22 Things to do in Puerto Princesa + Tourist Spots

22 Things to do in Puerto Princesa + Tourist Spots

Puerto Princesa is famous for its natural attractions and as a gateway to Palawan Island, particularly to popular destinations like El Nido and lesser-known spots including Balabac, Tabon Caves, Taytay, Port Barton, and San Vicente.

As the Philippines’ second largest city in terms of land area, there are many interesting places to see and things to do here. The urban center is compact and easy to navigate, while the vast majority of Puerto Princesa is occupied by verdant forest, soaring mountains, and a coastline fringed by vast mangrove forests, remote beach coves and scenic bays dotted with beautiful islets.

Here’s a list of beautiful places to visit in Puerto Princesa including top things to do & the best Puerto Princesa tourist spots.

To make your trip planning easy, I’ve added links to the locations on Google Maps. Feel free to click/tap on the links posted. Then, use the “save” feature on the Google Maps app. Seeing all your saved locations on the map will help you get started on planning your Puerto Princesa itinerary and know the best areas to stay, near places you want to go.

See also: Puerto Princesa DOT-Accredited Hotels , Best Travel Apps .

View all travel tips on: Puerto Princesa .

1. Puerto Princesa Underground River

city tourism puerto princesa

Puerto Princesa Underground River

Location : Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, Sabang . Save on Google Maps .

The Puerto Princesa Underground River is the most famous attraction of the city. It is included in UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites for its spectacular limestone karst landscape and remarkable biodiversity. It is also reputed to be the world’s longest navigable underground river. A paddle boat ride takes you to a section of the underground river, where you can enjoy views of massive stalagmite/stalactite formations and cave chambers. The Puerto Princesa Underground River is located in the quiet coastal village of Sabang.

How to go :

The underground river is typically reached by joining a day tour from Puerto Princesa. Tour packages include round trip land transfers to Sabang, picnic lunch at Sabang Beach and mandatory park permit/registration/fees. Sabang Beach is approximately 74 km northeast from Puerto Princesa city center. Travel time is around 1 hour and 40 minutes by car. The boat ride from Sabang Beach to the underground river entrance takes around 30 minutes.

See rates & book online

Puerto Princesa Underground River Day Tour w/ Buffet Lunch

Puerto Princesa Underground River + Sabang X Zipline + Lunch at Sheridan 3-in-1 package

city tourism puerto princesa

Book your trip to Puerto Princesa

Before you start ticking goals off your bucketlist, here are travel essentials & discounts you’ll need to check. Pre-book online for a hassle-free trip! Click below to compare rates & read reviews:

Puerto Princesa Hotels Tours + discounts Flights Airport transfers

Popular tours & discounts booked by other travelers:

Puerto Princesa – El Nido Shuttle Transfers

Honda Bay Island Hopping Tour

Puerto Princesa City Tour

Puerto Princesa Firefly Watching w/ Buffet Dinner

Puerto Princesa Airport to PP City Hotel Transfers

For more travel inspiration,  follow Detourista on :

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Sabang Beach near Puerto Princesa Underground River

Location : Sabang Beach, Barangay Cagayugan . Save on Google Maps .

During my first trip, the biggest reason why I spent a night in Sabang was to go on the forest trek to the underground river entrance via the Monkey Trail. It was an interesting off-beat experience for sure! Sabang has a lovely beachfront too. It gets pretty busy around noontime, but when all the day trippers are gone, you can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere without the crowds. When in Sabang, also check out the Sabang X Zipline, trekking to Sabang Waterfall, and paddle boat tour around the mangrove forest.

Where to stay

city tourism puerto princesa

3. Honda Bay Islands

city tourism puerto princesa

Pandan Island in Honda Bay, Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines

Location : Near Santa Lourdes Wharf . Save on Google Maps .

Honda Bay is another famous tourist spot in Puerto Princesa. Here, you can find beautiful islets, reefs, white sand beaches and inviting waters perfect for swimming. While not as impressive as El Nido or Coron, Honda Bay is an excellent alternative if you plan to go island hopping near Puerto Princesa. The drive north from the City Proper to Santa Lourdes Wharf (the jump-off point to Honda Bay) only takes around 30-45 minutes. The most convenient way to go is by joining an island hopping tour package, which should include a visit to at least 3 islands, picnic lunch at the beach, land/sea transport and environmental/boat fees.

city tourism puerto princesa

Honda Bay islands and attractions

Pandan Island

Starfish Island

Snake Island

Luli Island

Pambato Reef

Arrecife Island

Dos Palmas Resort , Arrecife Island

Cowrie Island

Makesi Island

Frazer Island

Barlas Island

Canon Island

Ramesamay Island

4. Dos Palmas Resort

Location : Arrecife Island, Honda Bay

Dos Palmas is a stunning island resort that exclusively occupies Arrecife Island. It’s the best place to go if you’re set on a splurge and you want to spend the night in Honda Bay. The luxury resort also provides day tours with convenient pick-up/drop-off from Puerto Princesa City Proper.

Dos Palmas Resort

Check rates & reviews

Puerto Princesa city tour

If you have a few hours or a full day in Puerto Princesa, check out these places found within or near the City Proper area. Many of these tourist spots are included in standardized half-day city tours. These join-in tours are popular and affordable, priced at only around P600 per person.

5. Baker’s Hill

city tourism puerto princesa

Baker’s Hill, Puerto Princesa City

Location : Mitra Road, Brgy. Sta. Monica . Save on Google Maps .

Baker’s Hill is famous for its freshly-baked and delicious local delicacies, perfect gifts/pasalubong for friends and family back home. Featuring well-maintained gardens (a sort of mini-theme park), Baker’s Hill is also a beautiful location to take photos for your Instagram and Facebook feed.

city tourism puerto princesa

6. Mitra’s Ranch

city tourism puerto princesa

Mitra’s Ranch, Puerto Princesa

Located near Baker’s Hill, Mitra’s Ranch offers a scenic view overlooking the green landscape of the surrounding valley. It’s also a popular place for horseback riding and ziplining.

7. Palawan Tribal Village and Butterfly Farm

Palawan Tribal Village in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philipp

Location : Palawan Butterfly Ecological Garden and Tribal Village, Brgy. Sta. Monica . Save on Google Maps .

Popular among tour groups, this is one of the interesting tourist spots in the city. It is divided into two sections: the Tribal Village, which offers a cultural interaction with members of the Palaw’an tribe; and the Butterfly Eco Garden, which showcases the variety of tropical butterflies and other insects from the southern region of the Philippines.

city tourism puerto princesa

8. Puerto Princesa Baywalk

city tourism puerto princesa

The Baywalk in Puerto Princesa

Location : Sandoval St., Puerto Princesa City Proper . Save on Google Maps .

This lovely promenade is the perfect place to watch scenic sunsets. There’s also a food park, where you can sample local Palaweño and Filipino dishes.

9. Plaza Cuartel

city tourism puerto princesa

Plaza Cuartel, Puerto Princesa

Location : Taft St, Puerto Princesa City Proper . Save on Google Maps .

Historic Plaza Cuartel is the site of a ruined garrison and tunnels, which now serve as a grim reminder of World War II atrocities.

10. Immaculate Conception Cathedral

city tourism puerto princesa

Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Puerto Princesa

Location : 58 Rizal Ave, Puerto Princesa City Proper . Save on Google Maps .

A short walk away is the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, a Gothic-style church painted in lovely pastel blue. This historic place is the site of the first mass in Puerto Princesa.

city tourism puerto princesa

11. Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm

Location : Barangay Iwahig . Save on Google Maps .

Going to prison is not something you ordinarily imagine doing during your holiday. The Penal colony in Iwahig, however, might change your mind. This open-air prison is one of the top tourist spots in Puerto Princesa. Here, you can find inmates freely roaming the grounds, tending the farm and going about office-related work.

12. Iwahig Firefly Watching & Mangrove Forest

Location : Iwahig Firefly Watching Mangrove Ecotourism And Wildlife Park, Barangay Iwahig . Save on Google Maps .

Iwahig is also home to a vast mangrove forest. A paddle boat night cruise along the Iwahig River offers a close-up view of glowing fireflies swarming around the mangrove trees.

13. Puerto Princesa Bay cruise & dolphin watching

city tourism puerto princesa

Puerto Princesa, Palawan

Puerto Princesa Bay is a playground of dolphins and other marine creatures. Dolphin watching tours are popular between the months of April and October when sightings are more common. A cruise around Puerto Princesa Bay also offers a chance to enjoy scenic sea views and meet the Badjao Tribe (a community of sea gypsies).

14. Go on a food trip

city tourism puerto princesa

Badjao Seafront Restaurant, Puerto Princesa

With vast open seas surrounding Puerto Princesa, you can look forward to indulging in fresh and affordable seafood. Don’t miss the tuna steak/special of the day set at Kalui and local specialties at other native-style restaurants in the city including Badjao Seafront and Kinabuch’s.

city tourism puerto princesa

Where to eat and drink in Puerto Princesa (top seafood restaurants and bars)

KaLui Location: 369 Rizal Avenue, Puerto Princesa City Proper.  Save on Google Maps .

Badjao Seafront Restaurant Location: Abueg St, Puerto Princesa City Proper.  Save on Google Maps .

Kinabuch’s Grill and Bar Location: 369 Rizal Avenue, Puerto Princesa City Proper.  Save on Google Maps .

Ka Inato Location: Km 4 Puerto Princesa North National Highway, Puerto Princesa.  Save on Google Maps .

Palaweño Brewery Location: 82 Manalo St, Puerto Princesa, 5300 Palawan.  Save on Google Maps .

15. Try Chao Long

city tourism puerto princesa

Bona’s Chaolong, Puerto Princesa

Chao Long is a Vietnamese-influenced delicacy that you should try in Puerto Princesa. This noodle dish was introduced by refugees who found their way to Puerto Princesa during the Vietnam War. The most popular places to try it is Bona’s Chaolong Haus and Vietville. Restaurants like Rene’s Saigon serve variants of the dish including seafood Chaolong.

Top Chao Long restaurants in Puerto Princesa

Bona’s Chaolong Location: Manalo St, Puerto Princesa City Proper.  Save on Google Maps .

Rene’s Saigon Location: Rizal Avenue Extension, Puerto Princesa City Proper.  Save on Google Maps .

Vietville Location: Barangay Sta. Lourdes, Puerto Princesa.  Save on Google Maps .

city tourism puerto princesa

16. Puerto Princesa museums

city tourism puerto princesa

Palawan Museum, Puerto Princesa

Museums in Puerto Princesa

Palawan Museum  — Houses exhibits devoted to Palawan’s cultural heritage. It is one of the best places to learn about archaeological findings related to the Tabon Man, one of the earliest settlers in the Phillippines. Location: Valencia Street, Puerto Princesa City Proper.  Save on Google Maps .

Palawan Special Battalion WW-II Memorial Museum Location: Rizal Avenue, Puerto Princesa City Proper. Near Old Passenger Terminal Building of Puerto Princesa Airport.  Save on Google Maps .

Palawan Heritage Center Location: Fernandez St., Puerto Princesa City Proper. Near Palawan Provincial Capitol.  Save on Google Maps .

17. Trekking and outdoor adventures

Experience exhilarating adventures at Ugong Rock including spelunking and ziplining. Explore Hundred Caves, a new eco-tourism site in Palawan.

Puerto Princesa Bacungan Waterfalls + West Coast Beaches Package

Puerto Princesa Mt. Magarwak Sunrise Trekking

18. Puerto Princesa waterfalls

city tourism puerto princesa

Bonton Falls, Puerto Princesa

Though not as grand as other  waterfalls in the Philippines , there are several waterfalls in Puerto Princesa that might be worth a visit.

Waerfalls in Puerto Princesa

Bacungan Falls Location: Barangay Irawan.

Bonton Falls Location: Barangay Irawan.

Irawan Falls Location: Barangay Irawan.

Sabang Falls Location: Sabang Village.

Tibag Waterfalls Location: Barangay Bacungan.

Olangoan Falls Location: Barangay Binduyan.

Salakot Falls Location: Barangay Napsan.

19. Puerto Princesa waterparks

Waterparks are a relatively new attraction in Puerto Princesa. If you’re traveling with friends and family, here are places to go for a day of fun.

Waterparks in Puerto Princesa

Kamia Bay resort Location: Binunsalian Bay, Barangay Luzviminda.  Save on Google Maps .

Astoria Palawan Waterpark Location: Kilometer 62, North National Hwy, Barangay. San Rafael.  Save on Google Maps .

20. Nagtabon Beach & West Coast Beaches

Location : Brgy. Bacungan . Save on Google Maps .

If you explore Puerto Princesa on Google Maps, you’ll see a lot of secluded beach coves, especially along the western coast. These beaches remain undeveloped because of their remote location. Nagtabon Beach is one of the more accessible options, reached within a one hour drive from Puerto Princesa city center. It’s a great place to go if you’re looking for a beach with a local vibe.

Nagtabon Beach or Talaudyong Beach Car Charter

21. Puerto Princesa beaches and coastal views

city tourism puerto princesa

Silica Beach, Puerto Princesa

city tourism puerto princesa

Here’s a list of beaches and beachfront resorts within or near the city center.

White Beach / Silica Beach / Nasin-aw Beach Location: Barangay Bancao-Bancao.  Save on Google Maps .

Princesa Garden Resort private-beach Location: Barangay Bancao-Bancao.  Save on Google Maps .

Kalayaan Beach Location: Barangay San Pedro. East end of the Puerto Princesa Airport runway.  Save on Google Maps .

BM Beach  — Beachfront of Blue Palawan Beach Club & Chez Rose Beach Bar and Restaurant Location: Barangay San Pedro.  Save on Google Maps .

Clarkville Beach Location: Barangay San Pedro.  Save on Google Maps .

Emerald Beach  — Beachfront of Microtel by Wyndham & The Emerald Playa Beach Resort Location: Barangay San Manuel.  Save on Google Maps .

22. Palawan Cherry Blossoms

city tourism puerto princesa

Palawan Cherry Blossoms at Balayong Park, Puerto Princesa

Location : Balayong Park, Brgy. Tiniguiban. Beside Ramon V. Mitra Sports Complex . Save on Google Maps .

On my summer trip to Puerto Princesa, I was really excited to see Palawan cherry trees, locally known as Balayong, in full bloom. The best area to see the beautiful pale pink blossoms of Palawan cherry trees is the area surrounding the Palawan State University campus, in the area of the planned Balayong Park.

Other places of interest in Puerto Princesa

Freedom Park and Puerto Princesa City Coliseum in Palawan, Phili

Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center (Crocodile Farm) Location: Barangay Irawan.  Save on Google Maps .

Binuatan Creations (Weaving Loom Center) Location: Puerto Princesa South Road.  Save on Google Maps .

Freedom Park at the City Coliseum Location: Peneyra Rd, Barangay San Pedro.  Save on Google Maps .

Beyond Puerto Princesa

city tourism puerto princesa

Shimizu Island in El Nido, Palawan, Philippines

Location : Palawan province, west central Philippines . Save on Google Maps .

El Nido Travel Essentials

Where to stay Tours + discounts Check Fares

Top discounts

El Nido Tour A – Lagoons and Beaches Island Hopping

El Nido Tour C – Hidden Beaches and Shrines Island Hopping

See more : El Nido travel tips

21 Things to do in El Nido + Tourist Spots

Port Barton

city tourism puerto princesa

Port Barton Travel Essentials

Where to stay Check Fares

Port Barton Island Hopping from San Vicente (Join-In Tour)

Philippines Unlimited Data eSIM (QR Email Delivery)

Philippines 4G Data eSIM (QR Email Delivery)

San Vicente

city tourism puerto princesa

San Vicente Travel Essentials

Location : Metro Manila, Luzon, northern Philippines . Save on Google Maps .

Manila Travel Essentials

Manila-Luzon Shuttle – Tagaytay, Baguio, Laguna, La Union & more

Manila Ocean Park Attraction Pass

Enchanted Kingdom Admission Ticket

See more : Manila travel tips

16 Things to do in Manila + Tourist Spots

What places have you added to your bucketlist? Have you been to beautiful places in Puerto Princesa that should be on this list? Feel free to share your thoughts!

Places to visit in Puerto Princesa

Puerto Princesa tourist spots, things to do in Puerto Princesa, where to go in Puerto Princesa & more.

Note: Destinations featured above are not listed by rank.

Book your way to Puerto Princesa

How much does it cost to travel to Puerto Princesa? Click below to compare flight, ferry & buses fares posted on these booking sites:

Where to Stay in Puerto Princesa

Click below & search recommended Puerto Princesa hotels/hostels/home rentals within your budget. Remember to set your  min/max price , travel dates, and  sort by review ratings . I often book online with these trusted booking sites below for rock-bottom prices & convenient bookings.

Agoda Booking.com

Book sooner rather than later if you already have your dates set. Cheaper-priced rooms and hotels with high reviews tend to get fully booked faster, especially during busy days like weekends, holidays & peak tourist seasons.

Don’t Stop Here

Click below for more travel inspiration:

Philippines Beaches

Don’t leave yet. There’s more!

Puerto Princesa DOT-Accredited Hotels & Accommodations for 2023

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  • Puerto Princesa
  • Southeast Asia
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May 15, 2019 at 6:31 am

Very informative. U really encourage one to love travelling.and explore places. Indeed, travelling is life of non-stop learning and fun. Thanks for sharing.

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July 7, 2019 at 10:42 am

Hi! You missed Noki Nocs! First time there and can’t get enough of their halohalo!! So good! Too bad there’s no noki nocs in Manila

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December 5, 2019 at 8:07 pm

Hi! Nice informative list and its what we did on our first trip to Puerto Princesa…pls do include Yamang Bukid Farm and Farm Resto….very good for those who like a unique PHILIPPINE farm experience…and they serve the best chicken inihaw I’ve tasted so far!

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December 10, 2019 at 7:19 am

Hi, Thank you for your very informative and detailed blog. I have chosen Palawan to settle and retire to from Australia. You have just confirmed I have made the right chose!!!! Keep up the excellent work Marcos. Really well written.

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November 29, 2022 at 11:43 am

I love Puerto Princesa, I’ve been there and it’s a great place. Thank you for sharing your experiences. Your article is very great in detail and recommendation. Can’t wait to go back here. I miss Palawan.

Puerto Princesa Travel Guide

The ultimate puerto princesa travel guide: explore the green city of palawan.

Discover the stunning Green City of Palawan with the Ultimate Puerto Princesa Travel Guide. Explore its breathtaking natural wonders, from the world-renowned Underground River to the idyllic beaches of Honda Bay. Enjoy a variety of activities and indulge in the local cuisine for an unforgettable experience.

PUERTO PRINCESA

Destinations.

Tourist going on a cruise into the Underground River in Palawan

Underground River

Peacock monument in Puerto Princesa's Baywalk

Puerto Princesa City Tour

Crystal-clear water in Honda Bay

Honda Bay Islands Hopping by Shared Boat

Come to palawan.

Peacock monument in Puerto Princesa's Baywalk

Located in the heart of Palawan, Puerto Princesa is a unique travel destination that showcases the beauty of nature and sustainable development.  As one of the few green cities in the Philippines, the city is highly protected and preserved, offering visitors a chance to experience the natural wonders of the area. In the city proper, a third of the population resides, overlooking the stunning Puerto Princesa Bay. However, the rest of the city remains underdeveloped, with lush forests, towering trees, majestic mountains, and expansive beaches waiting to be explored.

Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in the city’s rich culture, savor the local cuisine, or embark on outdoor adventures, this ultimate Puerto Princesa travel guide has got you covered. Discover the top attractions, must-try experiences, and practical tips to make the most of your visit to this eco-friendly destination.

What to See in Puerto Princesa:

Looking for the top places to visit during your holiday in Puerto Princesa?

Here are some of our favorite must-see attractions that are not to be missed:

The Underground River, situated a two-hour drive from the city center of Puerto Princesa, is a globally acclaimed natural marvel. This enchanting river meanders through an extensive limestone cave system that extends approximately 8.2 kilometers (5 miles) beneath the earth’s surface. It holds the prestigious title of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is counted among the New Seven Wonders of Nature. Visitors can embark on a paddleboat adventure into the cave, where they can marvel at the breathtaking rock formations, stalactites, and stalagmites that embellish the walls and ceiling of the cave.

Honda Bay is a stunning coastal area located a short 20-minute ride from the city proper, Honda Bay is known for its crystal-clear waters that showcase a vibrant underwater world. The bay is home to thriving coral reefs adorned with a kaleidoscope of colors and teeming with diverse marine life. Snorkelers can immerse themselves in this underwater paradise, encountering tropical fish, sea turtles, and other fascinating creatures. With its idyllic beaches, breathtaking scenery, and abundant marine biodiversity, Honda Bay is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and beach enthusiasts alike.

Nagtabon Beach

For those in search of a secluded and tranquil retreat, Nagtabon Beach is an ideal destination. Situated a mere 25km drive from Puerto Princesa city proper, this 800-meter-long and 15-meter-wide beach offers a serene escape. With its breathtaking views, it serves as a perfect setting for a relaxing picnic. Additionally, depending on the weather conditions, the beach can also provide a good surfing experience.

Puerto Princesa city

Some of the most captivating attractions are situated in the heart of the city, conveniently within walking distance of each other. Among these notable landmarks is the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, a historic church with rich historical significance. Adjacent to the cathedral, you’ll find Plaza Cuartel, an open-air park that served as a penal colony during World War II. Another fascinating site to explore is the Palawan Heritage Center, a captivating museum that offers insights into Palawan’s history, culture, and art. For a delightful late afternoon experience, a leisurely stroll along the Baywalk is highly recommended. This scenic promenade not only offers stunning views but also provides an excellent opportunity to enjoy a delectable dinner at one of the seafood restaurants in the vicinity. Moreover, food peddlers can be found selling an assortment of treats like corn cobs, ice creams, and more, adding to the vibrant atmosphere of the area.

When to go to Puerto Princesa:

Puerto Princesa is a great travel destination that can be visited year-round. However, the best time to travel is during the dry season, which typically runs from November to early May . During this time, you can expect warm and sunny weather, making it the perfect time for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Do note that this period is also the peak tourist season, so expect higher hotel rates and more crowds.

The wet season runs from June to September . In this season, the weather in Puerto Princesa can be unpredictable, with occasional heavy rainfall and strong winds. The duration of rainfall may vary depending on the strength of the low-pressure system, which can cause the rain to last for a few hours or several days.

Puerto Princesa is rarely in the direct path of typhoons. However, it’s always best to check the weather forecast before traveling. You can visit Pagasa’s website, the official weather bureau of the Philippines, to get the latest updates on the weather conditions in the area.

Overall, Puerto Princesa is a great destination to visit any time of the year, as it offers a unique experience that can be enjoyed in all seasons.

Getting to Puerto Princesa:

Getting to Puerto Princesa is easy with several transportation options available from nearby destinations.

Here’s how you can get to Puerto Princesa from different places:

From El Nido

Public Transportation: There are daily public buses and vans available for travel between El Nido (Corong Corong Bus Terminal) and Puerto Princesa. The transport services operate from 7:30am to 6:00pm and take around 5-6 hours.  Book Online

Private Transportation: The quickest and easiest way to get from El Nido to Puerto Princesa is by booking a private van. Book Online

Ferry: 2GO Ferry operates twice a week sailing from Coron to Puerto Princesa and vice versa. The travel time of 2GO Ferry from Puerto Princesa to Coron and vice versa usually takes around 11-12 hours.

From Manila and Cebu

Flight: Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, and Air Asia operate direct flights to Puerto Princesa.

Ferry: 2GO Ferry operates twice a week sailing from Manila to Puerto Princesa and vice versa. Ferry ride from Puerto Princesa to Manila (via Coron) takes around 22 to 28 hours.

From Port Barton

Public Transportation: There are daily public buses and vans available for travel between Port Barton and Puerto Princesa. The transport services operate from 7:30am to 6:00pm and the travel time usually takes around 3.5 to 4 hours. These transportation options have been known to be unreliable in terms of both safety and adherence to the timetable.

Private Transportation: The quickest and easiest way to get from Port Barton to Puerto Princesa is by booking a private van. Book Online

From Taytay and Roxas

Public Transportation: All public vans and buses that travel between Puerto Princesa and El Nido typically make stops along the way in Taytay and Roxas. Book Online

Private Transportation:  The quickest and easiest way to get from Taytay to Puerto Princesa is by booking a private van. Book Transfer Online

From Sabang (Underground river)

Public Transportation: Lexxus operates a daily shuttle van service from Sabang to Puerto Princesa, taking around 2 hours.

Private Transportation: The quickest and easiest way to get from Sabang to Puerto Princesa is by booking a private van. Book Online

Recommended Tours

Beautiful scenery in El Nido Palawan

Best of Puerto Princesa & El Nido | 6 Days

Lagoon in front of the Underground River, Puerto Princesa, Palawan

Explore Puerto Princesa | 4 Days

Read more....

Day trip to Honda Bay's Crowie Island

Puerto Princesa Attractions

city tourism puerto princesa

How to plan a Puerto Princesa Trip

  • PRIVACY POLICY

Discover The Philippines

Puerto Princesa City Visitors Guide

city tourism puerto princesa

This brief guide to Puerto Princesa City will let you know how to get there, what to do, eat, and drink, where to stay, and must-see spots.

ABOUT SEE & DO EAT & DRINK STAY BUDGET ADVICE

Travel Insurance

If you want to see what the cleanest and greenest city in the Philippines looks like, then book a trip to Puerto Princesa City. It boasts of a number of attractions within the city proper, beautiful beaches less than an hour away from the city center, lots of restaurants with delectable and unforgettable dishes, and of course several hotels to fit anyone’s budget. It is also the access point to the famous Underground River which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It may not be a shopping mecca because of the limited number of malls but you may want to set aside some budget for shopping… for pearls which the city has an abundant supply considering its natural resources. Puerto Princesa is the capital and the only city in the province of Palawan however, it isn’t as busy as other highly urbanized cities in the country. Actually, it is more like a big town with loads of tourists on a daily basis.

Great for those who are in constant search for adventure, Puerto Princesa has something to offer to tourists of various ages, economic status, and nationalities.

Puerto Princesa Location Map

Best Time to Visit

It’s best to visit the Philippines during the dry season .  Dry season in the Philippines spans from November through April .  These are the summer months in this country.

Be aware that temperatures and humidity levels are particularly high in April and May .

The best time to be a beach bum and explore the islands is from March to May.

TIP:  Booking for summer trips should be done as early as possible, at least a month before your travel dates, since resorts get fully booked early.

The period from June to October is the rainy (wet) season and is best avoided due to the high possibility of typhoons. The typhoons can not only be destructive, but most tours and activities are cancelled under such circumstances.  Transportation via plane and boat is also seriously impacted as well.  This happens frequently so beware!

This guide recommends traveling to Puerto Princesa City in April-May or in November-December , just before and just after the rainy season. This will likely bring fewer crowds, yet pleasant weather, and is also a great time to score a travel deal.

Getting Here

There are many ways to get to this destination depending on your starting point.  This guide recommends using the following online tools to identify all the available options and cost for each while in Puerto Princesa City: Rome2Rio and PHBUS .  The major ports of entry for this destination are provided below.

Airport

Puerto Princesa Airport

BUS TERMINAL

Bus Terminal

San Jose Bus Terminal

Seaport

Puerto Princesa Seaport

Take a plane to Puerto Princesa City via Cebu Pacific or Philippine Airlines. These commercial airlines have multiple direct flights everyday from Manila to Puerto Princesa while one or two flights from Cebu. Travel time is about one hour and 30 minutes and the fare varies depending on the season and date of booking.

Upon arrival at the airport, you can walk to the gate of the airport and hail a tricycle that can take you to your hotel or any destination in Puerto Princesa.

Find Flights to Puerto Princesa

Take a boat from Manila to Puerto Princesa through 2Go Travel. Currently, there is only one trip per week. A ferry leaves Manila every Tuesday at 1:30 PM and arrives Puerto Princesa at 6:00 PM the next day. Take note that before arriving in Puerto Princesa, the ferry makes a stopover in Coron at 2:30 in the morning.

The fare ranges from P1,790 ($35.80 USD) to P5,550 ($111 USD) depending on the type of accommodation and date of booking.

From the port, you can take a tricycle that can take you to your hotel or any destination in Puerto Princesa.

PH Bus

Getting Around

The following are the modes of transportation available in Puerto Princesa City …

Bus

Car for Hire

Car Rental

Motorized Outrigger

Shuttle

Motorcycles

Bicycles

SEE & DO

The following are popular places to see and activities to enjoy while in Puerto Princesa City.

1 | Puerto Princesa Underground River

Your trip to Puerto Princesa City wouldn’t be complete without seeing the Puerto Princesa Underground River, officially called the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park . Located in the Saint Paul Mountain Range, the park has a stunning limestone karst mountain  landscape and is navigable by boat. The park boasts of its flora and fauna making it an ideal habitat for biodiversity conservation. Tourists, both local and foreign, always flock to this UNESCO World Heritage Site hence it is advisable to arrange your tour ahead of time so you can secure a slot for yourself.

2 | Honda Bay

Honda Bay is a must-see destination for beach-bummers when exploring Puerto Princesa City. Sta. Lourdes Wharf, the jump off point of Honda Bay island hopping tour, is approximately 30 minutes away from the city center. Islands usually included in the tour are Pambato Reef, Luli Island, Pandan Island, Star Fish Island, and Cowrie Island.

3 | Baker’s Hill

Originally a bakery, Baker’s Hill has evolved into what it is today – a bakery with a theme park and additional establishments such as pizza house, snack bar, souvenir shop, and view deck. If you are looking for something to bring home to family and friends, this is one of the places not to miss.

4 | Mitra’s Ranch

Not so far from Baker’s Hill is the Mitra Ranch. The location offers a stunning view of the city but apart from that, there’s nothing much to do here.

5 | Immaculate Conception Cathedral

This famous landmark has a unique architectural design that is flocked by devotees to worship and hear holy mass.

6 | Plaza Cuartel

This small spot just across the cathedral may look like an ordinary park with trees and benches but it played an important role in the city’s history. The old garrison and tunnels which the ruins can be seen up to this day are the areas where American soldiers were burned alive by the Japanese during World War II.

7 | Palawan Wildlife and Conservation Center

Formerly called the Crocodile Farming Institute, the institution now caters to other animals as well thus the current name. Tourists get to explore the place in batches together with a guide. It has a mini forest too where you can see other animals aside from crocodiles. Interested in seeing a skeleton of a crocodile with the body as long as an SUV? This is where you can find it.

8 | Iwahig Firefly Watching

Experience a magical night by watching a flock of firefly while you ride a small boat amidst the lush mangrove forest. It is approximately 45 minutes away from the city center and the road can get bumpy but if you’re in for an adventure and interested in seeing what this is all about, then this is one of the activities you can do at night.

NOTE: The Balayong Festival occurs annually in Puerto Princesa the 4th of March

Klook

EAT & DRINK

The following are flavorful foods to enjoy and restaurants to try while in Puerto Princesa City.

1 | KaLui Restaurant

Good food and great ambiance? You can have both in KaLui Restaurant. The walls of this upscale restaurant are lined with paintings and wood carvings depicting Palawan culture and tradition. For the menu, you get to enjoy the freshest seafood cooked in various ways from lobster to tuna steak, shrimp tempura and so much more. The restaurant is often booked especially during dinner so make sure to make reservations ahead of time.

2 | Badjao Seafront Restaurant

Fancy eating in a restaurant in the middle of a mangrove area and with a view of the sea? Then head over to Badjao Seafood Restaurant. In addition to Filipino cuisine which is their specialty, this rustic al fresco restaurant serves international cuisines too. The restaurant is 20 minutes away from the city center but it often gets full so there must be something about the restaurant tourists need to check out. Making a reservation is highly recommended.

3 | Haim Chicken Inato

Lovers of grilled chicken should not miss this restaurant. This is one of the first chicken houses in the city and people often come back for its delicious chicken barbecue. Aside from chicken, they also serve seafood and other local dishes and refreshment.

4 | La Terrasse

Conscious about what’s in your food? Then La Terrasse is for you! The restaurant boasts of using the freshest ingredients and organic vegetables, and not using additives or MSG. Their adobo overload and Palawan nougat are a crowd favorite. Additionally, the restaurant’s great and classy ambiance completes the overall dining experience.

5 | Captain Ribs

This restaurant is known for its reasonably priced flavorful dishes, gorgeous atmosphere and friendly staff. The drinks are great too!

Named after the local word, relax, Ayahay is a line of craft beers by Palaweño Brewery. Locally sourced ingredients such as honey, mangoes, coconuts, and chili.

KNOWN FOR: Tamilok

WHERE TO STAY

There are many different types of accommodations available in Puerto Princesa City ranging from hostels to luxurious resorts.  The following are our top choices for each price range.

1 | Hibiscus Garden Inn (Budget)

2 | floral villarosa (mid-range), 3 | best western plus the ivywall hotel (luxury | resort).

When doing research online of where to stay for specific destination, we use the following sites to conduct our research:

Book your room with these trusted online booking sites.  Booking online in the Philippines almost always guarantees the best price and a room when you arrive.  We use these sites frequently to get the best prices and enjoy convenient bookings. Click each of the buttons below to find the best place for you at the lowest rates:

TIP: Hibiscus Garden Inn is the best property to experience this destination.

Book Online & Save Money

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Suggested Budget

This chart is your guide to get an idea of how much to budget daily in Puerto Princesa City.   Actual amounts will depend on YOUR travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages … some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less. Prices are in USD.

Travel Costs

Accommodation.

A bed in a  hostel  dorm costs from 350 PHP ($7 USD), but smaller dorms can cost from 500 PHP ($10 USD).  For a private double, prices start around 700 PHP ($14 USD).

Most  budget hotels  begin at 700 PHP ($14 USD) per night for a double room and usually include free wifi and breakfast.  For  a three-star hotel , prices begin around 1,400 PHP ($28 USD) per night.   AirBnB  is also widespread throughout the country, with private rooms starting from as little as 500 PHP ($10 USD) per night.  For entire apartments, expect to pay at least 1,400 PHP ($28 USD) per night.

Resorts and luxury accommodations  vary greatly from 1,400 PHP ($28 USD) to 5,000+ PHP ($100+ USD).  However, there are some really nice resorts and luxury accommodations which are surprisingly affordable.

We use and recommend booking online to save money using  HostelWorld ,  Agoda ,  Booking.com , and  AirBnB . 

Local food is extremely cheap, with street food costing under 50 PHP ($1USD).  For an inexpensive meal at a local restaurant, prices start around 100 PHP ($2 USD).  For a meal at a mid-range restaurant with drinks and table service, expect to pay from 200 PHP ($4 USD).  Knowing that their target customers are primarily tourists, Western food venues can be pricey compared to Filipino food.  Also, some of the ingredients need to be imported, which contributes to the higher cost. Western food (burgers, pizza, pasta, etc.) is much more expensive but is still relatively affordable at around 200 PHP ($4 USD) for a meal and drink.

Fast food like McDonalds will cost around 200 PHP ($4 USD).  A beer at the bar will cost around 50-100 PHP ($1–2 USD).

A week’s worth of groceries will cost between 300-600 PHP ($6-12 USD) per person.  However, food in this country is so inexpensive, and kitchens & refrigerators are hard to come by, I don’t recommend cooking your meals here since there is plenty of delicious street food to eat at very cheap prices. You won’t make it as good as they do and the food is too delicious to miss!

Transportation

There are many modes of transportation available in the Philippines and each varies greatly. 

Public Transportation is cheap.  Bus services on the islands are inexpensive.  Local buses (called jeepneys) are the most common type of transportation in towns and cities. The fare is usually between 7-25 PHP ($.20–.50 USD).

On islands without a bus system, a taxi or tricycle is the only form of transport with fares starting at 50-500 PHP ($1-$10) USD for short trips. 

Taxis are everywhere, and they’re very cheap.  Most fares shouldn’t cost you more than 500 PHP ($10 USD) around town.  

To get between islands, you’ll need to take a boat or to fly.  There are ferries that connect the island together since they aren’t too far apart but, generally speaking, flights are the most realistic option. 

Flights between islands usually cost about 2,000-3500 PHP ($40-70 USD).  However, this isn’t the cheapest way to travel.  It’s only recommended if you have limited time. 

We recommend booking online to save money using:  Skyscanner ,  momondo ,  Kayak ,  kiwi.com .

Attractions & Activities

Most attractions and activities in the Philippines are pretty cheap. Most attractions throughout the area are FREE to enter, though some of the more well known and popular ones cost 5-100 PHP ($.10-$2 USD) to enter. 

Depending on the activity, most day tours only cost around 1,000-1,500 PHP ($20-30 USD), oftentimes less.  You have more bargaining power if you go with a group. If you are expecting to do some climbing, remember to pack some warm layers. It gets cold at the top!  

Other activities such as Island Hopping, scuba diving, helmet diving, swimming with whale sharks, jungle trekking, canyoning, ATVs, jet skis, wakeboarding, cruises, parasailing, horseback riding, cultural experiences, and tours can cost as much as 1,250-5,000+ PHP ($25-100+ USD).

The Philippines is one of the least expensive places to learn how to scuba dive. Learning to scuba dive usually costs about 15,000-20,000 PHP ($300-400 USD), but often includes FREE accommodation for the duration of the course, which lasts three or four days.

Always book your tours and activities when you arrive.  Stick to travel agents who are selling on the ground. If a travel agent won’t negotiate with you, move on to the next until you find one that will.  Booking tours online is almost always more expensive. 

Typical Costs in Puerto Princesa City in 2023 :

  • Hostel Dorm Bed: 250-350 PHP ($5–7 USD) night
  • Budget Hotel:  700 PHP ($14 USD) night
  • Mid-Range Hotel:   1500 PHP ($31 USD) night
  • Street Food: 50-150 PHP ($1–3 USD) meal
  • Restaurant Meals: 200-300 PHP ($4–6 USD) meal
  • Local Beer: 50-100 PHP ($1–2 USD) bottle
  • 1.5L Bottle of Water: 38 PHP ($.75 USD) bottle
  • Jeepney Ride: 7-25 PHP ($.20–.50 USD) ride
  • Tricycle Ride:   20-100 PHP ($.5-2 USD) ride
  • Taxi: 75-500 PHP ($1.50-10 USD) ride – use GrabTaxi app
  • Long-Distance Bus Ride: 400-500 PHP ($8–10 USD) ride
  • Public Ferry Ride: 200-300 PHP ($4–6 USD) ride
  • Domestic Flight: 2,000-3,500 PHP ($40–70 USD) flight
  • Island-Hopping: 1,000-1,500 PHP ($20-30 USD) trip

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The following is some of our best advice on traveling to this destination. This is your guide on what you need to know BEFORE you go to Puerto Princesa City!

Tips & Hacks

These Top 10 Tips can help guide you when visiting Puerto Princesa City in the Philippines:

  • Be aware that a tourist VISA is only 30 days. You can extend it upon arrival, or within the first 30 days, for an additional 30 days for a fee of approximately 3,000 pesos.
  • Don’t buy into the fear factor. The Philippines has an unjustified reputation of being a dangerous place. It’s true there are security guards everywhere, but that is to deter theft.
  • Manila is NOT the Philippines. Get outside of the cities to see the real Philippines.
  • Don’t over plan. Boats, buses, and even airplane schedules are notoriously unreliable. Be flexible.
  • Check the weather. The weather varies greatly throughout the Philippines daily.
  • Typhoons can have a huge impact on your plans. Account for this when planning your trip.
  • It’s not cool to raise your voice or show outward frustration in public.
  • Be polite at all times. Realize that your country’s sense of humor may be different from Filipino humor and take this into account when interacting with Filipinos and while in public places.
  • Things move at a slower pace. Accept it … don’t get frustrated … but do account for it.
  • Don’t drink the tap water… but stay hydrated! Save money by buying large bottles (6-10 liters) of water and using it to fill your water bottle or hydration bladder in your backpack.

For a complete list of our travel tips & hacks, check out the following guide and be sure to download a FREE copy for yourself.

VIEW & DOWNLOAD : The Ultimate Travel Tips & Hacks Guide for the Philippines

Money Matters

The Philippines has its own currency called the Philippine Peso.  Banks, ATMs, and money-changers can be found in  Puerto Princesa City.  If you are exploring the neighboring islands or provinces, make sure to bring enough cash that will last until the next time you get to an ATM or bank since most tours, transportation, and budget accommodations only accept cash.

READ MORE: Money in the Philippines: Everything You Need to Know

Health & Safety

While overall the Philippines is a safe country to visit, as is Puerto Princesa City, you need to use common sense just as you would in any country, especially when traveling, and in a city, town, or area you are unfamiliar with.

Consult your hotel, resort front desk, or tour guide as they are more likely to give you reliable information about Palawan Island than a random stranger on the street. Be careful when approaching strangers and selective about who you approach. Always pay attention to your gut feeling and follow it.

READ MORE: How to Avoid Scams & Thieves in the Philippines

There are many things to consider when traveling in order to stay safe … things that we may not be accustomed to during our normal everyday lives. The following are articles about tips on how to stay safe while traveling in the Philippines:

  • 6 Common Accidents to Avoid   
  • How to Beat the Heat in the Philippines
  • Taxi Safety Tips: Dos and Don’ts
  • Motorbike Safety Tips
  • Beach & Ocean Safety Tips
  • Sun Safety Tips   

TIP: The best way to avoid problems and stay safe is to travel with a local resident.

Staying fit & healthy can be challenging when traveling in the Philippines. 

The tropical Philippines climate requires you to prepare for illnesses that you may not normally be accustomed to. 

The following are our Top 10 Tips for Staying Healthy while Traveling in the Philippines:

  • Maintain a Balanced Diet
  • Stay Hydrated but Only Drink Bottled Water
  • Get Plenty of Rest
  • Allow Your Body Time to Adjust 
  • Keep Active
  • Sanitize Often 
  • Be Aware of Food Safety Concerns
  • Take Your Vitamins
  • Practice Safe Sex
  • Be Prepared Should You Get Sick

READ MORE: Stay Healthy in the Philippines: How to Avoid Getting Sick

Staying Connected

You need to have a local-based SIM card in order to stay connected when in the Philippines. Network giants such as Globe and Smart have SIM cards you can use to make calls, send text messages, and also to connect to the Internet. A SIM card costs around 50 PHP ($1 USD) and usually comes with a FREE load worth 50 PHP ($1 USD). You can buy a card containing a code you can enter on your phone to replenish your load or buy an electronic load that is available almost anywhere in the city.

While you may not have problems with signal strength when in the city, it is not always the case when on islands or in remote areas of a province.  So when arranging for transportation pick up, say when renting a boat to take you to and pick you up from the island, it would be best that you make it clear what time you need to be picked up before the boatman leaves.

Recommended Travel Apps

Apps for smartphones and tablets can be useful both before you leave and while you’re traveling.  Most are available for iPhones and Android phones.

The following is a guide to Top 10 most useful travel apps on our smartphones when traveling in Puerto Princesa City and the Philippines in general:

  • Grab (taxis/ride shares)
  • Angkas (motorbike ride-hailing)
  • WhatsApp (phone calls)
  • Skyscanner (flights)
  • Rome2Rio (transportation)
  • Agoda (accomodations)
  • Booking.com (accomodations)
  • AirBnB (accomodations)
  • Traveloka (flights, accomodations, activities)
  • Klook (attractions & activities )

Be certain to download and set up apps BEFORE leaving on your trip to make certain each is installed and working properly.

For our complete list of travel apps that we use and recommend while traveling in the Philippines, checkout our checklist below. 

Download a FREE copy for yourself as a PDF.

READ MORE: The Ultimate List of Travel Apps for the Philippines

Trying to decide what to do when traveling to a destination for the first time can be a bit overwhelming given your lack of familiarity with the place along with all of the available options. 

We’ve created the following itinerary to help simplify the process and ensure that you get the most out of your trip.  Although we provide a 7 day itinerary for this destination, it can always be adjusted to fit the length of your trip.

VIEW : Puerto Princesa City 7-Day Travel Itinerary

Packing Checklist

The secret to a successful and stress-free trip is to start by using a packing list.  This will reduce anxiety from the start and ensure that nothing important is forgotten when packing.   To make this process easy for you, we’ve created a detailed packing list.  Click the link below to download it for FREE now. 

Carrying your checklist with you during your travels can be useful when repacking, by helping to ensure that you do not leave anything behind.

VIEW & DOWNLOAD : Our Ultimate Packing Guide & Checklist

Things to Remember

There are some things you need to keep in mind to guide you from doing prohibited or illegal activities in Puerto Princesa City or anywhere in the Philippines.

There is a nationwide ban which prohibits smoking in public places including indoors, the streets, on sidewalks, in restaurants , and on public transportation, requiring smokers to use designated smoking areas.  Selling tobacco to and purchasing from or for minors is also prohibited. Violators are subject to fines (up to 5,000 PHP | $100 USD) and even 4 months in prison.

The minimum legal drinking age is 18.  Alcohol such as beer and hard drinks can easily be bought in grocery and convenience stores.  The most common alcoholic beverage is beer, generally served cold.  Local alcoholic drinks include tuba (coconut wine which is usually very strong) and potent moonshine-like clear liquors made from sugar or fruit.  Imported beer, wine, and name brand hard alcohol are available but expensive.

Drugs are illegal in the Philippines.  Don’t use, buy, or sell any non-prescription drugs while in the Philippines … not even marijuana.  It is considered an especially heinous crime to buy from, for, or sell drugs to children.  The penalties are severe … up to and including death.

Public nudity is illegal in the Philippines and is not tolerated.  Most locals consider it offensive.  There are laws which prohibit provocative and erotic clothing and swimwear, therefore carefully consider your clothings and swimwear choices to make certain they are not too revealing.

Foreigners & Expats

If you are not a Filipino citizen, remember that you are a guest when visiting this country … be certain to act accordingly.  Respect the people, their customs, and the environment and wlidlife. You can be deported and banned … so behave … but have fun and enjoy all that this wonderful destination has to offer.

READ MORE : Practical Information about the Philippines

RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS

I always carry a Camelbak Hydration Pack with me when traveling. Not only does it allow me to pack all my daily gear and snacks, but it also has a 3-liter water bladder which holds enough water to get me through the entire day.

Bluetooth Speaker

Compact yet mighty, a bluetooth speaker setup is a breeze, and the sound quality it delivers for its size is nothing short of impressive. Beyond its audio prowess, it boasts exceptional durability, making it an ideal companion for outdoor adventures.

UV Shirt is an essential when travelling in a tropical country. Providing reliable protection during long hours in the water, not only comfortable but also ensures a secure shield against the elements.

Snorkel Gear

For my island-hopping escapades, a snorkel gear set has become indispensable. Designed to enhance the joy of snorkeling and free diving, each piece ensures comfort and functionality. Together, they create an immersive and enjoyable underwater experience.

Adventure Camera

As a long-time enthusiast of GoPro cameras, I can attest to their user-friendly nature, excellent image stabilization, and impressive footage quality. Waterproof and rugged, the GoPro is my reliable companion for capturing adventures in any environment.

When it comes to beach footwear, aqua shoes offer exceptional support, breathability, and overall comfort. Well-crafted and sturdy, it provides effective protection against rocky terrain, quick drying for added convenience, and easy maintenance. A must-have for any outdoor enthusiast.

CLICK FOR MORE TRAVEL GEAR

Don’t Forget …

Download our free travel guides.

We have dozens of guides to destinations throughout the Philippines. Download your FREE copy for your next trip today.

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Do YOU live in this city or town or have YOU visited it?

About the Author

city tourism puerto princesa

Patrick is an entrepreneur, digital nomad, explorer, and photographer. Patrick is always in search of fun and adventure. He is well travelled throughout the world, and although location independent, his home base is Phoenix, Arizona in the USA. Patrick loves island lifestyle which is no wonder why he is so interested in spending time in the Philippines with it’s over 7,000 islands. Patrick created this site to share his knowledge of and experiences in the Philippines with Filipinos as well as other foreigners.

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city tourism puerto princesa

Puerto Princesa Tourism

city tourism puerto princesa

Exploring Puerto Princesa is now easier than ever! Discover accredited activities, destinations and quality accommodations.

Instantly book online-seamlessly and securely!

City Tourism Department of Puerto Princesa

2nd Floor, New Green City Hall, Sta. Monica Heights, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines Telephone: (+6348) 717-8035  •  Telefax: (+6348) 717 8005

Email:  [email protected]

Emergency Hotlines

PuertoPrincesaTourism.com.

Tourist Police

(Globe) +63995 556 4748 

(Smart) +63999 994 1355

Ospital ng Palawan

(+6348) 433 2621   

Adventist Hospital

(048) 433 1247 

Coop Hospital

(048) 434 3255

Kilos Agad Action Center (KAAC)

+63950 491 2599

+63927 575 5477

Bureau of Immigration

+(6348) 433 2248

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Puerto Princesa

city tourism puerto princesa

  • 1 Understand
  • 2.1 By plane
  • 2.2 By ferry
  • 2.3.1 Bus companies
  • 3 Get around
  • 4.1 Museums
  • 6.1 Malls & supermarkets
  • 9.2 Mid-range
  • 10 Stay healthy

Puerto Princesa is the capital of the island province of Palawan . The city has been acclaimed several times as the cleanest and greenest city in the Philippines . With a wide range of attractions ranging from beaches to wildlife reserves, Puerto Princesa is a nature lover's paradise.

Understand [ edit ]

There is a tourist information office at the airport next to the arrival hall, but it's not that useful. They will try to sell you tours, but they do not have any maps (Feb 2018) and they do not give any information about current events in the city. They do not book accommodation, either.

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ].

The airport has undergone a makeover, which involves the construction of a new modern terminal, which can handle domestic and international flights. The new terminal opened in 2017, while the older terminal is closed indefinitely for renovation. Boarding and alighting is still done on the ground.

The airlines with flights to Puerto Princesa are:

  • Philippine Airlines , Cebu Pacific , Air Asia all have daily flights from Manila, Cebu, and Clark to Puerto Princesa.
  • Cebu Pacific also operate flights to and from Iloilo .
  • Tiger Air Taiwan operate flights to and from Taipei .
  • Air Juan flies to Busuanga , Cuyo, Sipalay , San Vicente.
  • Eastar Jet operate flights to and from Seoul .

The airport is not far from downtown, so you can ignore the overpriced tricycles waiting in front of the airport terminal and catch a tricycle on the highway for a fare of ₱50 . Jeepneys also go along the highway in front of the airport to town or to the bus terminal for ₱10 .

By ferry [ edit ]

2GO Travel has two weekly ferries to Puerto Princesa from Manila . The ferry trip is about 22 hours long. Additionally, Milagrosa Shipping has a weekly ferry that sails between Puerto Princesa - Cuyo Islands - Iloilo City . It departs Iloilo at 7PM on Thursday, arrives at the Cuyo Islands at 8AM Friday, departs Cuyo Islands 3PM Friday and arrives in Puerto Princesa at 8AM on Saturday.

Ferries docks at 9.742476 118.728737 2 Puerto Princesa port , at the far western end of Rizal Ave.

By bus or van [ edit ]

  • 9.78407 118.74497 3 Puerto Princesa Grand Terminal ( San Jose Terminal ), Tagburos . A bustling large terminal complex serving buses, vans, and jeepneys coming from most points of Palawan. Buses depart from a large shelter near the San Jose public market, and vans (UV Express) depart from scattered terminals nearby. The surrounding area has small shops, a small supermarket, and a public market. ( updated Feb 2020 )

Bus service to Puerto Princesa is provided by two major operators, Cherry and RORO Bus , but there are also operators which use smaller vehicles (often rebuilt from old trucks) and are cramped and not air-conditioned.

Bus companies [ edit ]

  • Cherry Transport . Has trips every two hours between Puerto Princesa and El Nido from 4AM to 10PM. They operate a fully air-conditioned fleet, and a one-way trip costs ₱500 . ( updated Jan 2024 )
  • RORO Bus . Has four hourly trips from 5-8AM between Puerto Princesa and El Nido . They operate a mix of ordinary and air-conditioned buses with a yellow-green livery. One-way trip from El Nido costs ₱395 ( ₱445 on ordinary). ( updated Feb 2020 )

According to locals the San Jose terminal has stopped operating a couple of weeks ago. Instead, take a local bus on the main road to Irawan terminal (₱30 per perdon as of Jan 2023) and you will be able to take buses to places all over Palawan from there - there’s a bus to Port Barton at around 8:45AM (₱300 as of 0Han 2023)

Get around [ edit ]

Map

Jeepneys, multicabs and tricycles are the most common means to get around Puerto Princesa. As in Manila , jeepneys usually have standard routes which they ply. Tricycles on the other hand are fairly limited to certain areas and would not be able to go very long distances. Standard jeepney and tricycle fare around the city is ₱10 per person.

The bus terminal is a few kilometers outside the city centre. A jeepney from the bus terminal to downtown should cost ₱10 .

For touring, it could be a good idea to arrange special transport whether it be a jeepney or, for more comfort, air-conditioned vans or AUVs. This way, you will not be subject to the hassles of public transport availability.

Although "clean and green" Puerto Princesa City has a bold plan for introducing electric vehicles, the city has no published or announced plan that addresses the urgent needs of pedestrians and bicycle riders. There are few pedestrian crossings in the city and most Puerto Princesa drivers do not yield to pedestrians, leaving them stranded dangerously in the middle of the street. If, in order to protect yourself from the vehicles and smoke, you can take an air-con van, but you only add to the overall traffic and pollution problem. Tourist vans and other vehicles are often parked along Rizal Avenue and other main streets blocking where pedestrians and bicycles could once safely move, but no longer can. If you wish to walk or bike in a clean, green, and safe environment in the downtown area, you should ask at the tourist office (at the airport) where such an area exists, and see what they say.

See [ edit ]

city tourism puerto princesa

  • 9.799673 118.693157 4 NOT EXISTING LISTING IMAGE Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center . Formerly the Crocodile Farming Institute, and still referred to by locals as the "Crocodile Farm," is a tourist attraction and a national research institute devoted to crocodiles. About 30 to 40 minutes from the city center, the Croc Farm also has a mini-zoo, which features some of Palawan's endemic species of wildlife. The place is open from about 8:30AM to about 4:30PM. From Rizal Avenue you can take an 8-person covered pickup truck (labeled "Irawan") for ₱20 and the Croc Farm is the last stop; a tricycle carrying only one or two people will cost ₱100-150 . Croc Farm Tickets cost ₱40 for adults and ₱20 for kids. You start with an guided tour of the crocs which last about 15 minutes. After that you wonder around by yourself in the endemic species area, where you have to be careful not to fall through a few rotton and crumbling wooden bridges. Although this is not the best managed wildlife area, the endemic species are nonetheless worth seeing and deserve your support. ( updated Jul 2018 )
  • 9.794815 118.732424 5 Butterfly Garden , ☏ +63 917 597 5544 . Daily 8:30AM-5PM . With native Palawan butterflies is about half-way to the Croc Farm (above) and along the same road. Open 7 days a week from 8AM to 5PM. Entry is ₱50 . ( updated Jul 2018 )
  • 9.740454 118.730219 6 Our Lady of Immaculate Conception . A very beautiful church that is decorated in blue and white.  
  • 9.727231 118.756554 7 White Beach ( Pristine Beach ), Abueg Road, Bancao Bancao ( Everyone knows it ). The only beach in town. Not as clean as it used to be and no longer white or pristine. But if you want to meet some of the locals and have a few drinks (alcoholic) then it's a great place. Just walk down and buy a few beers from the take away store and walk around the huts and you will be invited to join a group at a table. Lots of fun for an international traveller - if you have a great time then throw in some money for the table ( ₱200 ) or buy a cheap bottle of whatever they are drinking.  
  • 10.086466 118.854274 8 Ugong Rock . A 75-foot (22-m) limestone formation in the middle of farmlands and karst forests located near the Underground River. Main activities in the site include spelunking and zip line. ( updated Nov 2015 )
  • 9.740411 118.736359 9 Rizal Avenue . Puerto Princesa's main commercial strip where one can find various shops, banks, restaurants, and budget inns. ( updated Nov 2015 )
  • Langogan Reef . New Coral reef protected by city ordinance and three falls, the largest of which is around 50 m, 5 km from the barangay. ( updated Nov 2015 )

Museums [ edit ]

  • 9.738476 118.743785 10 Palawan Heritage Center , Fernandez Street ( Next to the Palawan Provincial Capitol ). ( updated Jan 2018 )

city tourism puerto princesa

  • 9.739156 118.76644 12 Palawan Special Battalion World War II Memorial Museum ( on far eastern end of Rizal Avenue, near the airport ). ( updated Jan 2018 )
  • South Sea Pearl Museum , Irawan Watershed Flora and Fauna Reserve. Bgy. Irawan . ( updated Nov 2015 )
  • PSU Museum , Palawan State University ( about a 10-minute walk from the front gate of PSU, if you know where you are going ). Closed from noon to 1PM for lunch . This is a one room museum located inside a university building. You should ask for specific directions at the front gate, because not everyone knows about the existence of the museum. The museum is located in one small room but is clean, organized, and well-maintained, with an enthusiastic and helpful staff member. free .  

Do [ edit ]

Buy native products at the Tourism Association of Souvenir Shops, they offer handicrafts made by the native tribes like manunggul or wooden jar, bulol or tisot, good harvest and carved animals. Others are tingkop (rice baskets), fish baskets, bags made from bark of a tree, native accessories, weave curtains and table mat, rattan floor mat and other assorted cashew nut delicacies.

Puerto Princesa offers good diving and is a fairly good place to take a PADI course if you plan to dive at some of the larger sites in El Nido or Coron. Moana dive centre, run by Paolo, offers PADI Open Water for ₱17500 . Good equipment, and pleasant instruction, with confined water dives taking place in the shallow parts of Puerto Princesa bay. Possible to see sea turtles, eels, lionfish, porcupine fish, batfish and snapper amongst others.

  • Plaza Cuartel , Taft St. near Cathedral . Historical place, a must see site. It is the restored ruins of an old garrison where Japanese soldiers burned 143 American prisoners of war inside a tunnel and stands as a grim reminder of World War II.  
  • Baker Hill , Mitra Rd, Bgy Sta Monica . Check out the plants and animal in its natural habitat. ₱600 .  

Buy [ edit ]

Malls & supermarkets [ edit ].

  • Robinsons Mall , North Road . 10AM-9PM . It has a Robinsons supermarket. ( updated Sep 2016 )
  • NCCC Mall , Lacao Street . 9AM-7:30PM . It has an NCCC supermarket. ( updated Sep 2016 )
  • Unitop Mall . 9AM-8PM . It has a small supermarket. low prices . ( updated Sep 2016 )
  • SM City Puerto Princesa. , Malvar Street cor Lacao Street . 9AM-8PM . A mall with a Savemore supermarket. ( updated Sep 2016 )

Eat [ edit ]

  • A&A Seafood Palace , national highway cor wescom rd ( 4th floor of A&A Plaza Hotel ), ☏ +63 48 434-2274 . 8AM-2PM; 6PM-10PM . Seafood prepared by a Hong Kong chef. Authentic Chinese cuisine. ₱150-800 .  
  • [dead link] Ditchay's ( French Bistro ), Manalo Ext. before Island Divers, Bancao Bancao , ☏ +63 48 723 1530 . W-Su 5PM-midnight . French cuisine and can be a very welcome alternative for those longing to eat something else than local food after a long trip. The little restaurant lets you dine in intimate ambiance while you may chat to both the cook and the owner. The menu includes a variety of French foods like coffee & tea, paté rillettes, confit, soupes, salades, tapenades, grillades, fruits de mer, porc, boeuf, poulet, canard, crépes, patisserie. ₱400-900 .  
  • Divine Sweets , Valencia St . Great cakes ( ₱45-90 ), coffee, shakes, etc. They also serve food (untested). Wifi if you order  
  • 9.736676 118.74306 1 Ima's Vegetarian Restaurant , 46, Fernandez St , ☏ +63 939 916 1524 . Very good vegetarian food. Highly recommended Main dishes around ₱100-120 . ( updated Jan 2018 )
  • 9.739689 118.746152 2 Kinabuchs Grill and Bar , ☏ +63 48 434 5194 . A sports bar and grill and a magnet for tourists and other visitors. The food is really good and customers can play pool or watch live sports. ( updated Jan 2018 )
  • 9.740026 118.747821 3 KaLui Restauran , 369, Rizal Ave , ☏ +63 48 433 2580 . Opens at 6PM for dinner, closed some holidays . Amazing food and ambiance. Can get quite busy so a reservation can't hurt. Seafood is the specialty and the daily seafood special for two is ₱395 . ( updated Jan 2018 )
  • Artisan’s , ARL building, Rizal Ave , ☏ +63 905 928 2509 . 11AM-9PM . Owned by a British expat and his Filipina-American stepdaughters. ( updated Sep 2023 )

Drink [ edit ]

  • Cafe Nori , Circon Bldg. Valencia St . M-F 8AM-10PM, Sa-Su 10AM-10PM . Serves Japanese cuisine with fusion and variety of Filipino and American cuisine. Also available are fruit shakes, coffee & frappuccinos.  
  • Reggae Pulse Bar , 4th District Tiangge Centre, Rizal Ave ( between Bpi Bank and LBC on the main street Rizal ), ☏ +63 9478673322 . 4PM-2AM . Cool reggae bar serving ice-cold beers, beer towers/buckets, cocktails and mixed drinks. Free WiFi, a stylish & relaxing VIP bamboo lounge.  

Sleep [ edit ]

Puerto Princesa has a wide range of accommodations that suit most budgets - from quaint lodges to high-end hotels and resorts.

Budget [ edit ]

  • 9.736788 118.736257 1 [formerly dead link] Duchess Pension , 107 E Valencia St , ☏ +63 48 433-2873 . Check-out: noon . Not the newest pension anymore but offers clean beds and quiet rooms. Not all are the same, so have a look before checking in. Friendly and helpful staff. Try the sandwich with French baguette. Wifi for ₱50 (for the length of your stay) Fan with common toilet S/D ₱250 / ₱350 , aircon with private toilet S/D ₱700 .  
  • Dallas Inn and Cafe , 11 Carandang st ( Follow Rizal ave towards the pier, once at Chowking turn right onto Lacao st and then take first left onto Carandang St,and walk 200 m from there to number 11. ), ☏ +63 919 967 8558 , [email protected] . Check-out: noon . Family run guesthouse. Free wifi, quiet location, central, 3 min drive from the airport with free pick up if booked in advanced. Dallas Inn has a variety of rooms to choose from according to budget. Fan Doubles ₱600 , 4-bed dorm. dorm bed ₱300 per person .  
  • Kuhl-In Pension , Libis Road Ligaya St. San Pedro ( 10 min. from airport ), ☏ +63 48 433 3420 , [email protected] . Perhaps the best address for a monthly accommodation in the city. City location but is in a green area. Monthly rate for a 2-bedroom apartment is ₱15000 .  
  • House of Rose , Abueg Rd ( off Abueg, close to Badjao Seafront Restaurant ), ☏ +63 9167211926 . Check-in: 9AM , check-out: noon . Offers a comfortable and relaxing ambience in their bungalows or semi-native style cottages. Surrounded by trees and situated a couple of meters away from the road, you could almost forget you are in the city. They offer free wireless internet and claim to serve delectable foods at their restaurant. They also have a swimming pool and billiards table. 5-bed dorm ₱350 p.p. .  
  • Aniceto's Pension , 71 reynoso St , ☏ +63 9177894664 . Fan single/double without a side bathroom from ₱300 .  
  • Abelardos Pension , 63d Manga St , ☏ +63 48-4332049 . Clean fan rooms without a side bathroom. From ₱400 a night .  
  • Sheebang Hostel , 118 Libis Road , ☏ +63 9153700647 , +63 48 4330592 . Bed in a dorm. ₱250 / ₱350 .  
  • Princessa Inn , 169 malvar St , ☏ +63-48-433-4218 . Fan single/double. ₱200 / ₱300 .  
  • Tree House Inn , Malvar Street ( ARL buliding 2nd floor. ), ☏ +63 48-4340005 . Dorm beds. ₱450 per person . ( updated Oct 2016 )
  • O M G Backpackers , 219 Rizal Avenue . Free wifi. dorm bed ₱250 pp . ( updated Oct 2016 )
  • Ezy Stay Pension House , Rizal Avenue Extension . Free wifi. dorm bed ₱350 pp . ( updated Oct 2016 )
  • J L C Hostel , 26 Old Buncag Road . Free wifi. fan room from ₱500 . ( updated Oct 2016 )
  • Garellano Tourist Inn , 257 Rizal Avenue , ☏ +63 48 4332314 . Check-in: noon , check-out: noon . Fan double room with own bathroom. ₱450 . ( updated Oct 2017 )
  • Mabini Pension , 1337 A. Mabini St , ☏ +63 2-523-3930 , fax : +63 2-524-5404 . Rates start at ₱680 for single with fan and shared bath. .  
  • Mabini Mansion , 1011 A. Mabini St , ☏ +63 2 521-4776 . This hotel offers rooms equipped with kitchen, refrigerator, remote control colored television, individual air-condition unit, telephone with IDD/NDD access and voice mail. Mabini Mansion also offers the following facility and services: restaurant, foreign currency exchange, airport transfer to and from the hotel, daily maid service, business service and room service. Rates start at ₱1843 .  

Mid-range [ edit ]

  • [dead link] Grande Vista Hotel , Malvar Street, Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines , ☏ +63 48-433-6537 . Standard Single, Double and Twin Room, all equipped with Air-conditioning, LED TV with cable channels and Hot and cold shower. Facilities and services are Restaurant, cafe, and bar. From ₱1600 .  
  • Sunlight Guest Hotel , Malvar Street, Brgy. Tagumpay , ☏ +63 48-4342003 . Superior, Deluxe and Penthouse all equipped with air-conditioning, TV with cable channels and Internet connection. Facilities and services are Isabelle Grand Ballroom, conference and meeting rooms, business center. From ₱3010 .  
  • Edgardo's Place , Rizal Ave , ☏ +63 48 434 2365 . All rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, flat-screen TV with cable channels, safe, private toilet and bath. It also provides room service, tour assistance, airport transfer, parking, a standby generator and free Wi-Fi. Rates start at ₱1680 .  
  • [dead link] Casitas de az Pension , Cayapas Building, Valencia Street corner Bonifacio (A. Abueg) Street, Brgy. Bagong Silang , ☏ +63 48 434 1945 . Standard Single, Standard Twin, and Family or Deluxe Rooms, all equipped with air-conditioning, TV with cable channels and shower with hot and cold water. Facilities and services are Wi-Fi Internet access in public areas and tour assistance.  
  • 9.4417 18.4357 2 Seasons Guesthouse , Roxas street, Barangay Kalipay ( Near Pilot Elementary School, in front of Skylight Convention Center ), ☏ +63 48 434 3388 , +63 917 850 0928 , [email protected] . All rooms are equipped with air-conditioner, hot and cold shower, cable TV, and complimentary wireless internet access. Also offers tour assistance, massage service, vehicle rental, and laundry services. (Prostitutes are not allowed inside the property). Rates from ₱1200 .  
  • Palo Alto Bed & Breakfast , Kawayanan Street, Libis Road, Barangay San Pedro , ☏ +63 48 434 2159 . Homey rooms all equipped with air-conditioner, cable TV, Internet access, refrigerator, and safe. Facilities and services are restaurant and cafe, spa and massage service, car rental, laundry/dry cleaning, and Palawan tours.  
  • [dead link] Villa Leonora Beach Resort , KM60, National Highway, Sitio Dacutan, Barangay San Rafael , ☏ +63 999 413 3247 .  
  • [dead link] Liberty Park Pension , 34 Liberty Rd , ☏ +63 48 434 9782 . All rooms have A/C, cableTV, intercom, and private toilet and bath. Rooftop bar and restaurant, high-speed Internet, fitness room, and massage service.  
  • Hotel Centro , San Pedro National Highway , ☏ +63 48 434 1111 . All rooms have A/C, cableTV, mini-bar, and coffee/tea maker. Business center with high-speed internet, swimming pool, airport and city transfers.  
  • La Charica Inn , 126 Abad Santos , ☏ +63 48 434 2088 . All rooms have A/C, cable TV, and a private toilet with hot and cold shower. High-speed Internet, restaurant/café, and massage service. From ₱1300 .  
  • D' Lucky Garden Inn, Apartelle & Suites , PEO Rd , ☏ +63 48 4336576 , +63 48 433 2719 , fax : +63 48 433 7869 , [email protected] . US$25 .  
  • Dos Palmas Arreceffi Island Resort , Honda Bay , ☏ +63 48 434 3118 , fax : +63 48 434 3119 . High end beach resort.  
  • Asturias Hotel , South National Highway, Tiniguiban , ☏ +63 48 433 9744 , fax : +63 48 434 3750 . From US$50 .  
  • The Legend Hotel Palawan , Malvar St , ☏ +63 48 434 4270 , +63 48 433 9076 , fax : +63 48 433 9077 . Perhaps the most modern hotel in Puerto Princesa. Excursion packages to the various attractions of Puerto Princesa.  
  • [dead link] Puerto Pension , 35 Malvar St , ☏ +63 48 443-4148 , fax : +63 48 433 4148 . Nice rooms, free continental breakfast in the rooftop Tribu Restaurant. Desk staff are helpful, nice views.  
  • Hibiscus Garden Inn , Manalo Extension , ☏ +63 48 434 1273 .  
  • One Rover's Place , 355 Rizal Ave , ☏ +63 48 434 1338 . 5 min from the airport with 18 A/C rooms.  
  • Palawan Village Hotel , ☏ +63 48 434 4436 . A/C rooms all with cableTV, a hair dryer, private toilet, bath with hot & cold water, and a balcony/deck. From ₱1150 .  
  • 9.790766 118.772266 3 Microtel Inn & Suites Puerto Princesa , The Emerald Playa Beach and Nature Park, Brgy. San Jose ( From the airport, take a right on Rizal Ave, then left at the National Highway, after the 5 km mark, turn right at Brgy. San Manuel Road then follow the signs. ), ☏ +63 48 723 0977 . Check-in: 2PM , check-out: noon . ₱3800 .  
  • 9.779 118.7479 4 Amerson Pension Place , Pablico Road 5, near North National Highway, Tiniguiban ( near Ka Inato Restaurant; 2 minutes away from San Jose Bus Terminal and 4 minutes away from Robinsons Place Palawan ), ☏ +63 48-433-0538 , +63 947-2832365 (Smart), +63 917-9880090 (Globe) , [email protected] . Single, Standard Double, all equipped with air-conditioning, LED TV w/ cable channels and Hot & cold shower. Complimentary breakfast and airport transfer (upon request). With Wi-Fi Internet. Other services include tour assistance and massage service.  

Stay healthy [ edit ]

  • Ospital ng Palawan . 220 Malvar Street. {{Phone|+63 48-4346864, ☏ +63 48-4342148 (DOH Hospital).

Cope [ edit ]

  • Bureau Of Immigration Puerto Princesa Office . 2nd Floor. Robinsons mall.

Go next [ edit ]

  • El Nido - popular yet still remote destinations on Palawan, known for snorkelling, diving and beautiful little islands. It is 6-7 hour drive from Puerto Princesa.
  • Coron 2GO Travel ferry two times a week.
  • Underground River - a UNESCO World Heritage site roughly 50 km north of Puerto Princesa.

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city tourism puerto princesa

Top 10 Tours & Activities in Puerto Princesa Palawan

Marky Ramone Go

10. Palawan Butterfly Ecological Garden and Tribal Village Tour

9. plaza cuartel tour.

  • 8. Mitra's Ranch Tour

7. Crocodile Farm Tour

6. ugong rock adventures tour.

  • 5. Firefly Watching Tour
  • 4. Beach Tour
  • 3. Baker's Hill Tour
  • 2. Honda Bay Island Hopping Tour

1. Underground River Tour

A boat outside Puerto Princesa Underground River

Located in the island province of Palawan , Puerto Princesa boasts several nature attractions that earned it the moniker "The City in the Forest." Popularly known as the site of the world-renowned Underground River , which visitors can explore via a Puerto Princesa Underground River tour  and Puerto Princesa tours , the city rewards travelers with an array of other natural, cultural, culinary, and historical places to explore.

See our popular Puerto Princesa Tours and Activities

Shared puerto princesa underground river tour in palawan with lunch & hotel transfers, private puerto princesa airport palawan to or from any puerto princesa city hotel transfer service, palawan puerto princesa honda bay island hopping tour with lunch | starfish, luli, & cowrie islands.

Puerto Princesa is also known as the gateway to another top Palawan destination, El Nido , but it's worth spending a few days here to enjoy the attractions it offers. Explore the local food scene, heritage towns, and great outdoors surrounding the city as part of your Puerto Princesa itinerary. 

  • Read our article on the best hotels and resorts in Puerto Princesa

To help you plan your trip, here are some highly recommended Puerto Princesa tours you shouldn't miss when visiting this Palawan destination:

Experience a cultural immersion and nature learning by visiting the Butterfly Ecological Garden and Tribal Village. Aside from seeing an assorted set of colorful flapping butterflies, you will also learn about their life-cycle and mating behaviors. Other attractions of the garden include several endemic wildlife creatures such as the Palawan peacock and the Palawan bearcat.

On the far end of the Butterfly Garden, you will find the tribal village built to mimic the traditional villages of the original settlers of Palawan. At the village, you can interact with some members of the Palaw'an tribe (or Palau-an tribe) as they show you their crafts like their ancient language called the "Palawan paleography" and make you listen to them playing their musical instruments. 

Take advantage of this tour by also buying some handicrafts and woven products from the Palau-an tribe members as these objects are considered as some of the finest souvenir items you can buy in Palawan.

Plaza Cuartel in Palawan

One of the main highlights of a Puerto Princesa City Tour is the historic Plaza Cuartel, a ruins of an old garrison housing a network of tunnels underground. This is a landmark that commemorates the grim events of the infamous Palawan Massacre that happened during World War II. On December 14, 1944, Japanese soldiers executed more than 150 Filipino and American prisoners of war by burning them alive. They were doused by gasoline, according to the accounts of 11 survivors. 

The heroism of the soldiers now serves as a reminder of the grim realities of war through an outdoor war museum and shrine built in Plaza Cuartel. After your visit to Plaza Cuartel, you can walk towards the nearby Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral which started out as a small chapel until it was converted to a Cathedral in the 1960s. 

8. Mitra's Ranch Tour

The name of the late former Philippine Senator and Speaker of the House Ramon Mitra Jr. is a familiar name in Philippine politics. In Puerto Princesa, the name is even more respected thanks to his family's property, the Rancho Sta. Monica or popularly known as Mitra Ranch. It is one of the city's most popular tourist spots. 

A tour of Mitra Ranch will reward you with a chance to relax with nature. You can also try outdoor activities like horseback riding, zip-line flying, jumping on a trampoline.

Mitra Mansion also doubles as a mini-museum housing various memorabilia of the family. There is also a view deck where you can see the surrounding countryside.

A crocodile in Puerto Princesa's Crocodile Farm

You don't have to waddle in the waters of a swampy river to see crocodiles up close. In Puerto Princesa, you can join a crocodile farm tour to the Palawan Rescue and Wildlife Conservation Centre or simply known as the Crocodile Farm.

Doubling as a research center for crocodiles and other local endangered species, it is a great place to learn a thing or two about nature conservation. 

The more than 8-acre conservation center houses hundreds of saltwater and freshwater crocodiles. A mini-zoo is also located inside the property as well as a hatching area where you can see and even pet adorable newly-hatched crocodiles with supervision.

A project of a community-based sustainable tourism project gave birth to this outdoor attraction catering to adventure seekers. Centered on a 75-feet tall moss-grown limestone rock called the Ugong Rock, visitors here can enjoy an array of thrilling activities like rock climbing, spelunking, and base jumping.

There is also a zip line where you can experience flying like Superman while enjoying the 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains and lush fields. 

Ugong Rock is a popular stop for tourists coming to and from the World UNESCO Heritage Site Puerto Princesa Subterranean River or Underground River, not only because of its proximity but also due to its adventure appeal. 

Ugong Rock was also selected as a pit stop for one of the challenges shot in Palawan for an episode from one of the earlier seasons of The Amazing Race.

5. Firefly Watching Tour 

Firefly watching in Puerto Princesa Palawan

The rivers of Iwahig and Irawan, both hidden inside a canopy of mangrove forests, hosts thousands of fireflies that light up the darkened sky during the night. A Puerto Princesa firefly-watching tour to either of the two rivers will take you on a paddleboat cruise over still waters, slicing through a jungle dotted with mangrove trees.

See our popular Firefly Watching Tours

Bohol firefly watching private evening cruise at abatan river with transfers, palawan puerto princesa iwahig river shared firefly watching tour with dinner & transfers, palawan coron firefly watching walking tour with dinner & transfers.

On a clear night, you will see the gleaming illuminations of the fireflies and the clear constellations of the sky, all conspiring to create a fascinating picture of what the real beauty of nature is all about.

4. Beach Tour 

Blue waters of Sabang Beach in Puerto Princesa Palawan

Travelers riding a motorcycle sporting a good tan is a common sight here because beach-hopping by land is always a top thing to do in Puerto Princesa. 

Other than the island-hopping tour on a boat, you can easily explore beaches in Puerto Princesa by land as it is surrounded by a lengthy stretch of magnificent shoreline gleaming with white sands and azure-colored waters. 

Beach destinations like Sabang Beach, Nagtabon Beach (also a surfing spot), and Talaudyong Beach are just a few of the popular ones. Lined with towering coconut trees and covered with powdery sands, these beaches are the perfect places to enjoy a morning or an afternoon of beach relaxation. 

See our popular Beach Tours

Boracay island hopping shared tour with lunch, kawa hot bath & snorkeling package, boracay island hopping package private tour with lunch, snorkeling gear & kawa hot bath, palawan coron malcapuya, banana & bulog dos islands shared tour with lunch & transfers.

When you're in Nagtabon Beach, do check out the vegan food truck called "Surf Surf Cafe" where you can even ask the owner James Betia for some surf lessons as well.

3. Baker's Hill Tour

Facade of the bakery in Baker's Hill

If you fancy a good meal with a great ambience, head out to Baker's Hill. It is located on top of a hill near the city center of Puerto Princesa.

They sell a variety of baked goods and is particularly known for their version of the hopia (bean-filled pastry) which comes in different flavors. Aside from these savory snacks, they also serve a wide selection of dishes of pasta, pizza, sandwiches, chicken varieties, and some local specialties such as the Palawan delicacy Tamilok (woodworm drenched in vinegar).

Before or after your meal, spend some time walking around the property's spacious garden where you can have a picture taken with the many fun statues and colorful flowers seen all over the well-manicured garden. Baker's Hill also has a view deck where you can gaze at the picturesque panoramic view of Puerto Princesa.

2. Honda Bay Island Hopping Tour 

Honda Bay in Palawan

Puerto Princesa is often overlooked in favor of more popular Palawan destinations like  Coron and El Nido. But the islands dotting the coast of Puerto Princesa possess their own charms that would appeal to the lovers of the great outdoors. White sandy shores edged by waters teeming with marine life characterize the islands around Honda Bay. 

See our popular Honda Bay Island Hopping Tours

Palawan puerto princesa honda bay island hopping tour with lunch | luli, cowrie & starfish islands, puerto princesa honda bay island hopping tour in palawan with lunch | luli, cowrie & starfish island.

Honda Bay is easily accessible from the city center of Puerto Princesa via a short ride to the wharf where you can board motorized boats for your island-hopping tour. 

Island hopping in Puerto Princesa will let you exploring the soft sandy beaches of of Starfish Island, Luli Island, and Cowrie Island. 

Most Honda Bay island hopping packages include a sumptuous lunch at Cowrie Island with the beautiful backdrop of the ocean. Take your time frolicking on the sandbar of Luli Island and snorkel to see the marine life-rich waters of Starfish Island.

A boat full of tourists in Puerto Princesa Underground River

Doing the Underground River tour to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is a must-add to any Palawan itinerary. It is also one of the best caves in the Philippines that you can explore without a challenging trek or spelunking activity.

As Puerto Princesa's main tourism draw, this natural marvel more than lives up to its billing. The Underground River 's 8.2-kilometer explorable length is laden with spectacular limestone karts featuring impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations that were shaped by nature for hundreds of thousands of years. 

See our popular Puerto Princesa Underground River Tours

Shared palawan puerto princesa underground river tour with lunch & transfers, private puerto princesa palawan underground river tour & buenavista view deck with lunch.

A tour here is also made more memorable by the anecdotes from the tour guides who describe each cave attraction in a comedic manner to make the experience more memorable. The Underground River is surrounded by a lush forest inhabited by playful monkeys and a host of creatures such as a variety of bird species, reptiles, and other mammals. 

If you're feeling a little more adventurous, you can opt for a hiking tour from Sabang and into the forest going to the Underground River. Most tourists though, prefer the usual Underground River tours via a motorized boat. Whichever tour you prefer, expect a marvelous time at the Underground River of Puerto Princesa. 

Explore the Wonders of Puerto Princesa

Nagtabon Beach in Puerto Princesa Palawan

Puerto Princesa is a natural marvel of a destination itself. No wonder it remains one of the main tourist destinations of the Philippines because of the countless gems it has to offer to travelers.

Puerto Princesa offers vacations with a laid-back vibe, endless stretch of beautiful countryside, powdery white sandy beaches, thriving gastronomic scene, and a fascinating set of historical and cultural sites. Filliping up your Puerto Princesa itinerary will be easy with the many wonderful places to visit and activities to do.

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PUERTO PRINCESA TRAVEL GUIDE with Requirements, Sample Itinerary & Budget

PUERTO PRINCESA TRAVEL GUIDE with Requirements, Sample Itinerary & Budget

By continuing to read this article, you agree to double check with the authorities or other concerned entities for the latest updates.

Ever heard of kambak-kambak syndrome ?

Prior to our last Puerto Princesa trip, I’d never encountered this term before. You know how you tend to return to a destination over and over again? It seems to happen a lot in Palawan, and so the locals gave it a name — kambak-kambak — a tongue-in-cheek spin to “come back, come back”. Given that our team have set foot in Puerto Princesa multiple times over the past decade, if it were a real condition, we probably had caught it, too!

Whether it’s your first time or you’re a kambak-kambak traveler, we’ve put together this Puerto Princesa travel guide to help you plan a hassle-free journey!

ESSENTIAL LINKS

Here’s a list of links to some of the recommended hotels, tours, and attractions that you can book online.

Top Puerto Princesa Hotels on Agoda

  • Search for HOTEL DEALS!

Top Puerto Princesa Tours on Klook

  • Underground River Tour

Honda Bay Tour

Top Puerto Princesa Attractions

  • Cacaoyan Forest Park Lunch Buffet Discount

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

UNDERSTANDING PUERTO PRINCESA

The capital of the province of Palawan, Puerto Princesa is a first-class, highly urbanized city. But despite the rapid development over the years, it retains its rustic and partly suburban vibe; thanks to the lines of trees and the lush greenery that cover the area. No wonder it’s often dubbed “The City in the Forest” and has been recognized as one of the cleanest and greenest cities in the country.

Strategically located in the middle of Palawan, it serves as the primary gateway to the main island. Although it can take hours, you could access up to El Nido in the northernmost tip or Bataraza in the south, which serves as the jump off point to the legendary Balabac Islands. The city proper faces Sulu Sea to the southeast, but its territory reaches until the West Philippine Sea to the northwest. Puerto Princesa is also the second largest city in the Philippines, next only to Davao.

Puerto Princesa

Dubbed as the Eco-Tourism Center of the Philippines, Puerto Princesa is known for its organized and synchronized tourism industry. Various sectors like tour guides, boat operators, and tricycle drivers work together. The tours are regulated and monitored by the Tourism Office, hence standardized tours are offered to tourists. The most popular is a tour of the Puerto Princesa Underground River, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and voted as one of the New7Wonders of Nature in 2012.

Here are some essential information that you might find useful to know before going to Puerto Princesa.

  • Location: Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Region IV-B (MIMAROPA), Philippines.
  • Nicknames: Eco-Tourism Center of the Philippines, City in the Forest
  • Time Zone: UTC+8 (Philippine Standard Time). The Philippines is in the same time zone as Singapore and Beijing, one hour ahead of Thailand, and one hour behind Japan.
  • Language: Tagalog is the most commonly used, but English is widely understood and spoken. Locals also use Cuyonon and other Visayan languages.
  • Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP, ₱)
  • Modes of Payment: Cash. Some upscale establishments accept credit cards but most still prefer cash. GCash is also getting more common. For public transportation and small purchases, cash is essential.

PUERTO PRINCESA TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Puerto Princesa is open to all travelers regardless of their vaccination status. We didn’t experience any document inspection upon arrival in the city. But airline staff do ask to see the following upon checkin:

  • Vaccination card or VaxCertPH (for fully vaccinated tourists)

However, if you’re coming from a place under Alert Level 2 or higher, a negative antigen test result valid within one day prior to departure is required.

HOW TO GET TO PUERTO PRINCESA

Puerto Princesa International Airport

The Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS) serves as the main gateway to the city and other municipalities in Palawan. Most domestic airlines — Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, AirAsia — have flights to and from Puerto Princesa, so looking for one would not be a problem.

Puerto Princesa Airport to City Center

The Puerto Princesa International Airport is located within the city center. From here, going to areas within the city proper would take only few minutes.

The most convenient mode of transportation from the airport is the tricycle. Tricycles can be found parked outside the airport, waiting for passengers. You’ll have to walk a bit to the gate and exit the airport to ride one.

Here are the fares from the airport to different parts of the city. Tricycles can accommodate up to 3 people.

  • Within the city center: P150
  • To San Jose Terminal: P200
  • To Honda Bay: P500

If you’re booked with an upscale hotel or resort, double check with the management first and see if they offer free airport transfers.

WHERE TO STAY IN PUERTO PRINCESA

A lot of accommodations are situated within the city center, not too far from the airport. Beachfront hotels or resorts are usually located a bit farther. Staying in the city proper is ideal if you want to see more of the city and have easy access to its many restaurants and shops.

city tourism puerto princesa

Top Budget Hotels & Guesthouses in Puerto Princesa

Here are some of the top-ranking but affordable properties on Agoda with over 100 reviews:

  • Cleon Villas Pension. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
  • Villa Skanderbeg Guest House. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
  • OYO 554 Dads Bayview Pension. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
  • Mariafe Inn. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
  • Greenspace Palawan Hotel. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
  • Dolce Vita Hotel. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
  • Floral Villarosa Hotel. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
  • Balay Tuko Garden Inn. Check Rates & Availability! ✅

Popular Puerto Princesa Resorts

If you have a bigger budget, here are some of the most well-known properties in the city.

Puerto Princesa Resorts

  • Astoria Palawan Resort . Check Rates & Availability! ✅
  • Aziza Paradise Hotel . Check Rates & Availability! ✅
  • Citystate Asturias Hotel . Check Rates & Availability! ✅
  • Daluyon Beach and Mountain Resort , Sabang Beach. Check Rates & Availability! ✅
  • Hue Hotels and Resorts . Check Rates & Availability! ✅
  • Princesa Garden Island Resort and Spa . Check Rates & Availability! ✅

Search for more Puerto Princesa Hotels!

Puerto princesa tours & tourist spots.

Many of the attractions in Puerto Princesa can be visited as part of a tour. Although it is possible to pull a DIY to save on the costs, booking a packaged tour will make it more convenient and hassle-free. When you avail of one, you’ll also have a trained tour guide who can give you more information and insights about each spot, allowing you to appreciate it more.

In this section, we’ll share with you the best attractions and activities in Puerto Princesa, grouped according to the tours that they’re usually a part of. We’ll include costs for both packaged and DIY tours.

Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour

Puerto Princesa Underground River

The city’s most well-known tourist spot, the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a Ramsar Wetland Site, and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature.

On a paddle boat, you’ll be led by a guide on a journey into the cave that shelters the underground river. The tour covers only the first 1.5 kilometers, but the river measures 8.2 kilometers long in full. Some parts are open only to scientists and other permitted explorers.

Inside the cave, you will see stunning stalactites, stalagmites and the various formations that took shape for over thousands of years. You’ll also learn more about the cave system through the provided audio guide.

If you have limited time or budget and could only avail of one packaged tour, this should be it. The PPUR management only allows a limited number of tourists per day. Because of this, walk-ins are not allowed and advanced reservation is required. If you book a tour with a travel agency or tour operator, they will handle the paperwork for you. You’ll also avoid the trouble of arranging transportation to Sabang Beach which is the jump-off point, around one and a half hours away.

Packaged tours usually include:

  • roundtrip land transfer to Sabang Beach
  • roundtrip boat transfer to the underground river
  • audio guide

You may also avail this tour via Klook for P1900. But if you have more time and bigger budget, consider doing a 3-in-1 Sabang Tour. At P3550, it includes the following:

  • Sabang X Zipline
  • Mangrove Paddle Tour

Check updated rates or book below:

✅ BOOK UNDERGROUND RIVER TOUR HERE!

✅ BOOK UNDERGROUND RIVER + SABANG ZIPLINE + MANGROVE PADDLE TOUR!

Cowrie Island

Honda Bay Tour is an island hopping activity that will take you to at least three islands not too far away from the city. As of this writing, only 3 islands are open for island hopping tours: Starfish Island, Luli Island, and Cowrie Island.

If you’re traveling with a large group, pulling a DIY can help you save. If you’re traveling solo, with a small group or you simply want the convenience of availing a packaged tour, travel agencies and hotels usually offer this tour for P1500 per person.

If you plan to travel independently, here are the rates for private boats. You’ll see two prices because you have two boat options: 3-cylinder and 4-cylinder boats.

  • 3 Islands (Starfish, Luli & Cowrie): P1800 to P2100
  • 2 Islands (Luli & Cowrie only): P1500 to P1800

You may also opt to skip the island hopping if you have a particular island you want to visit.

There’s also an environmental fee that you have to pay at the wharf. Here are the rates:

  • Environmental fee: P150
  • Terminal fee: P5
  • Goggles & snorkel rental: P150
  • Full face mask rental: P200
  • Aqua shoes rental: P150
  • Fins rental: P150

Each island also has a separate entrance fee and cottage rental fees as well. Here are the entrance fees per island.

  • Cowrie Island: P100
  • Luli Island: P70
  • Starfish Island: P50

If you want to avoid the hassle of paying these fees on your own, you can just book a packaged tour. Honda Bay Tours are inclusive of land and boat transfers, entrance and cottages fees, and lunch. You may also avail this tour via Klook!

✅ RESERVE A SLOT HERE!

Puerto Princesa City Tour

This half-day tour can be done either in the morning or afternoon. Tour operators usually offer this tour for P600 per person, but you can also charter a tricycle for P1000 per vehicle, which could accommodate up to 3 people.

The city tour usually includes the following stops:

Puerto Princesa City Tour

  • Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center. First known as Crocodile Farming Institute, it keeps and breeds two species of crocodiles: the Philippine crocodile ( Crocodylus mindorensis ) and the saltwater crocodile ( Crocodylus porosus ). Rescued animals are also housed in this facility, especially those that are endemic to the province.
  • Plaza Cuartel. A historic square, Plaza Cuartel was an old garrison where the Palawan Massacre took place in December 1944. One hundred fifty American prisoners of war were kept in a tunnel during World War II until they were killed by the Japanese by burning them alive. Eleven prisoners were able to escape and survive. Their names are now displayed on a plaque inside the plaza.
  • Binuatan Creations. A gift shop where you can buy handloom woven products made from Palawan’s native grasses and fibers. Aside from shopping, you can also see how the products are made in their workshop and even try weaving yourself!
  • Mitra’s Ranch. This property sitting on top of a hill in Brgy. Sta. Monica is owned by the late Senator Ramon Mitra and his family. It is open to the public and serves as a viewpoint.
  • Baker’s Hill. Popular for their hopia and other pastries, this is the usual pasalubong stop! It’s also a park with many picture-worthy corners and has an in-house restaurant if you want to grab a bite.

If you want to have a more comfortable tour in an air-conditioned van, you can avail this tour on Klook.

Firefly Watching Tour

Puerto Princesa Baywalk Firefly Watching

Spend a magical night and watch fireflies and the stars while on board a small boat. There are three locations for firefly watching in Puerto Princesa:

  • Iwahig. The first firefly watching location in Puerto Princesa. As of writing, this is closed and firefly watching tours here are unavailable.
  • Sicsican River. The tour commences on the Baywalk, where you will hop on a boat that will take you to Sicsican River. A dinner on the boat is also included on this tour.
  • Nagsaguipi River. Indulge in a buffet dinner before you feast your eyes with the glowing fireflies!

Tour operators offer this tour between P1300- P1600 per person. Firefly watching tour in Nagsaguipi River is also available on Klook.

✅ JOIN FIREFLY WATCHING TOUR!

Nagtabon Beach

Nagtabon Beach

Less than an hour away from the city proper, Nagtabon Beach used to be a spot for those who want to avoid the crowd. Now, a number of accommodation establishments stand along the beach, but the place remains just as breathtaking. This is a nice place to visit if you’re looking to spend more time on the beach without having to travel too far away from the city.

Make your way to San Jose terminal and hop on a bus going north. Any bus bound for Taytay, Roxas, or El Nido will do. Tell the driver to drop you off in Bacungan (P80) then ride a tricycle going to Nagtabon Beach (P300, max 3 pax).

If you’re a group, you can rent a van to take you straight to Nagtabon. If you can drive two wheels, renting a motorbike is also an option if there are two of you or you’re traveling solo.

Nagtabon Beach can also be included in your Puerto Princesa City Tour itinerary for an additional fee. Just ask your driver if he’s OK with it.

Sabang X-Zipline

Thrill-seekers will love this attraction. This 800-meter long zipline is said to be one of the longest ziplines in the Philippines. You can enjoy this solo or by pair as you glide across Sabang Beach. The ride would also treat you to a fantastic view of Sabang from above. It takes a short 15-minute hike to reach the zipline’s starting point.

This is usually packaged with Underground River since Sabang also serves as the jump-off point to it. You can do this prior to the underground river stop if there’s a long waiting time or after it just before you have lunch. Sabang X-Zipline costs P550.

You may also avail this via Klook for a discounted price.

✅ GET DISCOUNTED TICKET HERE!

Other Puerto Princesa Attractions

  • Ugong Rock Adventures. An adventure park located in Barangay Tagabinet where you can go trekking, rappeling, and spelunking. A 71-meter zipline is also one of the features, making your adventure more unforgettable. Book here! ✅
  • Palawan Waterpark by Astoria. This is the only waterpark in Palawan. If you’re looking for an activity that kids and kids at heart alike would enjoy, add this to your itinerary. Each ticket is inclusive of a lunch buffet. Rate: Adults, P1200; Kids (4ft and below), P950; Kids (2 years old and below), FREE
  • Tibag Falls. About 40 minutes away from the city center, Tibag Falls is located in Bacungan. To get here, board a bus going north at San Jose Terminal. Ask the driver to drop you off near Bacungan Bridge. From there, it would take a 2-hour walk to reach this glorious falls.

To see more places to visit, check out: PUERTO PRINCESA TOURIST SPOTS!

WHERE TO EAT IN PUERTO PRINCESA

Finding a place to eat in Puerto Princesa will not be a problem. The city center is teeming with a diverse collection of food spots. If you want to try the Puerto Princesa classics, a few of them are located along Rizal Avenue.

If you’re on a budget, you can always rely on carinderias (small eateries) where a P100-budget can get you a full meal.

Here are some of the most well-known restaurants in Puerto Princesa:

Ka Lui Puerto Princesa

Arguably the most popular dining spot in Puerto Princesa, this homey restaurant specializes in Pinoy seafood dishes like seafood kare-kare, grilled fish, and shrimp or tuna sinigang. Their menu is composed mostly of seafood and vegetables dishes. They also have a special set meal that is good for two for only P795. If you’re planning to dine here, make sure to call the restaurant and make a reservation.

Location: Rizal Avenue, Puerto Princesa City Operating Hours: Monday-Saturday, 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM – Lunch, 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM – Dinner; Sunda, CLOSED Contact number: (048) 726 6217

Kinabuch’s is an open-air grill and bar where you can enjoy some drinks with your meal. Their menu has a wide variety of Pinoy dishes from appetizers to dessert. It’s also a go-to place for those who want to try Puerto Princesa’s exotic dish, tamilok. It’s usually served raw with a side of spiced vinegar.

Location: Rizal Avenue, Puerto Princesa City Operating Hours: Daily, 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM

Cacaoyan Forest Park

Cacaoyan Forest Park

Cacaoyan Forest Park is a buffet restaurant set in a lush garden bursting with IG-worthy spots. It serves as a lunch stop on many Underground River tours offered by travel agencies. But if you want to experience this on its own, best to make advance reservations.

The lunch buffet is priced at P350/person, but you can get a discount if you book with Klook.

✅ GET DISCOUNTS HERE!

Location: Sabang, Puerto Princesa Operating Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM You can also order tamilok here for P100 per plate.

Other Puerto Princesa Restaurants

  • Badjao Seafront Restaurant. If you want to dine by the bay and feast on fresh seafood, this is the place to be. It stands next to mangroves and has a view of the sunset which adds to its charm. Price starts at P125 up to P550. Their seafood platter costs P1,150. – Location: Abueg St., Puerto Princesa City – Operating hours: Daily, 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
  • Balinsasayaw Restaurant. A budget-friendly restaurant serving cheap to mid-range Pinoy dishes. Their value meals costs less than P200. If you’re with a group, they also have group meals that you can avail. – Address: Manalo St., Puerto Princesa City – Operating Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
  • Ka Joel’s Restaurant. Another reliable name in the city’s food scene, Ka Joel’s serves Filipino cuisine. Its bestsellers include chicken inasal and beef kare kare. – Location: Purok Centro, Puerto Princesa City – Operating Hours: Daily, 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM- Lunch, 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM- Dinner

Hue Hotel Puerto Princesa Paella

For loaded tourists, big hotels have their in-house restaurants that highlight their take on Filipino cuisine.

  • Hue Hotel houses Matiz Restaurant and Tapas Bar , which boasts a mostly Spanish menu.
  • Princesa Garden Island Resort and Spa has a dining complex featuring four restaurants including the Golden Elephant Seafood Village , which specializes in Thai food.

SAMPLE PUERTO PRINCESA ITINERARY

Here’s a sample 3-day 2-night Puerto Princesa itinerary with breakdown of expenses. Note that this itinerary assumes the following:

  • You’re a party of 2, splitting some of the costs.
  • The accommodation you’ll book costs P1500 per night. If you split it between 2 people, that would be P750 per night per person.
  • You’ll book most of the tours via Klook.

But as always, feel free to make adjustments based on your schedule and preferences.

  • DAY 1: CITY TOUR 08:20 AM – Arrival in Puerto Princesa 09:00 AM – Tricycle to hotel, P75 (P150/2pax) 09:20 AM – Hotel check-in 11:00 AM – Early lunch 12:30 PM – City Tour (Tricycle), P500 (P1000/2pax) – Crocodile Park: P70 – Butterfly Garden: P60 – Mitra’s Ranch: P20 04:00 PM – Hotel, freshen up 06:00 PM – Dinner at Ka Lui, P500 09:30 PM – Back to hotel
  • DAY 2: UNDERGROUND RIVER 06:00 AM – Wake up call 07:00 AM – Underground River Tour, P1900, Book here! ✅ 04:00 PM – Back to hotel, Rest 07:00 PM – Dinner at Kinabuch’s, P500 10:00 PM – Back to hotel
  • DAY 3: HONDA BAY TOUR 6:00 am – Wake up, early check-out, leave bags 7:00 am – Honday Bay Tour, P1640, Book here! ✅ 2:00 pm – Back to hotel, pick up bags 3:00 pm – Tricycle to airport, P75 (P150/2pax) 5:30 pm – Flight back to Manila

This itinerary would cost you around PhP 5700 (USD 103, EUR 96, SGD 139) , excluding airfare and hotel but including a bit of allowance for incidental expenses.

If you’re able to book a room for P1400/night or P700/night/person, prepare to shell out a total of PhP 7,100 (USD 128, EUR 120, SGD 172) excluding airfare but including some allowance.

You can bring the cost even lower if you’re a bigger group and by doing the Honda Bay Tour on your own (DIY-style).

MORE TIPS FOR THE POOR TRAVELER

  • Tricycle fare for short distances is around P15-25. Fares to and for the airport usually cost more than the regular fares.
  • Walk when you can. The streets of Puerto Princesa are punctuated with trees so it doesn’t get as hot as other highly urbanized cities.
  • Bring your own reusable water bottle , so you don’t need to keep buying bottled water. Doing this will help you save money and reduce plastic waste at the same time. You can just refill your water bottle at your hotel or at your lunch/dinner stops.
  • Bring insect repellent lotion. Protect yourself from mosquitoes by applying insect repellent lotion especially when you go trekking or island hopping.
  • Use coral-friendly sunscreen. Avoid using sunscreen that contains ingredients that could harm the coral reef like oxybenzone and parabens.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

When is the best time to visit puerto princesa.

January to April , the driest period. But keep in mind that these are also the busiest months, peaking in March and April, which are considered “summer” months in the Philippines.

Puerto Princesa Climate

If you want to avoid the crowd, schedule a trip around January to February when the weather is not too hot and not that rainy either. Yet, it is also important to note that Palawan is in between two major seas, the West Philippine Sea and the Sulu Sea. Its location highly affects its weather system, which is different from the rest of the country. Even during the dry season, it could be pretty damp and rain is expected in the afternoons. In fact, our team have visited in April once and it still poured on a couple of days. And even in our other visits in other months, it would often rain in the afternoon.

Puerto Princesa is a year-round destination. While the city took a beating from Typhoon Odette a few years ago, this isn’t a normal occurrence. Palawan is located in the western extreme of the country, isolated from most other main islands. It is not along the usual typhoon route.

What is the power plug/socket used in Puerto Princesa?

Electricity Info : 220V, 60Hz. Socket Type A, mostly.

Puerto Princesa Electric Sockets

2022 • 12 • 13

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Home » itinerary » 16 Top Things To Do In Puerto Princesa + Where To Stay [Updated Travel Guide]

16 Top Things To Do In Puerto Princesa + Where To Stay [Updated Travel Guide]

Here is an updated list of the top things to do in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, as well as the best hotels that you can choose from.

On our way to Puerto Princesa City

What to do in puerto princesa (familiarization tour), 1. palawan wildlife rescue and conservation center, 2. buy food products made of crocodile meat, 3. mitra's ranch, 4. baker's hill, 5. buy pasalubong , 6. plaza cuartel, 7. immaculate conception cathedral, 8. puerto princesa underground river tour, 9. honda bay island-hopping tour, 10. eat at kalui restaurant , 11. try the fresh seafood at baywalk, 12. have dinner at kinabuch's grill and bar, 13. eat tamilok, 14. tour dos palmas island resort & spa, 15. isla puting buhangin, 16. go on a mangrove tour, sample puerto princesa tour itinerary, day 1 - puerto princesa city tour.

  • Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center (8:00 AM to 8:45 AM)
  • Mitra's Ranch (9:00 AM to 9:15 AM)
  • Baker's Hill (9:30 AM to 10:00 AM)
  • Buy pasalubong (10:15 AM to 10:45 AM)
  • Plaza Cuartel (11:00 AM to 11:15 AM)
  • Immaculate Conception Cathedral (11:30 AM to 12:00 PM)

Day 2 - Puerto Princesa Underground River

  • Depart for Sabang Beach (8:00 AM)
  • Boat ride to Puerto Princesa Underground River (10:00 AM to 10:30 AM)
  • Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour (11:00 AM to 12:00 NN) - note that this is an ideal scenario where there is no waiting time
  • Lunch (12:00 NN to 1:00 PM)
  • Depart for Puerto Princesa City (1:15 PM)

Day 3 - Honda Bay Island-Hopping Tour

  • Depart for fisherman's wharf (8:00 AM)
  • Boat ride to Starfish Island (9:00 AM to 11:00 AM)
  • Boat ride to Luli Island (1:15 PM to 2:15 PM)
  • Boat ride to Cowrie Island (3:00 PM to 3:30 PM)
  • Boat ride to fisherman's wharf (4:00 PM to 5:00 PM)
  • Van to the hotel (5:15 PM to 5:45 PM)

The 12 best hotels in Puerto Princesa, Palawan

1. aziza paradise hotel, 2. citystate asturias hotel, 3. ej pension house, 4. go hotels, 5. holiday suites, 6. house of big brother, 7. islands stay hotel, 8. one manalo place, 9. palawan village hotel, 10. ponce de leon garden resort, 11. sheridan beach resort & spa, 12. subli guest cabins.

Top things to do in Puerto Princesa, Palawan

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10 comments

It was nice touring the city with you. After reading so many posts about the beaches and islands of the Philippines, this one offered a different perspective and I liked it a lot. I can see that you enjoyed every moment of it :)

We didnt spend any time sightseeing in Puerto princessa while we were there but having read this I wish we had now! The new airport is very swanky

I have not been to Puerto princessa. It looks beautiful. The church is huge and looks magnificent.

Oh wow there is SO much to see here isn't there?? I have never been but again, it's on my list of places to see at some point in the future. I feel as though I toured with you through your beautiful photos though!

I think you are brave to see the crocodiles as I am quite squeamish but how amazing that they can go days without food, I really had no idea! x

What a fun day you guys had! I'm a huge fan of churches and seek them out wherever my husband and I travel. Also, I'd love to stop for lunch at Al-fresco, anything outdoors is prefect for me! x

That looks so cool! To be honest I've only seen crocodiles and movies and I NEVER looked at pictures of it.. and seeing the pictures and everything was so fascinating and I was getting anxious at the same time haha! Also it's interesting how they can go days without food.

Oh wow. It seems that this place has everything! Museums, churches, great hiking spots, and crocodile farms! (Ewww. scary).I hope to be able to visit Puerto Princesa soon!

Congratulations on the amazing wedding anniversary trip. It looks like it was such an amazing and unique experience. Definitely a journey worth taking. Love the bakery place although I would be afraid of the crocodiles.

Looks like you guys had an amazing time, with so much to see and do. A very educational day out.

The Pinay Solo Backpacker Itinerary Blog

Do-It-Yourself Puerto Princesa City Tour

by thepinay solobackpacker | Oct 9, 2015 | Palawan | 0 comments

Puerto Princesa City Tour (Urban Tour) is a popular activity when in the island and most travel agencies and their partner hotels offer city tours for Php 600 per person. It’s a good price considering you’re riding comfortably in an air-conditioned van and it’s inclusive of the entrance fees to the attractions.

Untitled

But if you are on tight budget, you can either rent a tricycle (preferably tourism accredited tricycles that are painted in white and blue usually found at the airport) for Php 600 (good for 4 pax) or trace the tourist attractions by yourself (this also means enduring the unforgiving sun and hopping on and off on tricycles and multi-cabs).

Here’s a list of the popular tourist attractions typically included in the Puerto Princesa City Tour:

Untitled

1.  Puerto Princesa Cathedral –   This angular church painted in pastel blue stands on the land where the first mass on the city in 1872 was held. On that year, the Spaniards proclaimed the Immaculate Conception Mary as the patroness of Puerto Princesa city. The current church was built in 1961.

  • How to get to the Puerto Princesa Cathedral :  Just hail a tricycle from any parts of the city proper.  Fare is Php 8-10 per person, depending on where you’re coming from. Travel time is 5-10 minutes.

2. Plaza Cuartel – Adjacent to the Puerto Princesa Cathedral is an understated park of paramount historical importance to Palawan Island – the Plaza Cuartel, a grim reminder of  World War II.  At first glance it may appear as an ordinary park until you stumble on the triangular memorial marker at the heart of its manicured garden. Plaza Cuartel is the site of the infamous Palawan Massacre where 150 American prisoners where burned alive by the Japanese forces in the olden days. Only 11 prisoners escaped that ill-fated event.

  • How to get to Plaza Cuartel: Hail a tricycle anywhere in the city proper to take you to Plaza Cuartel. Fare is Php 8, travel time is 5-10 minutes. If you’re already at the Puerto Princesa Cathedral, you can just cross the street to the gate of Plaza Cuartel.

From Plaza Cuartel, mother and I walked back to Rizal Avenue (beside the church) and tried to charter a tricycle. We’re told it’s Php 300 (roundtrip) for the Crocodile Farm and Php 450 (for CrocodilePark + Baker’s Hills + Mitra’s Ranch). This is a good price if you’re in group of 3-4. Luckily, a jeep bound to Ihawig passed by with a Crocodile Farm signboard.

3.Baker’s Hill – This beautifully designed park is hemmed with life-sized statues and lovely houses and well-manicured garden is perfect for families and children. Tourists come here for their delicious baked goodies like hopia (baboy, ube, and mongo).

Baker's Hill Puerto Princesa

Baker’s Hill Puerto Princesa

  • How to get to Baker’s Hill:   Ride a multi-cab en route to either Ihawig or Irawan. Tell the driver to drop you off at the jump off point to Baker’s Hill. Fare is about less than Php 20, travel time is around 20 minutes.

4.Mitra’s Ranch – Situated in a hill owned by Senator Ramon Mitra’s family, Mitra’s Ranch is another popular tourist spot in Puerto Princesa typically included in the Puerto Princesa City Tour. It has an interesting view of the city, a great place to relax or  ride a zipline.

  • How to get to Mitra’s Ranch: Take a multi-cab bound for Ihawig or Irawan. Alight at at the jump off point to Mitra’s Ranch. Fare is about Php 20, travel time is less than 25 minutes.

5. Butterfly Garden- As the name suggests, this garden enclosed with net is oozing with butterflies, caterpillars and some scorpions and walking sticks. Entrance fee is Php 50.

  • How to get to Butterfly Garden: Ride a multi-cab bound for Ihawig or Irawan. Tell the driver to drop you off at the jump off point to ButterflyGarden.

Untitled

6. Crocodile Farm (Palawan Wildlife Refuge and Conservation Center)- Initially set up for the conservation of crocodiles. Here you’ll also find a mini-zoo and a souvenir shop.

How to get to Crocodile Farm: Ride an Ihawig multi-cab and tell the driver you’re headed to Crocodile Farm. Fare is Php 20, travel time is 25 minutes. Crocodile Farm entrance fee Php 40 per person.

7. Iwahig Penal Colony Farm- Many tourists visiting Puerto Princesa make time to visit Iwahig Penal Colony Farm. This interesting place is a sanctuary of prisoners and their family prison where they toil the farm unguarded and make handicrafts particularly handcrafted wooden souvenirs which they sell to tourists.

How to get to Iwahig Penal Colony:  

Ride an Iwahig multi-cab and tell the driver to drop you off the jump off point to Iwahig Penal Colony. Fare is about Php 20, travel time is 35 minutes.

  • Other points of interest in Puerto Princesa City:

Irawan Eco Park in Puerto Princesa

Irawan Eco Park in Puerto Princesa

9.Mendoza Park – Built in 1991 and named after the war hero of Palawan – Dr. Higinio Mendoza, MendozaPark is a popular place to hang out by the locals especially at night.

How to get to Mendoza Park: Take a tricycle to Mendoza Park. Fare is Php 8-10.

10. Palawan Museum – Though not usually included in the Puerto Princesa City Tour itinerary, it does not hurt to pay a visit to Palawan Museum. This modest museum of the city houses ethnological and archaeological relics including artifacts from the TabonCave in Palawan. It is conveniently located in the Old City Halls building near MendozaPark.

Palawan Museum is open Mondays to Saturdays (closed on Sundays) from 9:00 AM to 12 Noon and 1:30 PM to 5PM. Entrance fee is Php 20.

How to get to Palawan Museum: Ride a tricycle from the city proper, fare is Php 8-10. It can be reached by foot from MendozaPark

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11. Irawan Eco Park – Just a few meters away before the crocodile farm is Irawan Eco-Adventure Park, a perfect spot for adventure enthusiasts. They offer zip-line, carabao ride, and canopy walk among others. It’s also a good place to dine because of its laid-back ambiance.

How to get to Irawan Eco-Park :

Hail a multi-cab along Rizal Avenue that has an Irawan or Iwahig signboard. Fare is Php 20, travel time is around 20 minutes.  Then you may walk for about 10 minutes to Irawan Eco-Park.

  •  The Puerto Princesa City Tour DIY is recommended for solo travelers on  a budget.  If you are in a group of 3 up, it is better to charter a tricycle to save time. Tourism Accredited Tricycles in Puerto Princesa have a fixed rate pf Php 600 for a city tour which would typically last around 4 hours. You can find them parked at the airport (painted in blue and white). Even regular tricycles at the city proper would charge the same.

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First Published: May 9, 2013

Updated: October 9, 2015

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Sample puerto princesa itineraries for 3, 4, 5, 6 days tour or more + tourist spots to visit this 2024.

Puerto Princesa Travel Guide Blogs Sample Itinerary Palawan

Planning an amazing Puerto Princesa getaway this 2024? If you don't know where to start, here are some sample Puerto Princesa City itineraries to give you an idea on the top things to do, best tourist spots and attractions in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

Sample puerto princesa city itineraries for 3, 4, 5, 6 days tour, now, let's get started here's how to enjoy puerto princesa in 3, 4, 5, 6 days or more.

Puerto Princesa Travel Guide Blogs Sample 3 Days Itinerary Palawan

3D/2N: Puerto Princesa Itinerary (3 Days and 2 Nights)

Day 1: arrival and puerto princesa city tour - book a city tour here.

  • 09:00 am - arrival in Puerto Princesa Airport
  • 10:00 am - proceed to hotel/resort [ BOOK AIRPORT TRANSFER HERE ]
  • 11:00 am - arrive at the hotel/resort √ Click here to see the list of Best Hotels & Resorts in Puerto Princesa!
  • 11:10 am - check-in (if allowed) or just leave your bags
  • 11:30 am - have lunch at the hotel/resort and prepare for Puerto Princesa City Heritage Tour
  • 01:00 pm - hotel pick up
  • Start of Puerto Princesa City Heritage Tour
  • Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center (Crocodile Farm)
  • Mitra’s Ranch
  • Bakers Hill
  • Binuatan Creations (Weaving Loom Center)
  • Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral
  • Plaza Cuartel
  • Promenade/The Baywalk
  • Souvenir Shops
  • Butterfly Garden and Tribal Village
  • End of city tour
  • 05:00 pm - hotel drop off
  • 05:30 pm - freshen up and rest
  • 07:00 pm - dinner

DAY 2: PUERTO PRINCESA UNDERGROUND RIVER + FIREFLY WATCHING TOUR - SEE TOUR DETAILS AND AVAILABILITY HERE!

  • 06:00 am - breakfast and prepare for Puerto Princesa Underground River tour
  • 07:00 am - hotel pick-up
  • drive to Sabang Wharf
  • transfer by boat to the Underground River National Park
  • guided paddle boat tour and explore the underground river
  • enjoy a delicious buffet spread at a restaurant at Sabang Wharf
  • 04:00 pm - hotel drop-off and prepare for your next tour
  • 05:00 pm - hotel pick-up for Puerto Princesa Firefly Watching - SEE TOUR DETAILS AND AVAILABILITY HERE!
  • 07:00 pm - orientation
  • 07:30 pm - 8:00 pm - paddle boat ride tour at the Salvacion-Sta. Cruz River
  • 08:00 pm - 9:00 pm dinner
  • 09:30 pm - hotel drop-off
  • 10:00 pm - sleep

DAY 3: HONDA BAY TOUR AND DEPARTURE - SEE TOUR DETAILS AND AVAILABILITY HERE!

  • 06:00 am - breakfast, check-out, leave your bags at the reception
  • 07:00 am - hotel pick up for Honda Bay Tour
  • Luli Island
  • Cowrie Island
  • Picnic lunch in Cowrie Island
  • Starfish Island
  • 03:30 pm - hotel drop off, freshen-up, take your bags
  • 05:00 pm - proceed to the airport [ BOOK AIRPORT TRANSFER HERE ]
  • 06:00 pm - arrive at Puerto Princesa Airport
  • 08:00 pm - departure

Puerto Princesa Travel Guide Blogs Sample 4 Days Itinerary Palawan

4D/3N: Puerto Princesa Itinerary (4 Days and 3 Nights)

Day 2: puerto princesa underground river and atv jungle tour - see tour details and availability here.

  • 06:00 am - breakfast and prepare for Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR) tour
  • 06:30 am - 8:00 am - hotel pick up
  • shuttle transfer to Underground River
  • 08:30 am - orientation
  • wharf boat transfer
  • 09:00 am - underground River Tour
  • 12:00 pm - lunch at Sheridan Beach Resort
  • 02:00 pm - ATV ride in Sabang Jungle
  • 04:00 pm - depart for downtown Puerto Princesa
  • 05:30 pm - drop off in Puerto Princesa city center
  • 06:00 pm - back at the hotel and freshen-up
  • 09:00 pm - sleep

DAY 3: HONDA BAY AND FIREFLY WATCHING TOURS - SEE TOUR DETAILS AND AVAILABILITY HERE!

  • 06:00 am - breakfast
  • 03:30 pm - hotel drop off, freshen-up, prepare for your next tour

DAY 4: PUERTO PRINCESA CITY BAY CRUISE AND DEPARTURE - SEE TOUR DETAILS AND AVAILABILITY HERE!

  • 05:00 am - hotel pick up for Puerto Princesa City Bay Cruise
  • Boat ride across Puerto Princesa City Bay
  • Meet the Badjao Tribe and witness their morning routine
  • Observe the rich mangrove ecosystem
  • Visit a research facility to see the sea-ranching program for groupers
  • Boat cruise upstream to Iwahig River
  • 09:30 am - hotel drop off
  • breakfast, enjoy the hotel/resort facilities and prepare for check-out
  • 12:00 nn - hotel check-out
  • 01:00 pm - proceed to the airport [ BOOK AIRPORT TRANSFER HERE ]
  • 02:00 pm - arrive at Puerto Princesa Airport
  • 04:00 pm - departure

Puerto Princesa Travel Guide Blogs Sample 5 Days Itinerary Palawan

5D/4N: Puerto Princesa Itinerary (5 Days and 4 Nights)

Day 4: chasing waterfalls and west coast beaches - see tour details and availability here.

  • 05:30 am - hotel pick up
  • 06:30 am - start trek
  • 07:45 am - Bacungan waterfalls
  • 11:30 am - boat ride to Talaudyong and Nagtabon Beach
  • 12:00 pm - picnic lunch
  • 01:00 pm - relax at Nagtabon Beach
  • 04:00 pm - depart back for Puerto Princesa
  • 06:00 pm - hotel drop-off and freshen-up

DAY 5: PUERTO PRINCESA CITY BAY CRUISE AND DEPARTURE - SEE TOUR DETAILS AND AVAILABILITY HERE!

Puerto Princesa Travel Guide Blogs Sample 6 Days Itinerary Palawan

6D/5N OR MORE: Puerto Princesa Itinerary (6 Days and 5 Nights or More)

  • Puerto Princesa Chasing Waterfalls Tour
  • Puerto Princesa Balsahan River and Trail Tour
  • Puerto Princesa Tabon Cave Excursion
  • Port Barton Island Hopping Tour from San Vicente
  • Boayan Island Tour in San Vicente
  • San Vicente Land Tour
  • Astoria Palawan Waterpark in Puerto Princesa
  • El Nido Travel Guide with Sample Itinerary and Budget

HOW TO PLAN AN ULTIMATE PALAWAN ADVENTURE ITINERARY?

  • EL NIDO TRAVEL GUIDE with Sample Itinerary and Budget
  • CORON TRAVEL GUIDE with Sample Itinerary and Budget

I hope these SAMPLE PUERTO PRINCESA PALAWAN ITINERARIES will be helpful in planning an amazing and memorable Palawan adventure! Please feel free to adjust these itineraries depending on the things you want to do in Puerto Princesa and the activities and experiences that best interest you and your group. Also, don't forget to adjust it depending on your flight arrival and departure times.

  • Sample LA UNION Itineraries
  • Sample BORACAY Itineraries
  • Sample EL NIDO Itineraries
  • Sample CORON Itineraries
  • Sample CEBU Itineraries
  • Sample BOHOL Itineraries
  • Sample BACOLOD Itineraries
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  • Sample SIARGAO Itineraries

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City profile.

             Puerto Princesa City , which forms part of the Philippine’s last frontier , is a City rich in natural resources. It is the country’s largest City with a total land area of 253,982 hectares. A chain of mountain ranges runs through the entire length of the City, dividing it into two distinct areas – the East and the West Coast.  The eastern side, which is facing the Sulu Sea is characterized by thin strand lines bordered by swamplands, following a series of flat plains to hilly terrain. The West Coast has fewer plains with mountain ranges close to the China Sea, thus giving the City a unique yet fragile ecology.

            A significant portion of the City retains its indigenous vegetation, rainforest, mangroves, and coastal ecosystem, all of which support an array of wildlife. In terms of species biodiversity and its wide range of ecosystems, Puerto Princesa is of national significance. The famous Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (formerly known as Saint Paul’s Subterranean River National Park) covering a protected area of 22,202 hectares is haven to endemic flora and fauna. UNESCO has inscribed the Park as a World’s Heritage Site on December 4, 1999. This natural wonder features an 8.2 kilometers navigable underground river reputed to be the world’s longest that winds through a spectacular cave before emptying out into the South China Sea.

              Given that natural resources can be exploited for economic purposes, it is necessary to properly manage the City’s natural resources so that sustainable development can be achieved. This does not mean that these resources cannot be used. However it does require that the use of renewable resources be managed so that their use can be sustained and adverse environmental and social impacts can be avoided. Collective and timely effort is imperative to conserve the city’s major natural resources for the benefit of the existing and future community. The proper management of these resources will ensure that the community will continue to benefit from these resources.

             Conservation of natural areas protects biodiversity for future generations and provides areas for recreation and enjoyment. While it may have some environmental impacts, it does add to quality of life and enhances other economic activities for eco-tourism. Such complementary activities include operating eco-tourist destinations, making investments in tourism-related facilities and enterprises and providing specific services for local and foreign tourists. The City being part of the Province of Palawan is covered by Republic Act 7611 or the Strategic Environmental Plan for Palawan, thus environmental planning shall be guided by the policies and principles so stipulated in the law.

IMAGES

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  4. Puerto Princesa 2021: Top 10 Tours & Activities (with Photos)

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  5. Palawan: a Complete Guide to Puerto Princesa and El Nido

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  6. 6 Things You Need to Know About Puerto Princesa

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COMMENTS

  1. City Tourism Office of Puerto Princesa

    City Tourism Office of Puerto Princesa Ground Floor, City Hall Building, Sta. Monica Heights, Puerto Princesa City, Philippines. Telephone: +63 48 4344211 Telefax: +63 48 4332983 Email: [email protected] ...

  2. Puerto Princesa City Tourist Destinations

    "Puerto Princesa City Tourism Master Plan" Download "Ordinance 495" Download. About Us. City Tourism Department of Puerto Princesa. 2nd Floor, New Green City Hall, Sta. Monica Heights, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines Telephone Number: (048) - 717-8035 Email Address: [email protected].

  3. Top 25 PUERTO PRINCESA Tourist Spots to Visit & Things to Do

    Officially named Puerto Princesa Subterranean River but sometimes simply called PPUR, this 8.2-km-long underground river is the city's main tourism draw. This natural wonder which was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999 and as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature in 2012.

  4. 22 Things to do in Puerto Princesa + Tourist Spots

    See the best Puerto Princesa tourist spots, top things to do, places to visit, attractions & more in 2023-2024. Detourista. Start Here. Philippines; Singapore; Southeast Asia; ... Sabang Beach is approximately 74 km northeast from Puerto Princesa city center. Travel time is around 1 hour and 40 minutes by car. The boat ride from Sabang Beach to ...

  5. 18 Best Puerto Princesa Tourist Spots: Home to the Popular Underground

    Explore Puerto Princesa and its many natural wonders. Discover must-see tourist spots in Puerto Princesa aside from the underground river by reading this article.. Puerto Princesa, located in the beautiful province of Palawan, is more than just a transit point to the world-famous El Nido.This sprawling provincial city nicknamed "The City in a Forest" is famous for its breathtaking views and ...

  6. Puerto Princesa, Palawan

    Situated a mere 25km drive from Puerto Princesa city proper, this 800-meter-long and 15-meter-wide beach offers a serene escape. With its breathtaking views, it serves as a perfect setting for a relaxing picnic. Additionally, depending on the weather conditions, the beach can also provide a good surfing experience. Puerto Princesa city

  7. Puerto Princesa Travel Guide: Gateway to Underground River

    Puerto Princesa, also known as The City in a Forest, is rich in various unknown but must-see tourist spots and exciting tours and activities, including the must-try Puerto Princesa Underground River tour that make it worth a visit for more than just a day. For a convenient trip, visitors can book a Puerto Princesa tour package.

  8. Puerto Princesa City Visitors Guide

    These Top 10 Tips can help guide you when visiting Puerto Princesa City in the Philippines: Be aware that a tourist VISA is only 30 days. You can extend it upon arrival, or within the first 30 days, for an additional 30 days for a fee of approximately 3,000 pesos. Don't buy into the fear factor.

  9. About Us

    Discover accredited activities, destinations and quality accommodations. Instantly book online-seamlessly and securely! City Tourism Department of Puerto Princesa. 2nd Floor, New Green City Hall, Sta. Monica Heights, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines Telephone: (+6348) 717-8035 • Telefax: (+6348) 717 8005. Email: [email protected].

  10. Puerto Princesa

    2GO Travel has two weekly ferries to Puerto Princesa from Manila. The ferry trip is about 22 hours long. Additionally, Milagrosa Shipping has a weekly ferry that sails between Puerto Princesa - Cuyo Islands - Iloilo City. It departs Iloilo at 7PM on Thursday, arrives at the Cuyo Islands at 8AM Friday, departs Cuyo Islands 3PM Friday and arrives ...

  11. Top 10 Tours & Activities in Puerto Princesa Palawan

    Located in the island province of Palawan, Puerto Princesa boasts several nature attractions that earned it the moniker "The City in the Forest." Popularly known as the site of the world-renowned Underground River, which visitors can explore via a Puerto Princesa Underground River tour and Puerto Princesa tours, the city rewards travelers with an array of other natural, cultural, culinary, and ...

  12. PUERTO PRINCESA TRAVEL GUIDE with Requirements, Sample Itinerary

    The city's most well-known tourist spot, the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a Ramsar Wetland Site, and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. On a paddle boat, you'll be led by a guide on a journey into the cave that shelters the underground river.

  13. Puerto Princesa Tourism

    Puerto Princesa Tourism, Puerto Princesa. 73,284 likes · 187 talking about this · 191 were here. Where nature begins and never ends. Puerto Princesa Tourism | Puerto Princesa

  14. About our City

    City Tour. Baker's Hill; Butterfly Garden; Crocodile Farm And Nature Park; Forest Canopy Eco Parks; Mitra Ranch; Puerto Princesa Baywalk; World War 2 Memorial Museum; Puerto Princesa Underground River; Tourism Entrepreneurs. Aqua Sports; Community Based Sustainable Tourism; Convention Centers; Gasoline Stations; Hotels; Land Transportation ...

  15. 16 Top Things To Do In Puerto Princesa + Where To Stay [Updated Travel

    9. Honda Bay Island-Hopping Tour. Honda Bay Island-Hopping Tour. One of the most popular activities in Puerto Princesa City is the Honda Bay Island-Hopping Tour. This is also a one-day tour consisting of trips to three islands, namely: Starfish Island, Luli Island, and Cowrie Island.

  16. Puerto Princesa

    Poverty Incidence of Puerto Princesa 5 10 15 20 2006 9.20 2009 15.48 2012 7.79 2015 11.25 2018 4.12 2021 4.80 Source: Philippine Statistics Authority Puerto Princesa is known as the "Eco-Tourism Center of the Philippines". In recent years, the city has seen an increase in the number of tourists bringing with them trade and businesses for the city. Many hotels ranging from basic to five-star ...

  17. Puerto Princesa City Tour 2023: A Must Sightseeing Tour in Palawan's

    Puerto Princesa City Tour Fees. While prices may vary depending on the tour agency, most city tours in Puerto Princesa range from 750 PHP to 1,200 PHP (~12-24 USD) per person. This typically includes a private transfer between attractions, a tour guide, and entrance fees.

  18. Travel Tips

    Travel Tips. Light casual wear is always practical when touring around the city. Bring warm garments during rainy days (July to September) or when visiting mountainous areas where nights can be cool and chilly. On hot summer months (March to May) it is best to wear a hat, a pair of sunglasses and sunscreen. Carry an insect repellant, bottled ...

  19. Puerto Princesa City Tourist Spots and Tourist Attractions

    Here's a list of the popular tourist attractions typically included in the Puerto Princesa City Tour: 1. Puerto Princesa Cathedral - This angular church painted in pastel blue stands on the land where the first mass on the city in 1872 was held. On that year, the Spaniards proclaimed the Immaculate Conception Mary as the patroness of Puerto ...

  20. Sample Puerto Princesa City Itineraries for 3, 4, 5, 6 Days Tour

    From Manila, take a flight to Puerto Princesa City, Palawan and explore the best tourist spots in Puerto Princesa, things to do and places to visit. After exploring Puerto Princesa City, you may travel to El Nido and spend a few days to explore the islands, beaches, lagoons and other amazing natural wonders it offers.

  21. Puerto Princesa City Profile

    Puerto Princesa City, which forms part of the Philippine's last frontier, is a City rich in natural resources. It is the country's largest City with a total land area of 253,982 hectares. A chain of mountain ranges runs through the entire length of the City, dividing it into two distinct areas - the East and the West Coast.

  22. City Profile

    City Profile. Puerto Princesa City, which forms part of the Philippine's last frontier, is a City rich in natural resources. It is the country's largest City with a total land area of 253,982 hectares. A chain of mountain ranges runs through the entire length of the City, dividing it into two distinct areas - the East and the West Coast.

  23. Tourism

    DOT Memorandum Circular Nos. 2015-05 and 2015-06. PSB Publication Deadline of Submission. City Emergency Contacts. City Government Contacts. Downloadable Forms. Requirements and Procedures. Tourism Related Establishment as of November 04, 2019.