Exciting experiences are waiting for you at Puerto Princesa Palawan! You can choose to relax in the comfort of your accommodation or explore what Puerto Princesa offers: mingle with the locals, learn its history, visit the famous attractions, go island hopping, eat a delicious meal, and more.
If you are up to doing DIY (do-it-yourself) travel, you can plan your itinerary, but if you want a hassle-free flow, you can book a tour on online travel bookings. Pick-up and drop-off are always part of the package, so you can save time looking for transportation.
Your options are several; you just have to pick what kind of activity makes you happy. Ready to know what they are? Tara na! (let’s go)
Note: Touring in Puerto Princesa is more affordable than other parts of Palawan. You can mostly see nature and a simple kind of living. Every place has its unique beauty, and it’s up to you how you will appreciate and enjoy it.
- 20 Best Things To Do in Puerto Princesa, Philippines
- Discover what’s inside the Underground River
- Island Hopping: Honda Bay, Luli Island, Cowrie Island, Starfish Island, Pandan Island, and Pambato Reef
- Firefly Watching
- Bond with the Crocodile at Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center or Crocodile Farm
- Eat Crocodile Sisig
- Buy pastries or souvenirs at Baker’s Hill
- Palawan Heritage Center
- Special Battalion WW2 Memorial Museum
- Stroll at Puerto Princesa Baywalk Park
- Palawan Butterfly Ecological Garden and Tribal Village
- Visit the Immaculate Conception Cathedral
- Ugong Rock
- Tabon Cave
- Taste the local beer at Palaweño Brewery
- Hiking in Batak Tribal Village
- Estrella Falls
- Port Barton Beach
- Nagtabon Beach
- Talaudyong Beach
- Relax in the comfort of your accommodation
20 Best Things To Do in Puerto Princesa, Philippines
Discover what’s inside the Underground River
The Underground River is the first thing that may come to mind when you hear the term Puerto Princesa. It’s been considered a UNESCO Heritage and is known by tourists worldwide. Although, for those who haven’t visited, do you ever get curious about what’s inside the famous Underground River? To give you an idea, you’ll expect several rock formations, limestone, clear water, bats, etc.
To protect yourself, you must wear a helmet and vest. It is said that the helmet protects you from dealing with an unwanted surprise from those who live underground, or in short, bat poop.
You may never appreciate it if you don’t see it yourself!
Our Pick!
Underground River Tour from Puerto Princesa
Island Hopping: Honda Bay, Luli Island, Cowrie Island, Starfish Island, Pandan Island, and Pambato Reef
A collection of tiny islands known as Honda Bay is found in Palawan. It is the ideal location to engage in water activities like swimming, scuba diving, and snorkeling.
Snorkeling in the area is ideal for those who appreciate looking at beautiful underwater marine life. You’ll find a variety of coral reefs, enormous clams, and numerous fish species.
From Honda Bay, you will need to ride a boat to go to the Luli, Cowrie, Starfish, and Pandan islands. While all the islands in the area have the same exquisite white sands and clean seashore shoreline, each has a unique trait.
Luli island is famous for its moving sand bar that appears and disappears with the tides. Its name is derived from the Filipino phrase “Lulubog at Lilitaw,” which means “to emerge and disappear,” and describes how the sandbar acts on its coasts. You can look for a nearby dive platform from which to plunge into the ocean.
Cowrie Island is derived from a marine snail with a long, narrow entrance and a polished, smooth, and patterned shell.
Starfish Island got its name from a large number of starfish there. You can also take a creative picture with an illusioned big starfish.
Pambato Reef spans 16 hectares of coral reefs and a diverse range of fish species, and Pandan Island, where colorful marine life can be seen just a few meters from the shore, are two of the best snorkeling places in Honda Bay.
Reminder: These islands may require a minimal fee to maintain the cleanliness of the environment. There are many drinks and seafood vendors and snorkeling equipment for rent.
Our Picks!
Honda Bay Island Hopping from Puerto Princesa City with Buffet Lunch
Firefly Watching
It’s not light. It’s a firefly — the Puerto Princesa fireflies are renowned for being breathtaking. Fireflies only collectively glow in Southeast Asia; through the mangrove branches. As dusk and night descend, the fireflies start to put on a light show along with the mangroves and trees. In some places, it is claimed that fireflies help fishermen to find their way in the darkness of the night.
In this activity, you will ride a boat and wander around to see fireflies sparkling through the night.
Tip: It’s best to wear long clothes since you will ride a boat and avoid mosquito bites.
Our Pick!
Shared Puerto Princesa Firefly Watching
Bond with the Crocodile at Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center or Crocodile Farm
The journey begins inside an exhibition area with glass chest displays of crocodile skins and bones. After that, you’ll see different sizes and types of crocodiles along the way: newborns, medium-sized, and adults. They will allow you to view the animals and take pictures. After passing through the crocodile den, you will move to the zoo to see other animals. You can even hold some of them to take a picture! Don’t worry; they are safe to hold and won’t bite you. Although, be gentle with them since they are precious.
Our Pick!
Private City Tour
Eat Crocodile Sisig
Ever tried adding crocodile to your meal? If not, don’t miss the chance to taste the famous exotic cuisine “Sisig Crocodile” in Puerto Princesa! The crocodile flesh has a moderate flavor and a firm texture, similar to chicken. It has high protein and low-fat content, making it healthy meat. It is meticulously prepared with additional ingredients and spices before being placed on a sizzling hot platter.
I’m not a fan of exotic food, but I wanted to know how it tastes. My verdict? It is delicious, and I recommend trying it!
Buy pastries or souvenirs at Baker’s Hill
Baker’s Hill is a bakery and theme park serving as a souvenir shop in Puerto Princesa. It features a restaurant, a cafe, a botanical garden, a leisure park, orchards, and a children’s play area. The park is colorful, with several sculptures and peacocks. Hopia, crinkles, cakes, bread, pastillas, and pizza are some popular goods.
Our Pick!
Puerto Princesa Half Day City Tour
Palawan Heritage Center
The Palawan Heritage Center is a contemporary museum with a favorable design, freestyle, and atmosphere. You will learn more about the history of the native province of Palawan.
There are 300-year-old antiques, historical images, life-sized dioramas, computerized touch displays, maps, study stations, and even a hologram.
Our Pick!
Private Puerto Princesa City Heritage Tour
Special Battalion WW2 Memorial Museum
Plaza Cuartel has a deep and painful history. Built by the Spaniards in the 1880s, the Japanese occupying forces utilized it as a military camp during World War II.
It now resembles a straightforward shrine with tall trees, informational plaques, and the remains of former garrisons and ancient tunnels. You’ll know the deeper story of how soldiers were burned alive while you roam around the place.
Our Pick!
Historical & Cultural guided tour with shopping & City sightseeing
Private City Tour with Museum & Shopping
Stroll at Puerto Princesa Baywalk Park
On a budget for dinner? At Baywalk Park, you can walk around, rest on the benches, and rent a bicycle or three-wheeler. It features a lovely ambiance and many restaurants that provide grilled food and exotics like Crocodiles and Frogs. Additionally, you can try Dampa, where you will purchase fresh fish, and the restaurant will prepare a particular dish from their menu at no extra charge. All are budget-friendly!
Our Pick!
Puerto Princesa City Tour
Palawan Butterfly Ecological Garden and Tribal Village
Various tropical butterflies, scorpions, green-crested lizards, and more are at the Palawan Ecological Garden and Tribal Village. The facility raises public awareness about how human behavior significantly impacts everything in our environment by educating the public about these wild but compassionate animals.
Puerto Princesa City Tour
Visit the Immaculate Conception Cathedral
For a quiet rest, stop over at this Church. Spanish missionaries held the first Mass in Puerto Princesa City at Immaculate Conception Cathedral in 1872, marking the beginning of the Church’s history. The name is made in honor of Puerto Princesa City’s patroness, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception.
Our Pick!
Half-Day City Tour from Puerto Princesa
Ugong Rock
Get ready to experience hiking, rappelling, spelunking, zipline, and more on this tour of Puerto Princesa’s Ugong Rock! Explore and climb Ugong Rock, a 75-foot-tall limestone, and feel the rush of adrenaline as you hike and witness the view. Along with other geological treasures, the Ugong Rock contains fascinating stalactites and stalagmites. After entering several caverns, a 360-degree panoramic picture of the area awaits you at the top of the summit. You can end your adventure with a challenging zipline descent from the cliff’s peak in a sitting or superman position.
Tip: Wear appropriate clothing for a hike and zipline to avoid discomfort. Additionally, if you plan to ride the zipline, ask to double-check your gear and make sure you are comfortable in your position. (Nothing beats the superman position to feel like you are flying haha)
Our Pick!
Amazing Underground River Cruise & Ugong Rock Cave Puerto Princesa With zipline
Tabon Cave
Let’s do some transportation back in time by exploration of the historical Tabon Cave in Puerto Princesa! The cave is known as the “Cradle of Civilization,” which includes national treasures like many archaeological artifacts like a skull cap, Manunggul Jar, and a burial jar. Additionally, porcelains and stoneware indicated local trade with China throughout the Song and Yuan Dynasties. These are the astounding richness of cultural items throughout the years.
Our Pick!
Tabon Cave Tour From Puerto Princesa
Taste the local beer at Palaweño Brewery
Don’t miss the best local beer in Palawan! Palaweño Brewery originated with a homebrewer’s kit. All beers have a story and carefully selected natural ingredients, ensuring that each bottle is lovingly brewed. The recipes for each style are exclusive to Palaweño Brewery.
Note: Their spot is currently under renovation, but you can still buy their beers by messaging them on the Palaweño Brewery Facebook page and Instagram.
Hiking in Batak Tribal Village
It’s not a tourist spot but being aware of one of the smallest indigenous groups in the Philippines. You must hike mountain routes and cross multiple rivers to reach the Batak settlement. The hike may take one to two hours, depending on your speed and breaks. You will probably learn about the tribe’s traditions, daily lives, struggles, and happiness. The residents are happy to welcome tourists as it helps raise awareness of their existence.
Reminder: You should bring gifts like necessities, which you can buy at the Visitor Center. Say hello to the tribe members, and always be polite. Their way of living may differ from yours but remember to respect them always. You can have a conversation with them and observe their everyday activities.
Our Pick!
Hiking in Batak Tribal Village tour
Puerto Princesa: Trek to Batak Tribe Village
Estrella Falls
Up for witnessing falls and dipping into the cool water rushing from it? Estrella Falls is a Twin Waterfall in the middle of a forest that can be reached by vehicle in about 2 hours from the city of Puerto Princesa. You can bring food to picnic at the location since there are shady pots to stay in. Explore at your speed, stopping along the route to admire nature. Swimming, hiking, relaxing, and animal watching near the falls are some things you can do at Estrella Falls. Have an instant sound trip of the moving leaves, waterfalls, and birds.
Reminder: follow the management’s laws and regulations wholeheartedly to prevent any harm to you, others, and the environment. Safeness is always a priority!
Our Pick!
Private Tour: Amazing Estrella Falls from Puerto Princesa
Port Barton Beach
Looking for a secluded beach to visit? Just one to two hours from Puerto Princesa, relax on Port Barton beach with crystal clear water and white sand beaches. You may swim, sunbathe, snorkel, and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere.
The rural natural splendor that this serene and peaceful coastal community offers has become popular with adventurous foreign tourists.
Our Pick!
Private Port Barton Beach Day Tour From Puerto Princesa
Nagtabon Beach
A white sand beach and turquoise waves? Nagtabon beach is a hidden treasure that is not yet commercialized compared to the other beaches in the vicinity, but it is still an excellent choice for people seeking tranquility.
Our Pick!
Private Van Hire: Nagtabon Beach & Pakpak Lauin Beach Resort
Talaudyong Beach
You can spend the day swimming and unwinding on this peaceful beach just a few minutes away from Nagtabon. It has a long beautiful beach and clear water.
The best thing about Nagtabon and Talaudyong is that both are clean and not crowded, making them serene beaches. You can play around and take as many photos without worrying that someone might photo-bomb! Watching the sunset here is also ideal since you can cherish the moment peacefully.
Our Pick!
Palawan Talaudyong Beach Tour
Relax in the comfort of your accommodation
What’s an even more best thing to do than having a well-deserved rest after your adventure at Puerto Princesa? You can relax and enjoy the amenities provided by your accommodation, such as a massage, cocktails at the poolside bar, or simply napping on your comfortable bed.
Palawan’s islands, caves, and forests are rich in species, and this natural beauty draws people to keep coming back or exploring its different parts. To enjoy your tour fully, visit during the dry season, which runs from September to June. Additionally, if you don’t like crowded places or seeing many tourists, you can visit during off-peak and non-holiday periods.
You may also like:
- 15 Best Hotels and Resorts for a Relaxing Stay in Puerto Princesa, Philippines
- 10 Serene Vacation Rentals in Tagaytay, Philippines
- Top 15 Tourist Spots and Things To Do in Tagaytay, Philippines
- 10 Best Things to Do in Manila, Philippines
- Top 15 Best Things to Do in Boracay
- 15 Best Things To Do in Cebu City
