Your Ultimate Guide to Dumaran: Top Attractions Revealed
There are several attractions in Dumaran that visitors shouldn't miss. Dumaran Island offers stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters, full of beautiful coral reef system ideal for snorkeling and diving. Visitors can also explore the island's lush forests and experience the local island lifestyle.
DUMARAN
DESTINATIONS
Palawan Island Explorer | 11 Days
Palawan’s Natural Wonders | 8 Days
Come to Palawan!
Plan your dream Palawan vacation today
Dumaran is a charming, third-class municipality situated on the beautiful island of Palawan. It’s home to around 23,000 Palaweños, mostly farmers and fishermen, due to its strategic location. Despite being largely undiscovered, Dumaran offers natural beauty and stunning beaches.
Travelers seeking less-crowded destinations can reach Dumaran via public transportation, though the rugged and unpaved roads leading to the town may pose a challenge. After arriving at the Sta. Teresita wharf, visitors can board a boat to explore the island’s mesmerizing barangays.
Due to its underdeveloped status, Dumaran offers few tourist-oriented destinations and accommodations. It is recommended to arrange accommodations beforehand to maximize your trip and avoid any inconvenience. Don’t miss the chance to experience the beauty of Dumaran while it remains unspoiled by tourism.
Must See Attractions in Dumaran:
Renambacan Island
Renambacan Island is a hidden gem in Dumaran, boasting pristine and untouched white sand beaches that are still free from the crowds of tourists. As a result, the area remains clean and well-maintained, allowing the flourishing wildlife to thrive.
This island offers an exquisite experience where relaxation and fun can both be achieved without leaving the shore. With powdery white sands and vibrant coral reefs, Renambacan Island is an ideal spot for snorkeling, where you can witness a plethora of fish species in their natural habitat. The clear, blue, crystalline waters are perfect for swimming and taking stunning underwater photos.
Aside from the water activities, Renambacan Island is also ideal for beach lovers and overnight camping.
Isla Pugon
Isla Pugon, located in the municipality of Dumaran, boasts a stunningly beautiful mangrove forest that surrounds the island. To reach the island, you will need to navigate through the lush mangrove forest which presents a breathtaking sight of dense healthy mangroves, resembling a natural garden.
It takes only fifteen to twenty minutes to reach the mainland wharf from the jetty of Isla Pugon. While climbing to the top of Isla Pugon requires effort, it rewards visitors with a mesmerizing view of the vast mangrove forest extending to the beach with a stunning background of the majestic mountains in the vicinity.
Visitors have the option to stay overnight at Pugon’s nipa huts, but it’s important to note that the facilities are basic and electricity is solely dependent on solar panels.
Calampuan Island
Calampuan Island is a stunning destination that is sure to take your breath away. Often referred to as the ‘Perfect Island Getaway,’ it boasts crystal-clear waters, remarkable coral reefs, and lush green forestry. Its underdeveloped status adds to its charm, making it a perfect spot for a peaceful retreat.
For backpackers, Calampuan Island is an ideal location for overnight island camping. Imagine falling asleep to the calming sound of birds chirping and waking up to the soothing sound of waves crashing or leaves rustling in the morning breeze. It’s an experience that is both relaxing and rejuvenating.
The island’s mesmerizing coral reefs are a must-see attraction. Snorkeling in Calampuan Island is an unforgettable experience as you swim alongside various breeds of fish and explore the beauty of the coral reefs.
Banawa Sandbar
Banawa Sandbar is a must-visit destination in Dumaran, Palawan, for its stunning beach, crystal-clear waters, and magnificent coral reefs that are home to various species of fish.
One of the best things about Banawa Sand Bar is its proximity to Dumaran’s town proper. Just a ten-minute boat ride away, you can experience swimming in clear waters and snorkeling over beautiful coral reefs without having to travel too far.
Maraneg Beach
Maraneg Beach is an exquisite gem in Dumaran, boasting fine, powdery white sands that are unparalleled in beauty. It is a quiet and peaceful beach that offers a sense of serenity and solitude, making it feel like your own private oasis for the day. Who wouldn’t want to bask in the splendor of such a pristine beach, surrounded by untouched natural beauty?
But wait, it gets even better! You can extend your stay here by camping overnight, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the tranquil atmosphere of Dumaran. While there are no accommodations available yet, you can bring your own tent or hammock and relish in the soothing sounds of the waves and the cool sea breeze.
Dumaran is truly a sanctuary for those who yearn for a peaceful and relaxing getaway. So, come and experience the beauty and tranquility of Maraneg Beach and let your worries fade away amidst the idyllic surroundings.
Dumaran Spanish Fort
Palawan is known for its rich history and cultural heritage, and the municipality of Dumaran is no exception. One of the most intriguing historical sites in Dumaran is the ruins of the Spanish Fort, which adds a touch of spice to the town’s charm. Despite the passage of time and lack of proper maintenance, the fort’s walls remain intact, standing as a testament to the town’s rich past.
Research conducted on the Spanish Fort in Dumaran revealed that it was built during the late 18th or early 19th century. The fort’s walls consist of a bastion and a short stretch of curtain wall with an entrance that is breached at its center. Interestingly, local oral tradition claims that the fort was never finished, and archaeological evidence seems to support this claim.
Archaeologists discovered that the bastion of the fort has an unusual shape, with a central rounded projection flanked by two short walls. This shape does not conform to any typical bastion design, leading researchers to speculate that it may have been an older circular tower of stone and mortar that was later molded into a bastion.
The Spanish Fort in Dumaran is a fascinating historical site that provides a glimpse into the town’s storied past. Its ruins serve as a reminder of the town’s resilience and the enduring legacy of Palawan’s rich cultural heritage.
Maruyog-ruyog Island
Maruyog-ruyog Island is a hidden gem that offers a tranquil and secluded spot to enjoy a peaceful day. The island offers spacious and well-maintained cottages where visitors can spend a peaceful night surrounded by natural beauty.
Maruyog-ruyog Island is a must-visit for those seeking a quiet and private escape. Its pristine beaches and natural beauty make it the perfect place to relax and unwind, while the stunning views provide an unforgettable setting for capturing memories with loved ones.
Pamalatan Island
Pamalatan Island, located in the Municipality of Dumaran, offers a true paradise for travelers seeking stunning natural beauty. A wealth of opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and diving in crystal-clear waters are offered by the island.
The breathtaking underwater world can be immersed in, swimming alongside an array of colorful fish and fascinating marine creatures. The island’s amazing aquatic scenery will captivate you.
Don’t forget to bring your snorkeling or diving gear to explore the vibrant and diverse marine life thriving beneath the water’s surface.
With its unparalleled beauty, Pamalatan Island is truly a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
Kalabukay Festival
The Kalabukay Festival is a vibrant and colorful celebration that takes place in the municipality of Dumaran in Palawan, Philippines. This annual festival is held every second week of May and is a tribute to the town’s patron saint, San Isidro Labrador.
The festival’s name, “Kalabukay,” is derived from the local dialect, meaning “to gather.” This reflects the festival’s purpose of bringing together the people of Dumaran to celebrate and showcase their culture and traditions.
During the festival, the town’s streets come alive with colorful parades, music, dancing, and street performances. The festival’s highlight is the street dance competition, where groups of dancers adorned in vibrant and intricate costumes showcase their dance moves and cultural heritage.
In addition to the street dancing, there are also other events and activities such as a beauty pageant, a cooking contest, and sports competitions. There are also food stalls offering local delicacies and traditional dishes, as well as crafts and souvenirs sold by local artisans.
The Kalabukay Festival is an opportunity for the people of Dumaran to showcase their culture, traditions, and the beauty of their town.
Encantasia Island
Encantasia Island, known by the locals as an uncharted paradise, is one of the smallest islands in the municipality of Dumaran. Despite its size, the island offers breathtaking views of crystal-clear waters, which allow you to observe the stunning coral reefs beneath.
This unparalleled clarity makes it a popular spot for snorkeling in Dumaran.
Matarawis Reef
Matarawis Reef is a shallow water wonderland that boasts a diverse array of corals and marine life, making it a popular destination for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. The vibrant coral formations and underwater creatures are easily visible from the comfort of your boat.
You’ll be in awe of the massive clams that call this reef home, some of which are among the largest you’ll ever see. In addition, the area is teeming with colorful Palette Surgeonfish, also known as “Dory Fish,” which are sure to captivate your attention.
Queen Coral
The Queen Coral is a magnificent underwater destination that boasts incredible biodiversity and breathtaking scenery. As its name suggests, it is home to an abundance of corals that come in various shapes, sizes, and colors.
One of the highlights of this destination is the chance to swim with playful clownfishes in their anemone home. You can also witness a wide variety of other marine creatures such as sea turtles, colorful fish, and stunning sea stars.