Things to Do in Puerto Princesa
From Exploring the Underground River, to Island Hopping in Honda Bay to zip-lining high over the Palawan landscape, Puerto Princesa has a wide variety of activities to offer.
Puerto Princesa Underground River: also called the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is well-known around the world for its dazzling natural features.
It’s a extraordinary river that flows through a limestone cave system.
Recognized for its geological and biodiversity value, the site was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.
It is a top eco-tourism destination, the park can be reached via the coastal village of Sabang. From there, visitors board boats for a short ride to a beach near the river’s entrance.
Guided tours (Klook) are the only way to visit the Underground River.
For more in-depth information, visit my dedicated Underground River page.
Honda Bay: Island Hopping in Honda Bay
It’s just a short drive from Puerto Princesa city center and just minutes from Ocean Dream Villa is Honda Bay.
You can hire boat tours for the day (Klook) to island-hop, exploring the different islands in the area.
Many of the Island Hopping packages include snorkeling gear, entrance fees, and even lunch (check your tour details to see what’s included)
One of the most popular activities in Honda Bay is snorkeling and viewing the “Chocolate Chip Starfish” that are common in the area.
Be sure to start early in the day to avoid crowds, bring waterproof bags, sun protection, and a camera. Check my Palawan Must-Haves page for a complete list.
Also, see my dedicated Honda Bay page for more details on the area.
Beaches: Beaches near Puerto Princesa
Beaches near Puerto Princesa offer a great opportunity to get out of the city for fun in the sun.
There are some great beaches within driving distance from the city. These are great day trips to do swimming and catch some sun. These locations are not overrun with visitors, but visiting on the weekdays will mean you have beach to yourself.
Some popular ones are:
- Nagtabon Beach is about 50 minutes drive north of Puerto Princesa.
- Pakpak Lauin Beach: A Family-Friendly beach that is well-maintained. It’s just beyond Nagtabon.
- Sabang Beach: This beach is near the Underground River. It is more developed with hotels (Expedia), lunch spots and features a long shoreline, great for beach walks.
- Tagkawayan Beach: This is an off-the-beaten path beach for sure, but look into it if you’re feeling adventurous!
Iwahig Firefly Watching
Enjoy a magical night along the Iwahig River in near Puerto Princesa,.
Iwahig Firefly Watching is one of Palawan’s most impressive natural spectacles, and is about a 30-minute drive from Puerto Princesa.
Typical tours include a ride on a banca (traditional boat) that quietly traverses the mangrove-lined waters at night under Palawan’s star-filled skies.
Along the way, you’ll see thousands of fireflies light up the trees.
This is a great place for
couples, families, or anyone looking for a peaceful connection with nature.
Palawan Butterfly Ecological Garden and Tribal Village
The Palawan Butterfly Ecological Garden and Tribal Village combines the wonders of nature and the beauty of local culture. It offers glimpse of Palawan’s biodiversity and indigenous heritage.
The Butterfly Sanctuary houses a dazzling array of native butterflies. Visitors can see the delicate creatures up close as they fly among the tropical plants. You can also see live exhibits of mantises, walking sticks, and beetles, showcasing Palawan’s rich diversity of insects.
There are also other animals here, like rescued Palawan bearcats, peacock pheasants, and saltwater crocodiles. They are cared for in a safe environment with the goal of encouraging conservation and to helping raise awareness about threats to Palawan’s environment.
The Tribal Village Experience offers a unique cultural experience. You can interact with members of indigenous communities who demonstrate traditional crafts, music, and other elements of tribal life.
Tips:
- If you visit in the morning, you’re more likely to see active butterflies.
- Guided tours are available as well, if you want to get a deeper understanding of the ecological and cultural exhibits
Baker's Hill - Mini Theme Park and Bakery
Baker’s Hill is a popular attraction along Mitra Road in Puerto Princesa. It’s a combination bakery and mini theme park.
It’s located on a hill overlooking the city, and is famous for its gardens, statues, walking paths, and freshly baked pastries. One of the most well-known treats are called, “hopia,” but they also have other pastries and refreshments which are particularly satisfying on a hot day.
Some of the highlights of Baker’s Hill are: landscaped gardens, a lovely view of Puerto Princesa from a viewing deck, playgrounds, shaded rest areas, and, to make it even better, entrance is free.
Consider visiting during late afternoon to take advantage of the cooler weather, smaller crowds, and a chance to catch the sunset view.
If you’re looking for a quiet low-stress few hours in town, it’s a great place to visit.
Mitra's Ranch
Mitra’s Ranch in Puerto Princesa is a scenic hilltop park offering panoramic views, fun activities for people of all ages
It overlooks Puerto Princesa City with lovely, panoramic views of the coastline, including Honda Bay.
There is no entrance fee for the park itself, but the various activities have minimal fees.
Late afternoons, before sunset, are a great time to visit, to see the views during “golden hour” and to enjoy the park in the cooler hours of the day. Alternatively, you can enjoy peaceful hours in the morning when fewer people visit.
Mitra’s Ranch was originally a private farm owned by the late Senator Ramon Mitra Jr. but was opened to the public to enjoy its unique combination of open space, fresh air and fun activities like the ones below.
- Picnics – My family typically brings food and drinks to have under the shaded area while enjoying to lovely view from the top of the ranch.
- Café – If you don’t bring a picnic, you can also enjoy the lovely, modern café on the grounds with friendly staff and nice facilities.
- Peaceful Walks – The ranch can simply be enjoyed by walking along tranquil, scenic, open areas of the ranch.
- Horseback riding – These short, beginner rides are more “riding at a walk” in the ranch’s open areas, so these are typically enjoyed most by younger visitors.
- Petting zoo – Kids may also enjoy the small petting zoo on the property.
- Zipline rides – These short rides are for the more adventurous visitors in your group. Not a long ride, but definitely fun for those seeking a more exciting view of the park.
- Hillside Slide Ride – This slide goes from the top of the ranch and winds down the hill in a fun but moderate pace, making it another great activity to enjoy.
- Giant Swing – A large swing near the zipline area allows you to swing out over the side of the hill, giving you an more exciting way to see the grounds and surrounding areas.
With the lovely views of Puerto Princesa, peaceful setting and a wide range of affordable activities, Mitra’s Ranch has something for everyone.
Viet Ville (Vietnamese Village)
Viet Ville in Puerto Princesa City is unique spot to enjoy an interesting chapter of the city’s history along with a different cuisine than you typically find in Palawan.
This is a historical site that was home to thousands of Vietnamese refugees who fled Vietnam after the war. It gives visitors a glimpse of the Vietnamese inhabitants’ lives.
Viet Ville was part of a humanitarian effort from the Philippine government, the UN and the Catholic Church.
While the village was home to many refugees for some time, a lot of them have since emigrated to other countries and others integrated into local Palawan life.
While the liveliest spot is the authentic Vietnamese restaurant here, you can also take a walk around the area to see architecture, a Buddhist temple and former cottages of the inhabitants.
This spot is nice to enjoy the highly-rated cuisine and perhaps a stroll around the site. It doesn’t require a lot of time. 30 minutes or an hour after your meal should be enough for you to take in this very unique cultural and historical site.
Plaza Cuartel - WWII Historical Site and Monument
The Plaza Cuartel is solemn historical site in Puerto Princesa. It is a peaceful location honoring a tragic event in World War II.
The site was originally a military garrison by the Spanish but was used as a Japanese prisoner of war camp during World War II.
The site is now commemorates a tragic massacre. On December 14, 1944, American prisoners of war were burned alive by their Japanese captors.
The memory of those killed is marked by a plaque and statue which honors the soldiers.
Today the park is a quiet public park. Visitors and walk the various paths and enjoy the shade of trees there and reflect.
For more details on this tragedy you can search the web for the personal account of, “U.S. Pfc. Glenn “Mac” McDole.”
Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center
The Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center in Puerto Princesa used to be known as the “Crocodile Farming Institute” and gives visitors a glimpse of Palawan’s biodiversity and conservation efforts. It serves as a wildlife rescue, education and tourist center.
It has various functions including being a tourist attraction as well as a research and breeding facility with the mission of protecting endangered species and rehabilitating injured animals.
Highlights of the center include:
- Seeing the endangered Philippine crocodile (Crocodylus mindorensis) as well as the saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus). Also, seeing a variety of rescued birds, mammals and other fauna of Palawan.
- Taking photos of and learning about crocodiles and their lifecycle. They offer guided tours several times per hour to enhance visitors’ understanding and appreciation of Palawan.
- Learn about conservation efforts in Palawan and how the center rescues wildlife and in some cases returns them to the wild.
Tip: If you’re interested in seeing the center’s residents at feeding time, be sure to ask when you enter if they’ll feed some time during your visit.