By Lambe Lamis 
Any dialog about Palawan is very incomplete and not using a point out of Puerto Princesa, its capital and best town. Adventurers and seaside bums flock to the towering karst cliffs of El Nido. Divers and nature enthusiasts are attracted to the lakes of Coron. However lengthy earlier than they made a mark on Palawan’s tourism map, Puerto Princesa used to be already giving vacationers of every kind just a little style of what the province has to supply.
Situated in the midst of mainland Palawan, Puerto Princesa serves as the most important and probably the most handy gateway to the province. Even supposing a extremely urbanized town, it keeps its herbal good looks and has been persistently a few of the cleanest and greenest towns within the nation, one thing that any traveler would right away understand inside mins in their arrival. It’s no surprise it’s additionally touted because the Eco-Tourism Heart of the Philippines.
However it’s now not at all times butterflies and unicorns for the town’s tourism over the last years. Like in lots of locations world wide, the pandemic introduced numerous demanding situations. Then, in 2021, the province used to be ravaged by means of Storm Odette (global identify: Rai), leaving nearly P8 billion in damages. However not too long ago, now not even a yr after, we have been invited to enroll in a contemporary excursion arranged by means of the Division of Tourism (DOT)-MIMAROPA. We were given to peer for ourselves what it’s love to go back and forth round Puerto Princesa now. On this article, we’re sharing with you a listing of vacationer points of interest within the town (now not in any explicit order) and what it’s like lately.
Be aware: Puerto Princesa is very large! Actually, it’s the second one biggest town within the Philippines by means of land house, subsequent to Davao. You’ll in finding puts in this listing that can be one or two hours clear of the town middle, however they’re nonetheless a part of Puerto Princesa.
WHAT’S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?
Formally named Puerto Princesa Subterranean River however once in a while merely known as PPUR, this 8.2-km-long underground river is the town’s primary tourism draw. This herbal surprise which used to be known as a UNESCO International Heritage Web page in 1999 and as probably the most New 7 Wonders of Nature in 2012.
Tucked within the northern nooks 76 km clear of the town correct, it may be reached after round one and a part to 2 hours of land go back and forth. The excursion’s jump-off level is Sabang Wharf, and just a restricted collection of guests are allowed in step with day. Vacationers are required to sign in prematurely in the event that they wish to talk over with. To steer clear of coping with this procedure, it’s best to ebook a packaged excursion with a excursion operator so they may be able to sign in in your behalf. Packaged excursions in most cases come with roundtrip land and boat transfers, audio information for the underground river excursion, and buffet lunch.
Some other beauty of reserving with a excursion operator is in case of inclement climate, you received’t must spend time touring to Sabang best to determine that the excursions had been canceled for the day. In case this occurs, they may be able to additionally make preparations to transport your scheduled excursion to tomorrow.
Only some mins clear of Sabang Wharf, Cacaoayan Wooded area Park is an amazing lunch prevent after your Puerto Princesa Underground River excursion. True to its identify, being right here will make you are feeling such as you’re in the midst of a wooded area. You are going to additionally discover a great view deck right here along side Instagram-worthy spots paying homage to the ones in Bali.
Their lunch buffet gives a lot of Filipino dishes from fish to red meat to rooster to greens and recent culmination. If you happen to’re eager about making an attempt tamilok, the preferred unique mollusk, you’ll be able to additionally order it right here. Reservations are required for the lunch buffet, however some excursion operators come with a prevent right here of their underground river excursion programs.
Buffet price is P350 in step with individual.
Location: Brgy. Sabang, Puerto Princesa
Working hours: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Buffet Fee: P350/individual
Sabang Seashore is also recognized essentially because the jump-off level to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, however additionally it is an appeal by itself. This shocking seaside with the backdrop of the mountains is a pleasing position to swim and calm down. From right here, you’ll be able to additionally see the beautiful St. Paul Limestone formation the place the underground river is flowing beneath.
If you happen to’re in for extra journey, every other job you’ll be able to do here’s the Sabang X Zipline. This exciting journey will deal with you to the beautiful view of Sabang Seashore and its surrounding house from above. Measuring 800 meters, it is likely one of the nation’s longest ziplines that pass a frame of water. To succeed in the start line of the journey, you want to move on a brief 15-minute hike.
Tickets price P550.
Island hopping is likely one of the maximum not unusual actions in lots of locations within the Philippines, and Puerto Princesa isn’t to be neglected. Right here, seaside chasers cross to Honda Bay, which isn’t too some distance from the town middle.
Honda Bay is peppered with a number of isles, however island hopping excursions in most cases come with simply 3 stops. If you happen to’re a DIY-er and also you’re becoming a member of a gaggle excursion, the ones 3 islands will probably be fastened. But when you wish to have extra flexibility or should you’re a large workforce, you might ebook a ship and organize a personal excursion.
The jump-off level is Sta. Lourdes Wharf, kind of half-hour clear of the town correct by means of tricycle. One-way fare is round P400-500 in step with tricycle.
At the present, best 3 islands are open for public island hopping excursions:
- Cowrie Island
- Luli Island
- Starfish Island
Boat charges range relying at the sort used. Listed here are the most recent charges, just right for six passengers.
- with 4-cylinder engine: P2100 in step with boat or P350 in step with individual
- with 3-cylinder engine: P1800 in step with boat or P300 in step with individual
Except for boat apartment charge, you additionally want to pay the ENTRANCE FEES:
- Cowrie Island: P100
- Luli Island: P70
- Starfish Island: P50
Different islands is also available, however maximum of them are non-public and accumulate a lot upper front charges. We’ll talk about them intimately beneath.
Listed here are different bills to be expecting should you’re doing a Honda Bay Island Hopping Excursion:
- Environmental Rate: P150
- Terminal charge: P5
- Goggles & snorkel apartment: P150
- Complete face masks apartment: P200
- Aqua sneakers apartment: P150
- Fins apartment: P150
If you happen to don’t wish to handle most of these bills by yourself, you might ebook a excursion package deal presented by means of go back and forth companies. Honday Bay excursions in most cases price P1750/individual, inclusive of lunch, front charges, boat apartment, excursion information, and roundtrip transfers.
Under are extra detailed description of every island.
Cowrie Island
Of the entire islands dotting Honda Bay, Cowrie Island is the nearest to Sta. Lourdes Wharf, making it a super first or ultimate prevent. If you happen to ebook a packaged excursion, Cowrie Island may be the standard lunch prevent. You’ll be able to additionally order beverages from their bar and eating place. For person foods, the meals is served in bilao (winnowing basket tray). For teams, it’s served boodle-fight-style.
Whilst looking ahead to lunch to be served, you’ll be able to revel in swimming within the transparent waters, stroll alongside the seaside or simply lay at the sand. Kayaks and stand-up paddle board are to be had for hire. And should you’re with a gaggle and you prefer taking part in sports activities, they have got a space for seaside volleyball too!
Front Rate: P100
Cottage Apartment: Spherical Desk (just right for 4 pax) – P100; Spherical Desk (just right for 8 pax)- P200; Kubo (just right for 15-20 pax)- P500
Kayak: Unmarried, P100/hour; Double, P200/hour; Triple, P250/hour
Luli Island
Honda Bay is embellished with numerous sandbars. Certainly one of them is Luli Island, brief for lulubog lilitaw, a playful shoutout to its disappearing act at top tide.
Prior to now, it used to be the standard lunch prevent. However the buffet eating place right here used to be destroyed by means of Storm Odette and has now not been rebuilt since. There’s nonetheless lots to revel in right here, regardless that. The wonderful thing about the sandbar itself stays. You’ll be able to nonetheless revel in strolling at the sand, take footage, or sit back on one in every of their many overwater hammocks. The water is crystal transparent too so you’ll be able to see little fish swimming round as you cross into the water.
Front Rate: P70
Starfish Island
Round 25 mins clear of the wharf, Starfish Island is the snorkeling prevent on Honda Bay excursions. It were given its identify from a lot of starfish that decision its transparent, shallow waters house. Even supposing you don’t understand how to swim, you’ll be able to nonetheless see the small fish and different marine animals frolicking round.
Needless to say there’s a designated swimming and snorkeling house marked by means of a line so make sure you keep inside that house in your protection.
You are going to in finding many tables and chairs or even cottages for hire right here. If you happen to’re hungry, there’s a small retailer at the island the place you’ll be able to purchase snacks. Seafood “paluto” may be to be had. You’ll be able to purchase seafood — crabs, lobsters, fish, sea urchin or uni, and rang-ranga (spider shell) — and feature them cooked.
Front Rate: P50
Cottage Apartment: Kubo, P150; 2 tables (for giant teams), P300
Pambato Reef
Not like the opposite Honda Bay excursion stops, Pambato Reef isn’t an island. This can be a standard snorkeling spot, marked by means of a platform floating in the midst of the sea. Ahead of leaping into the water, vacationers are given a brief lecture about marine and reef ecology and conservation.
On the other hand, this too used to be closely broken by means of Storm Odette and stays closed to nowadays. However as soon as Pambato Reef reopens, don’t leave out out a possibility to discover one in every of Puerto Princesa’s maximum visited underwater web site!
Isla Pandan
As of this writing, Pandan Island stays closed and has but to announce after they would reopen.
Some of the extra evolved islands in Honda Bay, Pandan Island is now occupied by means of a personal hotel, Isla Pandan. It isn’t a few of the standard stops of the typical three-island or two-island excursions.
It has an out of this world, cream-colored seaside and transparent emerald waters the place you’ll be able to swim, snorkel, or simply bask within the solar. A buffet lunch may be to be had at the island in addition to cottages and other water sports activities and seaside actions. You’ll be able to cross kayaking, stand-up paddling, jetskiing, and banana boating should you’re into water actions or play volleyball and frisbee at the seaside. You’ll be able to additionally cross snorkeling, diving, or helmet diving.
Their day excursion price is inclusive of the doorway charge, cottage, buffet lunch, and use of kayak, stand-up paddle, volleyball, frisbee, and board video games.
Day Excursion Fee: P1000/individual
Dos Palmas Island Hotel
Located in Arreceffi Island, Dos Palmas is an island hotel and spa best possible for many who wish to have a sumptuous island holiday. Their lodging are proper by means of the seaside, going through the tuquoise waters.
If you happen to’re on a restricted finances, you’ll be able to have a style of the posh island enjoy by means of happening an afternoon excursion. You’ll be able to discover the 20-hectare island and the facilities of the hotel. Except for spending time at the seaside, day trippers can take a dip at the swimming pool, play volleyball, or cross snorkeling.
Day Excursion Charges: Grownup, P1800; Kid (2-11 years outdated), P900
*Day excursion charges are inclusive of land and boat transfers and lunch.For reservations & inquiries, you might touch the control.
E mail: [email protected], [email protected]
Cellular Quantity: 09175904442 / 09175000154 / 09298132360
Except for its herbal good looks, you’ll be able to admire extra of Puerto Princesa by means of exploring the town and finding out about its historical past by means of happening a town excursion. Don’t go away with out purchasing 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 other cultural and ancient spots for P800-1000 in step with tricycle, just right for as much as 3 passengers.
But when you wish to have a extra at ease and extra insightful excursion led by means of a an expert information, ebook an arranged excursion!
Even supposing there are some permutations, listed here are the standard stops integrated in town excursions.
Palawan Flora and fauna Rescue & Conservation Heart
Up to now referred to as the Crocodile Farming Institute or Crocodile Farm, the Palawan Flora and fauna Rescue and Conservation Heart is a 10-hectare assets the place they breed two species of crocodiles, the Philippine crocodile (Crocodylus mindorensis) and the saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus).
Each quarter-hour, an academic excursion is finished, which begins by means of the doorway the place the skeleton and pores and skin of a big crocodile are on show. After that, you’re going to be ended in the nursery of the child crocodiles after which to the world the place the grownup crocodiles are saved. Don’t fear, you’ll be strolling on an increased walkway, out of succeed in.
A portion of the valuables is a nature park the place the rescued flora and fauna are housed. You’ll additionally see more than a few species of uncommon birds right here and a lot of wild fauna.
Opening hours: Day by day, 8:30 AM to five:00 PM
Front Rate: Grownup, P40; Senior Citizen, P30; Kid, P30
Mitra’s Ranch
Mitra’s Ranch is owned by means of the circle of relatives of the past due Senator and Space Speaker Ramon Mitra Jr. Situated in Barangay Sta. Monica, the home sits atop a hill and has a view deck, permitting a just right, enjoyable view of the town, Honda Bay, and the verdant surroundings in between.
Mitra’s Ranch is open to the general public. You best want to pay the doorway charge if you wish to cross inside of the home.
Working Hours: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Front Rate (to go into the home): P20
Bakers’ Hill
No longer too some distance clear of Mitra’s Ranch, additionally in Barangay Sta. Monica, stands Baker’s Hill.
Baker’s Hill is a straightforward bakery that advanced right into a circle of relatives vacation spot. Whilst you cross in the course of the gate, you’ll be greeted by means of huge, colourful statues of standard characters, including existence to the gardens and playground surrounding the bakeshop. The web site may be wearing more than a few decorations, the theme of which trade relying at the time of the yr.
Maximum vacationers who come right here cross pasalubong buying groceries. You’ll be able to purchase other baked items like cookies, brownies, and naturally, their standard hopia in several flavors. In addition they promote different snacks like cashew nuts, polvoron, and pastillas. If you happen to’re on the lookout for extra than simply snacks, you’ll be able to dine at their eating place 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 portions of the Philippines. Right here in Puerto Princesa, handloom weaving is showcased at Binuatan Creations. It additionally serves as a livelihood program to the network particularly moms and scholars.
Watch how the professional weavers make colourful materials out of native fibers like buri, ticug grass, and amumuting. Those materials are then made into other hand-loomed merchandise like luggage, equipment, placemats, and desk runners. To get extra appreciation on how intricate it’s, guests are welcome to take a look at their hand at the procedure. The weavers would fortunately information you as they give an explanation for methods to use the loom.
After this enjoy, drop by means of the memento store to shop for a few of their merchandise for your self and for pasalubong for your family and friends!
Working Hours: 7:00 AM to six:00 PM
Plaza Cuartel
Plaza Cuartel looks as if your extraordinary park covered with benches and bushes lately, but it surely has a grotesque previous. On 14 December 1944, on the peak of International Struggle II, 150 American prisoners of conflict have been burned alive by means of the Jap in a garrison that stood on the web site of the place Plaza Cuartel is positioned lately.
Tunnels the place the prisoners the place saved and the ruins of the outdated garrison are saved as a reminder of this darkish second within the town’s historical past. A memorial marker may be put in to commemorate the warriors who died all over the bloodbath and acknowledge the 11 who survived.
Puerto Princesa Cathedral
Adjoining to Plaza Cuartel stands Puerto Princesa Cathedral, often referred to as the Immaculate Conception Cathedral Parish. On the web site the place it stands, the primary mass in Puerto Princesa used to be hung on March 10, 1872 by means of Saint Ezequiél Moreno who used to be then an Augustinian Recollect Fray.
The cathedral has been rebuilt a couple of instances together with after it used to be destroyed by means of Jap bombing all over International Struggle II. The construction that you simply see lately took nearly a century to complete and used to be best finished in 1961. Its facade and interiors are clad in Neo-Gothic architectural genre, very similar to the church buildings in Medieval Europe.
Palawan Butterfly Lawn and Tribal Village
Because the identify suggests, there are two portions to this appeal: the butterfly lawn and the tribal village. The butterfly lawn properties numerous species of butterflies that you’ll be able to see flying round throughout the net-covered lawn.
Aside from those gorgeous flying creatures, you’ll be able to additionally see some endemic flora and fauna of Palawan right here just like the Palawan Bearcat, bearded pig, and Palawan peacock-pheasant which is the chook that looks at the professional seal of the town of Puerto Princesa. Those species are smaller in dimension, however very similar to the peacocks, the male has colourful feathers and colourful wings that displays after they unfold it, in most cases to draw peahens or the feminine birds.
On the Tribal Village, you’ll get a peek into the lifetime of the indigenous other folks of South Palawan known as Palaw’an. Right here, guests are handled to a cultural display the place they’d see how the Palaw’an tribe historically lives within the mountains. The Palaw’ans exhibit how they hunt, make fireplace, and carry out a brief musical quantity the use of a string tool known as kudyapi. There’s additionally just a little cafe right here the place you’ll be able to take a look at civet coffe or kopi luwak.
Working Hours: 8:30 AM to five:00 PM
Front Rate: Grownup, P60; Kid (4 to twelve years outdated), P50; Senior Citizen & PWD, P50
If you happen to’re touring to Puerto Princesa with children and children at middle, Palawan Water Park were given you coated. You’ll be able to revel in sliding down the water slides along with your family and friends or splash round of their swimming pools.
The primary and best water park in Palawan, it’s owned and controlled by means of Astoria, however it’s open to everybody and NOT unique to Astoria’s lodge visitors.
Each and every price tag to the water park is inclusive of a lunch buffet.
Front Rate: Adults, P1200; Youngsters (4ft and beneath), P950; Youngsters (2 years outdated and beneath), FREE
Working Hours: Monday to Sunday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Journey awaits north of the town correct! In Barangay Tagabinet, you’re going to in finding some of the exciting 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’re going to be mountain climbing Ugong Rock and cross rappelling and spelunking on its caves. Achieving the highest would praise you with a wide ranging view of the wooded area and the encompassing limestone formations. After taking within the perspectives, you received’t be mountain climbing back off since the descent is by means of using a 71-meter zipline!
Whilst Puerto Princesa seashores are synonymous with the islands of Honda Bay, you’ll additionally in finding a number of coves that may be accessed by means of land. Certainly one of them is Nagtabon Seashore.
Nagtabon Seashore is located lower than an hour clear of the town middle, so it’s quite indifferent and now not in most cases integrated in standard Puerto Princesa itineraries. It was once a sanctuary for many who wish to break out the crowds, but it surely has been getting the eye of extra vacationers. Those that talk over with are welcomed by means of a picturesque view of the mountains and cerulean waters.
A couple of years in the past, there are just a few cottages to be had for hire right here, however there are actually accommodations and eating places within the house.
Location: Barangay Bacungn, Puerto Princesa
How one can get there: From the town middle, take a bus going north (Taytay/Roxas/El Nido) to Bacungan. Then, constitution a tricycle to Nagtabon Seashore. If you happen to’re a gaggle, renting a van for a roundtrip transportation is an possibility too.
If you wish to have one thing somewhat extra offbeat, take a look at firefly staring at and get that magical feeling! Even supposing you already deliberate out your actions in Puerto Princesa, you’ll be able to most likely squeeze this into your itinerary since this excursion occurs at night time. Whilst you sign up for a firefly staring at excursion, you could possibly hop on a ship and cross out into the water the place it is advisable to banquet your eyes with the blinking lighting from the fireflies and the twinkling of the celebrities within the sky.
There are 3 other firefly staring at places in Puerto Princesa:
- Iwahig River. That is the unique location of firefly staring at in Puerto Princesa. The use of a paddle boat, you could possibly cruise alongside Iwahig River as your boat guy and excursion information display you the fireflies. Sadly, Iwahig firefly staring at is currenly closed, however fear now not as a result of there are different firefly staring at spots in Puerto Princesa.
- Sicsican River. That is the place we went firefly staring at on our contemporary travel. The town’s baywalk house serves because the jump-off level for this excursion. From right here, you could possibly hop on a ship after which switch to a smaller boat, which might take you to Sicsican River the place fireflies abound. Excursion guides make the firefly staring at job entertaining by means of “speaking” to the fireflies in several languages. The excursion features a scrumptious dinner at the boat, which we loved after cruising at the river and seeing the fireflies that appear to be Christmas lighting by means of the aspect of the river.
- Nagsaguipi River. This excursion features a buffet dinner at a cafe simply earlier than you get started your firefly staring at journey. After making your stomachs complete, you’ll get on a paddle boat and sail on Nagsaguipi River the place you’ll see the fireflies glow by means of the mangrove bushes.
With a peak of 350 meters, Mt. Magarwak is a pleasing position to talk over with if you wish to see Puerto Princesa from above. The trek to the highest of this mountain is acceptable even for inexperienced persons and takes round an hour and a part, relying at the tempo. It’s best to start out trekking early within the morning round 5:00 AM so you’ll be able to succeed in the highest earlier than daybreak. While you get to the highest, you’ll be able to calm down, have some espresso and look forward to the impressive daybreak over Puerto Princesa. From the height, you’ll be able to additionally recognize Honda Bay and Puerto Princesa Bay.
Mt. Magarwak is positioned in Brgy. Bacungan, about 15 kilometers from the town middle.
Kamia Bay Hotel lies in Brgy. Luzviminda, lower than an hour away south of the town middle. The waterpark covers about 4 hectares of the valuables in Binusalian Bay and contours probably the most biggest inflatable parks within the nation. Visitors of every age can revel in bouncing round and happening the slide of various heights or take a look at wall mountain climbing at the inflatables.
Different actions presented listed here are eco-tours and motorbike trails. The hotel additionally has a buffet and a lot of spaces the place you’ll be able to sit back whether or not you’re circle of relatives, buddies, or your particular any person.
Be aware: We’re now not certain if Kamia Bay Hotel is closed or open. We didn’t get to talk over with on our contemporary travel, so we couldn’t verify. However their social media accounts had 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 used to be moved to Barangay Sta. Lourdes. Through the years, some have left and returned to Vietnam however some selected to stick.
These days, this network in Puerto Princesa is named Viet Ville. Historical past buffs will certainly discover a talk over with right here rather attention-grabbing. You’ll be able to actually have a style of the Vietnamese delicacies on the eating place right here that bears the similar identify. Viet Ville eating place serves pho, banh mi, and Vietnamese espresso, amongst others.
Ask any person in Puerto Princesa the place they recommend a first-time vacationer must opt for a meal, and there’s a large likelihood they’ll level you to Ka Lui.
KaLui is possibly probably the most well known Pinoy eating place in Puerto Princesa. Fostering a homey Pinoy surroundings, it’s with wood furniture, ceramic items, and art work. Ka Lui serves most commonly Filipino seafood specialties. In addition they give a complimentary fruit salad served on a halved coconut.
This eating place is very popular so it’s extremely really useful that you are making prior reservation to safe a desk.
Cope with: 369 Rizal Street, Puerto Princesa
Opening hours: Mondays-Saturdays, 11AM-2PM (Lunch), 6PM-11PM (Dinner)
Touch quantity: (048) 726-6217
This isn’t someplace to visit however one thing to revel in! Er, provided that you’re an adventurous eater.
Indulging in native meals is at all times an excellent a part of any go back and forth. If unique meals doesn’t faze you, don’t fail to see Palawan’s delicacy —- tamilok! It’s steadily known as a woodworm as a result of it’s discovered inside of mangroves. However it’s, actually, one of those marine mollusk with lengthy and cushy our bodies. Yep, a far off cousin of oysters and mussels! Its style profile and slimy texture are similar to the extra not unusual 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 town. I used to be ready to take a look at tamilok once we had lunch in Cacaoyan Wooded area Park in Sabang. They serve it with a facet of vinegar the place you’ll be able to dip it earlier than savoring it.
Some other eating place that gives it’s Kinabuch’s Grill and Bar positioned throughout the town middle, the place our teammate Yosh had his first style of it.
