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Any dialog about Palawan is extraordinarily incomplete with no point out of Puerto Princesa, its capital and most effective town. Adventurers and seaside bums flock to the towering karst cliffs of El Nido. Divers and nature fanatics are attracted to the lakes of Coron. However lengthy ahead of they made a mark on Palawan’s tourism map, Puerto Princesa used to be already giving vacationers of all kinds a bit of style of what the province has to provide.
Positioned in the midst of mainland Palawan, Puerto Princesa serves as the most important and probably the most handy gateway to the province. Despite the fact that a extremely urbanized town, it keeps its herbal good looks and has been constantly a number of the cleanest and greenest towns within the nation, one thing that any traveler would straight away realize inside mins in their arrival. It’s no marvel it’s additionally touted because the Eco-Tourism Middle of the Philippines.
However it’s no longer at all times butterflies and unicorns for town’s tourism over the last years. Like in lots of locations all over the world, the pandemic offered numerous demanding situations. Then, in 2021, the province used to be ravaged by means of Hurricane Odette (world identify: Rai), leaving nearly P8 billion in damages. However not too long ago, no longer even a 12 months after, we have been invited to sign up for 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 sights within the town (no longer in any explicit order) and what it’s like lately.
Word: 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 checklist that can be one or two hours clear of town heart, however they’re nonetheless a part of Puerto Princesa.
WHAT’S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?
Formally named Puerto Princesa Subterranean River however every so often merely known as PPUR, this 8.2-km-long underground river is town’s major tourism draw. This herbal marvel which used to be identified as a UNESCO Global Heritage Website in 1999 and as probably the most New 7 Wonders of Nature in 2012.
Tucked within the northern nooks 76 km clear of 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 choice of guests are allowed in line with day. Vacationers are required to sign up upfront in the event that they wish to talk over with. To steer clear of coping with this procedure, it’s best to e book a packaged excursion with a excursion operator so they are able to sign up to your behalf. Packaged excursions most often 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 gained’t need to spend time touring to Sabang most effective to determine that the excursions were canceled for the day. In case this occurs, they are able to additionally make preparations to transport your scheduled excursion to the next day to come.
Only some mins clear of Sabang Wharf, Cacaoayan Woodland Park is an ideal lunch forestall 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 woodland. You’re 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 provides a number of Filipino dishes from fish to beef to rooster to greens and contemporary culmination. Should you’re desirous about making an attempt tamilok, the preferred unique mollusk, you’ll additionally order it right here. Reservations are required for the lunch buffet, however some excursion operators come with a forestall right here of their underground river excursion programs.
Buffet price is P350 in line with individual.
Location: Brgy. Sabang, Puerto Princesa
Working hours: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Buffet Price: P350/individual
Sabang Seaside could also be identified essentially because the jump-off level to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, however it is usually an appeal by itself. This surprising seaside with the backdrop of the mountains is a pleasing position to swim and loosen up. From right here, you’ll additionally see the lovely St. Paul Limestone formation the place the underground river is flowing beneath.
Should you’re in for extra journey, some other task you’ll do here’s the Sabang X Zipline. This exciting experience will deal with you to the lovely view of Sabang Seaside and its surrounding house from above. Measuring 800 meters, it is without doubt one of the nation’s longest ziplines that pass a frame of water. To succeed in the start line of the experience, you want to move on a brief 15-minute hike.
Tickets value P550.
Island hopping is without doubt one of the maximum commonplace actions in lots of locations within the Philippines, and Puerto Princesa isn’t to be not noted. Right here, seaside chasers pass to Honda Bay, which isn’t too some distance from town heart.
Honda Bay is peppered with a number of isles, however island hopping excursions most often come with simply 3 stops. Should you’re a DIY-er and also you’re becoming a member of a gaggle excursion, the ones 3 islands shall be fastened. But when you wish to have extra flexibility or in the event you’re a large team, it’s possible you’ll e book a ship and prepare a non-public excursion.
The jump-off level is Sta. Lourdes Wharf, more or less half-hour clear of town correct by means of tricycle. One-way fare is round P400-500 in line with tricycle.
At this time, most effective 3 islands are open for public island hopping excursions:
- Cowrie Island
- Luli Island
- Starfish Island
Boat charges range relying at the kind used. Listed here are the most recent charges, just right for six passengers.
- with 4-cylinder engine: P2100 in line with boat or P350 in line with individual
- with 3-cylinder engine: P1800 in line with boat or P300 in line with individual
With the exception of boat condominium charge, you additionally wish to pay the ENTRANCE FEES:
- Cowrie Island: P100
- Luli Island: P70
- Starfish Island: P50
Different islands could also be available, however maximum of them are non-public and acquire a lot upper front charges. We’ll speak about them intimately underneath.
Listed here are different bills to be expecting in the event you’re doing a Honda Bay Island Hopping Excursion:
- Environmental Price: P150
- Terminal charge: P5
- Goggles & snorkel condominium: P150
- Complete face masks condominium: P200
- Aqua footwear condominium: P150
- Fins condominium: P150
Should you don’t wish to take care of a lot of these bills by yourself, it’s possible you’ll e book a excursion package deal introduced by means of go back and forth businesses. Honday Bay excursions most often value P1750/individual, inclusive of lunch, front charges, boat condominium, excursion information, and roundtrip transfers.
Underneath are extra detailed description of each and every island.
Cowrie Island
Of all of the islands dotting Honda Bay, Cowrie Island is the nearest to Sta. Lourdes Wharf, making it a perfect first or ultimate forestall. Should you e book a packaged excursion, Cowrie Island may be the standard lunch forestall. 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 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 in the event you’re with a gaggle and you prefer enjoying sports activities, they have got a space for seaside volleyball too!
Front Price: P100
Cottage Condo: 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. One in every of them is Luli Island, quick for lulubog lilitaw, a playful shoutout to its disappearing act at prime tide.
Prior to now, it used to be the standard lunch forestall. However the buffet eating place right here used to be destroyed by means of Hurricane Odette and has no longer 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 pictures, or sit back on one among their many overwater hammocks. The water is crystal transparent too so you’ll see little fish swimming round as you pass into the water.
Front Price: P70
Starfish Island
Round 25 mins clear of the wharf, Starfish Island is the snorkeling forestall 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 nonetheless see the small fish and different marine animals frolicking round.
Understand that there’s a designated swimming and snorkeling house marked by means of a line so be sure to keep inside that house in your protection.
You’re going to in finding many tables and chairs or even cottages for hire right here. Should you’re hungry, there’s a small retailer at the island the place you’ll 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 Price: P50
Cottage Condo: Kubo, P150; 2 tables (for giant teams), P300
Pambato Reef
In contrast to the opposite Honda Bay excursion stops, Pambato Reef isn’t an island. This is a common snorkeling spot, marked by means of a platform floating in the midst of the sea. Earlier than leaping into the water, vacationers are given a brief lecture about marine and reef ecology and conservation.
Then again, this too used to be closely broken by means of Hurricane Odette and stays closed to nowadays. However as soon as Pambato Reef reopens, don’t leave out out a chance to discover one among Puerto Princesa’s maximum visited underwater website online!
Isla Pandan
As of this writing, Pandan Island stays closed and has but to announce once they would reopen.
One of the vital extra advanced islands in Honda Bay, Pandan Island is now occupied by means of a non-public lodge, Isla Pandan. It isn’t a number of the standard stops of the typical three-island or two-island excursions.
It has an implausible, cream-colored seaside and transparent emerald waters the place you’ll 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 pass kayaking, stand-up paddling, jetskiing, and banana boating in the event you’re into water actions or play volleyball and frisbee at the seaside. You’ll be able to additionally pass 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 Price: P1000/individual
Dos Palmas Island Hotel
Positioned in Arreceffi Island, Dos Palmas is an island lodge and spa best for many who wish to have a sumptuous island holiday. Their lodging are proper by means of the seaside, dealing with the tuquoise waters.
Should you’re on a restricted finances, you’ll have a style of the luxurious island revel in by means of happening an afternoon excursion. You’ll be able to discover the 20-hectare island and the facilities of the lodge. With the exception of spending time at the seaside, day trippers can take a dip at the swimming pool, play volleyball, or pass snorkeling.
Day Excursion Charges: Grownup, P1800; Kid (2-11 years previous), P900
*Day excursion charges are inclusive of land and boat transfers and lunch.For reservations & inquiries, it’s possible you’ll touch the control.
E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]
Cell Quantity: 09175904442 / 09175000154 / 09298132360
With the exception of its herbal good looks, you’ll admire extra of Puerto Princesa by means of exploring 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 heart.
You’ll be able to constitution a tricycle to take you to the other cultural and historic spots for P800-1000 in line with tricycle, just right for as much as 3 passengers.
But when you wish to have a extra relaxed and extra insightful excursion led by means of a a professional information, e book an arranged excursion!
Despite the fact that there are some permutations, listed here are the standard stops incorporated in town excursions.
Palawan Flora and fauna Rescue & Conservation Middle
Prior to now referred to as the Crocodile Farming Institute or Crocodile Farm, the Palawan Flora and fauna Rescue and Conservation Middle 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 and every quarter-hour, an academic excursion is completed, 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 concern, 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 quite a lot of species of uncommon birds right here and a number of wild fauna.
Opening hours: Day by day, 8:30 AM to five:00 PM
Front Price: Grownup, P40; Senior Citizen, P30; Kid, P30
Mitra’s Ranch
Mitra’s Ranch is owned by means of the circle of relatives of the overdue Senator and Area Speaker Ramon Mitra Jr. Positioned in Barangay Sta. Monica, the home sits atop a hill and has a view deck, permitting a just right, stress-free view of town, Honda Bay, and the verdant surroundings in between.
Mitra’s Ranch is open to the general public. You most effective wish to pay the doorway charge if you wish to pass within the home.
Working Hours: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Front Price (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 an easy bakery that developed right into a circle of relatives vacation spot. Whilst you move during the gate, you’ll be greeted by means of huge, colourful statues of common characters, including existence to the gardens and playground surrounding the bakeshop. The website online may be wearing quite a lot of decorations, the theme of which exchange relying at the time of the 12 months.
Maximum vacationers who come right here pass pasalubong buying groceries. You’ll be able to purchase other baked items like cookies, brownies, and naturally, their common hopia in numerous flavors. In addition they promote different snacks like cashew nuts, polvoron, and pastillas. Should you’re searching for extra than simply snacks, you’ll dine at their eating place known as Baker’s Kitchen.
Working Hours: 7:00 AM to eight:00 PM
Binuatan Creations
Weaving is a big 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 check out their hand at the procedure. The weavers would luckily information you as they give an explanation for use the loom.
After this revel in, 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 atypical park coated with benches and bushes lately, however it has a ugly previous. On 14 December 1944, on the peak of Global Struggle II, 150 American prisoners of battle have been burned alive by means of the Jap in a garrison that stood on the website online of the place Plaza Cuartel is positioned lately.
Tunnels the place the prisoners the place saved and the ruins of the previous 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 through the bloodbath and acknowledge the 11 who survived.
Puerto Princesa Cathedral
Adjoining to Plaza Cuartel stands Puerto Princesa Cathedral, sometimes called the Immaculate Conception Cathedral Parish. On the website online 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 occasions together with after it used to be destroyed by means of Jap bombing all through Global Struggle II. The construction that you just see lately took nearly a century to complete and used to be most effective 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 homes numerous species of butterflies that you’ll see flying round within the net-covered lawn.
Except for those stunning flying creatures, you’ll 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 chicken that looks at the respectable seal of 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 presentations once they unfold it, most often 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 show how they hunt, make hearth, and carry out a brief musical quantity the use of a string tool known as kudyapi. There’s additionally a bit of cafe right here the place you’ll check out civet coffe or kopi luwak.
Working Hours: 8:30 AM to five:00 PM
Front Price: Grownup, P60; Kid (4 to twelve years previous), P50; Senior Citizen & PWD, P50
Should you’re touring to Puerto Princesa with youngsters and children at middle, Palawan Water Park were given you lined. You’ll be able to revel in sliding down the water slides together with your family and friends or splash round of their swimming pools.
The primary and most effective 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 resort visitors.
Every price tag to the water park is inclusive of a lunch buffet.
Front Price: Adults, P1200; Youngsters (4ft and underneath), P950; Youngsters (2 years previous and underneath), FREE
Working Hours: Monday to Sunday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Journey awaits north of town correct! In Barangay Tagabinet, you’re going to in finding some of the exciting sights in Puerto Princesa —- Ugong Rock Adventures, a community-based sustainable tourism vacation spot.
Be in a position to get bodily as a result of you’re going to be mountain climbing Ugong Rock and pass rappelling and spelunking on its caves. Achieving the highest would praise you with a breathtaking view of the woodland and the encompassing limestone formations. After taking within the perspectives, you gained’t be mountain climbing backpedal 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. One in every of them is Nagtabon Seaside.
Nagtabon Seaside is positioned lower than an hour clear of town heart, so it’s rather indifferent and no longer most often incorporated in standard Puerto Princesa itineraries. It was a sanctuary for many who wish to break out the crowds, however it 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 at the moment are hotels and eating places within the house.
Location: Barangay Bacungn, Puerto Princesa
Tips on how to get there: From town heart, 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 choice too.
If you wish to have one thing a bit of extra offbeat, check out firefly observing and get that magical feeling! Even supposing you already deliberate out your actions in Puerto Princesa, you’ll most likely squeeze this into your itinerary since this excursion occurs at evening. Whilst you sign up for a firefly observing excursion, you may hop on a ship and pass out into the water the place you need to ceremonial dinner your eyes with the blinking lighting fixtures from the fireflies and the twinkling of the celebrities within the sky.
There are 3 other firefly observing places in Puerto Princesa:
- Iwahig River. That is the unique location of firefly observing in Puerto Princesa. The usage of a paddle boat, you may cruise alongside Iwahig River as your boat guy and excursion information display you the fireflies. Sadly, Iwahig firefly observing is currenly closed, however concern no longer as a result of there are different firefly observing spots in Puerto Princesa.
- Sicsican River. That is the place we went firefly observing on our contemporary go back and forth. Town’s baywalk house serves because the jump-off level for this excursion. From right here, you may 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 observing task entertaining by means of “speaking” to the fireflies in numerous 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 fixtures by means of the facet of the river.
- Nagsaguipi River. This excursion features a buffet dinner at a cafe simply ahead of you get started your firefly observing 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 newbies and takes round an hour and a part, relying at the tempo. It’s best to begin trekking early within the morning round 5:00 AM so you’ll succeed in the highest ahead of dawn. While you get to the highest, you’ll loosen up, have some espresso and watch for the impressive dawn over Puerto Princesa. From the height, you’ll additionally respect Honda Bay and Puerto Princesa Bay.
Mt. Magarwak is positioned in Brgy. Bacungan, about 15 kilometers from town heart.
Kamia Bay Hotel lies in Brgy. Luzviminda, lower than an hour away south of town heart. 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 taking place the slide of various heights or check out wall mountain climbing at the inflatables.
Different actions introduced listed here are eco-tours and motorcycle trails. The lodge additionally has a buffet and loads of spaces the place you’ll sit back whether or not you’re circle of relatives, buddies, or your particular any person.
Word: We’re no longer positive if Kamia Bay Hotel is closed or open. We didn’t get to talk over with on our contemporary go back and forth, so we couldn’t ascertain. However their social media accounts were 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 unquestionably discover a talk over with right here relatively fascinating. 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 counsel a first-time vacationer must opt for a meal, and there’s a large probability they’re going to level you to Ka Lui.
KaLui is most likely probably the most well known Pinoy eating place in Puerto Princesa. Fostering a homey Pinoy setting, it’s with wood furniture, ceramic items, and artwork. 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 fashionable so it’s extremely advisable that you’re making prior reservation to protected a desk.
Deal 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 incessantly known as a woodworm as a result of it’s discovered within mangroves. However it’s, if truth be told, one of those marine mollusk with lengthy and cushy our bodies. Yep, cousin of oysters and mussels! Its style profile and slimy texture are similar to the extra commonplace bivalves too, albeit with a powerful woody aftertaste.
When in Puerto Princesa, you’ll do that unconventional deal with at some eating places within the town. I used to be ready to check out tamilok after we had lunch in Cacaoyan Woodland Park in Sabang. They serve it with a facet of vinegar the place you’ll dip it ahead of savoring it.
Some other eating place that gives it’s Kinabuch’s Grill and Bar positioned inside the town heart, the place our teammate Yosh had his first style of it.
