Puerto Princesa, nestled on the serene island of Palawan in the Philippines, is affectionately dubbed the “Princess of Ports” in English. Renowned for its myriad natural marvels, it beckons travelers seeking unforgettable experiences. Uncover the best Puerto Princesa city attractions to make your trip an experience of a lifetime.
Puerto Princesa City Attractions
Embark on an unforgettable journey to the captivating city of Puerto Princesa, where paradise meets adventure in the heart of Palawan, Philippines. As the largest city in the country, Puerto Princesa offers an abundance of wonders waiting to be explored.
Blessed with pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and lush rainforests teeming with biodiversity, Puerto Princesa beckons travelers from around the globe with its unparalleled natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. This is the home of the world-renowned underground river, a UNESCO World Heritage Site acclaimed as one of the seven wonders of nature.
But beyond its natural wonders, Puerto Princesa has a deep-rooted history as a vital link connecting the region with the outside world through its airport and seaport facilities.
Whether you’re delving into the enchanting depths of the Puerto Princesa Underground River, basking in the sun on idyllic island beaches, or immersing yourself in the vibrant local culture, we have curated some of the best Puerto Princesa city attractions to include in your itinerary this year.
Puerto Princesa City Attractions: Places to Visit
Make sure to explore these best Puerto Princesa city attractions when you’re in the area!
1. Immaculate Conception Cathedral
Standing as a timeless symbol of faith and history, the Immaculate Conception Cathedral graces Puerto Princesa’s skyline with its striking blue and white hues, captivating visitors with its century-old allure.
This iconic landmark, often a highlight of Puerto Princesa city tours, offers a glimpse into the city’s rich heritage and religious significance. Originally constructed by Spanish rulers in 1865 to commemorate a sea expedition, the cathedral was later elevated to its current status in 1961.
Adjacent to Plaza Cuartel, another historical gem in the city center, this cathedral enchants and draws visitors with its magnificent Gothic-style architecture. Inside its hallowed halls, you’ll discover wood carvings from the Penal Colony and the Iwahig Prison, further highlighting the place’s rich historical and cultural significance.
Location: 58 Rizal Avenue, Puerto Princesa, 5300 Palawan
Opening Days and Hours: Daily, 6 AM to 6 PM
Admission Fee: Free
2. Nagtabon Beach
Nagtabon Beach stands out as the best places to visit in Puerto Princesa, offering pristine shores and a vibrant atmosphere. What’s even more convenient is its accessibility by land, eliminating the need for a cross-island tour to revel in its beauty. The Puerto Princesa hidden gem lies a mere 45-minute drive from the city center.
Location: Sitio Nagtabon, Bgy, Puerto Princesa, 5300 Palawan
Opening Days and Hours: Daily, 12 PM to 12 AM
Admission Fee: PHP 10.00 (USD 0.18)
3. Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
If you haven’t visited the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, you’re truly missing out. Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site on December 4, 1999, this destination is a blend of scientific wonder and natural beauty.
The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River holds the title of being the world’s longest navigable underground river. Its distinctive limestone karst formation, coupled with water flowing directly into and out of the sea, makes it a sight to behold.
To explore this marvel, securing a permit is essential, requiring ID and passport verification. It’s worth noting that the park may close during severe weather conditions.
Location: Puerto Princesa, Palawan
Opening Days and Hours: Daily, 6.30 AM to 4.30 PM Tours are scheduled daily, 8.30 AM to 3.30 PM
Admission Fee: PHP 175 (USD 3.50) for local adults, PHP 250 (USD 5) for adult foreigners
4. Plaza Cuartel
Plaza Cuartel is among the best places to visit in Puerto Princesa to explore the city’s tumultuous history. You can enter and wander around this place for free, making it an affordable destination in Puerto Princesa for those interested in educational and cultural tourism.
Originally erected by the Spanish as a garrison during their colonial reign, Plaza Cuartel bore witness to a tragic event during the Second World War. Over 150 American soldiers seeking refuge within its tunnels met a harrowing fate as they were engulfed in flames by Japanese forces.
Today, this meticulously preserved locale boasts verdant gardens, attracting both locals and tourists alike. Within its serene grounds, solemn memorials pay homage to the fallen soldiers, serving as poignant reminders of the site’s somber history.
Location: PPRH+2V8, Taft St, Puerto Princesa, Palawan
Opening Days and Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM
Admission Fee: Free
5. Ugong Rock Adventures
Attention all thrill-seekers and daredevils! Welcome to Ugong Rock Adventure, your ultimate destination for heart-pounding excitement. Here, you can experience the rush of rock climbing to the summit of the moss-covered stone formation or delve deeper into this natural marvel through spelunking with friends and family.
Recognized as another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ugong Rock Adventure is meticulously preserved, ensuring that while it caters to tourists, it upholds the principles of responsible environmental tourism. This spot is one of the best outdoor attractions in Puerto Princesa for all conscientious nature lovers out there.
And if rock-climbing and spelunking aren’t your cup of tea, fear not! You can still enjoy the adrenaline with activities like zip-lining, base-jumping, and zip-biking, offering panoramic views of the area from every angle.
Location: 3VP3+PVV, Purok Pagkakaisa, Brgy, Tagabinet, Puerto Princesa, 5300 Palawan
Opening Days and Hours: Daily, 8 AM to 4 PM
Admission Fee: PHP 200 (USD 3.55) for cave exploration, PHP 250 (USD 4.44) for zip-lining in a sitting position, and PHP 350 (USD 6.22) for zip-lining in a Superman position.
6. Palawan Heritage Center
Explore the rich tapestry of Palawan’s culture and history at the Palawan Heritage Center, an interactive museum nestled in the heart of Puerto Princesa City.
Unlike traditional museums, this innovative space offers visitors a multisensory experience, immersing them in the vibrant heritage of Palawan. Featuring touch-screen monitors and captivating holograms, guests can delve into the province’s history, economy, biodiversity, and environmental challenges with engaging detail.
Location: Legislative Building, Puerto Princesa, 5300 Palawan
Opening Days and Hours: Monday to Wednesday, 8 AM to 5 PM
Admission Fee: PHP 50 (USD 0.89)
7. Sabang Beach
Experience the joy of picnicking with your loved ones on the serene shores of Sabang Beach, a captivating hidden gem in Puerto Princesa worth visiting. Renowned for its gentle yet consistent ocean waves, it’s a paradise for surf enthusiasts.
Immerse yourself in the refreshing waters and relish the tranquil atmosphere of the crystal-clear blue expanse of the Pacific Ocean, all while leaving your footprints on the untouched white sands.
Location: Cabayugan, Puerto Princesa, Palawan
Opening Days and Hours: Daily, 24-hours
Admission Fee: Free
8. Palaweño Brewery
Established in 2013, Palaweño Brewery shines as a beacon of craft beer innovation in the Palawan region. Not only is it the pioneer local brewery in the area, but it also proudly holds the distinction of being female-owned.
Among its celebrated brews are the Palawan Wit Belgian Wheat Beer, Palawan Honey Kolsch, Hunter Honey Nut Brown Ale, and Mango de Palawan—the sole craft beer offering in Palawan.
Crafted with precision using a meticulous blend of locally sourced and international ingredients, each specialty beer encapsulates the essence of relaxation, epitomized by the Palaweño motto, “Ayahay.”
Location: 82 Manalo St, Puerto Princesa, 5300 Palawan
Opening Days and Hours: Monday to Saturday, 5 PM to 10 PM
Admission Fee: Free, but core beers cost between PHP 150 (USD 2.66) and PHP 170 (USD 3.02), and specialty beers cost PHP 250 (USD 4.44)
9. Palawan Tribal Village and Butterfly Farm
Another exquisite destination worth exploring is Puerto Princesa, offering a captivating blend of natural beauty and local culture.
Functioning as both an ecological park and a cultural conservation center, visitors can delve into the island’s abundant variety of butterflies, insects, and reptiles, while also immersing themselves in the heritage of the indigenous Palawan tribe dwelling nearby.
In essence, it provides an ideal retreat for those seeking to embrace the wealth of Palawan’s biodiversity and culture.
Location: QPWJ+3W9, Puerto Princesa, 5300 Palawan
Opening Days and Hours: Daily, 8.30 AM to 5 PM
Admission Fee: PHP 60 (USD 1.07)
10. Puerto Princesa City Baywalk Park
Explore the enchantment of Puerto Princesa City Baywalk Park, a cherished seaside oasis ideal for leisurely strolls, breathtaking sunset vistas, and culinary delights. Revered by both locals and tourists alike, this picturesque promenade beckons visitors to partake in activities such as jogging, cycling, and savoring local delicacies at nearby food stalls.
Location: Sandoval St, Puerto Princesa, Palawan
Opening Days and Hours: Daily, 2 PM to 12 AM
Admission Fee: Free
11. Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center
Nestled in the southern reaches of Puerto Princesa City lies the Palawan Wildlife Rescue Center, a sanctuary renowned for its tireless efforts in conserving endangered species. Established in 1987, this center remains steadfast in its mission to protect wildlife to this day.
Originally focused on preserving crocodiles, the center has expanded its scope to become a haven for a diverse array of wildlife, even including ostriches. Embark on a journey of discovery as you explore this remarkable facility, conveniently located just a short 30-minute drive from the city center.
Location: QMXV+FRF, Puerto Princesa South Road, Puerto Princesa, Palawan
Opening Days and Hours: Daily, 8 AM to 5 PM
Admission Fee: PHP 40 (USD 0.71)
Puerto Princesa Traveling Tips
Here are some refined traveling tips for maximizing your enjoyment and comfort while holidaying in Puerto Princesa:
- Be mindful of the seasons. September tends to be the wettest month, while February boasts the driest weather.
- Take note of the monsoon wind cycle if you plan to partake in outdoor activities. The northeast monsoon brings waves from October to April, while the southwest monsoon prevails from April to August.
- If surfing is on your agenda, consider planning your trip around the best wave seasons, typically from October to February.
- Generally, the optimal time to experience Puerto Princesa is from April to June. During this period, the seas are calm, the weather is often sunny, and the temperature is moderate.
- Keep an eye on transportation schedules. Ships dock and sail weekly, while daily flights to and from Manila and Cebu are readily available.
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