Puerto Princesa

In the lush, urban atmosphere surrounded by an abundance of natural resources, Puerto Princesa in Palawan enjoys the best of both worlds. The capital city offers a respectable number of commercial establishments like malls, banks, restaurants, and hotels. While not as congested and crowded as Manila, the streets are teeming with public transportation options like tricycles and jeepneys. The increase in visitors, both local and foreign, is a testament to the stunning beauty of this remarkable natural land. Puerto Princesa is considered the ecological tourism center of the Philippines, where one can enjoy a stay for leisure and business purposes alike.

The bustling city serves as a gateway to the well-known tourist destinations: the Tubbataha National Park, offering a rich marine world, and the newly crowned wonder of the world, the Underground River National Park of Puerto Princesa.

Transportation

Direct flights are available from the major cities in the country: Manila, Cebu, Davao, and Iloilo to Puerto Princesa. Puerto Princesa Airport also serves as a hub for ferry routes from Manila, Iloilo, Cebu, and Coron. If you prefer traveling by sea, the journey can take anywhere from 10 hours to a full day.

The primary mode of transportation within Puerto Princesa is the tricycle, which is a three-wheeled public vehicle. Tricycles with a sidecar are readily available throughout the city. It’s relatively easy to navigate the city with local and friendly drivers who often speak English. You can feel free to ask them about interesting places to visit. There are also local buses and jeepneys that operate on established routes. If you prefer more comfortable transportation, there are tourist vans available, especially for full-day tours.

Famous attractions

Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center

The skin of a giant sea crocodile is displayed on the wall, and its well-preserved skeleton is housed in a glass case, welcoming every visitor to the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center. Located in the southern part of Puerto Princesa, it used to serve as a turtle sanctuary and national park, with the aim of protecting and ensuring the continued existence of the Philippines’ endemic turtles. Guided tours lasting about 30 seconds are conducted on-site, showcasing the various stages of the crocodile’s physical development. Visitors can observe the large pools containing hundreds of reptiles. The center also cares for other endemic species in Palawan, such as monitor lizards and red pandas.

Adventurous visitors have the opportunity to hold, pet, and cradle a small baby crocodile. Make sure to repeatedly check that its mouth is closed and follow the safety instructions provided by the caretaker for a safe and enjoyable encounter with the crocodile.

Tubbataha National Park

Tubbataha is defined as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The diversity of Tubbataha serves as a home to 330 square kilometers of rich coral reefs with diverse marine life. The park is located in the southeastern part of Puerto Princesa in the Sulu Sea. This underwater sanctuary is a habitat for more than a thousand species, such as various fish, manta rays, green sea turtles, seahorses, and sharks. The majority of these species are listed as endangered. Divers who explore the park spend approximately 10 hours on a boat from the city and enjoy a colorful and amazing underwater spectacle.

This popular diving site is particularly suitable for visiting in April when the sea is much calmer. However, the park typically welcomes divers for diving trips on liveaboard boats from March to June. A liveaboard, in the language of divers, is a service provided for those who want to dive and stay on a boat for more than just one day.

For diving packages with Tourismo Filipino, especially the Tubbataha package, click here.

Palawan Underground River

After being recognized as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River is a must-visit attraction in Puerto Princesa. This underground river stretches for 8.2 kilometers as it winds its way through a magnificent cave system, showcasing a diverse array of stalactites and stalagmites in various formations. A clear river flows through the cave, creating a captivating separation between the reception area and the cave entrance. Visitors are provided with safety gear, including life vests and headlamps, as precautionary measures before embarking on a boat tour through this famous and unique underground river. The boat’s guide serves as an informative and entertaining narrator, providing insights into the renowned and extraordinary river.

Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm

After passing through the main gate of Iwahig Penal Farm, you can see a long strip of sugarcane and rice fields, along with a few houses, before reaching the souvenir shop. There, the handmade crafts of the prisoners are displayed for viewing – shirts with hand-painted designs, paintings, sculptures, and keychains, all crafted by the inmates.

A bit of background about Iwahig Penal Farm and Penal Colony: The settlement of Penal was founded in 1904 and faced a wave of escape attempts. After promising the residents excellent conditions and professional activities, American military officer Colonel John R. White from the Philippine Constabulary transformed the settlement into an efficient community. Since then, the inmates have been free to choose from various farm activities in the settlement, such as agriculture, fishing, and blacksmithing.

Baker’s Hill

A blooming garden and a bakery filled with fresh pastries wafting a sweet aroma in the air are the temptations offered by the bakery. This famous place in Santa Monica initially started as a small bakery and later transformed into an enticing park with life-sized sculptures and a flourishing garden.

Recommendations and Special Activities

Try the exotic delicacy of Palawan known as tamilok, or woodworm. This thin and long worm has a texture and taste similar to oysters, yes, you need to know. I’ve tried one of those! Locals usually soak them in vinegar. Although they can be primarily found on the mangrove trees where these worms feed, it won’t be difficult to find them even in the city itself, where they are served in several restaurants like Balinsasayaw and Kinabuch.

Enjoy the white sandy beach of Sabang, located right before you reach the underground river. There are several hotels to choose from.

Go trekking and experience the caves in Ugong Rock, located at least an hour’s drive from the city. This rock formation is situated in Barangay Tagabinet and rises to a height of 23 meters. You can climb through a cave covered with impressive stalactites. If you prefer not to climb down, there’s a way to descend using ziplines. For your safety, the local team provides gloves and helmets for this activity.