Brooke’s Point, approximately 192 kilometers south of Puerto Princesa City, is best known as the origin of the biggest pearl in the world found by a Muslim resident in Barangay Oring-Oring in 1934. Popularly known as “the Pearl of Lao Tze” after the Chinese philosopher, or “the Pearl of Allah,” the pearl weighs in at about 14.1 pounds and is about 9.5 inches long and 5.5 inches in diameter. The pearl, estimated to be worth several million dollars, is now kept in the Smithsonian Museum in the United States.

Brooke’s Point was named after the British army explorer and explorer Sir James Brooke, who served as the governor of Sarawak, Borneo in the 1830s. In one of his voyages, he landed on the tip of what is now Brooke’s Point, then inhabited by native Palaweños who were once ruled by the Sultan of Sulu.

Brooke’s Point has grown into what is now considered to be one of the municipalities in Palawan with great economic potential. Its strategic location can make it a major growth center, a crossroads for international commerce. Because of its proximity to the other countries south of the Philippines, barter trade with Malaysia has become one of the primary sources of income in Brooke’s Point. In fact, this proximity with Malaysia—which residents refer to as “kabila” (the other side)—has allowed Brooke’s Point to be one of the best places to witness the peaceful coexistence of cultures. Indigenous Palaw’ans, Muslim and Christian residents, and immigrants from other parts of the Philippines all live together in harmony.

It can be reached directly from Puerto Princesa City in 3-4 hours if using private vehicles. For those taking the public transport from Puerto Princesa City, go to San Jose public market & terminal. Take any of the many shuttle vans going to Brooke’s Point poblacion. Take a tricycle that regularly goes to Mate parked at the Public market or bus terminal at P15/person or hire a tricycle (negotiable from P50/per tricycle from the poblacion  to Mt. Matuyog.