During my recent trip to Palawan, we visited Culion Island, the former leprosarium of the American Commonwealth Government. It is found on the northernmost part of Palawan and is part of the Calamian Group of Islands together with the municipalities of Busuanga, Coron, and Linapacan.
One of the sites that caught my attention as our boat was drawing near the shore was the Purisima Concepcion de Nuestra Senora. It proudly stood perched atop a cliff and is set against the clear blue sky. Immaculate Conception Church as it is known today is one of the oldest buildings in the island. It was constructed in 1906 by a group of Augustinian priest. Now it is being run by the Fathers of the Society of Jesus.
It sits right across the Culion Sanitarium which once was a leprosy segregation camp.
Its watchtower and fort were constructed by the Augustinian Recollects as defense measure against the Moro Raiders which used to harass the whole island.
It has the most breathtaking view of the sea and of the shoreline of Culion.
Though we didn’t get to see much of the island, I noticed the presence of old traditional houses and buildings as well as the lack of modern facilities here. It gave me the impression that life here still remains as simple as it is. As our boat was pulling away from the shore, we were treated to the most beautiful sunset.
Clearly, its sheer natural beauty as well as its rich history are what gives Culion Island its old world charm.
Culion Island can be reached by an outrigger. It is an hour and a half travel by sea from the town of Coron.
Culion Island
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i think i also read somewhere that there’s a bed and breakfast or lodge being run their for a cause. i just can’t recall the name. thanks for writing about Culion.
Hi Shawi, yes. It’s Hotel Maya, run by Jesuits priests.:)
It would have been a good treat for us if we knew about Culion Island. We were in Coron just this January. It would have been enriching to do a quick tour then.
wow!! the view is indeed breathtaking!! that church looks amazing!!
wow i like the church.. bitin nga lang yun mga shoot dun..
Hi Axl, I was too busy exploring I forgot all about taking shots of the plac. Hinabol ko lang tong mga shots.:)
did u stay at Culion island for the night or just took a banka back? curious if they have a hotel or other accommodation in the island…
Hi Yukki, they have Hotel Maya which is run by the Jesuits. No, we didn’t stay there, we went back to Coron.:)
Wow! Ganda naman po sa island nayan..
Hope makapunta din ako…
Love the last Pic… 🙂
it looks so quiet…like some greek island. I like solitude and would like to go there one day. I could imagine the sense of history that this island has. Do they have inns, hostels or pension houses?
Hi Maritel, there’s only one hotel in this island, Hotel Maya, run by the Jesuits.
I think I have read about this site in another blogger’s post. Yeah…I heard it’s nice. Maybe, aside from Coron, this might just be one of the places I have to og in my next Palawan visit.
Palawan is truly beautiful-paradise, bawat sulok ng Palawan breath taking,,, kaya i supports NO TO MINING IN PALAWAN! ito ba ang sisirain nila?
i liked the sunset shot… perfect!
Wow this is so cool! I would love to visit Culion! The sunset photo is breathtaking! The Immaculate Conception Church is also a sight to behold. Amazing Philippines!
Oooh, I’d love to visit the island! So when did the leprosarium close down? Wow, an hour and a half via outrigger boat… Its remoteness is perfect for its former function.
it looks relaxing.. i want to visit the church.
This is amazing. I would have appreciated it more if the pictures were bigger. 🙂
I’ve never been to Palawan! I’ve seen lots of photos, but never from this island yet! Interesting place.. esp ung leprosy segregation camp? would love to know more!!!! I love your sunset pic!!!
I’ve heard Culion Island a few times until I saw your pictures. Di po ba sya kasama sa mga island tours ng Coron?
Hi Mark, hindi e, dadayuhin mo talaga sya coz 1 hour and a half to two hours sea travel from coron to.
Breath taking. It only shows that it is really more fun in the Philippines. I missed watching sun sets again. I will visit Culion Island kapag nagpunta ako ng Palawan.