( CNN ) -- Dazzling beaches , pulsing jungles , rich underwater life and friendly locals greet visitors to the Philippines ' Palawan province , made up of about 1,700 islands along the country 's western edge . A top destination for nature lovers , Lonely Planet describes Palawan as `` a magnificent , coral-fringed range of jungle-clad mountainous islands jutting up dramatically from the Sulu Sea . '' iReporter Rebecca High , 22 , recently visited friends serving in the Peace Corps in Palawan . High , currently living in Seoul , South Korea , was struck by the contrast between the area 's poverty and its remarkable natural beauty . She answered six questions about her experience on iReport.com : . Top not-to-be-missed experience . Why ? Riding the bus from Puerto Princesa up through the heart of the island to El Nido , at the northern shore ... it 's the ultimate Filipino experience : crowded into a small dirty bus with open windows and beautiful people of all ages and stories . Plus you have time to marvel at the rugged beauty , squalor , and everything in between . First impression , and did it change ? Waiting for a connecting flight from Manila to Puerto Princesa , I came face-to-face with this sign on the back of a bathroom stall : `` Life is a process not a destination , a mystery to be lived , not a problem to be solved . '' It was the perfect motto to confront after a stressful week at work and mad rush to the airport that morning . I walked out of the bathroom and looked out the huge windows of the airport , across the runway to the green hills and palms beyond . And I knew that this would be a life-changing adventure . My impression did n't change , and I consider my time in Palawan a very worthwhile education . Share your trips on iReport.com : Just back from . Lasting memory . Discovering hidden lagoons , caves , islands , and seeing my first in-the-wild sea turtle while snorkeling off Taytay and El Nido . Three adjectives that capture this place . Engaging , enigmatic , diverse . Biggest surprise . Wow , dirt roads and motorcycle taxis in the island 's capital ? This is third world ! But these boys are the most adorable and respectful shuttle drivers I 've ever had ! I did indeed love it , but traveling with American Peace Corps [ volunteers ] and through the rural Philippines is hard work ! It 's well worth it , though . I did n't want the typical Boracay beach resort experience , and I surely did n't get it ! Most delicious food , drink or place to eat . Stuffed squid in El Nido was memorable , mango and avocado shakes were divine , and one of the best cottages and kitchens of all was La Casa Rosa in Taytay . Overlooking the old fort and the bay , they served us lomi ( noodles ) , adobo , pizza , and San Miguel [ beer ] as the living jungle around us hummed into the wee small hours . Have you been to the Philippines ? Share your tips in the comments section below .
Palawan province is made up of about 1,700 islands . The Philippines has a long history with the sea, dating back to pre-colonial times when it was part of Spanish East Asia and later under British rule until 1898 when Spain ceded its claim over the `` I did n't want the typical Boracay beach resort experience , '' High said .