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Any dialog about Palawan is terribly incomplete and not using a point out of Puerto Princesa, its capital and solely metropolis. Adventurers and seashore bums flock to the towering karst cliffs of El Nido. Divers and nature lovers are drawn to the lakes of Coron. However lengthy earlier than they made a mark on Palawan’s tourism map, Puerto Princesa was already giving vacationers of every type somewhat style of what the province has to supply.
Situated in the course of mainland Palawan, Puerto Princesa serves as the most important and probably the most handy gateway to the province. Though a extremely urbanized metropolis, it retains its pure magnificence and has been persistently among the many cleanest and greenest cities within the nation, one thing that any traveler would instantly discover inside minutes of their arrival. It’s no marvel it’s additionally touted because the Eco-Tourism Heart of the Philippines.
But it surely’s not at all times butterflies and unicorns for the town’s tourism over the previous years. Like in lots of locations around the globe, the pandemic offered various challenges. Then, in 2021, the province was ravaged by Hurricane Odette (worldwide title: Rai), leaving virtually P8 billion in damages. However not too long ago, not even a 12 months after, we had been invited to hitch a current tour organized by the Division of Tourism (DOT)-MIMAROPA. We received to see for ourselves what it’s prefer to journey round Puerto Princesa now. On this article, we’re sharing with you an inventory of vacationer points of interest within the metropolis (not in any explicit order) and what it’s like at the moment.
Observe: Puerto Princesa is large! In truth, it’s the second largest metropolis within the Philippines by land space, subsequent to Davao. You’ll discover locations on this checklist which may be one or two hours away from the town middle, however they’re nonetheless a part of Puerto Princesa.
WHAT’S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?
Formally named Puerto Princesa Subterranean River however typically merely known as PPUR, this 8.2-km-long underground river is the town’s primary tourism draw. This pure marvel which was acknowledged as a UNESCO World Heritage Website in 1999 and as one of many New 7 Wonders of Nature in 2012.
Tucked within the northern nooks 76 km away from the town correct, it may be reached after round one and a half to 2 hours of land journey. The tour’s jump-off level is Sabang Wharf, and solely a restricted variety of guests are allowed per day. Vacationers are required to register upfront in the event that they need to go to. To keep away from coping with this course of, it’s best to ebook a packaged tour with a tour operator to allow them to register in your behalf. Packaged excursions normally embrace roundtrip land and boat transfers, audio information for the underground river tour, and buffet lunch.
One other wonderful thing about reserving with a tour operator is in case of inclement climate, you gained’t should spend time touring to Sabang solely to seek out out that the excursions have been canceled for the day. In case this occurs, they will additionally make preparations to maneuver your scheduled tour to the next day.
Just a few minutes away from Sabang Wharf, Cacaoayan Forest Park is an superior lunch cease after your Puerto Princesa Underground River tour. True to its title, being right here will make you’re feeling such as you’re in the course of a forest. Additionally, you will discover a good view deck right here together with Instagram-worthy spots harking back to these in Bali.
Their lunch buffet affords a wide range of Filipino dishes from fish to pork to hen to greens and contemporary fruits. In the event you’re concerned about making an attempt tamilok, the favored unique mollusk, you may also order it right here. Reservations are required for the lunch buffet, however some tour operators embrace a cease right here of their underground river tour packages.
Buffet charge is P350 per particular person.
Location: Brgy. Sabang, Puerto Princesa
Working hours: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Buffet Fee: P350/particular person
Sabang Seashore could also be identified primarily because the jump-off level to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, however it’s also an attraction by itself. This gorgeous seashore with the backdrop of the mountains is a pleasant place to swim and loosen up. From right here, you may also see the gorgeous St. Paul Limestone formation the place the underground river is flowing beneath.
In the event you’re in for extra journey, one other exercise you are able to do right here is the Sabang X Zipline. This thrilling trip will deal with you to the gorgeous view of Sabang Seashore and its surrounding space from above. Measuring 800 meters, it’s among the many nation’s longest ziplines that cross a physique of water. To achieve the start line of the trip, it is advisable to go on a brief 15-minute hike.
Tickets price P550.
Island hopping is without doubt one of the commonest actions in lots of locations within the Philippines, and Puerto Princesa isn’t to be neglected. Right here, seashore chasers go to Honda Bay, which isn’t too removed from the town middle.
Honda Bay is peppered with a number of isles, however island hopping excursions normally embrace simply three stops. In the event you’re a DIY-er and also you’re becoming a member of a bunch tour, these three islands shall be mounted. However if you’d like extra flexibility or when you’re an enormous group, you could ebook a ship and organize a non-public tour.
The jump-off level is Sta. Lourdes Wharf, roughly half-hour away from the town correct by tricycle. One-way fare is round P400-500 per tricycle.
At current, solely 3 islands are open for public island hopping excursions:
- Cowrie Island
- Luli Island
- Starfish Island
Boat charges range relying on the kind used. Listed below are the most recent charges, good for six passengers.
- with 4-cylinder engine: P2100 per boat or P350 per particular person
- with 3-cylinder engine: P1800 per boat or P300 per particular person
Apart from boat rental price, you additionally must pay the ENTRANCE FEES:
- Cowrie Island: P100
- Luli Island: P70
- Starfish Island: P50
Different islands could also be accessible, however most of them are personal and acquire a lot larger entrance charges. We’ll focus on them intimately under.
Listed below are different bills to anticipate when you’re doing a Honda Bay Island Hopping Tour:
- Environmental Charge: P150
- Terminal price: P5
- Goggles & snorkel rental: P150
- Full face masks rental: P200
- Aqua footwear rental: P150
- Fins rental: P150
In the event you don’t need to cope with all these funds by yourself, you could ebook a tour bundle provided by journey companies. Honday Bay excursions normally price P1750/particular person, inclusive of lunch, entrance charges, boat rental, tour information, and roundtrip transfers.
Beneath are extra detailed description of every island.
Cowrie Island
Of all of the islands dotting Honda Bay, Cowrie Island is the closest to Sta. Lourdes Wharf, making it a really perfect first or final cease. In the event you ebook a packaged tour, Cowrie Island can be the same old lunch cease. You can too order drinks from their bar and restaurant. For particular person meals, the meals is served in bilao (winnowing basket tray). For teams, it’s served boodle-fight-style.
Whereas ready for lunch to be served, you may take pleasure in swimming within the clear waters, stroll alongside the seashore or simply lay on the sand. Kayaks and stand-up paddle board can be found for lease. And when you’re with a bunch and you want enjoying sports activities, they’ve an space for seashore volleyball too!
Entrance Charge: P100
Cottage Rental: Spherical Desk (good for 4 pax) – P100; Spherical Desk (good for 8 pax)- P200; Kubo (good for 15-20 pax)- P500
Kayak: Single, P100/hour; Double, P200/hour; Triple, P250/hour
Luli Island
Honda Bay is adorned with various sandbars. One in every of them is Luli Island, quick for lulubog lilitaw, a playful shoutout to its disappearing act at excessive tide.
Up to now, it was the same old lunch cease. However the buffet restaurant right here was destroyed by Hurricane Odette and has not been rebuilt since. There’s nonetheless lots to take pleasure in right here, although. The fantastic thing about the sandbar itself stays. You possibly can nonetheless take pleasure in strolling on the sand, take images, or chill on one in all their many overwater hammocks. The water is crystal clear too so you may see little fish swimming round as you go into the water.
Entrance Charge: P70
Starfish Island
Round 25 minutes away from the wharf, Starfish Island is the snorkeling cease on Honda Bay excursions. It received its title from quite a few starfish that decision its clear, shallow waters dwelling. Even when you don’t know easy methods to swim, you may nonetheless see the small fish and different marine animals frolicking round.
Understand that there’s a designated swimming and snorkeling space marked by a line so be sure that to remain inside that space on your security.
You’ll find many tables and chairs and even cottages for lease right here. In the event you’re hungry, there’s a small retailer on the island the place you should purchase snacks. Seafood “paluto” can be out there. You should buy seafood — crabs, lobsters, fish, sea urchin or uni, and rang-ranga (spider shell) — and have them cooked.
Entrance Charge: P50
Cottage Rental: Kubo, P150; 2 tables (for giant teams), P300
Pambato Reef
Not like the opposite Honda Bay tour stops, Pambato Reef will not be an island. It’s a widespread snorkeling spot, marked by a platform floating in the course of the ocean. Earlier than leaping into the water, vacationers are given a brief lecture about marine and reef ecology and conservation.
Nevertheless, this too was closely broken by Hurricane Odette and stays closed to today. However as soon as Pambato Reef reopens, don’t miss out a possibility to discover one in all Puerto Princesa’s most visited underwater website!
Isla Pandan
As of this writing, Pandan Island stays closed and has but to announce once they would reopen.
One of many extra developed islands in Honda Bay, Pandan Island is now occupied by a non-public resort, Isla Pandan. It’s not among the many typical stops of the frequent three-island or two-island excursions.
It has an unimaginable, cream-colored seashore and clear emerald waters the place you may swim, snorkel, or simply bask within the solar. A buffet lunch can be out there on the island in addition to cottages and completely different water sports activities and seashore actions. You possibly can go kayaking, stand-up paddling, jetskiing, and banana boating when you’re into water actions or play volleyball and frisbee on the seashore. You can too go snorkeling, diving, or helmet diving.
Their day tour charge is inclusive of the doorway price, cottage, buffet lunch, and use of kayak, stand-up paddle, volleyball, frisbee, and board video games.
Day Tour Fee: P1000/particular person
Dos Palmas Island Resort
Located in Arreceffi Island, Dos Palmas is an island resort and spa good for individuals who need to have an opulent island trip. Their lodging are proper by the seashore, dealing with the tuquoise waters.
In the event you’re on a restricted finances, you may have a style of the posh island expertise by happening a day tour. You possibly can discover the 20-hectare island and the facilities of the resort. Apart from spending time on the seashore, day trippers can take a dip on the swimming pool, play volleyball, or go snorkeling.
Day Tour Charges: Grownup, P1800; Little one (2-11 years outdated), P900
*Day tour charges are inclusive of land and boat transfers and lunch.For reservations & inquiries, you could contact the administration.
Electronic mail: cbo@dospalmas.com.ph, rsvns@dospalmas.com.ph
Cell Quantity: 09175904442 / 09175000154 / 09298132360
Apart from its pure magnificence, you may admire extra of Puerto Princesa by exploring the town and studying about its historical past by happening a metropolis tour. Don’t depart with out shopping for souvenirs and pasalubong from Binuatan Creations, Baker’s Hill, and pasalubong middle.
You possibly can constitution a tricycle to take you to the completely different cultural and historic spots for P800-1000 per tricycle, good for as much as 3 passengers.
However if you’d like a extra comfy and extra insightful tour led by a educated information, ebook an organized tour!
Though there are some variations, listed here are the same old stops included in metropolis excursions.
Palawan Wildlife Rescue & Conservation Heart
Beforehand often called the Crocodile Farming Institute or Crocodile Farm, the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Heart is a 10-hectare property the place they breed two species of crocodiles, the Philippine crocodile (Crocodylus mindorensis) and the saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus).
Each quarter-hour, an academic tour is finished, which begins by the doorway the place the skeleton and pores and skin of an enormous crocodile are on show. After that, you can be led to the nursery of the infant crocodiles after which to the realm the place the grownup crocodiles are stored. Don’t fear, you’ll be strolling on an elevated walkway, out of attain.
A portion of the property is a nature park the place the rescued wildlife are housed. You’ll additionally see varied species of uncommon birds right here and a wide range of wild fauna.
Opening hours: Each day, 8:30 AM to five:00 PM
Entrance Charge: Grownup, P40; Senior Citizen, P30; Little one, P30
Mitra’s Ranch
Mitra’s Ranch is owned by the household of the late Senator and Home Speaker Ramon Mitra Jr. Situated in Barangay Sta. Monica, the home sits atop a hill and has a view deck, permitting an excellent, stress-free view of the town, Honda Bay, and the verdant surroundings in between.
Mitra’s Ranch is open to the general public. You solely must pay the doorway price if you wish to go inside the home.
Working Hours: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Entrance Charge (to enter the home): P20
Bakers’ Hill
Not too distant from Mitra’s Ranch, additionally in Barangay Sta. Monica, stands Baker’s Hill.
Baker’s Hill is a straightforward bakery that advanced right into a household vacation spot. Once you cross by the gate, you’ll be greeted by massive, colourful statues of widespread characters, including life to the gardens and playground surrounding the bakeshop. The positioning can be wearing varied decorations, the theme of which change relying on the time of the 12 months.
Most vacationers who come right here go pasalubong purchasing. You should buy completely different baked items like cookies, brownies, and naturally, their widespread hopia in numerous flavors. Additionally they promote different snacks like cashew nuts, polvoron, and pastillas. In the event you’re on the lookout for extra than simply snacks, you may dine at their restaurant known as Baker’s Kitchen.
Working Hours: 7:00 AM to eight:00 PM
Binuatan Creations
Weaving is a large a part of the tradition and humanities in lots of elements of the Philippines. Right here in Puerto Princesa, handloom weaving is showcased at Binuatan Creations. It additionally serves as a livelihood program to the group particularly moms and college students.
Watch how the expert weavers make colourful materials out of native fibers like buri, ticug grass, and amumuting. These materials are then made into completely different hand-loomed merchandise like baggage, equipment, placemats, and desk runners. To get extra appreciation on how intricate it’s, guests are welcome to attempt their hand on the method. The weavers would fortunately information you as they clarify easy methods to use the loom.
After this expertise, drop by the memento store to purchase a few of their merchandise for your self and for pasalubong to your family and friends!
Working Hours: 7:00 AM to six:00 PM
Plaza Cuartel
Plaza Cuartel appears to be like like your strange park lined with benches and bushes at the moment, however it has a ugly previous. On 14 December 1944, on the top of World Conflict II, 150 American prisoners of conflict had been burned alive by the Japanese in a garrison that stood on the website of the place Plaza Cuartel is situated at the moment.
Tunnels the place the prisoners the place stored and the ruins of the outdated garrison are stored as a reminder of this darkish second within the metropolis’s historical past. A memorial marker can be put in to commemorate the troopers who died in the course of the bloodbath and acknowledge the 11 who survived.
Puerto Princesa Cathedral
Adjoining to Plaza Cuartel stands Puerto Princesa Cathedral, often known as the Immaculate Conception Cathedral Parish. On the website the place it stands, the primary mass in Puerto Princesa was held on March 10, 1872 by Saint Ezequiél Moreno who was then an Augustinian Recollect Fray.
The cathedral has been rebuilt a couple of instances together with after it was destroyed by Japanese bombing throughout World Conflict II. The construction that you just see at the moment took virtually a century to complete and was solely accomplished in 1961. Its facade and interiors are clad in Neo-Gothic architectural type, just like the church buildings in Medieval Europe.
Palawan Butterfly Backyard and Tribal Village
Because the title suggests, there are two elements to this attraction: the butterfly backyard and the tribal village. The butterfly backyard homes various species of butterflies you can see flying round contained in the net-covered backyard.
Other than these lovely flying creatures, you may also see some endemic wildlife of Palawan right here just like the Palawan Bearcat, bearded pig, and Palawan peacock-pheasant which is the fowl that seems on the official seal of the town of Puerto Princesa. These species are smaller in dimension, however just like the peacocks, the male has colourful feathers and vibrant wings that exhibits once they unfold it, normally to draw peahens or the feminine birds.
On the Tribal Village, you’ll get a peek into the lifetime of the indigenous folks of South Palawan known as Palaw’an. Right here, guests are handled to a cultural present the place they’d see how the Palaw’an tribe historically lives within the mountains. The Palaw’ans display how they hunt, make hearth, and carry out a brief musical quantity utilizing a string instrument known as kudyapi. There’s additionally somewhat cafe right here the place you may attempt civet coffe or kopi luwak.
Working Hours: 8:30 AM to five:00 PM
Entrance Charge: Grownup, P60; Little one (4 to 12 years outdated), P50; Senior Citizen & PWD, P50
In the event you’re touring to Puerto Princesa with youngsters and children at coronary heart, Palawan Water Park received you lined. You possibly can take pleasure in sliding down the water slides along with your family and friends or splash round of their swimming pools.
The primary and solely water park in Palawan, it’s owned and managed by Astoria, however it’s open to everybody and NOT unique to Astoria’s resort friends.
Every ticket to the water park is inclusive of a lunch buffet.
Entrance Charge: Adults, P1200; Youngsters (4ft and under), P950; Youngsters (2 years outdated and under), FREE
Working Hours: Monday to Sunday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Journey awaits north of the town correct! In Barangay Tagabinet, you’ll discover one of the vital thrilling points of interest in Puerto Princesa —- Ugong Rock Adventures, a community-based sustainable tourism vacation spot.
Be able to get bodily as a result of you can be climbing Ugong Rock and go rappelling and spelunking on its caves. Reaching the highest would reward you with a panoramic view of the forest and the encircling limestone formations. After taking within the views, you gained’t be climbing again down as a result of the descent is by driving a 71-meter zipline!
Whereas Puerto Princesa seashores are synonymous with the islands of Honda Bay, you’ll additionally discover a number of coves that may be accessed by land. One in every of them is Nagtabon Seashore.
Nagtabon Seashore is located lower than an hour away from the town middle, so it’s considerably indifferent and never normally included in typical Puerto Princesa itineraries. It was once a sanctuary for individuals who need to escape the crowds, however it has been getting the eye of extra vacationers. Those that go to are welcomed by a picturesque view of the mountains and cerulean waters.
A number of years in the past, there are only some cottages out there for lease right here, however there are actually resorts and eating places within the space.
Location: Barangay Bacungn, Puerto Princesa
get there: From the town middle, take a bus going north (Taytay/Roxas/El Nido) to Bacungan. Then, constitution a tricycle to Nagtabon Seashore. In the event you’re a bunch, renting a van for a roundtrip transportation is an choice too.
In order for you one thing a bit extra offbeat, attempt firefly watching and get that magical feeling! Even when you already deliberate out your actions in Puerto Princesa, you may in all probability squeeze this into your itinerary since this tour occurs at night time. Once you be a part of a firefly watching tour, you’d hop on a ship and exit into the water the place you would feast your eyes with the blinking lights from the fireflies and the twinkling of the celebs within the sky.
There are three completely different firefly watching places in Puerto Princesa:
- Iwahig River. That is the unique location of firefly watching in Puerto Princesa. Utilizing a paddle boat, you’d cruise alongside Iwahig River as your boat man and tour information present you the fireflies. Sadly, Iwahig firefly watching is currenly closed, however fear not as a result of there are different firefly watching spots in Puerto Princesa.
- Sicsican River. That is the place we went firefly watching on our current journey. The town’s baywalk space serves because the jump-off level for this tour. From right here, you’d hop on a ship after which switch to a smaller boat, which might take you to Sicsican River the place fireflies abound. Tour guides make the firefly watching exercise entertaining by “speaking” to the fireflies in numerous languages. The tour features a scrumptious dinner on the boat, which we loved after cruising on the river and seeing the fireflies that seem like Christmas lights by the aspect of the river.
- Nagsaguipi River. This tour features a buffet dinner at a restaurant simply earlier than you begin your firefly watching journey. After making your stomachs full, you’ll get on a paddle boat and sail on Nagsaguipi River the place you’ll see the fireflies glow by the mangrove bushes.
With a top of 350 meters, Mt. Magarwak is a pleasant place to go to if you wish to see Puerto Princesa from above. The trek to the highest of this mountain is appropriate even for freshmen and takes round an hour and a half, relying on the tempo. It’s best to begin trekking early within the morning round 5:00 AM so you may attain the highest earlier than dawn. When you get to the highest, you may loosen up, have some espresso and look forward to the spectacular dawn over Puerto Princesa. From the height, you may also admire Honda Bay and Puerto Princesa Bay.
Mt. Magarwak is situated in Brgy. Bacungan, about 15 kilometers from the town middle.
Kamia Bay Resort lies in Brgy. Luzviminda, lower than an hour away south of the town middle. The waterpark covers about 4 hectares of the property in Binusalian Bay and options one of many largest inflatable parks within the nation. Company of all ages can take pleasure in bouncing round and taking place the slide of various heights or attempt wall climbing on the inflatables.
Different actions provided listed here are eco-tours and bike trails. The resort additionally has a buffet and plenty of areas the place you may chill whether or not you’re household, buddies, or your particular somebody.
Observe: We’re unsure if Kamia Bay Resort is closed or open. We didn’t get to go to on our current journey, so we couldn’t verify. However their social media accounts have been inactive since 2021.
In 1979, after the autumn of South Vietnam, various Vietnamese refugees discovered themselves in Palawan and arrange a camp. In 1993, the camp was moved to Barangay Sta. Lourdes. Through the years, some have left and returned to Vietnam however some selected to remain.
Right this moment, this group in Puerto Princesa is known as Viet Ville. Historical past buffs will certainly discover a go to right here fairly attention-grabbing. You can too have a style of the Vietnamese delicacies on the restaurant right here that bears the identical title. Viet Ville restaurant serves pho, banh mi, and Vietnamese espresso, amongst others.
Ask anybody in Puerto Princesa the place they counsel a first-time vacationer ought to go for a meal, and there’s an enormous likelihood they may level you to Ka Lui.
KaLui is maybe probably the most well-known Pinoy restaurant in Puerto Princesa. Fostering a homey Pinoy environment, it’s with picket furnishings, ceramic items, and work. Ka Lui serves principally Filipino seafood specialties. Additionally they give a complimentary fruit salad served on a halved coconut.
This restaurant is extraordinarily widespread so it’s extremely really helpful that you just make prior reservation to safe a desk.
Handle: 369 Rizal Avenue, Puerto Princesa
Opening hours: Mondays-Saturdays, 11AM-2PM (Lunch), 6PM-11PM (Dinner)
Contact quantity: (048) 726-6217
This isn’t someplace to go to however one thing to take pleasure in! Er, provided that you’re an adventurous eater.
Indulging in native meals is at all times an awesome a part of any journey. If unique meals doesn’t faze you, don’t miss out on Palawan’s delicacy —- tamilok! It’s also known as a woodworm as a result of it’s discovered inside mangroves. However it’s, in actual fact, a kind of marine mollusk with lengthy and tender our bodies. Yep, a distant cousin of oysters and mussels! Its style profile and slimy texture are corresponding to the extra frequent bivalves too, albeit with a powerful woody aftertaste.
When in Puerto Princesa, you may do that unconventional deal with at some eating places within the metropolis. I used to be in a position to attempt tamilok once we had lunch in Cacaoyan Forest Park in Sabang. They serve it with a aspect of vinegar the place you may dip it earlier than savoring it.
One other restaurant that provides it’s Kinabuch’s Grill and Bar situated throughout the metropolis middle, the place our teammate Yosh had his first style of it.
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