18 Best Puerto Princesa Tourist Spots | Underground River and Islands

Here are some of the things you can do and sites that you should see in Puerto Princesa. You can use this list to serve as your guide in whipping up your itinerary.

1. Visit the Underground River of Palawan

A trip to Puerto Princesa isn’t complete without visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site and New7Wonders of Nature, Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park in Sabang. This sprawling cave system, also known as the Puerto Princesa Underground River, is the province's main tourist attraction. 

It features limestone karst formations, pristine forests, large stalactites and stalagmites, and an 8.2-kilometer-long underground river.

Apart from the underground river that stretches up to 8.2km, you can also hike up the park’s forests to spot wildlife. Its forests host a wide variety of birds, mammals, and reptiles, all peacefully thriving within the park grounds.

The best way to explore this natural wonder is by joining underground river tours where you will board motorized paddle boats.

You will be provided with a lifejacket, headgear, and an audio device where you can listen to a recorded instructional guide on the underground river. While cruising inside the underground river, you might also spot different species of bats, birds, and reptiles.

2. Go Island-Hopping in Honda Bay

Beach lovers often skip Puerto Princesa in favor of El Nido and Coron, its more famous island destination neighbors.

Apart from the underground river experience, Puerto Princesa’s Honda Bay is blessed with white sand beaches and small islands rich in marine life, and you can visit the top attractions all in just one day with Honda Bay island-hopping adventures. 

You will be visiting Cowrie Island, Luli Island, and Starfish Island, which are all great spots for swimming and snorkeling in island-hopping tours.

Cowrie Island is a popular stopover for buffet lunch served by the boatmen or tour guides. It has cabanas with a massage area overlooking a picturesque view of the ocean. You can even order beer or cocktail drinks at the bar while you soak up the sun.

Luli Island is a sandbar, and only appears during low tide. It's bordered by mangroves, features a lagoon where you can swim in, and a diving board where you can jump off into its turquoise waters. Meanwhile, Starfish Island is famous for having a significant population of different varieties of starfish. 

3. Buy Treats at Baker’s Hill

This Puerto Princesa city tour stop is a great foodie destination. As the name suggests, it sits on top of a hill and offers various baked goods. They are most known for their hopia (bean-filled, moon cake-like pastry) that comes in a variety of flavors, with ube (purple yam) as the bestseller.

You can munch on freshly baked hopia during the activity or buy boxes of them for pasalubong (food souvenirs). Aside from hopia, other must-try treats include their crinkles and cookies. 

Baker's Hill also has a pizza kitchen and restaurant if you want a more filling meal aside from the hopia snacks. You can choose from pizza, pasta, dishes, sandwiches, and shakes. Palawan's exotic delicacy tamilok (woodworm) is also served in their restaurant if you're up for it! 

Aside from the tasty baked goods, Baker's Hill also has a garden with fun statues, perfect for photos with kids and families. You might even spot peacocks here! At night, it's ideal for romantic strolls. Thanks to its location, Baker's Hill also has a view deck where you are treated to a panoramic view of Puerto Princesa.

4. Lounge in Puerto Princesa Beaches

You don't have to hop on a boat for island-hopping packages to relax on some of the white sand beaches in Puerto Princesa. Tourist attractions like Nagtabon Beach, Sabang Beach, and Talaudyong Beach are easily accessible by land travel.

If you're the type who wants to lounge on the shore and get a tan or want the relaxing sounds of the waves as your background music, then Puerto Princesa won't disappoint. 

Nagtabon Beach offers a peaceful escape to travelers with its palm-tree lined shores and the long stretch of white sand. You can even spot fishers here with their freshest catch of the day. Sabang Beach is usually a picnic ground for underground river travelers, but its fine sand is perfect for relaxing strolls or sunbathing.

Or you can explore the nearby mangrove and explore the jungle trail. Talaudyong Beach is a relaxing tropical getaway where you can dip in its blue waters, build sandcastles by the shore, or sleep in a hammock under the trees. 

5. Watch Fireflies in Iwahig River and Irawan River

Adventures do not end just because the sun has gone down. Beyond the underground river, islands, beaches, and city attractions, Puerto Princesa offers the unique experience of firefly watching.

Take a trip to Iwahig River (Temporarily closed but will reopen to the public soon) or Irawan River in Puerto Princesa after the sun sets, relax as the boat wades through the mangrove forest, and wait for the thousands of fireflies to make their appearance!

You will board paddle boats and cruise along the river lined with mangroves and trees where the fireflies live in abundance. To get the best firefly watching experience, flash photography is not allowed, so you don't disturb and scare away the fireflies.

You might also spot glowing plankton on the river and see constellations in the sky. It is an excellent activity if you want to unwind from the city life and enjoy the beauty of nature. 

6. Drink at Palaweño Brewery

Photo from Palaweño Brewery

When it comes to Puerto Princesa nightlife, the ultimate destination in your list should be Palaweño Brewery. This first female-owned and operated craft brewery in the Philippines has been making waves in the global media because of their unique line of craft beers made with fresh local ingredients like coconuts, mangoes, honey, and spices. 

Their signature year-round available craft beers include Ambog Ale (American Amber Ale), Palawan Wit (Belgian Wheat Beer), Palaw’An (Honey Kolsch), Ayahay IPA, and Hunter (Honey Nut Brown Ale). They also offer seasonal beers like Buko Loco Coconut Cream Ale and Mango de Palawan. 

Aside from serving their brews in Palaweño Brewery's taproom, they brew and hand-label about 1200 cases monthly and are sold in local bars, restaurants, and hotels in the province. They also offer microbrewery experiences perfect for craft beer enthusiasts. 

7. Go Spelunking or Ride a Zipline in Ugong Rock Adventures

Another natural attraction in Puerto Princesa is the majestic 75-foot high moss-covered limestone formation called Ugong Rock. The word "ugong" refers to the reverberating bell-like sound that's produced when you hit or pound on the walls.

Ugong Rock is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the underground river, and is usually a side tour to complement it. 

The community-based sustainable tourism project, Ugong Rock Adventures, was created for travelers to explore the formation while making sure that ethical tourism practices are observed.

Here, you can try thrilling adventures like spelunking, zip line, rock climbing, zip biking, and base jumping. The activities will also give you a 360-degree view of the landscape. 

The most popular activities are spelunking and zip lining. Spelunking will give you an up-close look and access to the interiors of the formation.

You'll be squeezing through the narrow cracks and caverns, climb ladders, and slip through holes. If trekking isn't your cup of tea, you can try the zip line activity where you'll do a 71-meter drop. 

8. Visit the Crocodile Farm 

The Palawan Rescue and Wildlife Conservation Centre, also known as the Crocodile Farm, is a research center for crocodiles and other endangered species in Palawan.

The eight-acre wildlife center houses hundreds of crocodiles and can accommodate up to 4000. Here you can learn more about the endangered creatures and get an up-close look at them.

A tour of the crocodile farm will let you see two endangered types of this creature which the center also aims to conserve: saltwater crocodiles and freshwater crocodiles.

You will also pay a visit to the crocodile skeleton exhibit, the hatchling house to see baby crocodiles that you can pet with supervision, and the swamp enclosure for adult crocodiles that you can also feed on a bridge. 

Apart from the crocodiles, there is also a mini zoo and wildlife park that houses different species of birds, mammals, reptiles, and other animals found in Palawan and are allowed to roam freely. You can visit the crocodile farm by booking a Puerto Princesa city tour. 

9. See the View from Mitra’s Ranch

This famous tourist spot in Puerto Princesa is also known as Rancho Sta. Monica, and is owned by former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ramon Mitra Jr. Similar to Baker's Hill, Mitra's Ranch offers a fantastic view of Puerto Princesa and Honda Bay because of its location on top of a hill. Mitra’s Ranch is often included in a Puerto Princesa city package and is located near Baker’s Hill and Crocodile Farm.

Mitra's Ranch started as a famous picnic grounds like Tagaytay’s. Today, it's known for being a family-friendly destination where you can go horseback riding, ride a 4-station zip line, or walk down a hanging bridge. If you're not up for these activities, you can relax in the view deck and take in the breathtaking sight from the Ranch. 

10. Take a Moment of Silence at Plaza Cuartel

Plaza Cuartel is a famous historical tourist attraction often included in a Puerto Princesa sightseeing experience. It's a grim reminder of the Palawan Massacre which happened during World War II.

On December 14, 1944, Japanese soldiers brought 150 American prisoners-of-war to the shelter trenches (that the prisoners themselves dugout), doused them with gasoline, and burned them alive.

The Palawan Massacre killed 139 prisoners-of-war. Only 11 prisoners were able to escape death and were the ones who told the horrifying story. 

Today, Plaza Cuartel is an open-air war museum and shrine to the American prisoners-of-war who perished in this mass execution. In the middle of Plaza Cuartel is a marker with a list of the names of the casualties of the Palawan Massacre.

Plaza Cuartel is located near the wharf of Puerto Princesa and offers a good view of the ocean. It also has a garden that you can stroll and learn more about its history with the posters installed. 

11. Stroll at Puerto Princesa City Baywalk Park

Unwind and explore the Puerto Princesa City Baywalk Park (or Baywalk), an open seaside community park where you can stroll, ride bikes, or watch the sunset view. The Baywalk is a famous spot not just for travelers but with locals as well. It's usually included in a Puerto Princesa sightseeing escapade.

The seaside promenade attracts joggers and cyclists in the early morning, and a group of friends by late afternoon to nighttime to watch the sunset or try out the local snacks and drinks in the food stalls. There are also restaurants where you can feast on fresh seafood for dinner. 

If lounging by the benches or strolling isn’t enough for you, you can rent bicycles at the far end of the park for kids and adults that you can use within the park’s vicinity. Don’t miss taking a photo at the Puerto Princesa signage while in the park! 

12. Visit the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm

Looking for a unique experience in Palawan? Head over to the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm, a correctional facility about 15 kilometers from the Puerto Princesa city center. It’s a prison, but it doesn’t look and feel like one, which is why it's often packaged with other tourist spots in a Puerto Princesa tour.

Here, you are invited to mingle with the prisoners, who, instead of being caged behind bars, get to roam around the farm. They do farming, choring, making various handcrafted souvenirs that travelers can buy, and even occasionally perform dance routines for tour groups.

Iwahig Prison observes a merit system where prisoners are provided with vocational activities like farming, fishing, and carpentry, to name a few while they serve time. They also get to choose which activities they want to take part in. 

13. Explore Palawan Museum 

Palawan isn't just home to world-renowned natural wonders; it's also a historically significant province because of the Tabon Caves (known as the Cradle of Philippine Civilization), which is the main highlight of this Puerto Princesa escapade.

It was in the Tabon Caves of Palawan where the Tabon Man, the oldest human bones found in the Philippines, was discovered. You can also find other relics and artifacts unearthed in the Tabon Caves in Palawan Museum. 

Palawan is also home to various indigenous tribes, one of which is the Tagbanuas, an ethnolinguistic group that used syllabic writing before the arrival of the Spanish colonizers in the country.

Palawan Museum showcases the Tagbanuas and other indigenous people and ethnolinguistic tribes like the Pala'wans and the Cuyunons. The Palawan Museum showcases the wildlife of the province as well. 

Drop by the Palawan Museum during your Puerto Princesa city excursion to explore its extensive collection of historical and cultural artifacts and libraries. You'll find a newer appreciation for the province apart from its islands and beaches. 

14. Immerse Yourself at a Butterfly Garden and Tribal Village

If you love butterflies, beautiful gardens, and cultural immersions, make sure to include the Palawan Butterfly Ecological Garden and Tribal Village in your Puerto Princesa city adventure itinerary.

The first part of your tour here is in the butterfly garden where you can spot colorful butterflies and also learn more about them. Aside from the butterflies, you can find here rare insects and rescued endemic wildlife in Palawan as well, like the Palawan bearcat and the Palawan peacock-pheasant. 

At the back part of the butterfly garden is where you'll find a human-made village where you can interact with the indigenous tribe, which is considered to be one of the oldest inhabitants of Palawan.

Here you can learn about their culture, and customs like their ancient language called the Palawan paleograph. How they hunt with poison blow darts and even hear their traditional music. You can also buy souvenirs here where they sell handicrafts that they made like baskets and mats. 

15. Learn History at Palawan Heritage Center

Another Puerto Princesa city activity where you can learn about Palawan’s rich culture and history is an interactive and guided museum called Palawan Heritage Center.

Unlike traditional museums where you can only look at exhibits, the Palawan Heritage Center has touch-screen monitors and holograms that will tell you about Palawan’s history, economy, biodiversity, and challenges in maintaining its pristine environment. It also showcases the local artistry of Palawan. 

The 480 sqm interactive Palawan Heritage Center puts a spotlight on how the province is a melting pot of cultures because of the various indigenous tribes that settled on the island like the Palawan, Tagbanua, and Batak to name a few.

You can also learn more about the Tabon Man (remains discovered in the Tabon Caves), Manunggul Jar (burial jar unearthed from the Tabon Caves), and the South Sea Pearl. Thanks to the technological advances of this museum, learning about Palawan is more entertaining and can be enjoyed by both kids and adults. 

16. Ride the Sabang X Zipline

If you’re feeling adventurous, Puerto Princesa has another famous must-try zipline destination near the underground river – the Sabang X Zipline. This 800-meter long and 150-feet high zipline is the longest water-crossing zipline in the Philippines. 

Going to the platform will require you to trek through a trail, which will take about 10 minutes or longer, depending on your pace. Once you're locked in, you will traverse across the water and get a breathtaking scenic view of Puerto Princesa's mountains and sea. 

The zipline ride is about 2 minutes short only but it will be enough time for you to take in the beauty of Puerto Princesa's bright blue but crystal clear waters. The water's so inviting; you'll want to jump in the right after the zipline. You can do the Sabang X Zipline after your underground river experience. 

17. Appreciate the Architecture of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral 

The blue and white-colored Immaculate Conception Cathedral often included in a Puerto Princesa package is a century-old historic landmark in Puerto Princesa and a famous tourist destination for city tours. You can check out the cathedral right after visiting the Plaza Cuartel which is just right across it. 

It was first built during the Spanish-era in the Philippines as a small church but was developed into a cathedral in 1961. The majestic Immaculate Conception Cathedral is known for its unique Gothic architectural design that features pointed symmetrical arches that are reminiscent of Medieval European structures. 

Aside from its architecture, the Immaculate Conception Cathedral’s historical significance dates back to 1872 when the first mass in Puerto Princesa was held here.

It was also during that time when the Immaculate Conception of Mary was proclaimed as the Patroness of Puerto Princesa. You can also find some wood carvings from the Iwahig Prison and Penal Colony displayed in the cathedral. 

18. Go on a Mangrove Paddle Boat Tour

There’s more to Puerto Princesa’s river attractions aside from the famous underground river trip. It is also blessed with lush mangrove forests that you can explore on a serene paddleboat tour. Mangrove forests are essential productive ecosystems. 

They provide protection for shorelines, prevent erosion, and filter pollutants to maintain water quality and clarity. It is why Puerto Princesa is active in not just protecting these areas but also in spreading awareness about their conservation. 

Local guides will help you navigate along the calm river located in Sabang as they tell you more about the century-old mangroves and their significant role in the environment. You might also spot wildlife living in the trees like snakes, monkeys, and lizards during the almost 1-hour paddleboat activity. 

After the trip, you can also take part in a mangrove tree-planting activity. It will be an opportunity for you not just to experience nature but also help contribute to the protection and conservation of mangrove forests. 

Plan Your Island Getaway to Puerto Princesa Now!

Palawan is truly a nature lover’s paradise, and Puerto Princesa is a city that is worth a visit. It’s not just as a transit point, but a destination. Its city comforts paired with its small-town charm will make for a comfortable, relaxing vacation; and its top-notch tourist spots will give people more reason to visit the city and stay longer.

A trip to Puerto Princesa will satisfy your desire to get away from stress and quell your thirst for adventures. Make sure to use this guide as your starting point when planning your next island holiday in Palawan.

Explore the different sides of Puerto Princesa, Palawan. Start planning your trip by looking into Puerto Princesa tours and activities that you can add to your itinerary.