Puerto Princesa

Best things to do in Puerto Princesa

Puerto Princesa City Essentials

Puerto Princesa City serves as Palawan's urban and ecological hub. This selection covers historical landmarks like the WWII-era Plaza Cuartel and the blue-hued Immaculate Conception Cathedral. It includes conservation efforts at the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center and the Butterfly Ecological Garden. For nature, the list features Nagtabon Beach and the limestone formations of Ugong Rock, alongside essential transit points like Honda Bay Wharf for island hopping and local dining staples like KaLui.

Puerto Princesa City Essentials — Map

A

Immaculate Conception Cathedral

A blue-colored Gothic-style church built in 1961, located near the historic Plaza Cuartel. It marks the site where the first Spanish Mass was held in the city in 1872.

B

Plaza Cuartel

A former World War II military base and site of the Palawan Massacre. Today, the restored ruins serve as a memorial park honoring the 143 American POWs killed here in 1944.

C

Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center

Formerly known as the Crocodile Farming Institute, this facility houses saltwater and freshwater crocodiles, a hatchling area, and a mini-zoo featuring endemic Palawan species like the Palawan bearded pig.

Saud A Alkhamees / CC-BY-SA

D

KaLui Restaurant

A reservation-only seafood restaurant featuring traditional wooden architecture and local art. Guests dine barefoot on polished floorboards in an interior decorated with indigenous crafts.

E

Honda Bay Wharf

The primary departure point for island-hopping tours in Honda Bay, providing boat transfers to Luli Island, Cowrie Island, and Starfish Island.

Michelabian / CC BY-SA 4.0

F

Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm

Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines is one of seven operating units of the Bureau of Corrections…

G

Palawan Museum

Located in the Old City Hall, this museum displays ethnological and archaeological artifacts, including finds from the Tabon Caves and exhibits on Palawan's indigenous cultural groups.

H

Mangrove River Paddle Boat

Guided boat tours through the mangrove forests of Sabang, focusing on the local ecosystem and wildlife such as snakes, monkeys, and monitor lizards.

I

Palawan Butterfly Ecological Garden and Tribal Village

A facility showcasing native butterfly species and a cultural village where members of the Pala’wan tribe demonstrate traditional hunting, music, and fire-making skills.

J

Ugong Rock

A 75-foot limestone formation offering caving and climbing. The name comes from the hollow 'ugong' sound produced when tapping the rock walls.

K

Nagtabon Beach

A crescent-shaped white sand beach located about 45 minutes from the city center, known for surfing during the monsoon season and clear sunset views.

Saud A Alkhamees / CC-BY-SA

L

Badjao Seafood Restaurant

An open-air restaurant built on stilts over a mangrove swamp, specializing in fresh local seafood with views of the surrounding bay.

M

Buenavista Viewdeck

A roadside stop along the highway providing panoramic views of Ulugan Bay and the surrounding karst mountain landscapes.