HomeAsiaSoutheast AsiaPhilippinesPalawanPuerto Princesa 22 Things to do in Puerto Princesa + Tourist Spots By Marcos Detourista. Updated on October 8, 2022. Where to go in Puerto Princesa? Achieve your travel goals with this list of beautiful destinations, top things to do, must-see places, tourist spots & more. Puerto Princesa is famous for its natural attractions and as a gateway to Palawan Island, particularly to popular destinations like El Nido and lesser-known spots including Balabac, Tabon Caves, Taytay, Port Barton, and San Vicente. As the Philippines’ second largest city in terms of land area, there are many interesting places to see and things to do here. The urban center is compact and easy to navigate, while the vast majority of Puerto Princesa is occupied by verdant forest, soaring mountains, and a coastline fringed by vast mangrove forests, remote beach coves and scenic bays dotted with beautiful islets. Headed to Puerto Princesa soon? Check out these top tourist spots and off-the-beaten-path adventures not yet discovered by tourist crowds. Many of these places, especially those found within the City Proper area can be reached on a half-day or 1-day city tour. If you want to add more sights to your itinerary, consider spending at least 2-3 days in Puerto Princesa. To help with your trip planning, I’ve added links to the locations on Google Maps. Feel free to click/tap on the links posted below. Then, use the “save” feature on the Google Maps app for easy reference. But before you start ticking goals off your bucketlist, here are travel essentials & discounts you’ll need to check. Pre-book online for a hassle-free trip! Puerto Princesa travel essentials Click below to compare rates & read reviews: Puerto Princesa HotelsTours + discountsFlightsAirport transfers See also: Puerto Princesa DOT-Accredited Hotels. Popular tours & discounts booked by other travelers: Puerto Princesa Underground River Day Tour w/ Buffet Lunch Honda Bay Island Hopping Tour Puerto Princesa City Tour Puerto Princesa Firefly Watching w/ Buffet Dinner Puerto Princesa – El Nido Shuttle Transfers Puerto Princesa Airport to PP City Hotel Transfers View all travel tips on: Puerto Princesa. 1. Puerto Princesa Underground River Puerto Princesa Underground River The Puerto Princesa Underground River is the most famous attraction of the city. It is included in UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites for its spectacular limestone karst landscape and remarkable biodiversity. It is also reputed to be the world’s longest navigable underground river. A paddle boat ride takes you to a section of the underground river, where you can enjoy views of massive stalagmite/stalactite formations and cave chambers. The Puerto Princesa Underground River is located in the quiet coastal village of Sabang. Location: Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, Sabang. Save on Google Maps. How to go: The underground river is typically reached by joining a day tour from Puerto Princesa. Tour packages include round trip land transfers to Sabang, picnic lunch at Sabang Beach and mandatory park permit/registration/fees. Sabang Beach is approximately 74 km northeast from Puerto Princesa city center. Travel time is around 1 hour and 40 minutes by car. The boat ride from Sabang Beach to the underground river entrance takes around 30 minutes. See rates & book online Puerto Princesa Underground River Day Tour w/ Buffet Lunch Puerto Princesa Underground River + Sabang X Zipline + Lunch at Sheridan 3-in-1 package Puerto Princesa Underground River in Sabang, Puerto Princesa Cit Puerto Princesa Underground River Puerto Princesa Underground River in Sabang, Puerto Princesa Cit Puerto Princesa Underground River For more travel inspiration, follow Detourista on: InstagramFacebooktiktokPinterest 2. Sabang Sabang Beach near Puerto Princesa Underground River During my first trip, the biggest reason why I spent a night in Sabang was to go on the forest trek to the underground river entrance via the Monkey Trail. It was an interesting off-beat experience for sure! Sabang has a lovely beachfront too. It gets pretty busy around noontime, but when all the day trippers are gone, you can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere without the crowds. When in Sabang, also check out the Sabang X Zipline, trekking to Sabang Waterfall, and paddle boat tour around the mangrove forest. Where to stay Location: Sabang Beach, Barangay Cagayugan. Save on Google Maps. See rates & book online Puerto Princesa Underground River + Sabang X Zipline + Lunch at Sheridan 3-in-1 package Sabang Monkey Trail at Puerto Princesa Underground River Nationa Monkey Trail to Puerto Princesa Undergournd River St. Paul Mountain Range at Puerto Princesa Underground River Nat St. Paul Mountain Range, Puerto Princesa 3. Honda Bay Islands Pandan Island in Honda Bay, Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines Snake Island in Honda Bay, Puerto Princesa Starfish Island in Honda Bay, Puerto Princesa Honda Bay is another famous tourist spot in Puerto Princesa. Here, you can find beautiful islets, reefs, white sand beaches and inviting waters perfect for swimming. While not as impressive as El Nido or Coron, Honda Bay is an excellent alternative if you plan to go island hopping near Puerto Princesa. The drive north from the City Proper to Santa Lourdes Wharf (the jump-off point to Honda Bay) only takes around 30-45 minutes. The most convenient way to go is by joining an island hopping tour package, which should include a visit to at least 3 islands, picnic lunch at the beach, land/sea transport and environmental/boat fees. Location: Near Santa Lourdes Wharf. Save on Google Maps. See rates & book online Honda Bay Island Hopping Tour Honda Bay islands and attractions Pandan Island Starfish Island Snake Island Luli Island Pambato Reef Arrecife Island Dos Palmas Resort, Arrecife Island Cowrie Island Makesi Island Frazer Island Barlas Island Canon Island Ramesamay Island 4. Dos Palmas Resort Dos Palmas is a stunning island resort that exclusively occupies Arrecife Island. It’s the best place to go if you’re set on a splurge and you want to spend the night in Honda Bay. The luxury resort also provides day tours with convenient pick-up/drop-off from Puerto Princesa City Proper. Location: Arrecife Island, Honda Bay Dos Palmas Resort Check rates & reviews Puerto Princesa city tour If you have a few hours or a full day in Puerto Princesa, check out these places found within or near the City Proper area. Many of these tourist spots are included in standardized half-day city tours. These join-in tours are popular and affordable, priced at only around P600 per person. See rates & book online Puerto Princesa City Tour 5. Baker’s Hill Baker’s Hill, Puerto Princesa City Baker’s Hill, Puerto Princesa City Baker’s Hill, Puerto Princesa City Baker’s Hill is famous for its freshly-baked and delicious local delicacies, perfect gifts/pasalubong for friends and family back home. Featuring well-maintained gardens (a sort of mini-theme park), Baker’s Hill is also a beautiful location to take photos for your Instagram and Facebook feed. Location: Mitra Road, Brgy. Sta. Monica. Save on Google Maps. 6. Mitra’s Ranch Mitra’s Ranch, Puerto Princesa Located near Baker’s Hill, Mitra’s Ranch offers a scenic view overlooking the green landscape of the surrounding valley. It’s also a popular place for horseback riding and ziplining. Location: Mitra Road, Brgy. Sta. Monica. Save on Google Maps. 7. Palawan Tribal Village and Butterfly Farm Palawan Tribal Village Butterfly Farm and Palawan Tribal Village , Puerto Princesa Popular among tour groups, this is one of the interesting tourist spots in the city. It is divided into two sections: the Tribal Village, which offers a cultural interaction with members of the Palaw’an tribe; and the Butterfly Eco Garden, which showcases the variety of tropical butterflies and other insects from the southern region of the Philippines. Location: Palawan Butterfly Ecological Garden and Tribal Village, Brgy. Sta. Monica. Save on Google Maps. 8. Puerto Princesa Baywalk The Baywalk in Puerto Princesa This lovely promenade is the perfect place to watch scenic sunsets. There’s also a food park, where you can sample local Palaweño and Filipino dishes. Location: Sandoval St., Puerto Princesa City Proper. Save on Google Maps. 9. Plaza Cuartel Plaza Cuartel, Puerto Princesa Historic Plaza Cuartel is the site of a ruined garrison and tunnels, which now serve as a grim reminder of World War II atrocities. Location: Taft St, Puerto Princesa City Proper. Save on Google Maps. 10. Immaculate Conception Cathedral Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Puerto Princesa Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Puerto Princesa A short walk away is the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, a Gothic-style church painted in lovely pastel blue. This historic place is the site of the first mass in Puerto Princesa. Location: 58 Rizal Ave, Puerto Princesa City Proper. Save on Google Maps. 11. Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm Going to prison is not something you ordinarily imagine doing during your holiday. The Penal colony in Iwahig, however, might change your mind. This open-air prison is one of the top tourist spots in Puerto Princesa. Here, you can find inmates freely roaming the grounds, tending the farm and going about office-related work. Location: Barangay Iwahig. Save on Google Maps. 12. Iwahig Firefly Watching & Mangrove Forest Iwahig is also home to a vast mangrove forest. A paddle boat night cruise along the Iwahig River offers a close-up view of glowing fireflies swarming around the mangrove trees. Location: Iwahig Firefly Watching Mangrove Ecotourism And Wildlife Park, Barangay Iwahig. Save on Google Maps. See rates & book online Puerto Princesa Firefly Watching w/ Buffet Dinner 13. Puerto Princesa Bay cruise & dolphin watching Puerto Princesa, Palawan Puerto Princesa Bay is a playground of dolphins and other marine creatures. Dolphin watching tours are popular between the months of April and October when sightings are more common. A cruise around Puerto Princesa Bay also offers a chance to enjoy scenic sea views and meet the Badjao Tribe (a community of sea gypsies). 14. Go on a food trip Badjao Seafront Restaurant, Puerto Princesa Kalui Restaurant, Puerto Princesa Kalui Restaurant, Puerto Princesa Kalui Restaurant, Puerto Princesa With vast open seas surrounding Puerto Princesa, you can look forward to indulging in fresh and affordable seafood. Don’t miss the tuna steak/special of the day set at Kalui and local specialties at other native-style restaurants in the city including Badjao Seafront and Kinabuch’s. Where to eat and drink in Puerto Princesa (top seafood restaurants and bars) KaLuiLocation: 369 Rizal Avenue, Puerto Princesa City Proper. Save on Google Maps. Badjao Seafront RestaurantLocation: Abueg St, Puerto Princesa City Proper. Save on Google Maps. Kinabuch’s Grill and BarLocation: 369 Rizal Avenue, Puerto Princesa City Proper. Save on Google Maps. Ka InatoLocation: Km 4 Puerto Princesa North National Highway, Puerto Princesa. Save on Google Maps. Palaweño BreweryLocation: 82 Manalo St, Puerto Princesa, 5300 Palawan. Save on Google Maps. 15. Try Chao Long Bona’s Chaolong, Puerto Princesa Chaolong at Rene’s Saigon, Puerto Princesa Chao Long is a Vietnamese-influenced delicacy that you should try in Puerto Princesa. This noodle dish was introduced by refugees who found their way to Puerto Princesa during the Vietnam War. The most popular places to try it is Bona’s Chaolong Haus and Vietville. Restaurants like Rene’s Saigon serve variants of the dish including seafood Chaolong. Top Chao Long restaurants in Puerto Princesa Bona’s ChaolongLocation: Manalo St, Puerto Princesa City Proper. Save on Google Maps. Rene’s SaigonLocation: Rizal Avenue Extension, Puerto Princesa City Proper. Save on Google Maps. VietvilleLocation: Barangay Sta. Lourdes, Puerto Princesa. Save on Google Maps. 16. Puerto Princesa museums Palawan Museum, Puerto Princesa Museums in Puerto Princesa Palawan Museum — Houses exhibits devoted to Palawan’s cultural heritage. It is one of the best places to learn about archaeological findings related to the Tabon Man, one of the earliest settlers in the Phillippines.Location: Valencia Street, Puerto Princesa City Proper. Save on Google Maps. Palawan Special Battalion WW-II Memorial MuseumLocation: Rizal Avenue, Puerto Princesa City Proper. Near Old Passenger Terminal Building of Puerto Princesa Airport. Save on Google Maps. Palawan Heritage CenterLocation: Fernandez St., Puerto Princesa City Proper. Near Palawan Provincial Capitol. Save on Google Maps. 17. Trekking and outdoor adventures Experience exhilarating adventures at Ugong Rock including spelunking and ziplining. Explore Hundred Caves, a new eco-tourism site in Palawan. See rates & book online Puerto Princesa Bacungan Waterfalls + West Coast Beaches Package Puerto Princesa Mt. Magarwak Sunrise Trekking 18. Puerto Princesa waterfalls Bonton Falls, Puerto Princesa Though not as grand as other waterfalls in the Philippines, there are several waterfalls in Puerto Princesa that might be worth a visit. See rates & book online Puerto Princesa Bacungan Waterfalls + West Coast Beaches Package Waerfalls in Puerto Princesa Bacungan FallsLocation: Barangay Irawan. Bonton FallsLocation: Barangay Irawan. Irawan FallsLocation: Barangay Irawan. Sabang FallsLocation: Sabang Village. Tibag WaterfallsLocation: Barangay Bacungan. Olangoan FallsLocation: Barangay Binduyan. Salakot FallsLocation: Barangay Napsan. 19. Puerto Princesa waterparks Waterparks are a relatively new attraction in Puerto Princesa. If you’re traveling with friends and family, here are places to go for a day of fun. Waterparks in Puerto Princesa Kamia Bay resortLocation: Binunsalian Bay, Barangay Luzviminda. Save on Google Maps. Astoria Palawan WaterparkLocation: Kilometer 62, North National Hwy, Barangay. San Rafael. Save on Google Maps. 20. Nagtabon Beach & West Coast Beaches If you explore Puerto Princesa on Google Maps, you’ll see a lot of secluded beach coves, especially along the western coast. These beaches remain undeveloped because of their remote location. Nagtabon Beach is one of the more accessible options, reached within a one hour drive from Puerto Princesa city center. It’s a great place to go if you’re looking for a beach with a local vibe. Location: Brgy. Bacungan. Save on Google Maps. See rates & book online Nagtabon Beach or Talaudyong Beach Car Charter 21. Puerto Princesa beaches and coastal views Silica Beach, Puerto Princesa Marina de Bay Resort and Spa sea view, in Puerto Princesa City Here’s a list of beaches and beachfront resorts within or near the city center. White Beach / Silica Beach / Nasin-aw BeachLocation: Barangay Bancao-Bancao. Save on Google Maps. Princesa Garden Resort private-beachLocation: Barangay Bancao-Bancao. Save on Google Maps. Kalayaan BeachLocation: Barangay San Pedro. East end of the Puerto Princesa Airport runway. Save on Google Maps. BM Beach — Beachfront of Blue Palawan Beach Club & Chez Rose Beach Bar and RestaurantLocation: Barangay San Pedro. Save on Google Maps. Clarkville BeachLocation: Barangay San Pedro. Save on Google Maps. Emerald Beach — Beachfront of Microtel by Wyndham & The Emerald Playa Beach ResortLocation: Barangay San Manuel. Save on Google Maps. 22. Palawan Cherry Blossoms Palawan Cherry Blossoms at Balayong Park, Puerto Princesa On my summer trip to Puerto Princesa, I was really excited to see Palawan cherry trees, locally known as Balayong, in full bloom. The best area to see the beautiful pale pink blossoms of Palawan cherry trees is the area surrounding the Palawan State University campus, in the area of the planned Balayong Park. Location: Balayong Park, Brgy. Tiniguiban. Beside Ramon V. Mitra Sports Complex. Save on Google Maps. Other places of interest in Puerto Princesa Freedom Park and Puerto Princesa City Coliseum Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center (Crocodile Farm)Location: Barangay Irawan. Save on Google Maps. Binuatan Creations (Weaving Loom Center)Location: Puerto Princesa South Road. Save on Google Maps. Freedom Park at the City ColiseumLocation: Peneyra Rd, Barangay San Pedro. Save on Google Maps. Beyond Puerto Princesa El Nido Taraw Peak view overlooking Bacuit Bay Islands, in El Nido, Palawan, Philippines Location: Palawan province, west central Philippines. Save on Google Maps. El Nido Travel Essentials Where to stayTours + discountsCheck Fares Top discounts Puerto Princesa – El Nido Shuttle Transfers El Nido Tour A – Lagoons and Beaches Island Hopping El Nido Tour C – Hidden Beaches and Shrines Island Hopping See more: El Nido travel tips El Nido DOT-Accredited Hotels 21 Places To Visit in El Nido El Nido Itinerary + Travel Guide Port Barton Location: Palawan province, west central Philippines. Save on Google Maps. Port Barton Travel Essentials Where to stayCheck Fares Top discounts Port Barton Island Hopping from San Vicente (Join-In Tour) Philippines 4G Data eSIM (QR Email Delivery) Philippines Unlimited Data eSIM (QR Email Delivery) San Vicente Location: Palawan province, west central Philippines. Save on Google Maps. San Vicente Travel Essentials Where to stayTours + discountsCheck Fares Top discounts Port Barton Island Hopping from San Vicente (Join-In Tour) Philippines 4G Data eSIM (QR Email Delivery) Philippines Unlimited Data eSIM (QR Email Delivery) Manila Location: Metro Manila, Luzon, northern Philippines. Save on Google Maps. Manila Travel Essentials Where to stayTours + discountsCheck Fares Top discounts Manila-Luzon Shuttle – Tagaytay, Baguio, Laguna, La Union & more Manila Ocean Park Attraction Pass Enchanted Kingdom Admission Ticket See more: Manila travel tips 16 Places To Visit in Manila What places have you added to your bucketlist? Have you been to beautiful places in Puerto Princesa that should be on this list? Feel free to share your thoughts! Places to visit in Puerto Princesa Puerto Princesa tourist spots, things to do in Puerto Princesa, where to go in Puerto Princesa & more. 1. Puerto Princesa Underground River 2. Sabang 3. Honda Bay Islands 4. Dos Palmas Resort 5. Baker’s Hill 6. Mitra’s Ranch 7. Palawan Tribal Village and Butterfly Farm 8. Puerto Princesa Baywalk 9. Plaza Cuartel 10. Immaculate Conception Cathedral 11. Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm 12. Iwahig Firefly Watching & Mangrove Forest 13. Puerto Princesa Bay cruise & dolphin watching 14. Go on a food trip 15. Try Chao Long 16. Puerto Princesa museums 17. Trekking and outdoor adventures 18. Puerto Princesa waterfalls 19. Puerto Princesa waterparks 20. Nagtabon Beach & West Coast Beaches 21. Puerto Princesa beaches and coastal views 22. Palawan Cherry Blossoms Other places of interest in Puerto Princesa El Nido Port Barton San Vicente Manila Note: Destinations featured above are not listed by rank. Book your way to Puerto Princesa How much does it cost to travel to Puerto Princesa? Click below to compare flight, ferry & buses fares posted on these booking sites: BookAway Where to Stay in Puerto Princesa Click below & search recommended Puerto Princesa hotels/hostels/home rentals within your budget. Remember to set your min/max price, travel dates, and sort by review ratings. I often book online with these trusted booking sites below for rock-bottom prices & convenient bookings. AgodaBooking.com Book sooner rather than later if you already have your dates set. Cheaper-priced rooms and hotels with high reviews tend to get fully booked faster, especially during busy days like weekends, holidays & peak tourist seasons. Don’t Stop Here Click below for more travel inspiration: Puerto Princesa DOT-Accredited Hotels 16 Beautiful Countries in Asia 32 Places To Visit in The Philippines Philippine Airports – Terminal Fee, Travel Tax & Flights Guide Philippines Waterfalls Don’t leave yet. There’s more! 9 Things to do in Udaipur + Tourist Spots10 Things to do in Chittorgarh + Tourist Spots12 Things to do in Hanoi + Tourist Spots33 Things to do in Singapore + Tourist Spots Discover more blogs and travel tips in: Puerto Princesa Southeast AsiaPhilippinesPalawanAsia See all places Leave a Reply Cancel replyYour email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *Comment * Name * Email * Website Δ This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.Comments Raymond Anthony c yap says May 15, 2019 at 6:31 am Very informative. U really encourage one to love travelling.and explore places. Indeed, travelling is life of non-stop learning and fun. Thanks for sharing. Reply Liza says July 7, 2019 at 10:42 am Hi! You missed Noki Nocs! First time there and can’t get enough of their halohalo!! So good! Too bad there’s no noki nocs in Manila Reply Ana says December 5, 2019 at 8:07 pm Hi! Nice informative list and its what we did on our first trip to Puerto Princesa…pls do include Yamang Bukid Farm and Farm Resto….very good for those who like a unique PHILIPPINE farm experience…and they serve the best chicken inihaw I’ve tasted so far! Reply Mr Jeffrey Stainlay says December 10, 2019 at 7:19 am Hi, Thank you for your very informative and detailed blog. I have chosen Palawan to settle and retire to from Australia. You have just confirmed I have made the right chose!!!! Keep up the excellent work Marcos. Really well written. Reply Jay Eleanor says November 29, 2022 at 11:43 am I love Puerto Princesa, I’ve been there and it’s a great place. Thank you for sharing your experiences. Your article is very great in detail and recommendation. Can’t wait to go back here. I miss Palawan. Reply
Raymond Anthony c yap says May 15, 2019 at 6:31 am Very informative. U really encourage one to love travelling.and explore places. Indeed, travelling is life of non-stop learning and fun. Thanks for sharing. Reply
Liza says July 7, 2019 at 10:42 am Hi! You missed Noki Nocs! First time there and can’t get enough of their halohalo!! So good! Too bad there’s no noki nocs in Manila Reply
Ana says December 5, 2019 at 8:07 pm Hi! Nice informative list and its what we did on our first trip to Puerto Princesa…pls do include Yamang Bukid Farm and Farm Resto….very good for those who like a unique PHILIPPINE farm experience…and they serve the best chicken inihaw I’ve tasted so far! Reply
Mr Jeffrey Stainlay says December 10, 2019 at 7:19 am Hi, Thank you for your very informative and detailed blog. I have chosen Palawan to settle and retire to from Australia. You have just confirmed I have made the right chose!!!! Keep up the excellent work Marcos. Really well written. Reply
Jay Eleanor says November 29, 2022 at 11:43 am I love Puerto Princesa, I’ve been there and it’s a great place. Thank you for sharing your experiences. Your article is very great in detail and recommendation. Can’t wait to go back here. I miss Palawan. Reply