Called the “Gateway to Paradise”, Puerto Princesa serves as the main entry point to Palawan, one of the most stunning and unspoiled destinations in the Philippines. The city is home to the Puerto Princesa International Airport, making it the first stop for many travelers before they head to world-famous spots like El Nido, Coron, and Port Barton.
But Puerto Princesa isn’t just a transit hub but also a destination in its own right! Known for its stunning landscapes, rich biodiversity, and laid-back charm, it is more than just a pit stop to the famous El Nido or Coron. Dubbed the “City Within a Forest,” Puerto Princesa is packed with lush jungles, crystal-clear waters, and stunning beaches. Whether you’re a nature lover, foodie, or culture enthusiast, there’s something here to keep your itinerary exciting.
In this post, we’ll list some of the best things you can do in Puerto Princesa — from cruising through the UNESCO-listed Underground River to watching fireflies dance to some of the best islands you can visit in this part of Palawan. Let’s start exploring!
WHAT'S IN THIS GUIDE?
Puerto Princesa Underground River
Did you really go to Puerto Princesa if you didn’t make a stop at the Underground River?
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature! This jaw-dropping natural wonder is a must-see when you visit Palawan. Sabang Wharf, which serves as its jump-off point, is a two-hour drive from Puerto Princesa City. From the wharf, you’ll hop on a boat, land on a beach, and follow a short trail to the entrance of the underground river.
BUT WAIT! You can’t just show up and expect to get in so easily. There’s a daily visitor limit, and you must register in advance. Sounds like a hassle? That’s why booking a guided tour is the way to go because they will handle everything for you!
You can book directly with local operators, or make things even easier by booking online.
✅ BOOK UNDERGROUND RIVER TOUR HERE!
Most tour packages include roundtrip land and boat transfers, an audio guide, and lunch. Plus, if the weather turns bad and tours get canceled, you’ll be notified in advance. No wasted trips, no last-minute scrambling. Just pure adventure!
Honda Bay Tour
The Honda Bay Tour is a popular island-hopping adventure that showcases the stunning beauty of Puerto Princesa’s coastal treasures. This trip takes you to some of the most stunning islands, just a short boat ride from the city. Think turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and all the snorkeling you can handle.
Most joiner tours include three island stops, but if you’re rolling with a big group, you can book a private boat for more flexibility. Either way, the adventure starts at Santa Lourdes Wharf, about 30 minutes from the city center. Joiner tours usually cover hotel transfers, boat rides, entrance fees, and lunch. If you’re pulling a D-I-Y, keep in mind that boat rental fees don’t include island entrance fees or environmental charges. We’ll discuss some of the usual stops below.
As for the prices, joiner tours range from P1,700 – P1,900 per person, with gear rentals like goggles and aqua shoes available at the wharf. If you want a hassle-free booking, Honda Bay Tours are also available online.
Cowrie Island
Cowrie Island is the closest to Santa Lourdes Wharf so this is either the first or last stop for tours. As your boat approaches the island from afar, you won’t miss the island’s white sand glistening under the sun.
But I’m pretty sure some guests in packaged tours look forward to Cowrie Island for another reason — lunch stop! There’s also a bar where you can order drinks. When you’re done with lunch or while waiting to be served, you can rent a kayak and venture into the ocean or go paddle boarding. And of course, you can spend your time swimming, walking along the beach, or just lying on the sand to soak in the sun.
If you’re going to Cowrie Island on a private boat or interested in kayaking or paddle boarding, take note of these rates:
Entrance Fee: Adults, P100/pax; Children (5-10 y/o), P50; Children (4 y/o and below), FREE
Rental Fees
- Cottage: P500
- Tables & Chairs: P100 (1 table & 4 chairs)
- Stand-up Paddle: P150/hour
- Kayak Rental: Single, P100/hour; Double, P200/hour; Triple, P250/hour
Luli Island
Calling this stop an “island” is a stretch since it’s more of a sandbar.
Lulubog, lilitaw. Luli! Playing on the Filipino words that mean sink (lulubog) and rise (lilitaw), the island’s name is a reference to the natural magic of the sandbar as it appears and disappears with the tide. When the tide is low, you can walk along this long and beautiful sandbar surrounded by clear blue waters. The water here is so clear that you can see small fish very close to the shore.
Aside from swimming and sunbathing, you can also just chill on one of their overwater hammocks or in one of the cottages. And of course what’s a beach getaway without a few beach photos. Stand with the sandbar against the blue sea and sky as your backdrop or play few optical tricks on your followers and allow the locals to help you use props like a sandcastle, shells, or bottles as props for a few quirky shots!
Starfish Island
As the name suggests, this island is packed with — you guessed it — starfish! From bright orange to speckled blue, these little guys are everywhere, chilling in the crystal-clear, shallow waters. When swimming or snorkeling, keep in mind that there’s a designated area marked by a line so make sure to stay within that area for your safety.
Aside from snorkeling and swimming, there’s another way to appreciate the rich marine life on Starfish Island, and that’s by availing of “paluto” or cooking service. You’ll find a small market behind the beach teeming with fresh seafood for you to add to your plate — fish, crabs, lobsters, sea urchin or uni, and ranga-ranga or spider shell. Prices will of course depend on which seafood you’re choosing plus a corresponding cooking fee.
Pambato Reef
A popular snorkeling spot in Honda Bay, Pambato Reef is not on any island. Rather, you’ll find a platform floating in the middle of the ocean. Here, tourists are given a short lecture about marine and reef ecology and conservation before they jump into the water and feast their eyes on the colorful marine life swimming below them.
Puerto Princesa City Tour
If you want to get to know Puerto Princesa beyond its beautiful beaches, you need to book a City Tour! A city tour will take you to some historical sites like Plaza Cuartel and the Immaculate Conception Cathedral. Additionally, pasalubong places like Baker’s Hill and Binuatan Creations Weaving Center are also included as stops.
You have two options for the Puerto Princesa City Tour. You can charter a tricycle for P1,000 – P1,200. This is good for up to 4 pax. Note that this rate does not include entrance fees to the attractions. However, if you prefer a more comfortable tour complete with a guide, you can book an organized tour as a joiner. Rates are around P700 – P800 per person, inclusive of round-trip transfers to and from your hotel, entrance fees, tour guide, and snacks.
City Tour Rates
- Tricycle Tour: P1,000 – P1,200 (up to 4 pax)
- Joiner Tour: P700 – P800/pax
You can easily book a city tour online. You can choose between joiner tours as well as private ones if you’re traveling with a big group.
✅ BOOK PUERTO PRINCESA CITY TOUR HERE!
Here are the usual stops for the city tour.
Palawan Wildlife Rescue & Conservation Center
Want a peek into Palawan’s incredible wildlife? Head to the Palawan Wildlife Rescue & Conservation Center! Formerly the Crocodile Farm, this 10-hectare facility is both a breeding center for Philippine crocodiles and a sanctuary for rescued animals. They breed two species of crocodiles here: the Philippine crocodile or Crocodylus mindorensis and the saltwater crocodile or crocodylus porous.
Your tour kicks off with a guide leading you through the exhibits. First up is a giant crocodile skeleton and skin on display. Next, the nursery, where baby crocs wiggle around. Listen to your guide’s instructions before heading in! Then, it’s time for the big guns — massive adult crocs lounging in their enclosures. Don’t worry! You’ll be safely walking on an elevated walkway. Just hold on to your stuff unless you want a croc to claim it when you accidentally drop something!
Beyond the crocs, explore the nature park, which is home to rescued birds and other native wildlife.
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 8:00 AM – 4:45 PM
Entrance Fee: Adult, P40; Senior Citizen, P30; Children (4 to 12 y/o), P20
Address: Puerto Princesa South Road, Barangay Irawan, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
Mitra’s Ranch
Owned by the family of the late Senator and House Speaker Ramon Mirta Jr., Mitra’s Ranch is located in Barangay Santa Monica. It is a scenic hilltop spot with a stunning view of Puerto Princesa, Honda Bay, and the lush greenery of Palawan. It is a great spot for relaxing and taking photos while enjoying the city’s fresh air.
There are also multiple attractions here, including a giant slide, giant swing, and zipline. Note that there’s an entrance fee if you want to enter the house and separate fees for the activities.
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Entrance Fee: P20/person
Address: Mitra Road, Barangay Santa Monica, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
Baker’s Hill
Known for their pastries, Baker’s Hill also has a charming park that tourists now flock to. Upon entering the gate, you’ll be greeted by statues of different characters, gardens, and a playground that makes up many photo spots. The area is also always decorated with themes matching the time of the year.
Of course, the main highlight here is still the bakery. Most tourists add this to their itineraries with one goal in mind: grab as many flavors of their famous hopia! They also offer other baked goods like cookies, brownies, cakes, and breads. Other snacks like polvoron, pastillas, and cashew nuts are also available.
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Address: Mitra Road, Barangay Santa Monica, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
Binuatan Creations
While some tourists are hell-bent on bringing home the best hopia, some tourists prefer to bring home handwoven fabrics from Binuatan Creations.
But more than the colorful fabrics born from the handloom weaving of local fibers like ticug grass, amumuting, and buri, tourists are also welcome to sit in the seats of local weavers and try their own hand at creating a masterpiece. Trust us, this is the best way to appreciate not only the beauty of the pieces you’re packing in your bags but also the meaningful process that brought them to life.
As a livelihood program for the community, Binuatan Creations uses the fabrics created in a wide range of homemade items. With the right amount of shopping, you could redecorate your whole sala and dining area with placemats, table runners, and accessories.
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Address: Puerto Princesa South Road, Barangay Santa Monica, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
Plaza Cuartel
Plaza Cuartel may look like a simple park at first glance, but it has a dark past. Once a garrison, it is the site of the Palawan Massacre. On December 14,1944, during World War II, the Japanese decided to burn 150 American prisoners of war alive in the tunnels. Most of them died, but 11 survived.
Today, when you visit Plaza Cuartel, you’ll see a memorial marker that commemorates the soldiers who died and recognizes those who survived. The tunnels where the prisoners were kept and the ruins of the old garrison also remain in the plaza as a reminder of its grim history.
Operating Hours: As of June 2025, temporarily closed. Restoration still ongoing.
Address: Taft Street, Barangay Liwanag, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
Puerto Princesa Cathedral
Located just across Plaza Cuartel is Puerto Princesa Cathedral, formally called the Immaculate Conception Cathedral Parish. This Neo-Gothic church is one of the historical landmarks in the city.
The first mass in Puerto Princesa was held in this site on March 10, 1872. However, the structure you see here today was completed in 1961. Mystifying as that may be, it’s mostly due to the many rebuilds that happened over the decades, following destructive events like the Japanese bombing during World War II.
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM. For the mass schedules, check the official Facebook page.
Address: Taft Street and Rizal Avenue, Barangay Mabuhay, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
Palawan Butterfly Eco-Garden and Tribal Village
The Palawan Butterfly Eco-Garden and Tribal Village is nature and culture in one! It’s an immersive experience showcasing Palawan’s wildlife and indigenous heritage.
The butterfly garden is where colorful butterflies flutter around a net-covered sanctuary. You’ll also meet some of Palawan’s endemic wildlife, like the Palawan Bearcat, bearded pig, and the stunning Palawan peacock-pheasant — the one on Puerto Princesa’s official seal. Males show off their vibrant wings to impress the ladies, just like peacocks, but on a smaller scale.
Next, step into the Tribal Village and take a peek into the life of the Palaw’an, the indigenous people of South Palawan. Watch as they make fire, hunt, and perform with the kudyapi, a traditional stringed instrument.
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Entrance Fee: Adults, P60; Senior Citizens & PWDs, P50; Children (4 to 12 y/o), P50; Children (3 y/o and below), FREE
Address: Barangay Santa Monica, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
Nagtabon Beach
Situated less than an hour away from the city center, Nagtabon Beach is sort of a hidden gem in Puerto Princesa. It is not usually a part of tours or Puerto Princesa itineraries so it’s not as tourist-heavy as the other attractions on this list. And while the other beaches we’ve discussed warrant a boat ride, this stretch of sand can be accessed by land.
This beach used to be a haven for those who want to escape the crowds by the beach, but it has gotten more attention over the years. Its golden sand, rolling waves, and view of the mountains in the background have skyrocketed it into popularity. A few years back, there were only a few cottages here, but now, you’ll find multiple resorts and restaurants in the area.
Location: Barangay Bacungan, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
Firefly Watching
This might not be what you had in mind when thinking about night life in Puerto Princesa, but it’s worth including in your itinerary. Firefly watching is an activity that shines brighter when the sun goes down! Ride along a river and watch the fireflies light up the mangrove trees like Christmas lights.
There are three different locations to go firefly watching in Puerto Princesa:
- Iwahig River.The first firefly-watching spot in Puerto Princesa and they claim to have the highest concentration of fireflies in the region.
- Sicsican River.This is where we went firefly-watching on our last trip to Puerto Princesa. For this tour, the jump-off point is the baywalk area. From here, you’ll hop on a boat and then transfer to a smaller boat that will take you to Sicsican River.
- Nagsaguipi River. You can book this tour online. This tour usually starts with a buffet dinner before you get on a paddle boat to sail along Nagsaguipi River to see the glowing fireflies.
✅ BOOK PUERTO PRINCESA FIREFLY WATCHING HERE!
Similar to Nagsaguipi River, the Sicsican River firefly-watching tour also includes a dinner buffet. On the other hand, dinner is optional for the Iwahig Firefly Tour. If you’re planning to book with a tour operator, make sure to check the location and inclusions of the tour.
Rates: P1,000 – P1,800
Ka Lui
Ka Lui is probably the most popular Filipino restaurant in Puerto Princesa. Ask around for the best eats in the city and there’s a 99.99% chance someone will point you in the direction of this open-air restaurant. Known for its cozy and homey ambiance, guests are required to remove their shoes before stepping into the restaurant, just like when you’re stepping into a typical Pinoy home.
They serve mostly Filipino seafood specialties including fish, shrimp, and more. Guests are also treated to a complimentary fruit salad served on a halved coconut. With how popular this restaurant is, it is highly recommended to make a prior reservation if you want to dine here during your trip.
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Lunch) & 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM (Dinner)
Address: 369 Rizal Avenue, Barangay Bancao-bancao, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan
Tamilok
As we always say, leave the fast food at home when traveling around the Philippines! This usually means trying local restaurants such as Ka Lui, but it could also mean grabbing a bite of delicacies like tamilok, a marine mollusk often mistaken to be a woodworm found in the mangroves that protect Palawan’s shores. Think of it as a distant cousin of oysters and mussels — it’s exactly as slimy as you’re imagining it and it even has a similar taste.
Several restaurants in the city offer tamilok, so it’s not that hard to find. During our trip, we tried it when we had lunch in Cacaoyan Forest Park. It was served with a side of vinegar to cut through the unique texture and flavor of the delicacy. Another restaurant where you can try it is Kinabuch’s Grill and Bar, located in the city center.
Where to Stay in Puerto Princesa
If you haven’t foound a place to stay in Puerto Princesa yet, consider some of these top-rated accommodations according to online user reviews.
Top Hotels on Agoda
- ASTORIA PALAWAN RESORT
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - HUE HOTELS AND RESORTS PUERTO PRINCESA
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - AZIZA PARADISE HOTEL
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - CANVAS BOUTIQUE HOTEL
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - SUNLIGHT GUEST HOTEL PUERTO PRINCESA
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here!
Top Hotels on Hotels.com
- HIBISCUS GARDEN RESORT
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - DOLCE VITA HOTEL
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - PANJA RESORT PALAWAN
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - FERSAL HOTEL PUERTO PRINCESA
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here! - DALUYON BEACH AND MOUNTAIN RESORT
✅ Check Rates & Availability Here!
For a more detailed list that you can refer to, check out our Top 10 Hotels & Resorts in Puerto Princesa article.
Find more Puerto Princesa Hotels!
Updates Log
2025.06.04 – First uploaded
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