CityBuddy
English
Things to Do in Puerto Princesa, Philippines
Photo made by Vincent Lebis on Pexels.com
When to visit
Plan your perfect trip to Puerto Princesa, Philippines
Get a complete travel plan built just for you in under 30 seconds, with daily routes, local food tips, budget estimates and more.
Are any of these especially important to you?
Select all that apply
Plan language: EnglishMost popular attractions in Puerto Princesa, Philippines
1. Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
Aventura bajo el agua en cuevas y un milagro natural único te esperan. Disfruta de un paseo en barco por el río subterráneo más largo del mundo y observa de cerca maravillas naturales.
Quick facts: Under the dark caves flows an 8.2 km long underground river. This river is one of the longest underground sea rivers in the world, leading straight to the sea.
Highlights: You can take a boat through the cave cluster where the cave walls are full of amazing stalactites and stalagmites. The river is part of a large limestone network that forms a unique ecosystem with rare plants and animals.
2. Honda Bay
Descubre islas cubiertas de corales y aguas limpias. Disfruta de un tranquilo paseo en barco y de vibrante vida submarina.
Quick facts: Tourists can see diverse coral reefs and more than 10 different islands in the clear waters of Honda Bay, which can be explored on a boat trip. The average sea temperature remains around 27 degrees year-round, providing pleasant conditions for swimming and snorkeling.
Highlights: Many islands in the bay are home to green mangrove forests and rare seabirds, offering a peaceful natural environment. One of the islands, Starfish Island, has a population of starfish named after it, which can be closely encountered and photographed.
3. Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center
Una experiencia cerca de cocodrilos y aves exóticas invita a descubrir la conservación de la naturaleza. Aprende cómo se protege la vida de las especies locales en peligro de extinción.
Quick facts: Home to over 100 crocodiles, including giant saltwater crocodiles that can grow up to 5 meters long. The site also breeds many local species such as the Palawan Tuke, a bird species found nowhere else in the world.
Highlights: Especially fascinating is watching the feeding of the saltwater crocodiles, which takes place from a special platform underneath. It is a true adventure for both children and adults. The center also offers close-up views and education on the protection of endangered species, which is a practical and important step in preserving biological diversity.
4. Baker's Hill
Un lugar encantador tanto para el gusto como para la vista. Disfruta de muchos jardines coloridos y dulces locales.
Quick facts: There are over 15 small garden centers and craft stalls offering local treats and snacks. This place is famous for its own chocolate and coconut sweets that appeal to both children and adults.
Highlights: Joyful gardens designed as a play center provide endless happiness for little visitors with challenges and natural surroundings. One exotic delight is a corner dedicated to the fascinating world of turtles, where you can observe them up close.
5. Plaza Cuartel
Sumérgete directamente en la historia y siente la herencia heroica oculta por la guerra. Explora el pasado multifacético sobre la celda subterránea de una cárcel.
Quick facts: About 150 US prisoners of war stayed here during World War II, and their life here was actually very harsh. The plaque features remains of an underground prison cell that can be viewed and tells powerful historical stories.
Highlights: The above-ground and underground prison cells are impressive. Inside the ground, you can see small caves where soldiers were locked up. What makes the place special is the collection of plywood posters that tell the soldiers' stories through photos and writings.
6. Immaculate Conception Cathedral
Arquitectura gótica única y vitrales coloridos te invitan a explorar. El animado servicio religioso del sábado por la noche trae el alma de la cultura local.
Quick facts: El edificio de la iglesia destacada es conocido por su arquitectura gótica única, que atrae cada año a locales y turistas. La comunidad local la utiliza activamente para eventos religiosos y comunitarios importantes.
Highlights: La iglesia alberga una interesante colección de vitrales, donde cada panel de vidrio cuenta la leyenda de un santo diferente, haciendo que el espacio brille especialmente con los rayos del sol. El servicio del sábado por la noche involucra a los visitantes con cantos locales tradicionales y rituales que no se encuentran fácilmente en otros lugares.
7. Mitra's Ranch
Experimenta la vida rural y la calma de la naturaleza en una sola visita. Participa en actividades agrícolas y observa aves nativas coloridas en senderos tranquilos.
Quick facts: El rancho cubre más de 20 hectáreas de bosque tropical exuberante y tierras agrícolas. Miembros de la comunidad local gestionan el rancho, combinando el ecoturismo con la agricultura sostenible.
Highlights: Los visitantes pueden participar en actividades agrícolas tradicionales como la plantación y la cosecha de arroz. El rancho alberga más de 30 especies de aves nativas, siendo un pequeño santuario para los amantes de la naturaleza.
8. Palawan Butterfly Ecological Garden and Tribal Village
Las mariposas vuelan a pocos pasos, y también puedes ver la vida tribal real. Aprende y admira las mariposas vivas y las tradiciones de la tribu.
Quick facts: Aquí se pueden ver más de 20 especies diferentes de mariposas que vuelan libremente en la exótica jungla. Los visitantes también pueden conocer la vida tribal local, donde se muestran herramientas y artesanías tradicionales.
Highlights: El criadero de mariposas está construido para que los visitantes puedan observarlas y fotografiarlas de cerca sin molestarlas. La parte de la aldea tribal destaca el estilo de vida auténtico de la tribu Palawan, donde se pueden probar experiencias tradicionales como juegos con bambú y herramientas hechas de madera.
9. Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm
Una oportunidad única para ver la vida carcelaria en una comunidad agrícola. Conoce a los presos y sus familias que viven y trabajan juntos en una gran área.
Quick facts: La mayoría de los presos aquí se dedican a la agricultura en más de 16 000 hectáreas de tierra, haciendo de esta prisión una de las más grandes de su tipo. En las prisiones está permitida la vida familiar, por lo que muchos detenidos viven con sus familias en la misma comunidad.
Highlights: Al caminar por la calle se pueden ver presos trabajando y sus familias moviéndose como en un entorno típico de pueblo. La oportunidad de reunirse y conversar con los presos y sus familias ofrece una visión rara de la vida cotidiana en la prisión.
Where to Stay in Puerto Princesa, Philippines
Selected by City Buddy based on guest reviews and proximity to top attractions
Search all hotels in Puerto Princesa, PhilippinesPowered by agoda
Traditional Sweet Dishes
Budbud Palawan
Budbud Palawan is a native sticky rice cake wrapped in banana leaves, known for its soft texture and distinct coconut flavor, representing Palawan's traditional rice delicacies.
Tartang Gubat
Tartang Gubat is a sweet made from wild bamboo shoots coated in caramelized sugar, highlighting the resourcefulness in using local forest ingredients.
Coconut Buko Pie
Coconut Buko Pie from Puerto Princesa features fresh young coconut meat baked in a creamy custard filling, a tropical twist on the classic Filipino pie.
Traditional Savory Dishes
Tamilok
Tamilok is a local delicacy made from woodworms found in mangroves, often eaten raw or with vinegar as a savory and adventurous dish.
Kinilaw na Isda
Kinilaw na Isda is a traditional Filipino ceviche made with fresh fish marinated in vinegar, calamansi, and spices, celebrating the abundance of local seafood.
Laing
Laing is a spicy dish made from dried taro leaves cooked in coconut milk with chili and shrimp paste, a staple in Palawan's savory cuisine.
Traditional Beverages
Tuba
Tuba is a traditional fermented coconut sap drink often enjoyed fresh or fermented into a palm wine, a staple beverage in many Filipino communities.
Buko Juice
Buko Juice, the refreshing natural coconut water served straight from young coconuts, is a popular drink to cool down in Puerto Princesa's tropical climate.
Salabat
Salabat is a traditional ginger tea known for its soothing properties and is often consumed to warm up or aid digestion.
Frequently Asked Questions about Puerto Princesa, Philippines
Get a PDF with the most popular attractions sent to your email
Get a PDF with all attractions, ratings, and tips. Perfect for offline use.
Most popular day trips
Getting there
Airports
Use taxi or tricycle from the airport to city center; travel time is around 15 minutes.
Find flights to Puerto Princesa, Philippines
Click to get eSim for Puerto Princesa, Philippines
The easiest and most affordable way to get mobile internet wherever you travel.
Comments (7)
Weather was hot and humid but manageable, food is fresh with lots of seafood options, three days felt just right for the main sights.
Skip the airport taxis, take a multicab from outside for a fraction of the cost, and try the batchoy noodle soup in local eateries away from the tourist strip.
The underground river tour is worth the trip, but get there early to avoid big crowds and long waits.
Felt super touristy near the popular spots, but if you stray a bit, you find chill local vibes and affordable eats.
Markets have tons of souvenirs and snacks, but prices can be inflated, so haggle politely or buy at less touristy stalls.