MANILA, Philippines - When Philippine politics gets too shambolic for our taste, there?s always 7,000 other islands to hightail it to. On our western border, there is a narrow archipelago made up of 1,780 islands, forming an irregular coastline of almost 2,000-km long.

This is our very own strip of paradise called Palawan.

Considered the country?s last frontier, this province has long drawn travelers to its green and golden coasts. Even then, ancient Chinese traders, Malays and migrants from Borneo plied the once-existent land bridges to live abundantly off its riches.

Today, people arrive in ferries and or take an hour flight on Seair?the land bridges having washed away?but the desire remains essentially the same: to explore this bountiful gem between the Sulu and South China seas.

There?s plenty to discover but the ideal way to discover Palawan is to first discover your own private island in Coron, a small picturesque village in the northern part of the Calamianes group of islands.

Most palpable upon your arrival is the charm and friendliness of the locals who have high respect for the environment. They mingle comfortably with local tourists and foreigners.

Coron boasts one of the best dive spots in the world: half-century old ships of an ill-fated Japanese fleet lie on its seabed, shrouded by legend and frequented by fascinated divers around the world. Twelve World War II shipwrecks are spread out all over Busuanga Island, lying at depths of 15 to 120 ft. It has grand cathedral-like limestone cliffs with surrounding emerald green lagoons, thermo cline waters produced by volcanoes.

It also has Lake Kayangan, considered the cleanest lake in the Philippines, the majestic turquoise waters in Landakan Lake where you can take a dip, scrumptious food, Maquinit Hot Springs for a feeling of an outdoor spa, inexpensive but wonderful lodgings and hundreds of islands and islets with white sand beaches waiting to be discovered.

Coron Bay is also a truly spectacular retreat, enjoyed from Seadive Resort and Hotel Michelangelo. There is also Club Paradise Resort, with perhaps one of the richest sea beds in the island, and is near the Calauit Wildlife Sanctuary, a 3,700 hectare home to free-roaming African animals and some of Palawan?s own endemic species.

Another charming resort is the Busuanga Island Paradise Resort in the midst of nature.

Palawan is the abundance of forests and seas, blues and greens, myths and lore. It is perfect for Gov. Joel Reyes? vision of eco-tourism and sustainable development.

Experience Coron this Holy Week with daily flights via Seair or with Super Ferry and Negros Navigation which sails to Coron or Puerto Princesa weekly.