Puerto Princesa is the second-largest city in the Philippines and the capital city of Palawan province. It is famous not only for beaches and resorts but also for fantastic sightseeing destinations like Ursula reef, Estrella Falls, Nagtabon Cove, Ursula Island, Iwahig River Fireflies, Starfish Island, and more.
These and more stunning landscapes have earned this town the tag of ‘most beautiful island in the world’ and favorite of the Philippines.
However, if you are doubtful about must things to do in Puerto Princesa, we are clearing the air for you!!
Puerto Princesa is blessed with countless natural wonders. And the disciplined nature of people has contributed significantly to keeping them clean and greenest in the city of the Philippine.
We are listing the top 10 tourist spots in Puerto Princesa.
Trip Through An Underground River
While in Puerto Princesa, you can’t afford to miss the trip through Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (famous as the underground river). This is a UNESCO world heritage site and one of the new seven wonders of nature. This protected area is located 80 km north of the city center in the Saint Paul mountain range stationed on the western coast of the island.
You can select 15 short minute boat ride or two hours hike from the jump-off point in the town of Sabang to reach this area where the boats ferry passengers through the cave.
Besides the underground river trip, you can enjoy a side trip to Ugong Rock to explore the cave complex nearby. Ziplining lovers can enjoy zip down along the 300 m long zip line from the mountaintop.
If you question why the underground riverboat tour from Puerto Princesa is famous. The answer is it is one of the longest underground rivers in the world. You will get the chance to have a close encounter with wildlife in an Oceanside forest. You will be touring a flooded cave system by paddleboat, which is a unique experience.
Palawan Heritage Centre
This heritage center spread across 480 m² is an interactive museum in Puerto Princesa. Which is the best place to explore the cultural and historical heritage of this island and its people. There are dioramas, ancient artifacts, old photographs, and even holograms to narrate the history of Palaweños.
Estrella Falls
Although these falls are quite far from the city. The two and a half-hour drive to Estrella Falls is worth spending every minute traveling. Besides the lush greenery, the sound of water and the scenic beauty of splitting fall into two streams is mesmerizing. Swimming lovers can enjoy swimming in crystal clear pools or enjoy a picnic in the huts nearby.
Go For Honda Bay Island Hopping
Island hopping tour is a popular activity in Puerto Princesa around Honda Bay located on the mid-eastern coast of the city.
We Are Suggesting The Most Popular Islands You Should Visit During Your Day Tour:-
Starfish Island – Populated profusely by starfish
Luli Island – A stunning landscape that disappears during high tide and reappears during low tide. It is thus named Lulubog-Lilitaw (Sink and Rise).
Cowrie Island – Housing several cabanas, a pavilion, and thatched-roof spa huts; this is a great lunch stop which is also less crowded than Pandan Island.
Check Out In-City Resorts And Beaches
Besides islands, you can also explore the mainland of Puerto Princesa via its resort and beaches. Nagtabon Beach is an uncrowded beach located 40 minutes away from the main city. This beach is excellent for swimming, day trips, and picnics.
Palawan Wildlife Rescue And Conservation Center
For a different kind of adventure, you can visit this reserve which homes the largest living saltwater crocodiles that can grow up to 20 feet in length. There are more animals to check in this reserve, and it will take 30 minutes to complete its tour. This reserve is also known as ‘Crocodile Farm and Nature Park’.
Pambato Reef
If you are a genuinely scuba diving or snorkeling fan, this is just the right place for you. This small protected marine century has been renamed a mini Tubbataha reef. It is about 15 to 20 feet below the surface so even non-swimmers equipped with life vest can dive to appreciate the unspoiled beauty of underwater.
Ursula Island
This island is a little different from others in the league of white sands resort islands. This tiny paradise is heaven for those who love watching rare birds in their natural habitat.
Make sure to secure a permit from the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office of Palawan for visiting the bird century here. Or, you may enjoy beach volleyball or swim on this island that has created a niche for itself in Puerto Princesa tourists’ spots list.
Mitra’s Ranch
This place is perfect for those people who love zip lines or want to enjoy the soft, soothing breeze coming from the beach. The view of the surrounding water from the family-owned ranch is super unique here, and the air is supercooling. You and your young children can enjoy a horse ride, or other ranch animals face to face encounter here.
Iwahig River Fireflies
The Iwahig River is the best place to watch out fireflies sparkling at night in this city. This is a perfect night tour that renders a unique experience as the trip begins in complete darkness until you reach the riverbanks. Here you will see mangrove trees light up like the beautiful Christmas trees but with the difference. Fireflies light up these trees. If you are lucky and the sky is clear, you can enjoy stargazing with stars twinkling on the ground.
Make sure to hire a private van or tricycle or join the tour organized to reach the river as no public transport is available for this destination.
The above-listed things to do in Puerto Princesa are not exhaustive as the list can be extended depending upon your time constraints and your preference of destinations. In this city, you will find activities which cannot be enjoyed anywhere else in Palawan.
So, plan your trip today!
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