Any dialog about Palawan is very incomplete with no point out of Puerto Princesa, its capital and solely metropolis. Adventurers and seaside bums flock to the towering karst cliffs of El Nido. Divers and nature lovers are drawn to the lakes of Coron. However lengthy earlier than they made a mark on Palawan’s tourism map, Puerto Princesa was already giving vacationers of all sorts a bit of style of what the province has to supply.
Situated in the midst of mainland Palawan, Puerto Princesa serves as the biggest and probably the most handy gateway to the province. Though a extremely urbanized metropolis, it retains its pure magnificence and has been persistently among the many cleanest and greenest cities within the nation, one thing that any traveler would instantly discover inside minutes of their arrival. It’s no surprise it’s additionally touted because the Eco-Tourism Heart of the Philippines.
However it’s not at all times butterflies and unicorns for town’s tourism over the previous years. Like in lots of locations around the globe, the pandemic introduced numerous challenges. Then, in 2021, the province was ravaged by Hurricane Odette (worldwide title: Rai), leaving virtually P8 billion in damages. However lately, not even a 12 months after, we had been invited to affix a latest tour organized by the Division of Tourism (DOT)-MIMAROPA. We acquired to see for ourselves what it’s wish to journey round Puerto Princesa now. On this article, we’re sharing with you a listing of vacationer points of interest within the metropolis (not in any specific order) and what it’s like in the present day.
Word: Puerto Princesa is big! In truth, it’s the second largest metropolis within the Philippines by land space, subsequent to Davao. You’ll discover locations on this checklist that could be one or two hours away from town middle, however they’re nonetheless a part of Puerto Princesa.
WHAT’S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?
Formally named Puerto Princesa Subterranean River however generally merely known as PPUR, this 8.2-km-long underground river is town’s essential tourism draw. This pure surprise which was acknowledged as a UNESCO World Heritage Website in 1999 and as one of many New 7 Wonders of Nature in 2012.
Tucked within the northern nooks 76 km away from town correct, it may be reached after round one and a half to 2 hours of land journey. The tour’s jump-off level is Sabang Wharf, and solely a restricted variety of guests are allowed per day. Vacationers are required to register upfront in the event that they need to go to. To keep away from coping with this course of, it’s best to e book a packaged tour with a tour operator to allow them to register in your behalf. Packaged excursions normally embrace roundtrip land and boat transfers, audio information for the underground river tour, and buffet lunch.
One other beauty of reserving with a tour operator is in case of inclement climate, you gained’t need to spend time touring to Sabang solely to search out out that the excursions have been canceled for the day. In case this occurs, they will additionally make preparations to maneuver your scheduled tour to the next day.
Just a few minutes away from Sabang Wharf, Cacaoayan Forest Park is an superior lunch cease after your Puerto Princesa Underground River tour. True to its title, being right here will make you’re feeling such as you’re in the midst of a forest. Additionally, you will discover a good view deck right here together with Instagram-worthy spots paying homage to these in Bali.
Their lunch buffet gives quite a lot of Filipino dishes from fish to pork to hen to greens and contemporary fruits. Should you’re desirous about making an attempt tamilok, the favored unique mollusk, you can even order it right here. Reservations are required for the lunch buffet, however some tour operators embrace a cease right here of their underground river tour packages.
Buffet price is P350 per particular person.
Location: Brgy. Sabang, Puerto Princesa
Working hours: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Buffet Charge: P350/particular person
Sabang Seaside could also be recognized primarily because the jump-off level to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, however it is usually an attraction by itself. This beautiful seaside with the backdrop of the mountains is a pleasant place to swim and calm down. From right here, you can even see the beautiful St. Paul Limestone formation the place the underground river is flowing beneath.
Should you’re in for extra journey, one other exercise you are able to do right here is the Sabang X Zipline. This thrilling trip will deal with you to the beautiful view of Sabang Seaside and its surrounding space from above. Measuring 800 meters, it’s among the many nation’s longest ziplines that cross a physique of water. To achieve the start line of the trip, it’s essential go on a brief 15-minute hike.
Tickets price P550.
Island hopping is without doubt one of the most typical actions in lots of locations within the Philippines, and Puerto Princesa isn’t to be not noted. Right here, seaside chasers go to Honda Bay, which isn’t too removed from town middle.
Honda Bay is peppered with a number of isles, however island hopping excursions normally embrace simply three stops. Should you’re a DIY-er and also you’re becoming a member of a gaggle tour, these three islands can be fastened. However in order for you extra flexibility or when you’re an enormous group, you could e book a ship and prepare a non-public tour.
The jump-off level is Sta. Lourdes Wharf, roughly half-hour away from town correct by tricycle. One-way fare is round P400-500 per tricycle.
At current, solely 3 islands are open for public island hopping excursions:
- Cowrie Island
- Luli Island
- Starfish Island
Boat charges differ relying on the sort used. Listed below are the newest charges, good for six passengers.
- with 4-cylinder engine: P2100 per boat or P350 per particular person
- with 3-cylinder engine: P1800 per boat or P300 per particular person
Other than boat rental payment, you additionally have to pay the ENTRANCE FEES:
- Cowrie Island: P100
- Luli Island: P70
- Starfish Island: P50
Different islands could also be accessible, however most of them are personal and accumulate a lot greater entrance charges. We’ll talk about them intimately under.
Listed below are different bills to count on when you’re doing a Honda Bay Island Hopping Tour:
- Environmental Price: P150
- Terminal payment: P5
- Goggles & snorkel rental: P150
- Full face masks rental: P200
- Aqua footwear rental: P150
- Fins rental: P150
Should you don’t need to take care of all these funds by yourself, you could e book a tour package deal supplied by journey companies. Honday Bay excursions normally price P1750/particular person, inclusive of lunch, entrance charges, boat rental, tour information, and roundtrip transfers.
Under are extra detailed description of every island.
Cowrie Island
Of all of the islands dotting Honda Bay, Cowrie Island is the closest to Sta. Lourdes Wharf, making it an excellent first or final cease. Should you e book a packaged tour, Cowrie Island can also be the standard lunch cease. You can too order drinks from their bar and restaurant. For particular person meals, the meals is served in bilao (winnowing basket tray). For teams, it’s served boodle-fight-style.
Whereas ready for lunch to be served, you’ll be able to get pleasure from swimming within the clear waters, stroll alongside the seaside or simply lay on the sand. Kayaks and stand-up paddle board can be found for lease. And when you’re with a gaggle and you want enjoying sports activities, they’ve an space for seaside volleyball too!
Entrance Price: P100
Cottage Rental: Spherical Desk (good for 4 pax) – P100; Spherical Desk (good for 8 pax)- P200; Kubo (good for 15-20 pax)- P500
Kayak: Single, P100/hour; Double, P200/hour; Triple, P250/hour
Luli Island
Honda Bay is adorned with numerous sandbars. One in all them is Luli Island, quick for lulubog lilitaw, a playful shoutout to its disappearing act at excessive tide.
Prior to now, it was the standard lunch cease. However the buffet restaurant right here was destroyed by Hurricane Odette and has not been rebuilt since. There’s nonetheless lots to get pleasure from right here, although. The fantastic thing about the sandbar itself stays. You’ll be able to nonetheless get pleasure from strolling on the sand, take images, or chill on certainly one of their many overwater hammocks. The water is crystal clear too so you’ll be able to see little fish swimming round as you go into the water.
Entrance Price: P70
Starfish Island
Round 25 minutes away from the wharf, Starfish Island is the snorkeling cease on Honda Bay excursions. It acquired its title from quite a few starfish that decision its clear, shallow waters dwelling. Even when you don’t know the way to swim, you’ll be able to nonetheless see the small fish and different marine animals frolicking round.
Remember the fact that there’s a designated swimming and snorkeling space marked by a line so ensure to remain inside that space on your security.
One can find many tables and chairs and even cottages for lease right here. Should you’re hungry, there’s a small retailer on the island the place you should buy snacks. Seafood “paluto” can also be out there. You should purchase seafood — crabs, lobsters, fish, sea urchin or uni, and rang-ranga (spider shell) — and have them cooked.
Entrance Price: P50
Cottage Rental: Kubo, P150; 2 tables (for large teams), P300
Pambato Reef
In contrast to the opposite Honda Bay tour stops, Pambato Reef will not be an island. It’s a in style snorkeling spot, marked by a platform floating in the midst of the ocean. Earlier than leaping into the water, vacationers are given a brief lecture about marine and reef ecology and conservation.
Nevertheless, this too was closely broken by Hurricane Odette and stays closed to at the present time. However as soon as Pambato Reef reopens, don’t miss out a possibility to discover certainly one of Puerto Princesa’s most visited underwater website!
Isla Pandan
As of this writing, Pandan Island stays closed and has but to announce after they would reopen.
One of many extra developed islands in Honda Bay, Pandan Island is now occupied by a non-public resort, Isla Pandan. It’s not among the many standard stops of the widespread three-island or two-island excursions.
It has an unimaginable, cream-colored seaside and clear emerald waters the place you’ll be able to swim, snorkel, or simply bask within the solar. A buffet lunch can also be out there on the island in addition to cottages and totally different water sports activities and seaside actions. You’ll be able to go kayaking, stand-up paddling, jetskiing, and banana boating when you’re into water actions or play volleyball and frisbee on the seaside. You can too go snorkeling, diving, or helmet diving.
Their day tour price is inclusive of the doorway payment, cottage, buffet lunch, and use of kayak, stand-up paddle, volleyball, frisbee, and board video games.
Day Tour Charge: P1000/particular person
Dos Palmas Island Resort
Located in Arreceffi Island, Dos Palmas is an island resort and spa good for individuals who need to have an opulent island trip. Their lodging are proper by the seaside, going through the tuquoise waters.
Should you’re on a restricted finances, you’ll be able to have a style of the luxurious island expertise by happening a day tour. You’ll be able to discover the 20-hectare island and the facilities of the resort. Other than spending time on the seaside, day trippers can take a dip on the swimming pool, play volleyball, or go snorkeling.
Day Tour Charges: Grownup, P1800; Baby (2-11 years previous), P900
*Day tour charges are inclusive of land and boat transfers and lunch.For reservations & inquiries, you could contact the administration.
Electronic mail: cbo@dospalmas.com.ph, rsvns@dospalmas.com.ph
Cellular Quantity: 09175904442 / 09175000154 / 09298132360
Other than its pure magnificence, you’ll be able to recognize extra of Puerto Princesa by exploring town and studying about its historical past by happening a metropolis tour. Don’t go away with out shopping for souvenirs and pasalubong from Binuatan Creations, Baker’s Hill, and pasalubong middle.
You’ll be able to constitution a tricycle to take you to the totally different cultural and historic spots for P800-1000 per tricycle, good for as much as 3 passengers.
However in order for you a extra snug and extra insightful tour led by a educated information, e book an organized tour!
Though there are some variations, listed here are the standard stops included in metropolis excursions.
Palawan Wildlife Rescue & Conservation Heart
Beforehand referred to as the Crocodile Farming Institute or Crocodile Farm, the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Heart is a 10-hectare property the place they breed two species of crocodiles, the Philippine crocodile (Crocodylus mindorensis) and the saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus).
Each quarter-hour, an academic tour is completed, which begins by the doorway the place the skeleton and pores and skin of a large crocodile are on show. After that, you can be led to the nursery of the infant crocodiles after which to the world the place the grownup crocodiles are stored. Don’t fear, you’ll be strolling on an elevated walkway, out of attain.
A portion of the property is a nature park the place the rescued wildlife are housed. You’ll additionally see numerous species of uncommon birds right here and quite a lot of wild fauna.
Opening hours: Day by day, 8:30 AM to five:00 PM
Entrance Price: Grownup, P40; Senior Citizen, P30; Baby, P30
Mitra’s Ranch
Mitra’s Ranch is owned by the household of the late Senator and Home Speaker Ramon Mitra Jr. Situated in Barangay Sta. Monica, the home sits atop a hill and has a view deck, permitting a superb, stress-free view of town, Honda Bay, and the verdant surroundings in between.
Mitra’s Ranch is open to the general public. You solely have to pay the doorway payment if you wish to go inside the home.
Working Hours: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Entrance Price (to enter the home): P20
Bakers’ Hill
Not too distant from Mitra’s Ranch, additionally in Barangay Sta. Monica, stands Baker’s Hill.
Baker’s Hill is an easy bakery that advanced right into a household vacation spot. Once you go via the gate, you’ll be greeted by massive, colourful statues of in style characters, including life to the gardens and playground surrounding the bakeshop. The location can also be wearing numerous decorations, the theme of which change relying on the time of the 12 months.
Most vacationers who come right here go pasalubong purchasing. You should purchase totally different baked items like cookies, brownies, and naturally, their in style hopia in numerous flavors. In addition they promote different snacks like cashew nuts, polvoron, and pastillas. Should you’re on the lookout for extra than simply snacks, you’ll be able to dine at their restaurant known as Baker’s Kitchen.
Working Hours: 7:00 AM to eight:00 PM
Binuatan Creations
Weaving is a large a part of the tradition and humanities in lots of components of the Philippines. Right here in Puerto Princesa, handloom weaving is showcased at Binuatan Creations. It additionally serves as a livelihood program to the neighborhood particularly moms and college students.
Watch how the expert weavers make colourful materials out of native fibers like buri, ticug grass, and amumuting. These materials are then made into totally different hand-loomed merchandise like luggage, equipment, placemats, and desk runners. To get extra appreciation on how intricate it’s, guests are welcome to strive their hand on the method. The weavers would fortunately information you as they clarify the way to use the loom.
After this expertise, drop by the memento store to purchase a few of their merchandise for your self and for pasalubong to your family and friends!
Working Hours: 7:00 AM to six:00 PM
Plaza Cuartel
Plaza Cuartel seems to be like your odd park lined with benches and timber in the present day, but it surely has a grotesque previous. On 14 December 1944, on the peak of World Warfare II, 150 American prisoners of battle had been burned alive by the Japanese in a garrison that stood on the website of the place Plaza Cuartel is positioned in the present day.
Tunnels the place the prisoners the place stored and the ruins of the previous garrison are stored as a reminder of this darkish second within the metropolis’s historical past. A memorial marker can also be put in to commemorate the troopers who died throughout the bloodbath and acknowledge the 11 who survived.
Puerto Princesa Cathedral
Adjoining to Plaza Cuartel stands Puerto Princesa Cathedral, also called the Immaculate Conception Cathedral Parish. On the website the place it stands, the primary mass in Puerto Princesa was held on March 10, 1872 by Saint Ezequiél Moreno who was then an Augustinian Recollect Fray.
The cathedral has been rebuilt just a few instances together with after it was destroyed by Japanese bombing throughout World Warfare II. The construction that you simply see in the present day took virtually a century to complete and was solely accomplished in 1961. Its facade and interiors are clad in Neo-Gothic architectural type, just like the church buildings in Medieval Europe.
Palawan Butterfly Backyard and Tribal Village
Because the title suggests, there are two components to this attraction: the butterfly backyard and the tribal village. The butterfly backyard homes numerous species of butterflies which you could see flying round contained in the net-covered backyard.
Aside from these stunning flying creatures, you can even see some endemic wildlife of Palawan right here just like the Palawan Bearcat, bearded pig, and Palawan peacock-pheasant which is the fowl that seems on the official seal of town of Puerto Princesa. These species are smaller in measurement, however just like the peacocks, the male has colourful feathers and vibrant wings that exhibits after they unfold it, normally to draw peahens or the feminine birds.
On the Tribal Village, you’ll get a peek into the lifetime of the indigenous individuals of South Palawan known as Palaw’an. Right here, guests are handled to a cultural present the place they might see how the Palaw’an tribe historically lives within the mountains. The Palaw’ans show how they hunt, make fireplace, and carry out a brief musical quantity utilizing a string instrument known as kudyapi. There’s additionally a bit of cafe right here the place you’ll be able to strive civet coffe or kopi luwak.
Working Hours: 8:30 AM to five:00 PM
Entrance Price: Grownup, P60; Baby (4 to 12 years previous), P50; Senior Citizen & PWD, P50
Should you’re touring to Puerto Princesa with youngsters and children at coronary heart, Palawan Water Park acquired you coated. You’ll be able to get pleasure from sliding down the water slides together with your family and friends or splash round of their swimming pools.
The primary and solely water park in Palawan, it’s owned and managed by Astoria, however it’s open to everybody and NOT unique to Astoria’s resort company.
Every ticket to the water park is inclusive of a lunch buffet.
Entrance Price: Adults, P1200; Youngsters (4ft and under), P950; Youngsters (2 years previous and under), FREE
Working Hours: Monday to Sunday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Journey awaits north of town correct! In Barangay Tagabinet, you can find probably the most thrilling points of interest in Puerto Princesa —- Ugong Rock Adventures, a community-based sustainable tourism vacation spot.
Be able to get bodily as a result of you can be climbing Ugong Rock and go rappelling and spelunking on its caves. Reaching the highest would reward you with a panoramic view of the forest and the encompassing limestone formations. After taking within the views, you gained’t be climbing again down as a result of the descent is by driving a 71-meter zipline!
Whereas Puerto Princesa seashores are synonymous with the islands of Honda Bay, you’ll additionally discover a number of coves that may be accessed by land. One in all them is Nagtabon Seaside.
Nagtabon Seaside is located lower than an hour away from town middle, so it’s considerably indifferent and never normally included in standard Puerto Princesa itineraries. It was a sanctuary for individuals who need to escape the crowds, but it surely has been getting the eye of extra vacationers. Those that go to are welcomed by a picturesque view of the mountains and cerulean waters.
Just a few years in the past, there are only some cottages out there for lease right here, however there are actually resorts and eating places within the space.
Location: Barangay Bacungn, Puerto Princesa
Methods to get there: From town middle, take a bus going north (Taytay/Roxas/El Nido) to Bacungan. Then, constitution a tricycle to Nagtabon Seaside. Should you’re a gaggle, renting a van for a roundtrip transportation is an possibility too.
In order for you one thing a bit extra offbeat, strive firefly watching and get that magical feeling! Even when you already deliberate out your actions in Puerto Princesa, you’ll be able to most likely squeeze this into your itinerary since this tour occurs at evening. Once you be part of a firefly watching tour, you’ll hop on a ship and exit into the water the place you possibly can feast your eyes with the blinking lights from the fireflies and the twinkling of the celebrities within the sky.
There are three totally different firefly watching areas in Puerto Princesa:
- Iwahig River. That is the unique location of firefly watching in Puerto Princesa. Utilizing a paddle boat, you’ll cruise alongside Iwahig River as your boat man and tour information present you the fireflies. Sadly, Iwahig firefly watching is currenly closed, however fear not as a result of there are different firefly watching spots in Puerto Princesa.
- Sicsican River. That is the place we went firefly watching on our latest journey. Town’s baywalk space serves because the jump-off level for this tour. From right here, you’ll hop on a ship after which switch to a smaller boat, which might take you to Sicsican River the place fireflies abound. Tour guides make the firefly watching exercise entertaining by “speaking” to the fireflies in numerous languages. The tour features a scrumptious dinner on the boat, which we loved after cruising on the river and seeing the fireflies that seem like Christmas lights by the facet of the river.
- Nagsaguipi River. This tour features a buffet dinner at a restaurant simply earlier than you begin your firefly watching journey. After making your stomachs full, you’ll get on a paddle boat and sail on Nagsaguipi River the place you’ll see the fireflies glow by the mangrove timber.
With a peak of 350 meters, Mt. Magarwak is a pleasant place to go to if you wish to see Puerto Princesa from above. The trek to the highest of this mountain is appropriate even for newbies and takes round an hour and a half, relying on the tempo. It’s best to begin trekking early within the morning round 5:00 AM so you’ll be able to attain the highest earlier than dawn. When you get to the highest, you’ll be able to calm down, have some espresso and await the spectacular dawn over Puerto Princesa. From the height, you can even admire Honda Bay and Puerto Princesa Bay.
Mt. Magarwak is positioned in Brgy. Bacungan, about 15 kilometers from town middle.
Kamia Bay Resort lies in Brgy. Luzviminda, lower than an hour away south of town middle. The waterpark covers about 4 hectares of the property in Binusalian Bay and options one of many largest inflatable parks within the nation. Visitors of all ages can get pleasure from bouncing round and taking place the slide of various heights or strive wall climbing on the inflatables.
Different actions supplied listed here are eco-tours and bike trails. The resort additionally has a buffet and many areas the place you’ll be able to chill whether or not you’re household, mates, or your particular somebody.
Word: We’re unsure if Kamia Bay Resort is closed or open. We didn’t get to go to on our latest journey, so we couldn’t affirm. However their social media accounts have been inactive since 2021.
In 1979, after the autumn of South Vietnam, numerous Vietnamese refugees discovered themselves in Palawan and arrange a camp. In 1993, the camp was moved to Barangay Sta. Lourdes. Over time, some have left and returned to Vietnam however some selected to remain.
In the present day, this neighborhood in Puerto Princesa is known as Viet Ville. Historical past buffs will certainly discover a go to right here fairly fascinating. You can too have a style of the Vietnamese delicacies on the restaurant right here that bears the identical title. Viet Ville restaurant serves pho, banh mi, and Vietnamese espresso, amongst others.
Ask anybody in Puerto Princesa the place they recommend a first-time vacationer ought to go for a meal, and there’s an enormous probability they may level you to Ka Lui.
KaLui is maybe probably the most well-known Pinoy restaurant in Puerto Princesa. Fostering a homey Pinoy ambiance, it’s with picket furnishings, ceramic items, and work. Ka Lui serves largely Filipino seafood specialties. In addition they give a complimentary fruit salad served on a halved coconut.
This restaurant is extraordinarily in style so it’s extremely really useful that you simply make prior reservation to safe a desk.
Deal with: 369 Rizal Avenue, Puerto Princesa
Opening hours: Mondays-Saturdays, 11AM-2PM (Lunch), 6PM-11PM (Dinner)
Contact quantity: (048) 726-6217
This isn’t someplace to go to however one thing to get pleasure from! Er, provided that you’re an adventurous eater.
Indulging in native meals is at all times an excellent a part of any journey. If unique meals doesn’t faze you, don’t miss out on Palawan’s delicacy —- tamilok! It’s also known as a woodworm as a result of it’s discovered inside mangroves. However it’s, the truth is, a kind of marine mollusk with lengthy and smooth our bodies. Yep, a distant cousin of oysters and mussels! Its style profile and slimy texture are similar to the extra widespread bivalves too, albeit with a powerful woody aftertaste.
When in Puerto Princesa, you’ll be able to do that unconventional deal with at some eating places within the metropolis. I used to be in a position to strive tamilok after we had lunch in Cacaoyan Forest Park in Sabang. They serve it with a facet of vinegar the place you’ll be able to dip it earlier than savoring it.
One other restaurant that gives it’s Kinabuch’s Grill and Bar positioned throughout the metropolis middle, the place our teammate Yosh had his first style of it.
