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Puerto Princesa is home to one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature and the world’s longest navigable underground river, stretching an impressive 8.2 kilometers beneath dramatic limestone caves. This natural marvel alone draws thousands of visitors to this tropical paradise in Palawan, Philippines. But beyond this world-famous attraction, Puerto Princesa offers a wealth of experiences from island hopping in crystal-clear waters to firefly watching along serene mangrove forests.
Planning Your Journey to Puerto Princesa
As the capital city of Palawan province, Puerto Princesa serves as the perfect gateway to explore the island’s natural wonders. Whether you’re planning a dedicated trip to the city or using it as a starting point before heading to El Nido or Coron, proper planning will help you make the most of your visit.
Getting There
Puerto Princesa has an international airport with direct flights from major Philippine cities including Manila, Cebu, and Angeles. International travelers typically connect through Manila. The flight from Manila to Puerto Princesa takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
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When to Visit
The best time to visit Puerto Princesa is during the dry season from November to May. This period offers sunny days, calm seas, and clear skies—ideal conditions for outdoor activities like island hopping, underground river tours, and beach trips. The peak tourist season runs from December to April, with slightly higher prices but perfect weather.
The rainy season (June to October) brings occasional showers and higher humidity. While you’ll find fewer tourists and lower prices during these months, some tours might be canceled due to rough seas or heavy rainfall.
How Many Days to Stay
One to three days is the ideal duration for a Puerto Princesa visit. If your main goal is to see the Underground River, one full day is sufficient. For those wanting to experience island hopping in Honda Bay and explore the city’s other attractions, plan for two to three days. Puerto Princesa also serves as an excellent starting point for exploring other parts of Palawan Island.
Is Puerto Princesa worth visiting if I’m already going to El Nido or Coron?
Absolutely! While El Nido and Coron are famous for island hopping, Puerto Princesa offers unique experiences you won’t find elsewhere in Palawan. The UNESCO-listed Underground River alone makes it worthwhile, along with firefly watching tours and distinct cultural attractions. Many travelers combine Puerto Princesa with El Nido or Coron for a complete Palawan experience.
Getting Around Puerto Princesa
Puerto Princesa is relatively easy to navigate with several transportation options available for tourists.
Tricycles
The most common form of local transportation is the tricycle—a motorcycle with an attached sidecar. These are abundant throughout the city and provide an affordable way to travel short distances. A typical ride within the city costs between 50-150 PHP ($1-3 USD) depending on the distance. For a more personalized experience, you can hire a tricycle for a few hours to visit multiple city attractions.
Van Rentals
For more comfort and flexibility, especially when visiting attractions outside the city center like the Underground River, consider renting a van with a driver. This option is ideal for groups or families and provides air-conditioned comfort for longer journeys. Most hotels can arrange this service for you.
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Guided Tours
For major attractions like the Underground River and Honda Bay, joining organized tours is often the most convenient option. These typically include hotel pickup and drop-off, necessary permits, boat rides, and sometimes meals. Tours can be booked through your accommodation, local travel agencies, or online in advance.
Where to Stay in Puerto Princesa
Puerto Princesa offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. The best areas to stay depend on your itinerary and interests.
City Center
Staying in Puerto Princesa city proper gives you easy access to restaurants, shopping malls, and local attractions. The area between the City Baywalk Park, the port, and the airport is particularly convenient. This central location puts you within walking distance of many restaurants and cafes, with Rizal Avenue being a popular choice.
Honda Bay Area
If island hopping is your priority, consider staying near Honda Bay, about 15 minutes north of the city center. This area offers beachfront resorts and hotels close to the jump-off point for island hopping tours. While dining options may be more limited than in the city, the proximity to the beach makes it worthwhile for many travelers.
Sabang
For those primarily interested in the Underground River, staying in Sabang village (about 2 hours from Puerto Princesa city) puts you right at the doorstep of this natural wonder. This scenic coastal village has several resorts and guesthouses, plus additional activities like mangrove paddling, hiking, and ziplines.
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Top Things to Do in Puerto Princesa
1. Explore the Puerto Princesa Underground River
The crown jewel of Puerto Princesa is undoubtedly the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. This remarkable underground river stretches for 8.2 kilometers through dramatic limestone caves filled with stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and cathedral-like chambers.
Visitors cruise through the river’s dark passages on paddle boats guided by local boatmen who point out fascinating rock formations that resemble various objects and animals. You’ll receive an audio guide that explains the geological and ecological significance of this natural wonder. Keep an eye out for bats, swiftlets, and other creatures that call this unique ecosystem home.
Visitor Tip: The Underground River tour requires a permit with limited daily slots. Book at least a day in advance, especially during peak season. Tours typically include transportation from Puerto Princesa city (2 hours each way), a boat ride to the cave entrance, the underground river tour, and lunch.
Experience the Underground River
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2. Go Island Hopping in Honda Bay
Just 30 minutes from Puerto Princesa city lies Honda Bay, a beautiful stretch of water dotted with islands boasting white sand beaches and vibrant marine life. Island hopping here is a must-do activity for beach lovers and snorkeling enthusiasts.
A typical Honda Bay island hopping tour visits three to four islands, including:
- Cowrie Island – The largest and most developed island, featuring a restaurant, massage services, and water sports facilities. Its wide stretch of white sand makes it perfect for sunbathing and swimming.
- Luli Island – Named after the Filipino words “lulubog, lilitaw” (sink and rise), this sandbar appears and disappears with the tides. It features a diving board for those wanting to jump into the crystal-clear waters.
- Starfish Island – Famous for the numerous starfish visible in its shallow waters, this island is a snorkeler’s paradise with its seagrass beds and diverse marine life.
- Pambato Reef – A protected coral reef area excellent for snorkeling, with colorful fish and coral formations.
Ready for island paradise?
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3. Experience Firefly Watching on Iwahig River
As night falls in Puerto Princesa, a magical experience awaits on the Iwahig River. Firefly watching tours take you on a serene paddle boat journey through mangrove forests illuminated by thousands of fireflies that light up the trees like natural Christmas decorations.
This peaceful nighttime activity offers a stark contrast to daytime adventures. The gentle paddling, the quiet of the night, and the synchronized twinkling of fireflies create an enchanting atmosphere. On clear nights, you might even see stars overhead and bioluminescent plankton in the water, adding to the magical experience.
Eco Tip: Flash photography is prohibited during firefly watching tours to protect these sensitive creatures and their habitat. Instead, simply enjoy the natural light show and take mental pictures of this unforgettable experience.
Experience the magic of fireflies
Book an evening tour including dinner at a floating restaurant and the enchanting firefly watching cruise.
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4. Visit Baker’s Hill for Tasty Treats and City Views
Baker’s Hill is a charming hilltop attraction that combines delicious pastries with whimsical gardens and panoramic city views. Originally a simple bakery, it has evolved into a popular tourist spot with multiple attractions.
The main attraction here is the bakery itself, famous for its hopia (a mooncake-like pastry) with ube (purple yam) being the crowd favorite. Other must-try treats include their soft cookies, pizza, and refreshing fruit shakes. Beyond the food, visitors can enjoy:
- Whimsical gardens with colorful statues and photo spots
- A view deck offering panoramic vistas of Puerto Princesa
- Peacocks and other animals roaming the grounds
- A restaurant serving Filipino dishes and snacks
Baker’s Hill is typically included in city tours but can also be visited independently. It’s located near other attractions like Mitra’s Ranch, making it easy to combine several stops in one outing.
5. Explore the City’s Historical Sites
Puerto Princesa has several historical sites worth visiting to understand the city’s past and cultural heritage:
Plaza Cuartel
This peaceful garden was once the site of the tragic Palawan Massacre during World War II, where Japanese forces killed American prisoners of war. Today, it serves as a war memorial with markers listing the names of those who perished and the few who escaped. The site offers a moving glimpse into Palawan’s wartime history.
Immaculate Conception Cathedral
The city’s main cathedral features distinctive twin towers and Neo-Gothic interior design. This beautiful blue and white church is the center of Catholic worship in Puerto Princesa and worth a visit for its architecture and peaceful atmosphere.
Palawan Museum
Learn about the island’s rich history and cultural heritage at this museum, which houses artifacts from the Tabon Caves (where the oldest human remains in the Philippines were discovered). The museum showcases archaeological finds, indigenous cultural items, and exhibits on Palawan’s natural history.
Palawan Heritage Center
This modern interactive museum uses technology to bring Palawan’s history and culture to life. With touch-screen displays and engaging exhibits, it offers insights into the province’s biodiversity, indigenous groups, and economic development.
6. Relax at Puerto Princesa Baywalk Park
For a taste of local life, head to the Puerto Princesa Baywalk Park, a scenic promenade along the bay that’s popular with both tourists and residents. This breezy seaside park is perfect for evening strolls, watching the sunset, or simply relaxing after a day of sightseeing.
In the early morning, you’ll find locals jogging or exercising, while evenings bring families and friends enjoying the cool sea breeze. Food stalls offer local snacks and refreshments, and there are plenty of benches where you can sit and watch the world go by. Don’t miss the large “Puerto Princesa” sign, which makes for a great photo opportunity.
7. Visit the Crocodile Farm and Nature Park
The Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center, commonly known as the Crocodile Farm, offers an educational experience about Palawan’s wildlife conservation efforts. This 8-acre facility serves as both a research center and a sanctuary for crocodiles and other endangered species.
Visitors can observe hundreds of crocodiles at various life stages, from hatchlings to full-grown adults. Guided tours explain the center’s breeding program for the endangered Philippine crocodile and efforts to protect these misunderstood reptiles. Beyond crocodiles, the center houses a mini-zoo with other native wildlife including bearcat, peacock pheasants, and various birds.
Fun Fact: Under supervision, visitors can hold a baby crocodile for a unique photo opportunity. Don’t worry—their mouths are temporarily secured for safety!
8. Experience Adventure Activities
For thrill-seekers, Puerto Princesa offers several adventure activities that combine adrenaline with stunning natural scenery:
Sabang X Zipline
Soar above the sea on the Philippines’ longest water-crossing zipline, stretching 800 meters and hanging 150 feet high. This thrilling ride offers breathtaking views of Sabang’s coastline, mountains, and the South China Sea. It’s conveniently located near the Underground River, making it easy to combine both activities in one day.
Ugong Rock Adventures
Located near the Underground River, this 75-foot limestone formation offers spelunking, rock climbing, and ziplining experiences. Named after the unique “ugong” (humming) sound the rocks make when tapped, this community-based tourism project lets you squeeze through tight crevices and climb through interesting cave formations before ziplining back down.
Mangrove Paddle Boat Tour
For a more serene adventure, take a paddle boat tour through Sabang’s ancient mangrove forest. Local guides share insights about the century-old mangroves and their ecological importance while you keep an eye out for wildlife like monitor lizards, snakes, and birds inhabiting this unique ecosystem.
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9. Swim with Whale Sharks (Seasonal)
Between April and October, visitors to Puerto Princesa have the rare opportunity to swim with whale sharks in Honda Bay. Unlike some other locations in the Philippines, the whale shark encounters here are conducted ethically, with no feeding or touching of these gentle giants.
These massive filter-feeding fish—the largest fish species in the world—migrate through Palawan waters during these months. Tours depart from Puerto Princesa port, taking you to areas where these magnificent creatures are commonly spotted. While sightings are never guaranteed, the chance to swim alongside these peaceful giants is an unforgettable experience for wildlife enthusiasts.
Responsible Tourism Note: Choose operators who follow ethical wildlife viewing practices. Keep a respectful distance from whale sharks, never touch them, and avoid using flash photography, which can distress these sensitive animals.
10. Try Local Delicacies
No visit to Puerto Princesa is complete without sampling the local cuisine and specialties:
Hopia from Baker’s Hill
These moon cake-like pastries filled with mung beans or purple yam (ube) are a must-try local specialty. Baker’s Hill is famous for them, but you’ll find them throughout the city.
Biko at Eightynine Cafe
This sweet rice cake made with glutinous rice, coconut milk, and brown sugar is a Filipino favorite. Eightynine Cafe on Roxas Street serves a delicious version topped with vanilla ice cream.
Fresh Seafood
Being a coastal city, Puerto Princesa offers excellent seafood. Try the grilled fish, squid, and shrimp at Kinabuchs Grill & Bar or the floating restaurants during firefly watching tours.
Craft Beer at Palaweño Brewery
Visit the first female-owned craft brewery in the Philippines for unique beers made with local ingredients like coconut, mango, and honey. Their taproom offers tastings and insights into their brewing process.
Practical Tips for Visiting Puerto Princesa
Money Matters
Bring cash, especially in smaller denominations, as many smaller establishments, tour operators, and markets don’t accept cards. While ATMs are available in the city center, they can occasionally run out of cash during peak tourist season. It’s advisable to withdraw or exchange money upon arrival.
What to Pack
Pack light, breathable clothing suitable for tropical weather, along with sun protection (hat, sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen). Bring insect repellent, comfortable walking shoes, and swimwear. A waterproof dry bag is essential for boat tours and island hopping to keep your valuables safe.
Safety Information
Puerto Princesa is considered one of the safest cities in the Philippines, with low crime rates and friendly locals. Exercise standard travel precautions like securing valuables and being aware of your surroundings. For water activities, always follow guide instructions and wear life jackets when provided.
Eco-Tourism Tip: Puerto Princesa takes pride in being an eco-friendly destination. Support their efforts by avoiding single-use plastics, properly disposing of waste, and respecting wildlife and natural areas. Many tour operators follow strict environmental guidelines to preserve Palawan’s natural beauty for future generations.
Sample Puerto Princesa Itineraries
Here are some suggested itineraries to help you plan your visit to Puerto Princesa:
1-Day Itinerary
- Morning: Underground River Tour (includes transportation from city)
- Late Afternoon: City tour including Baker’s Hill and Plaza Cuartel
- Evening: Dinner at Baywalk Park or local restaurant
2-Day Itinerary
- Day 1: Underground River Tour
- Evening 1: Firefly Watching Tour with dinner
- Day 2: Honda Bay Island Hopping
- Evening 2: Visit Palaweño Brewery and dinner in the city
3-Day Itinerary
- Day 1: Underground River Tour and Sabang X Zipline
- Day 2: Honda Bay Island Hopping
- Day 3: City tour (Crocodile Farm, Baker’s Hill, Plaza Cuartel, Palawan Museum) and shopping for souvenirs
- Evening 3: Firefly Watching Tour with dinner
Ready to Explore Puerto Princesa?
From cruising through the mysterious passages of the Underground River to island hopping in the crystal-clear waters of Honda Bay, Puerto Princesa offers a perfect blend of natural wonders, adventure, and cultural experiences. Whether you’re spending a few days in the city or using it as a gateway to explore more of Palawan Island, Puerto Princesa’s diverse attractions promise unforgettable memories.
As you plan your journey to this tropical paradise, remember that beyond the famous attractions lie hidden gems waiting to be discovered—serene beaches where you can be the only visitor, local eateries serving authentic Palawan cuisine, and warm encounters with some of the friendliest people in the Philippines. Puerto Princesa isn’t just a destination; it’s an experience that will call you back to Palawan’s shores time and again.
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