Found in picturesque Palawan, the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm is arguably one of the most popular prisons in the Philippines. This is probably because of the way prisoners are allowed to work on the farm to earn a living for themselves and their families instead of just being locked up and being unproductive.

The prison was established in 1902 by the United States for Filipino prisoners who fought with the Americans during their colonization of the Philippines.

A Unique Prison

Unlike most prisons and other penal institutions, the convicted prisoners, specifically the minimum security prisoners in Iwahig, are not locked up within what they call as the colony. Only those who are deemed to be medium or maximum security prisoners are given tighter monitoring.

In the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm, minimum security prisoners get to be involved in agricultural work and live in dormitories.

Another feature of this colony is that families of the prisoners can live and stay with them. These family members can also work at Iwahig's vast land area and at some shops selling handicrafts to earn a living.

Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm

The Iwahig Prison and penal Farm colony encompasses a 37-hectare picturesque farm. With coconut palm trees, rice, and other crops planted and cultivated by the prisoners and their families, the colony and the penal farm attract tourists and visitors alike. Within the farm is Balsahan River, known for its cascading waters coming from the nearby mountain.

 

How to get there

From Manila: Planes from Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific and Zestair have travel from Manila to Puerto Princessa. Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm are located in Baranggay Iwahig, Palawan and is a 30-minute ride from the province's capital, Puerto Princesa.

 

Accommodations in Puerto Princesa:

•  Isla Arena Turtle Sanctuary Resort - Isla Arena, Narra, Narra, Palawan, Philippines
•  Sunlight Guest Hotel - Malvar Street, Barangay Tagumpay, Puerto Princesa Town Proper, Palawan, Philippines 5300
• Microtel Hotels & Resorts Puerto Princesa Palawan - San Manuel, Emerald Playa, Puerto Princesa, Puerto Princesa Town Proper, Palawan, Philippines 5300
•  Hotel Fleuris Palawan - Lacao Street, Puerto Princesa Town Proper, Palawan, Philippines 5300
•  Hotel Centro Palawan - San Pedro National Highway, Puerto Princesa Town Proper, Palawan, Philippines 5300
• Dos Palmas Island Resort and Spa - Arreceffi Island Resort Honda Bay, Honda Bay, Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines
•  A&A Plaza Hotel - National Highway cor Wescom Road, Puerto Princesa Town Proper, Palawan, Philippines
•  Palm Bay Resort - Lot 240A, Barangay Simpocan, Puerto Princesa Town Proper, Palawan, Philippines 5300
• Princess Armicha Pension House - Fernandez St. corner Dacuan Rd., Puerto Princesa Town Proper, Palawan, Philippines 5300