Experiences in Puerto Princesa
- 01
Honda Bay island hopping
A boat trip among the small islands of Honda Bay, just off the coast of Puerto Princesa, for swimming, snorkelling and beach time. It is the easy, close-to-town alternative to the Underground River.
- Time needed
- Half day to full day
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- Dry months, early morning
- Tickets
- Boat trips are sold at the wharf and by hotels. Prices and island combinations vary, and environmental or island fees may be extra, so ask for the total before paying. Confirm everything locally.
- 02
Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Centre
A wildlife rescue and crocodile-farming centre at Irawan, known to visitors as the Crocodile Farm. It keeps Philippine and saltwater crocodiles and other Palawan animals.
- Time needed
- 1.5 to 2 hours
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Morning, before the heat
- Tickets
- Wikivoyage listed a small entry fee and hours of about 8.30 am to 4.30 pm, but these may have changed. Confirm locally. The centre organises informational tours.
Read the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Centre guide →
- 03
Puerto Princesa Underground River
A boat ride into a limestone cave where a river runs to the sea, inside a UNESCO World Heritage national park about 80 km north of the city. It is the reason most people stop in Puerto Princesa.
- Time needed
- Full day, with the drive
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- Dry months, roughly January to April; early morning
- Tickets
- A permit is required to enter the park. Wikivoyage describes buying it in Sabang or paying more through accommodation, but booking routes have changed over the years, so confirm with the city tourism office or your hotel. Fees are not fixed; check current prices.
Places of worship in Puerto Princesa
- 04
Immaculate Conception Cathedral
The Catholic cathedral of Puerto Princesa on Rizal Avenue, painted blue and white, and the seat of the Apostolic Vicariate of Puerto Princesa. It is a calm stop in the city centre.
- Time needed
- 20 to 30 minutes
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Morning or late afternoon
- Tickets
- Free to enter. It is a working church, so cover shoulders and knees, keep voices low, and check Mass times before visiting. Do not photograph worshippers without asking.
Culture in Puerto Princesa
- 05
Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm
A large farming penal colony south-west of the city where inmates live with their families, founded under American rule in 1904. Some visitors come for the unusual setup and for mahogany handicrafts.
- Time needed
- About 1.5 to 2 hours
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Morning
- Tickets
- This is a working correctional facility. Visiting arrangements are not covered in the sources we opened, so ask your hotel or driver to confirm access and any rules about photography.
Gardens and parks in Puerto Princesa
- 06
Palawan Butterfly Garden
A small garden for native Palawan butterflies, about halfway along the road to the wildlife centre. A short, shaded stop that suits children and older visitors.
- Time needed
- 30 to 45 minutes
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Morning, when butterflies are active
- Tickets
- Wikivoyage listed a small entry fee and inconsistent opening times (8 or 8.30 am). Confirm both locally before you go.
Museums in Puerto Princesa
- 07
Plaza Cuartel
The site of the old Constabulary barracks where Japanese troops killed American prisoners of war on 14 December 1944. A small park with ruins and markers, close to the cathedral.
- Time needed
- 30 to 45 minutes
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Morning, before the heat
- Tickets
- Wikivoyage describes it as restored ruins with a memorial; check on arrival whether the small museum is open and whether there is a fee.
Landmarks in Puerto Princesa
- 08
Puerto Princesa Baywalk
A waterfront promenade on Puerto Princesa Bay where residents walk, eat and watch the sunset. A low-effort evening outing after a long day on the road.
- Time needed
- 45 to 60 minutes
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Late afternoon to sunset
- Tickets
- Free to walk. Food and drink stalls and restaurants nearby set their own prices and hours; confirm vegetarian options before you sit down.
Neighbourhoods in Puerto Princesa
- 09
Sabang Beach
The small beach village on Palawan's west coast where boats leave for the Underground River. A place to rest before or after the cave, with a few simple eateries.
- Time needed
- 1 to 3 hours (a stay with the cave trip)
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Morning and late afternoon
- Tickets
- Free to visit the beach. The cave boat needs a separate permit; arrange it before arrival. Eateries and guesthouses set their own prices.
