Honda Bay
Explore Honda Bay in Puerto Princesa with our travel guide. Discover stunning islands, white-sand beaches, and crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling and island hopping.
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Best Attractions in Puerto Princesa
Puerto Princesa, known as "A City in the Forest," boasts world-class natural wonders and a strong commitment to the environment. As the gateway to Palawan, it has hotels, resorts, and restaurants, making it an ideal destination for conferences and family holidays. With its "cleanest and greenest city" recognition, Puerto Princesa is a must-visit for those seeking satisfying adventures and cultural treasures. Explore the city's top attractions and be enchanted by its beauty and ecological excellence.
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Must-See Attractions
Underground River
Located in the northwest, the Puerto Princesa Underground River is a must-visit destination for travellers. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is an 8km-long river that runs through a half-submerged cave system. As you boat down the river, you’ll see stunning limestone formations, cavernous chambers and wildlife. It is one of the world’s longest navigable underground rivers and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature.
After exploring the Underground River, don’t miss the Honda Bay Island Hopping tour. Departing from the palm-fringed coast to the east, the tour takes you to several beautiful islets with white sand beaches, including Starfish Island, Cowrie Island and Luli Island. Enjoy snorkelling, swimming and relaxing on the beach while taking in the scenery.
The Underground River and Honda Bay Island Hopping are included in our 4D3N Puerto Princesa Tour.
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Historical & Cultural Attractions
Plaza Cuartel
Located in the heart of Puerto Princesa, Plaza Cuartel is a former military garrison and one of the city’s most important historical sites. Today, its restored ruins tell the tragic story of World War II, when 143 American prisoners of war were burned alive by Japanese soldiers inside a tunnel. Memorials and information panels throughout the site commemorate those who lost their lives.
Immaculate Conception Cathedral
Built in 1872, the Immaculate Conception Cathedral is one of Puerto Princesa’s oldest landmarks. Its distinctive angular structure and blue-grey stone exterior give it a unique appearance, while its long history reflects the Spanish colonial influence that shaped the city.
Mendoza Park
Just a short walk from Plaza Cuartel and the cathedral, Mendoza Park is a historic public space in the centre of Puerto Princesa. Named after a local World War II hero, the park features monuments and memorials dedicated to Palawan’s wartime history and is a pleasant place to explore while visiting the nearby attractions.
Palawan National Museum
Located less than a kilometre from Plaza Cuartel, the Palawan National Museum offers an insight into the island’s archaeological, cultural and natural heritage.
Among its most important exhibits are artefacts from the Tabon Cave complex, one of Southeast Asia’s most significant archaeological sites.
Palawan Heritage Center
The Palawan Heritage Center showcases the rich history, culture and traditions of Palawan. Through its exhibits and displays, visitors can learn more about the island’s indigenous communities, cultural heritage and artistic traditions, making it a worthwhile stop for those interested in understanding Palawan beyond its beaches and natural attractions.
Iwahig Penal Farm
Iwahig Penal Farm is one of Puerto Princesa’s most unusual and thought-provoking attractions.
Established in 1904, it is an open prison where inmates live and work within a large agricultural community with relatively limited physical security.
Prisoners are encouraged to take part in farming, fishing, carpentry and handicrafts, developing practical skills while serving their sentences. Visitors can see the working community and purchase locally made handicrafts, offering a rare insight into an unconventional approach to rehabilitation in the Philippines.
puerto princesa, PALAWAN
Best Festivals & Events
Baragatan sa Palawan Festival
Held annually in Puerto Princesa, the Baragatan sa Palawan Festival celebrates the founding of Palawan’s civil government and brings together the province’s diverse communities and cultures.
Visitors can enjoy colourful street dances, parades, cultural performances and events showcasing Palawan’s traditions and heritage.
City Fiesta
The Puerto Princesa City Fiesta celebrates the Immaculate Conception of Mary, the city’s patroness.
The festivities bring the local community together through religious celebrations, processions, cultural events and lively activities throughout the city.
Balayong Festival
Held in March, the Balayong Festival celebrates the blooming of Palawan’s pinkish Balayong, or Palawan Cherry trees. The festival is one of Puerto Princesa’s most colourful celebrations, featuring street dancing, parades, cultural performances and beautifully decorated floats.
puerto princesa, PALAWAN
Nature Attractions
Waterfalls & Nature Trails
Beyond the beaches, Puerto Princesa offers several waterfalls and nature trails for those looking to explore Palawan’s more adventurous side. Olangoan Falls is one of the highlights, reached after around 45 minutes of trekking through streams and rocky terrain, with a small cliff jump along the way.
Other waterfalls worth exploring include Bacungan Falls, Tagkurring Falls and Salakot Falls, as well as several lesser-known falls in the surrounding countryside.
These excursions offer a chance to experience Palawan’s lush landscapes, local villages and quieter side away from the main tourist areas.
Mt. Cleopatra’s Needle
Rising within the Cleopatra’s Needle Forest Reserve, this dramatic mountain is one of Puerto Princesa’s most rewarding adventures. The area is home to dense rainforest, rare plants and wildlife, including the endangered Palawan pangolin and Palawan hornbill.
The trek is challenging and requires a local guide, but the journey offers an authentic experience of Palawan’s wild interior and spectacular mountain scenery.
Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center
Also known as the Crocodile Farm, this wildlife centre is home to hundreds of crocodiles, from newly hatched young to fully grown adults. The centre also cares for other native and endemic Palawan wildlife and plays an important role in conservation and education.
Butterfly Eco Garden & Tribal Village
The Butterfly Eco Garden offers a close look at Palawan’s colourful butterfly species in a lush tropical setting. Among the species you may encounter are the Philippine Swallowtail, Golden Birdwing and Blue Glassy Tiger.
The adjoining Tribal Village features traditional houses and exhibits introducing visitors to the culture, traditions and way of life of Palawan’s indigenous communities.
Baker’s Hill
Baker’s Hill is a popular family attraction featuring landscaped gardens, colourful statues, tropical plants and plenty of photo opportunities. There is also a children’s playground, restaurant and bakery, making it a pleasant stop for families and a relaxing break while exploring Puerto Princesa.
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Best Islands & Beaches
Napsan Beach
Napsan Beach is a quiet and relatively undeveloped beach on the western side of Puerto Princesa. Surrounded by lush vegetation and rural landscapes, it offers a peaceful escape from the city and a chance to experience a less-visited part of Palawan.
The journey to Napsan is part of the experience, taking you through countryside and local communities before reaching the coast.
Nagtabon Beach
Nagtabon Beach is one of Puerto Princesa’s most beautiful beaches, located about an hour from the city centre. Its long stretch of white sand, clear waters and surrounding hills make it a peaceful alternative to the more developed beaches of Palawan.
It is a great place to relax, swim and enjoy the scenery, with a more laid-back and local atmosphere.
Explore Nagtabon Beach as part of our Nagtabon Beach Day Trip
Honda Bay
Honda Bay is Puerto Princesa’s main island-hopping destination, located along the city’s eastern coast.
The bay is dotted with small islands, sandbars and coral reefs, offering plenty of opportunities for swimming, snorkelling and relaxing on white-sand beaches.
Popular stops include Luli Island, Cowrie Island and Starfish Island, with the exact itinerary depending on weather and sea conditions.
Discover Honda Bay with our Honda Bay island-Hopping Tour
Talaudyong Beach
Talaudyong Beach is a beautiful and secluded stretch of coastline north-west of Puerto Princesa. Backed by lush vegetation and surrounded by a peaceful natural setting, it is ideal for swimming, relaxing and enjoying a quieter side of Palawan.
Its relatively remote location means fewer visitors, making it a good choice for travellers looking to escape the busier tourist spots.
PUERTO PRINCESA Tour Packages
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Private Tours in the Philippines
Best of Puerto Princesa & El Nido | 6 Days
Discover Palawan’s natural wonders in just 6 days. Explore the world-famous Puerto Princesa Underground River and the stunning...
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Underground River & Sabang Beach | 4 Days
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Puerto Princesa with our 4-day Underground River and Sabang Beach tour package. This...
Private Tours in the Philippines, Puerto Princesa Day Trips
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Discover the enchanting beauty of Puerto Princesa with our 4-day tour package, designed for those seeking a perfect...
Puerto Princesa Transfers
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Puerto Princesa Tours
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Puerto Princesa Hotels
Hotels and resorts handpicked by our team, from comfortable stays to luxury retreats.
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More guides to help you plan your Puerto Princesa trip.
Underground River
Plan your visit to the Puerto Princesa Underground River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Get tips on tours, how to get there, best time to go, and what to expect.
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El Nido
El Nido (5-6 hours): Palawan's most famous destination, with lagoons, limestone cliffs and island hopping. Read our El Nido travel guide or book a shared or private transfer.
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