Things To Do
in Puerto Princesa
Puerto Princesa is a vibrant city located on the island of Palawan in the Philippines known for its stunning natural beauty. It is home to the famous Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. The city also features beautiful white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush tropical landscapes perfect for outdoor activities such as snorkeling, diving, and hiking.
Additionally, Puerto Princesa is a bustling city with a mix of modern amenities, traditional Filipino culture, and a warm and welcoming community.
- "Kumusta ka?" - How are you?
- "Salamat" - Thank you
- "Paalam" - Goodbye
- "Oo" - Yes
- "Hindi" - No
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $20 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $3 - $20
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.25 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Puerto Princesa Underground River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a scenic boat ride through the stunning limestone caves.
After lunch, explore the Sabang Beach, where you can relax or try water activities like kayaking. Don’t miss the local seafood restaurants for a fresh meal.
Head back to the city and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in the downtown area. If you have time, take a stroll at Rizal Park to enjoy the evening ambiance.
Visit the Puerto Princesa City Museum to learn about the local culture and history. Engage with the various exhibits showcasing Palawan's rich heritage.
Explore the lively market at the Local Public Market where you can shop for local crafts and produce. Taste some traditional Filipino snacks from local vendors.
Enjoy a traditional Filipino dinner at a local eatery. Spend some time at the Baywalk, enjoying the sunset and lively atmosphere.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich biodiversity and natural attractions such as the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters ideal for snorkeling and diving.
- Friendly and hospitable locals, making for a welcoming atmosphere.
- Growing ecotourism industry, emphasizing sustainability and conservation.
- Cultural experiences, including local cuisine and festivals.
- Limited infrastructure and public transport options may be challenging for some travelers.
- Risk of natural disasters like typhoons, which can disrupt travel plans.
- Environmental concerns, including pollution and over-tourism in certain areas.
- Higher costs for some activities or accommodations compared to other regions in the Philippines.
- Limited nightlife and entertainment options compared to larger cities.
Best Activities in Puerto Princesa
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the beautiful islands and beaches around Puerto Princesa on a boat tour, such as Honda Bay or El Nido.
Discover the vibrant marine life and coral reefs in the clear waters of the Palawan region.
Visit the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, for a fascinating underground river adventure.
Relax on the stunning beaches of Puerto Princesa, such as Sabang Beach, and enjoy the tropical paradise.
Explore the natural beauty of the region through various trekking and hiking routes, such as the Ugong Rock and Nagtabon Beach trails.
Tours
Uncover the best of Puerto Princesa with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Puerto Princesa
Visit one of these nice places.
A seaside promenade offering stunning sunset views and plenty of photo opportunities with the bay in the background.
A hillside park with beautiful gardens, whimsical statues, and scenic spots perfect for capturing the city and nature in one frame.
A picturesque beach with crystal-clear waters and stunning limestone formations, providing ideal settings for beach and nature photography.
Food in Puerto Princesa
Puerto Princesa Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A unique and popular delicacy in Puerto Princesa, tamilok is a type of woodworm found in the mangrove trees. It is typically served kinilaw-style (similar to ceviche) with vinegar, onions, and chillies. Visitors can try tamilok at local eateries and seafood restaurants such as KaLui and Kinabuch's Grill & Bar.
Must-Try!
Coconut-based dishes are abundant in Puerto Princesa, ranging from buko salad (a refreshing dessert made with young coconut, cream, and fruit) to buko pandan (a creamy and aromatic dessert with pandan jelly and shredded coconut). These can be savored at Rizal Avenue's Noki Nocs and Baker's Hill.
Similar to ceviche, kinilaw is a dish made of raw fish or seafood marinated in vinegar, calamansi (Philippine lime), and spices. The vibrant flavors of kinilaw can be experienced at local seafood spots like KaLui and Kinabuch's Grill & Bar.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Puerto Princesa better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The bustling market is a treasure trove of local flavors where visitors can sample a variety of street food such as grilled seafood, skewered meats, and tropical fruits. The market also offers an array of food stalls serving dishes like lechon (roast pig) and pancit (noodle dish).
This popular attraction is not only known for its scenic views but also for its delectable baked goods and local snacks. Visitors can indulge in freshly baked hopia (moon cakes), cassava cake, and other Filipino treats while strolling through the picturesque gardens.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Puerto Princesa, showing respect for elders is important. It is customary to address older individuals with politeness and deference.
When visiting Puerto Princesa, it's important to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or local communities.
Being mindful of personal space and using polite gestures, such as saying 'Excuse me' and 'Thank you', is considered respectful in Puerto Princesa.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Puerto Princesa with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Puerto Princesa
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a common practice in Puerto Princesa, Philippines. In most cases, a service charge is already included in the bill at restaurants and hotels. However, if you receive exceptional service, a small tip of about 5-10% of the total bill could be given as a gesture of appreciation.
In Puerto Princesa, Philippines, cash is widely used for payments, especially in smaller establishments and local markets. However, major credit cards are also accepted in larger hotels, restaurants, and malls. It's advisable to carry enough cash when visiting more remote areas or small businesses that may not have card payment facilities.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Puerto Princesa.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
The best time to visit Puerto Princesa, with warm weather, clear skies, and low humidity. Ideal for beach activities and outdoor adventures.
Expect heavy rains and occasional typhoons, which may affect outdoor activities. However, this season is great for experiencing lush green landscapes and fewer tourists.
Transitional periods with some rain and humidity, but also fewer crowds and lower prices. Good for budget-conscious travelers.
Puerto Princesa at Night
Hiking in Puerto Princesa
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A challenging trek that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes and a variety of flora and fauna along the trails.
Located in the Iglit-Baco National Park, this hike provides a unique opportunity to explore unspoiled wilderness and see diverse wildlife.
A popular spot with a relatively easy trail that culminates in a beautiful view of Puerto Princesa, featuring gardens and theme park elements.
A short hike that rewards trekkers with panoramic views of the city and the bay, ideal for a quick escape into nature.
While primarily known for its underground river, the park also offers hiking trails through lush jungles, with opportunities to see wildlife.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Puerto Princesa through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Puerto Princesa by plane.
The primary airport serving Puerto Princesa, connecting it to major domestic and international destinations.
Located in Cebu, this is the second largest airport in the Philippines and serves numerous international flights.
The main international airport serving Metro Manila, offering numerous international connections.
Situated in Pampanga, it serves as an alternative to Manila's main airport and accommodates various international flights.
Located in Davao City, it serves as the main gateway to the southern Philippines, with some international connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The Tagbanuas are one of the indigenous groups in Puerto Princesa, known for their rich cultural heritage and traditional practices.
Residents of Puerto Princesa City represent a diverse demographic, comprising various ethnic backgrounds, including Visayans, Ilocanos, and Tagalogs.
Cuyonon people are another significant demographic in the region, with roots in the nearby Cuyo Islands and known for their distinct language and customs.
Palawanos are indigenous to the area, often associated with the rural populations, and are culturally rich with unique traditions.
While primarily found in Mindoro, some Mangyan groups migrate to Puerto Princesa, contributing to the cultural diversity.
The Soul of Puerto Princesa
Discover the essence of Puerto Princesa through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Basketball is arguably the most popular sport in Puerto Princesa, with local leagues, community courts, and enthusiastic participation from people of all ages.
Football has a growing popularity, especially among the youth, with several local teams and competitions organized throughout the year.
Volleyball is widely played in schools and communities, with beach volleyball being particularly popular due to the city's coastal location.
Badminton has a significant following in Puerto Princesa, with many recreational players and tournaments held regularly.
Given its rich marine biodiversity, diving is both a sport and a popular tourist activity in Puerto Princesa, attracting many divers from around the world.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Puerto Princesa.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Filipino cuisine prominently features meat and seafood, several eateries in Puerto Princesa, such as KaLui and Itoy’s Coffee Haus, offer vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes, including fresh salads, vegetable stir-fries, and plant-based delicacies.
Travelers with gluten sensitivities can find gluten-free alternatives at select restaurants and cafes in Puerto Princesa. Many establishments are accommodating and willing to customize dishes to suit dietary needs, ensuring a pleasant dining experience for gluten-free diners.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Puerto Princesa with these cultural adventures.
