When you hear about Puerto Princesa, one phrase often comes to mind: Underground River. But this coastal city in Palawan is more than just its world-famous cave system—it's a green, safe, and stunning destination where history, adventure, and local life meet.
🧳 “Puerto Princesa isn’t loud—but it leaves a lasting echo in your memory.”
When I finally made my way to Puerto Princesa, I wasn’t expecting to fall in love with this laid-back city. From navigating the dark waters of the Underground River, to silent prayers at the Gothic cathedral, to tasting exotic local dishes like Tamilok and Crocodile Sisig—Puerto Princesa is the perfect mix of serenity and surprise.
Here's how you can make the most of a DIY trip to this charming capital of Palawan.
✈️ How to Get to Puerto Princesa
- By
Air: Direct flights from Manila, Cebu, or Clark via Cebu Pacific,
AirAsia, or Philippine Airlines.
💸 Promo fare tip: Roundtrip flights can go as low as ₱1,500–₱2,500 during seat sales! - Airport to City Proper: Take a tricycle (₱50–₱100) or arrange a pickup if your accommodation offers it.
🏝️ What Makes Puerto Princesa Special?
Though geographically located in Palawan, Puerto Princesa is classified as a highly urbanized city, operating independently from the province. Despite that, it remains true to Palawan’s natural beauty—lush forests, pristine coasts, and wildlife.
🌳 Dubbed the Cleanest and Greenest City in the Philippines
🕊️ Known as one of the safest cities—you can walk alone at night without fear
🏆 A model city recognized for sustainable tourism and honest governance
🌃 “I’ve walked the streets at night without fear. That’s something I can’t say for many places.”
🧭 Where Did Puerto Princesa Get Its Name?
There are a few stories:
👸 Legend says it was named after a beautiful princess-like maiden who would appear on certain nights.
⚓ Another version claims it’s due to its ideal geography—a deep, natural harbor considered a “princess of ports.”
👑 Historically, it was named by the Spanish in honor of Princess Asuncion, later becoming Puerto de la Princesa, then simplified to Puerto Princesa.
📜 “No matter which version you believe, there’s something regal and magical about the name.”
🗺️ Things to Do in Puerto Princesa (DIY Style)
🥇 1. Underground River
Tour (UNESCO Site)
This is the star attraction — a surreal boat ride through
caves filled with ancient stalactites, bats, and cathedral-like chambers.
- 📝 How to DIY:
- Secure a permit from the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park Office (or ask your hotel to help)
- Then head to Sabang Port (2-hour van ride from city)
- Join a boat tour to the river (permit + tour fees total: ₱1,500–₱2,000)
🎧 The tour includes an audio guide in multiple languages — very informative and immersive.
🏝️ 2. Honda Bay Island
Hopping
Just 30 minutes from the city, this is the easiest beach day
trip you can take!
- 🚤 Usual stops: Starfish Island, Pandan Island, Luli Island
- 💸 Boat rental: ₱1,200–₱1,500 (good for 6 pax, split the cost!)
- 🧃 Rentals: Snorkel gear ~₱150; Environmental fee ~₱150
🐠 Bring bread for fish feeding and a waterproof bag for your phone!
🌆 3. City Tour DIY or
Trike Style
A relaxed half-day tour to see Puerto’s highlights:
- Immaculate Conception Cathedral
- Plaza Cuartel – WWII history
- Baker’s Hill – snacks + garden views
- Palawan Wildlife Rescue Center
- Baywalk Park – perfect for sunset and street food
💸 Tricycle city tour package: ~₱600 (good for 2–3 pax)
🔥4. Optional: Firefly
Watching in Iwahig River
Magical
night-time activity (no photos allowed to protect the fireflies)
- Tour starts at 6 PM and lasts about 1 hour
- Joiner tour: ₱700–₱900 including van transfer and dinner
🗺️ What to See in Puerto Princesa (2025)
Here are some highlights:
-
🌊 Underground River – One of the New 7 Wonders of Nature
-
🏝️ Honda Bay – Snorkel, sunbathe, and island-hop
-
🕯️ Plaza Cuartel – WWII massacre site turned memorial park
-
⛪ Immaculate Conception Cathedral – A rare gothic-style church in the Philippines
-
🐒 Sabang Port & Jungle Trail – Gateway to adventure and nature
-
🏞️ Elephant Cave & Karst Mountain Viewpoint - Hidden Gem near the Underground River
🛶 Tip: Most tours start at the city center—many sites are just a short tricycle ride away.
🍽️ Where to Eat in Puerto Princesa
You won’t go hungry in this city! From fresh seafood to local delicacies:
-
🐊 Kinabuchs Grill & Bar – Try Crocodile Sisig and Tamilok (if you dare!)
-
🍤 Badjao Seafront Restaurant – Great ambiance with ocean views
-
🥘 KaLui – Filipino fusion cuisine in a cozy artistic space
-
🐟 Balinsasayaw Restaurant – Affordable grilled seafood and meals
👉 [Read the complete list of Where to Eat here»]
🧄 Local Tip: Ask for alamang or bagoong (fermented shrimp paste)—it's a salty, savory treat often paired with local vegetables.
🛌 Where to Stay in Puerto Princesa
No matter your budget, Puerto Princesa has something for you:
🏨 Mid to High-End:
-
Princesa Garden Island Resort
-
Aziza Paradise Hotel
-
Hue Hotel
🏡 Budget-Friendly:
-
Sheebang Hostel (for backpackers)
-
Marianne Hotel
-
Citystate Asturias
✨ I stayed in a modest inn and felt just as at home. The locals are welcoming and the area is peaceful, even at night.
👉 [Check the complete list of hotels here »]
💚 Puerto Princesa isn’t just a place to check off your travel list. It’s a place that makes you slow down, breathe deeper, and appreciate the quiet side of the Philippines. The people are kind. The streets are clean. And the vibe? Peaceful and honest.🧳 “Puerto Princesa is a city that doesn’t brag—but you’ll never forget it once you’ve been.”
🗓️ Sample 3-Day DIY Itinerary
🗓️ Day 1: Arrival + City Exploration
- Check in
- DIY city tour via tricycle
- Dinner at Kinabuchs + Baywalk stroll
🗓️ Day 2: Underground River Adventure
- Early van to Sabang (arranged the day before)
- Underground River tour
- Chill lunch at Sabang Beach
- Optional side trip to Ugong Rock Adventures (zipline + spelunking)
🗓️ Day 3: Honda Bay Island Hopping
- Early boat to the islands
- Snorkeling + lunch at Pandan Island
- Back in the city by mid-afternoon
- Pasalubong shopping + Chao Long dinner
🧳 What to Pack for Puerto Princesa DIY Trip
- 🩴 Flip flops & swimwear
- 🎧 Earphones for Underground River audio guide
- 🧴 Reef-safe sunscreen
- 🧢 Hat/sunglasses
- 📸 Waterproof bag/case
- 💵 Cash (some tours and island shops don’t accept cards)
- 🪪 Valid ID (required for permits/tours)
| Item | Estimated Cost |
| Flights (roundtrip promo) | ₱2,000–₱3,000 |
| Hostel (2 nights) | ₱800–₱1,000 |
| Underground River Tour | ₱1,800 |
| Honda Bay Tour (joiner) | ₱1,000 |
| Food & Local Transport | ₱1,000 |
| Total | ~₱6,000–₱7,000 |
💬 Leave a comment below with your favorite experience—or what you're most excited to see!
📲 Share this post with friends dreaming of a clean, safe, and soulful escape in the Philippines.
🌴 Bookmark this guide for your next trip—because once you visit Puerto Princesa, you’ll want to come back too.
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