Welcome to Puerto Princesa
Palawan’s bustling capital is mainly a gateway to El Nido and the beaches of the west coast, but ‘Puerto’ does have enough diversions to warrant a day or two if you’re passing through. A decent food scene, some nightlife along main drag Rizal Ave, and a growing number of boutique hotels increase the appeal.
Top experiences in Puerto Princesa
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Puerto Princesa activities
Underground River Tour, Including Lunch from Puerto Princesa
The incredible Puerto Princesa Underground River is one of the seven wonders of nature and a must to any visitor to the Philippines. The cave formations are spectacular and are considered to be one of the most complex cave systems in the world. The river runs through it for 8.2 kilometers. You’ll have an incredible experience exploring the caves of Underground River and our boatman/tour guide will help make this a very fun and interesting day. A great buffet lunch is included. Typical Itinerary;7am: – Underground River Tour pick-up8.30am: Stopover at the Halfway point10am: Arrival at Ugong Rock (optional tour)12pm: Arrival at Sabang Wharf, Lunch and Leisure time2pm: Underground River tour4pm: Departure in Sabang Wharf from the Underground River Park5.30pm: Arrival in Puerto Princesa
Palawan Underground River Cruise, Zipline from Puerto Princesa
A driver and guide will pick you up from your hotel in Puerto Princesa in early morning and head to Underground River, one of the six World Heritage sites of the Philippines and a natural wonder in Palawan Island. Embark on the river cruise where you will see an entrance in a stone cliff, half submerged by a saltwater lake that feeds directly to the ocean. Explore the longest navigable subterranean river in the world, completely underground, with unique rock formations all along the way. With a torch, you will see the important parts of this fascinating natural wonder. Next, depart for Ugong Rock for more adventurous activity. Ugong Rock is a 75ft limestone formation in the midst of farmlands and karst forests. It contains interesting stalagmites and stalactites and other geological richness. Enter through several caves until reaching the top and enjoy the 360 degree breathtaking view of the countryside. End the tour with the sharp zip-line from the top of the rock downward. After a fun activity, your driver will transfer you back to your hotel safely.
Puerto Princesa Fireflies Watching with Dinner
Our driver/guide will pick you up from your hotel or agreed meeting point at 6pm by air-conditioned minivan and head to Iwahig River located 45 minute drive from Puerto Princesa town.Upon arrival and register at the waiting area, then the staff will provide the life vests before hop on the paddle boat. Your boatman will paddle along the river and show you the fireflies blinking on top of the mangrove tree like a Christmas lights. You will also learn fascinating facts about these flashers from your informative tour guide. Please note that no flash photography as this will disturb the fireflies and causing them to leave the area immediately. Dinner is included and your driver will transfer you back to your hotel safely.
Palawan: Puerto Princesa and El Nido - 4 Days and 3 Nights
Suggested Itinerary:Day 1- AM Arrival PPS airport/ PM CityStart with pickup at your hotel in Puerto Princesa, then travel to the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Just next door to the cathedral is Plaza Cuartel, once a military fort that was the site of tragic events under Japanese occupation during WWII. Continue to the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center, often called the “crocodile farm,” then see hundreds of Philippine crocodiles, an endangered species that’s native to the country. Try a few sweet treats at Baker’s Hill. Drive to the hilltop Mitra Farm, where you’ll find a shady veranda that looks out at the Honda Bay, as well as horses and cows in carefully-tended pastures.This 4-hour tour concludes with drop-off at your hotel.Day 2- Under Ground Tour/ El nidoThe incredible Puerto Princesa Underground River is one of the seven wonders of nature and a must to any visitor to the Philippines. You’ll have an incredible experience exploring the caves of Underground River and our boatman/tour guide will help make this a very fun and interesting day. A great buffet lunch is included. Typical Itinerary; 7am: – Underground River Tour pick-up 12pm: Arrival at Sabang Wharf, Lunch and Leisure time 5.30pm: Arrival in Puerto PrincesaDay 3- Tour A ( Island Hopping Elnido)/ Back PPSThe El Nido day tour will take you to the most awe inspiring rock formations and lagoons which can only be found in Bacuit Bay. The tour will take you to the following lagoons and beaches: Secret Lagoon is surrounded by limestone karst cliffs. As you enter into a small hole, you will see a massive caldera that was once a cave which collapsed and now is surrounded by karst cliffs. In the middle is a lagoon. Shimizu Island - is an island with stunning limestone cliffs where swift let nest and produce the much sought after bird's nest soup, believed by Asians to have healing powers. Here the guides will prepare for you a sumptuous meal while you snorkel in the nearby coral reef. Small Lagoon - Located on the cove of Miniloc Island. As you enter a small swim through hole on board a kayak or swimming through, you will see the tranquil turquoise-green waters of Small Lagoon of its orchid-lined limestone walls, a showcase a kaleidoscope of marine life. Big Lagoon - a visit to Big Lagoon is a running tour on board the outrigger boat, approaching the lagoon in the middle of karst limestone formations you are welcomed by water so clear and full of marine life. Big lagoon is a breeding ground for fishes and crustaceans. Seven Commandos Beach - The final destination after a long day on tour. Seven Commandos is named after the 7 remaining Japanese commandos who lived in the island as stranglers after World War II. The island has a long white sandy beach lined with palms trees.Day 4- Airport Transfer
Half-Day City Tour from Puerto Princesa
This 4-hour tour will give you a glimpse of Puerto Princesa City, a tropical paradise with a bustling urban center that will provide you with the perfect getaway destination. Take a chance to visit the Immaculate Conception Cathedral that was built in 1961, and adjacent to the church is the Plaza Cuartle, a grim reminder of World War II. Drop by at Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center (Crocodile Farm) to witness the areas of the research center which will give you the opportunity to see crocodiles of numerous ages and sizes. After that, ready your taste buds for delicious baked goodies from Baker’s Hill. This is a grea treat for your sweet-tooth.Explore and relax in Mitra’s Ranch, a spacious property with a log cabin and a beautiful veranda right across the Honda Bay.You may also choose to visit the Butterfly Garden, feel free to lose yourself in spectacular garden filled with amazing plants. The main features are the lovely and colorful butterflies of all sizes.Before the tour ends, you will be able to buy your souvenirs in Binuatan Creation and Tiangge-Tiangge a famous one-stop-shop in Puerto Princesa.
8-Day Puerto Princesa & El Nido
Day 1: Puerto Princesa Airport Pick-upOn arrival at Puerto Princesa airport, we will transfer you to your accommodation. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.Day 2: Underground River Tour (B)The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is one of the most important protected areas of the Philippines. It features a spectacular limestone or karst landscape with one of the most complex cave systems. The discovery of at least 11 minerals, crystal and egg shape rock formations, and a 20 million-year-old Miocene age serenia fossil in the cave further add to its scientific value. Overnight in Puerto Princesa.Day 3: Transfer Puerto Princesa to El Nido (B)This morning you will board a shared transfer from Puerto Princesa to El Nido, a pristine natural sanctuary home to a wealth of coral reefs, lagoons, islets, caves, coves, springs and waterfalls. On arrival check-in your new accommodation.Days 4: El Nido Island Hopping (B/L/D)Today, you'll be picked up at your accommodation at 9am to discover some of El Nido's most stunning hidden gems on a custom boat tour. See beautiful rock formations and three different lagoons. Halfway through the day enjoy a traditional Filipino lunch fresh off the grill. Tonight, you'll be camping on the Diapila Beach, a secluded desert island.Day 5: El Nido Island Hopping (B/L/D)Enjoy an early morning breakfast soaking in the tropical morning and then get ready for a day full of snorkeling and sunbathing. You'll depart by boat at 9am to continue the guided tour of this stunning area, with visits to more beautiful islands, secret lagoons, and picturesque beaches. imagine. Take the Kayak and explore the lagoons and be your own captain. Tonight, you'll enjoy camping on the beautiful Cagdanao Island.Day 6: El Nido Inland Bicycle Tour (B/L/D)On your last guided full day in El Nido, you'll set sail to see some of the world's clearest waters. as the onboard crew points out all the hidden gems that are not yet exploited by tourism. In the afternoon, you'll be welcomed to Kulaylayan Village on another secluded island, where you'll be camping for the night.Day 7: El Nido Free Day (B)After a morning breakfast, you'll explore hidden highlights such as Cobra and Helicopter Islands before we return to El Nido around 4pm. You'll check-in to your island accommodations and enjoy an evening of free time in this tropical paradise. Overnight in El Nido.Day 8: El Nido to Puerto Princesa - Airport or Accommodation Drop-Off (B)It is time to say goodbye to this beach paradise as you catch a transfer back to Puerto Princesa, where you will be dropped off either at your next accommodation or at the airport for your onward flight. If you plan to fly off on this day, we strongly recommend that you book a flight only after 4 pm, otherwise you will risk missing it.