Best Things To Do In Puerto Princesa, Philippines

1. World renowned treasures from underneath

This one is really a perfect treat. The Subterranean River National Park is one of UNESCO’s sites, which is believed to have an outstanding universal value. The underground river runs about 8.2 kilometers (5.1 miles) in length. The caverns within the river display sizeable speleothems and several large chambers which spans up to as much as 120 meters (400 feet) wide and 60 meters (200 feet) high. Only up to about half the length of the inland can the spectators view the magnificent rock formations through that river cruise. Experience that complete “mountain-to-the-sea” ecosystem only at Puerto Princesa!

Subterranean River National Park

Address: Sitio Sabang, Bgy. Cabayugan, Puerto, 5300 Princesa City, Philippines

Website: Subterranean River National Park

2. Tubbataha Reef: Marine jewel of the Philippines

This UNESCO world heritage site is a 130,028-hectare (330,000-acre) protected marine area located right smack in the middle of the Sulu Sea in the Philippines. It is also an ASEAN Heritage Park which is home to nearly half of all coral species found in the world as well as over 180 threatened (or near threatened) species. It is one of the best diving sites in the world. Note that you can only dive into Tubbataha from mid-March to mid-June since after which the conditions and weather are mostly unfavorable.

For divers, expect the remarkable underwater terrain, the formidable variety of living underwater creatures and the encounter with huge marine animals such as sharks, turtles and manta rays. As you visit Tubbataha Reef, you will be part of its advocacy of its preservation for your fees go to the funding which is intended for the protection of this world heritage site. So visit and be part of this particular cause.

Tubbataha Reef

Address: Cagayancillo, Palawan, Philippines

Website: Tubbataha Reef

3. Island hopping at Honda Bay

Honda Bay is a famous inlet that is home to several floating islands within its vicinity. It is home to the most well-liked island of Dos Palmas which has high-end beach resort facilities and the equally remarkable islands of Pandan and Snake Islands. The most common activities in the bay include snorkeling, diving, island hopping, diving, and kayaking. Several other islands, like Starfish Island, Lu-li Island and all other islands where you can have fun in the waters, will amaze you with all their possibilities. So get on that boat and go island hopping at Honda Bay.

Honda Bay

Address: Puerto Princesa, Palawan, 5300 Puerto Princesa

Website: Honda Bay

4. Amazing food and good entertainment by the bay

Walks at the beach have never been the same in Puerto Princesa. Scattered stalls by the bay offer you the most sumptuous grub for the day.The good food, the cool wind, and good music will keep you coming back to the shores at the end of the day.

Baywalk Bay

Address: Roxas St., Brgy. Matiyaga, Puerto Princesa City, 5300 Palawan

5. Cleopatra's Needle: A monolith in Puerto Princesa

This high mountain peak is a major climb. The trail involves traversing boulders and numerous river crossings and three jump-offs. Hence, this may not be everyone’s cup of tea. Nonetheless, one who overcomes the peak will surely have the incomparable experience of seeing the breathtaking sight of Honda Bay, Sulu Sea and the South China Sea with the panoramic view of the city proper.

Cleopatra's Needle

Address: Brgy. Concepcion, Puerto Princesa, Philippines.

Website: Cleopatra's Needle

6. A prison with no walls

Government programs then included the establishment of this facility which catered to felons in the country during the American regime. Puerto Princesa was a place designated for exile for offenders of the country. There were several escape attempts by the prisoners but since the leadership of Col. John R. White of the Philippine Constabulary, the colony became a successful settlement. A merit system was devised and vocational sessions were offered which included, carpentry, farming, fishing, and forestry. Since that time, the inmates have had some things to do, a livelihood that has helped them provide for their families despite their situation.

Iwahig Penal Colony

Address: Puerto Princesa, Palawan

Website: Iwahig Penal Colony

7. Nightlife on the river banks

There is nothing like the natural light that adorns the surroundings. You will be brought to a good dinner at Baker’s Hill and from there, paddle boats are provided for a unique river tour at night. Boats will bring you to the banks of the Sicsican and Iwahig rivers where fireflies live in abundance among the mangrove and other trees within the vicinity. Bioluminescence is made possible through luciferin within the bodies of these creatures.

Iwahig firefly watching

Address: Iwahig Brg, Puerto Princesa City, Puerto Princesa, Philippines

Website: Iwahig Firefly Watching

8. Take a superman flight in a zip line at Ugong Rock

When visiting Puerto Princesa, the adventure never ends. As it is blessed with a landscape so varied and unique, you will face your wildest fears as you navigate yourself from the dark recesses of its cave up to its summit and conquer it with completion on the zip line. The adventures that you take are provisions for the locals of Barangay Tagabinet. It is a community-based tourism which helps build work for people in the barangay.

Ugong Rock

Address: Purok Pagkakaisa, Brgy, Tagabinet, Puerto Princesa, 5300 Palawan

Website: Ugong Rock

9. Enjoy a picnic by the beach at Cowrie Island

The white sand beaches, blue and crisp cool waters, and quiet atmosphere of Cowrie Island is quite an ideal place for basking in the sun, picnics, and a refreshing dip in the sea. It also has its restaurant that offers a delicious buffet at 2 USD per person. Cowrie Island is a great alternative to the crowded beaches of Honda Bay.

Cowrie Island

Address: Barangay Sta. Lourdes, Puerto Princesa

Website: Cowrie Island

10. Palawan Butterfly Eco-Garden and Tribal Village

An experience at the Palawan Butterfly Eco-Garden and Tribal Village will bring you to a realization of the importance of its presence within the chain producers and consumers. As it helps plants multiply, its extinction threatens the environment. Quite a good way of preserving them and educating people.

While the garden allows you to just use your eyes, an interactive and educational tour awaits you in the Tribal Village. Within its vicinity, you get to know their way of life, tools used in hunting and how music enriches their culture as well. Never miss the chance in getting to know Palawan’s natives.

Palawan Butterfly Eco-Garden and Tribal Village

Address: Santa Monica, Puerto Princesa City, 5300 Puerto Princesa, Philippines

Website: Palawan Butterfly Eco-Garden and Tribal Village

Spare some time in Paradise Island

From the mountain peaks of Cleopatra to the islets of Honda Bay, you will have encounters you’ll never forget.