Shopping for South Sea Pearls in Palawan
Palawan is an island province in the Philippines that is deemed to be the last ecological frontier of the country. it is famous for its superb and magnificent beaches and it rose to global prominence because of the Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park and its underground river. Palawan also boasts of numerous fabulous dive sites, caves, lakes and other eco-tourism destinations.
Photo by SToto98
One other reason why people visit Palawan is to shop. Shopping for souvenir in Palawan is a delight, from authentic south sea pearls, cashew nuts, souvenir t-shirts and even “danggit” a specialty dried fish. But the most sought-after souvenir in Palawan is pearls. Genuine south sea pearls are sold in almost every corner of Puerto Princesa, the capital city of Palawan. And the amazing thing is that they can be bought very cheaply, almost less than half the price if they are bought in Manila and in other big cities of the Philippines.
South sea pearls are considered the Philippines’ national gem and a truly lovely product of the Philippine seas. There are various types of south sea pearls, and they come in all shapes, colors and characteristics. But the rarest of all these fabulous gems is the Golden South Sea pearls. They emerge from the oyster in a shimmering golden color with no artificial coloring added whatsoever. Diamonds may be a woman’s best friend but the Golden South Sea pearl of Palawan is a real beauty.
Of course the Golden South Sea pearl, because it is so rare, is also quite expensive. Nevertheless, there are other kinds of south sea pearls, maybe not as beautiful and rare as the Golden South Sea pearl but also gorgeous and stunning in their own way that can be had at very reasonable prices.
What makes shopping in Palawan for south sea pearls a pleasure is that merchants do not fleece unknowing tourists like they do in other places. They will quote you the same price, whether you’re a local or a tourist, foreign or domestic.
