of the islands with the world.

Palawan Beach

Our Journey Through the Years

2018

Discover Palawan Blog Launched

Started as a personal blog sharing travel experiences and practical tips for visitors to Palawan.

2019

Partnership with Local Guides

Expanded to include a network of trusted local guides and tour operators committed to sustainable practices.

2020

Digital Transition

During the pandemic, focused on building a comprehensive online resource for future travelers and promoting virtual experiences.

2022

Community Initiatives

Launched several community-based tourism projects focused on environmental conservation and cultural preservation.

2023

Website Redesign

Completely redesigned our website to provide a more user-friendly experience with comprehensive destination guides and booking capabilities.

Today

Looking Forward

Continuing to grow as a leading resource for sustainable tourism in Palawan, with exciting new initiatives planned for the coming years.

Mission & Vision

Our Mission

To provide comprehensive, accurate, and up-to-date information about Palawan while promoting responsible tourism practices that respect the natural environment and local communities.

We strive to:

  • Showcase the authentic beauty and culture of Palawan
  • Support local businesses and communities through sustainable tourism
  • Raise awareness about environmental conservation
  • Connect travelers with meaningful, responsible experiences
  • Preserve Palawan's natural wonders for future generations

Our Vision

We envision a future where Palawan stands as a global model for sustainable tourism, where visitors gain enriching experiences while contributing positively to conservation efforts and local communities.

We see Palawan as a destination where:

  • Natural ecosystems thrive despite increasing tourism
  • Local communities benefit equitably from tourism development
  • Cultural heritage is celebrated and preserved
  • Travelers become ambassadors for responsible tourism
  • Sustainable practices are the standard, not the exception

Our Values

Sustainability

We prioritize environmental conservation in all our recommendations and partnerships.

Community

We believe tourism should benefit local communities and respect their culture.

Authenticity

We showcase the real Palawan, beyond the typical tourist experience.

Education

We believe in spreading awareness about conservation and responsible travel.

Palawan Sustainable Tourism

Our Team

Discover Palawan is powered by a diverse team of local experts, travel enthusiasts, and sustainability advocates. We're united by our love for Palawan and our commitment to sharing its beauty with the world in a responsible way.

Maria Santos

Maria Santos

Founder & CEO

Born and raised in Puerto Princesa, Maria worked as a tour guide for 10 years before founding Discover Palawan. She holds a degree in Tourism Management and is passionate about sustainable travel.

Carlo Mendoza

Carlo Mendoza

Head of Operations

A Coron native with extensive knowledge of the local geography and culture. Carlo oversees our partnerships with local tour operators and accommodations to ensure quality experiences.

James Lee

James Lee

Digital Content Manager

An environmental photojournalist who fell in love with Palawan and never left. James manages our website content and social media, capturing the beauty of Palawan through his lens.

Ana Reyes

Ana Reyes

Sustainability Director

With a background in marine biology and conservation, Ana leads our sustainability initiatives and ensures our recommendations align with environmental best practices.

Our Commitment to Sustainability

At Discover Palawan, sustainability isn't just a buzzword—it's at the core of everything we do. We believe that the extraordinary natural beauty of Palawan can only be preserved for future generations through responsible tourism practices.

Environmental Initiatives

  • We partner exclusively with tour operators who follow environmentally responsible practices, such as proper waste management and respecting marine protected areas.

  • Our website promotes accommodations that implement sustainable practices like solar power, water conservation, and plastic reduction.

  • We regularly organize and participate in beach clean-ups and environmental education programs throughout Palawan.

Community Support