Palawan is an island that lies in the western part of the Philippines, holding much history and beauty, as it was voted the best island in the world two years in a row by Travel and Leisure in 2016 and 2017. Even with all this press, Palawan remains relatively undiscovered with world class adventures awaiting and limited development on long white sand beaches that stretch for miles and miles.

Augustinian Recollects colonized the province beginning in 1622, and built religious and military structures to protect themselves and thrive in the new lands, thus bringing along Spanish colonial architecture. Discover Palawan colonial architecture with the top 5 colonial structures on the island:

1. Immaculate Reception Cathedral

This church just down the street Puerto Princesa’s airport was originally built in 1872, however was reconstructed in 1911, and again in 1961 to become the cathedral it is today. The cathedral is a neo-Gothic structure with point windows on each of the two towers and vaulted ceilings inside. Even though the architecture is not magnificent, the impact on the community has been huge as it’s been Puerto Princesa’s main place of worship for almost 150 years.

2. Fort of Cuyo and St. Augustin Church

Constructed in 1680, this fort and church lie not exactly on Palawan, but on another island called Cuyo Island. This island is the oldest colonial settlement of ‘Palawan,’ a former capital of the province, and that’s why I’m including it on this list.

Built by a group of Augustinians who had control of Palawan, the structure is square with four bastions, with a large belfry and watchtowers. It’s made of coral stone and mortar and is more than a meter thick. You’ll find St. Augustin Church inside the walls of the fort, with two circular windows accenting each side of the facade under the triangular pediment, similar to Santa Isabela Chapel. Cuyo Fort is among the oldest and most respected in the Philippines, and would have been daunting for any invading pirate in that era.

3. Fort Santa Isabela and Chapel

This fort located in the northeast part of Palawan, TayTay, dates back to 1667, when the Augustinians who controlled Palawan felt they needed more military fortification from invading pirates. You’ll see the Santa Isabela Chapel inside the walls, as well as the large cannons, each of which are still intact. The chapel is a small stone chapel with an arched entrance leading up to its pediment. Fun fact: The King and Queen of TayTay were held ransom by the crew of Ferdinand Magellan in 1521 after Magellan died in battle in the Philippines. The province gave the crew the supplies needed to sail out of their lands.

Admission: 200 PHP (4 USD)

4. Plaza Cuartel

This Spanish fort was built sometime in the 1800s but unfortunately, the only thing that is left is the facade with the gateway and two half round towers on each side. It’s become significant historically because of what happened during World War 2. The fort was taken over by the Japanese Imperial Army, who took the allies at prisoners of war. Late in the war, they burned the POWs alive in the nearby tunnels. 11 prisoners managed to escape by swimming across the channel to another part of the island. Walk through the gates and into the park for an emotional visit.

5. Iwahig Prison and Penal Colony

Established in 1904 by then American Governor of the Philippines, Luke Wright, this penal colony was first used to accept spillovers from Bilibad Prison in Manila. The two main buildings, the Recreation Hall and the Administration Building, display colonial colonial architecture. Both have a split entry, with the stairs leading up to the entrances, but the the Administration Building offers a verandah supported by standard columns. The Recreation Hall has columns, but only to support the small pediment above the entrance.

This is a unique colony in that the prisoners are self sufficient, and there hardly any guards. This is the style of prison that it began as originally and still exists to this day. Vocations such as fishing, construction, farming are available for the prisoners to choose from, and they will stay in that field during their time there. You can book a tour by showing up at the prison for a 100 PHP (2 USD) suggested donation.

Note: Buildings are judged on 1. Historical significance, 2. Architectural design, 3. Importance to community, and 4. Impression and aura. Think I missed one? Let me know in the comments!

Map of the top 5: