Culion

Culion is a municipality in the province of Palawan, Philippines. It is part of the Calamianes Islands group in northern Palawan and encompasses Culion Island and several smaller surrounding islets. The municipal center is located on Culion Island, where coastal communities rely on fishing, farming, and growing ecotourism.

Historically, Culion is best known for the Culion Leprosy Colony, established during the American colonial period in the early 20th century. At its height, it housed thousands of residents, including patients and staff, and played a significant role in the public health response to leprosy in the region. The colony eventually closed as medical advances reduced stigma and improved treatment, and today the site preserves its history through the Culion Leprosy Museum and Archives, which educates visitors about the colony’s legacy and the broader history of leprosy treatment.

Geography and environment are characterized by tropical island landscapes, with white-sand beaches, mangrove-lined shores, and rocky coastlines. The area supports biodiversity typical of the Calamianes, including marine ecosystems that attract divers and researchers.

Administration and demographics are typical of Philippine municipalities, with multiple barangays making up the local government unit. The population is a mix of residents from Palawan and other regions, reflecting common patterns of migration within the province.

Economy centers on fishing and small-scale agriculture, with tourism growing through heritage sites, island-hopping, and natural attractions. Access is available by air from nearby Palawan airports or by sea from Coron and other Palawan destinations, linking Culion to the broader archipelago.