Puerto Princesa is the gateway to Palawan — the island that has topped multiple "world's most beautiful" rankings for years running. The city is more than a transit stop before El Nido. It holds world-class attractions in its own right: a UNESCO-listed underground river that doubles as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, a scattering of Honda Bay islands a 20-minute ride away, and a firefly-lit river cruise you won't find anywhere else.
#1 Puerto Princesa Subterranean River
The longest navigable underground river in the world, cutting through a massive limestone cave before emptying directly into the South China Sea. The park earned its UNESCO World Heritage listing in 1999 and a spot in the New 7 Wonders of Nature in 2012. Inside the cave: limestone formations in every shape, hundreds of thousands of bats, and colonies of swiftlets. The paddle boat tour takes roughly 45 minutes to one hour.
- Book in advance through the official website or an online tour operator — daily quotas are strictly capped.
- Leave Puerto Princesa early in the morning to arrive at Sabang before the mid-morning crowds.
- Wear clothes you don't mind washing — bat droppings fall from the cave ceiling.
#2 Honda Bay Island Hopping
Honda Bay is a sheltered cove ringed by small, postcard-ready islands. The standard tour hits three main stops: Starfish Island, thick with bright-orange starfish; Luli Island, which half-disappears at high tide; and Cowrie Island, the best spot for snorkeling and watersports. The full loop takes half a day, making it an easy option for families or anyone who prefers not to travel far.
- Hire a boat first thing in the morning to reach the islands before larger group tours arrive.
- Pack your own lunch or order at the restaurants on Cowrie Island.
- Apply sunscreen before boarding — midday sun on open water is intense.
#3 Iwahig River Firefly Watching
A night-time paddle along the Iwahig River, with millions of fireflies clustered in the trees on both banks — like strings of lights strung by hand through the dark. The tour is run by the Iwahig Community Ecotourism Association, which won a Gold PATA Award for ecotourism. Each trip lasts about 30 to 45 minutes, and on clear nights you may also see bioluminescent plankton glowing in the water beneath the boat.
- Boarding opens at 6:00 PM — arrive before dark to register in time.
- No flashlights or camera flash during the cruise; light disturbs the fireflies.
- Bring insect repellent. The riverbank draws mosquitoes after sundown.
#4 Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center
A wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center founded in 1987 through a partnership between DENR and JICA. The 10-hectare site cares for two rare crocodile species — the Philippine crocodile (<em>Crocodylus mindorensis</em>) and the saltwater crocodile — along with more than 300 rescued animals endemic to Palawan. It's a solid half-morning for families and anyone interested in conservation work.
- Open daily 8:00 AM to 4:45 PM; morning visits are cooler and more comfortable.
- Free guided tours are available — ask to join a group at the entrance.
- There's a designated zone where you can pose with smaller crocodiles, with staff present throughout.
#5 Baker's Hill
A hilltop park with a personality all its own: vivid sculptures and oversized cartoon figures are planted throughout the grounds alongside a well-known bakery selling coconut bread, palm sugar rolls, and local take-home treats. The atmosphere is unhurried, there are good photo spots from multiple angles, and it is a staple on half-day city tour itineraries.
- Pick up coconut bread and palm sugar pastries as gifts — affordable and genuinely good.
- Mid-morning to early afternoon gives the best light for photos.
- Honda Bay is visible from the far side of the hill — turn away from the sculptures for an open sea view.
#6 Mitra's Ranch
A working farm that has become one of the city's best-known viewpoints. Perched on a ridge, it looks out over Honda Bay and the Sulu Sea with nothing blocking the horizon. The grounds are shaded and relaxed, with a horse-riding zone and small animals for kids. It fits naturally into the same half-day as Baker's Hill, which is a short ride away.
- Come between 4:00 PM and 5:30 PM to catch the golden hour — the sea view is at its best in that light.
- Feel free to bring food or fruit for a picnic under the trees.
- Baker's Hill is nearby; you can cover both in a single half-day loop without much backtracking.
#7 Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm
One of the most unusual correctional facilities in the world, established in 1904 across more than 40,000 hectares — with no walls and no barbed wire. Inmates farm, fish, garden, and receive visitors freely. You can tour the grounds and buy handicrafts made by the residents. The place raises genuine questions about rehabilitation philosophy and is commonly paired with the nearby Iwahig firefly cruise the same evening.
- Day visits only; dress conservatively and state your purpose at the security checkpoint.
- Carved woodwork and handmade goods sold here are among the more authentic souvenirs in the city.
- Combine with the firefly cruise on the same day to save one round trip from town.
#8 Puerto Princesa City Waterfront
The bay-front strip running along the city's edge, animated with seafood restaurants, waterside bars, and a night market. Evenings here draw locals and travelers alike; the sunset has depth because you're looking at both mountains and open water at once. The waterfront sits next to souvenir stalls and the tricycle hubs that fan out to every attraction in town.
- Walk the strip between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM — the air cools down and the light is good.
- Waterfront seafood stalls tend to charge less than restaurants farther inland; prices are negotiable.
- Tricycles and hired rides are easy to flag here, making it a convenient base for planning onward transport.
Where to stay in Puerto Princesa for this trip
A well-located hotel means less commuting and more sightseeing. Here are real, top-rated stays in Puerto Princesa — compare Agoda · Booking · Trip.com in one click.
Daluyon Beach and Mountain Resort
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Hibiscus Garden Inn
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Four Points by Sheraton Palawan Puerto Princesa
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Hue Hotels and Resorts Puerto Princesa Managed by HII
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Tours, tickets & activities in Puerto Princesa
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Before You Pack
Puerto Princesa pairs raw natural landscapes with a side of Filipino culture that few other cities in Palawan can match. Two to three days here opens up a different perspective on the island before you head to El Nido or Coron.