Any dialog about Palawan is very incomplete with out a point out of Puerto Princesa, its capital and solely metropolis. Adventurers and seashore bums flock to the towering karst cliffs of El Nido. Divers and nature lovers are drawn to the lakes of Coron. However lengthy earlier than they made a mark on Palawan’s tourism map, Puerto Princesa was already giving vacationers of all sorts just a little style of what the province has to supply.
Positioned in the course of mainland Palawan, Puerto Princesa serves as the biggest and probably the most handy gateway to the province. Though a extremely urbanized metropolis, it retains its pure magnificence and has been persistently among the many cleanest and greenest cities within the nation, one thing that any traveler would instantly discover inside minutes of their arrival. It’s no marvel it’s additionally touted because the Eco-Tourism Heart of the Philippines.
Nevertheless it’s not at all times butterflies and unicorns for the town’s tourism over the previous years. Like in lots of locations all over the world, the pandemic introduced quite a lot of challenges. Then, in 2021, the province was ravaged by Storm Odette (worldwide title: Rai), leaving virtually P8 billion in damages. However not too long ago, not even a yr after, we have been invited to affix a current tour organized by the Division of Tourism (DOT)-MIMAROPA. We obtained to see for ourselves what it’s wish to journey round Puerto Princesa now. On this article, we’re sharing with you an inventory of vacationer points of interest within the metropolis (not in any explicit order) and what it’s like as we speak.
Observe: Puerto Princesa is big! Actually, it’s the second largest metropolis within the Philippines by land space, subsequent to Davao. You’ll discover locations on this record which may be one or two hours away from the town middle, however they’re nonetheless a part of Puerto Princesa.
WAIT, WAIT, WAIT! In case you are touring quickly, please additionally go to our The Poor Traveler Masterlist. Right here, we compiled journey necessities, together with all our advisable lodges and points of interest. Simply go to this web page: TPT Masterlist. We even have a compilation for different locations all over the world.
Puerto Princesa Underground River
Formally named Puerto Princesa Subterranean River however typically merely referred to as PPUR, this 8.2-km-long underground river is the town’s predominant tourism draw. This pure marvel which was acknowledged as a UNESCO World Heritage Web site in 1999 and as one of many New 7 Wonders of Nature in 2012.
Tucked within the northern nooks 76 km away from the town correct, it may be reached after round one and a half to 2 hours of land journey. The tour’s jump-off level is Sabang Wharf, and solely a restricted variety of guests are allowed per day. Vacationers are additionally required to register upfront in the event that they wish to go to. To keep away from coping with this course of, it’s best to e-book a packaged tour with a tour operator to allow them to register in your behalf. Packaged excursions often embrace roundtrip land and boat transfers, audio information for the underground river tour, and buffet lunch.
One other beauty of reserving with a tour operator is in case of inclement climate, you gained’t should spend time touring to Sabang solely to seek out out that the excursions have been canceled for the day. In case this occurs, they’ll additionally make preparations to maneuver your scheduled tour to the next day.
You might also e-book your Puerto Princesa Underground River tour package deal on-line.
Location: Puerto Princesa Underground River, Barangay Cabayugan, Puerto Princesa Metropolis, Palawan
Soar-off Level: Sabang Wharf
E-mail: ssfsc06@yahoo.com and sagip.ssfmpc@gmail.com
Honda Bay Tour
Island hopping is among the most typical actions in lots of locations within the Philippines, and Puerto Princesa isn’t to be not noted. Right here, seashore chasers go to Honda Bay, which isn’t too removed from the town middle.
Honda Bay is peppered with a number of isles, however island hopping excursions often embrace simply three stops. If you happen to’re a DIY-er and also you’re becoming a member of a gaggle tour, these three islands might be fastened. However if you’d like extra flexibility or in the event you’re a giant group, you could e-book a ship and organize a non-public tour.
At current, solely three islands are open for public island hopping excursions:
- Cowrie Island
- Luli Island
- Starfish Island
Boat charges differ relying on the kind used. Listed here are the most recent commonplace boat rental charges:
- 1-6 pax: P1200 per boat
- 7-10 pax: P1500 per boat
- 11-15 pax: P1800 per boat
- Island Hopping A (Pambato, Luli & Cowrie): 3-Cylinder Engine, P1500 (good for six pax); 4-Cylinder Engine, P1800 (good for six pax)
- Island Hopping B (Luli, Cowrie & Starfish): 3-Cylinder Engine, P1800 (good for six pax); 4-Cylinder Engine, P2100 (good for six pax)
Other than boat rental charge, you additionally have to pay the ENTRANCE FEES:
- Cowrie Island: P150
- Luli Island: P120
- Starfish Island: P100
- Pambato Reef: P50
Different islands could also be accessible, however most of them are non-public and accumulate a lot increased entrance charges. We’ll talk about them intimately beneath.
Listed here are different bills to anticipate in the event you’re doing a Honda Bay Island Hopping Tour:
- Environmental Payment: P150
- Terminal Payment: P5
- Goggles & Snorkel Rental: P150
- Full Face Masks Rental: P200
- Aqua Sneakers Rental: P150
- Fins Rental: P150
Soar-off Level: Sta. Lourdes Wharf, roughly half-hour away from the town correct by tricycle.
One-way Tricycle Fare: Round P400-500 per tricycle
If you happen to don’t wish to cope with all these funds by yourself, you could e-book a tour package deal supplied by journey companies. Honday Bay excursions often value P1785/particular person, inclusive of lunch, entrance charges, boat rental, tour information, and roundtrip transfers.
You may as well discover a package deal with a slight low cost while you e-book on-line!
Under are extra detailed description of every island.
Cowrie Island
Of all of the islands dotting Honda Bay, Cowrie Island is the closest to Sta. Lourdes Wharf, making it a perfect first or final cease. If you happen to e-book a packaged tour, Cowrie Island can be the same old lunch cease. You may as well order drinks from their bar and restaurant. For particular person meals, the meals is served in bilao (winnowing basket tray). For teams, it’s served boodle-fight-style.
Whereas ready for lunch to be served, you’ll be able to get pleasure from swimming within the clear waters, stroll alongside the seashore or simply lay on the sand. Kayaks and stand-up paddle board can be found for lease. And in the event you’re with a gaggle and you want taking part in sports activities, they’ve an space for seashore volleyball too!
Entrance Payment: P150
Cottage Rental: Spherical Desk (good for 4 pax), P100; Spherical Desk (good for 8 pax), P200; Kubo (good for 15-20 pax), P500
Kayak: Single, P100/hour; Double, P200/hour; Triple, P250/hour
Luli Island
Honda Bay is adorned with quite a lot of sandbars. Considered one of them is Luli Island, brief for lulubog lilitaw, a playful shoutout to its disappearing act at excessive tide.
Prior to now, it was the same old lunch cease. However the buffet restaurant right here was destroyed by Storm Odette and has not been rebuilt since. There’s nonetheless loads to get pleasure from right here, although. The fantastic thing about the sandbar itself stays. You possibly can nonetheless get pleasure from strolling on the sand, take photographs, or chill on considered one of their many overwater hammocks. The water is crystal clear too so you’ll be able to see little fish swimming round as you go into the water.
Entrance Payment: P120
Starfish Island
Round 25 minutes away from the wharf, Starfish Island is the snorkeling cease on Honda Bay excursions. It obtained its title from quite a few starfish that decision its clear, shallow waters house. Even in the event you don’t know swim, you’ll be able to nonetheless see the small fish and different marine animals frolicking round.
Needless to say there’s a designated swimming and snorkeling space marked by a line so be certain to remain inside that space in your security.
One can find many tables and chairs and even cottages for lease right here. If you happen to’re hungry, there’s a small retailer on the island the place you should buy snacks. Seafood “paluto” can be out there. You should buy seafood — crabs, lobsters, fish, sea urchin or uni, and rang-ranga (spider shell) — and have them cooked.
Entrance Payment: P100
Cottage Rental: Kubo, P150; 2 Tables (for large teams), P300
Pambato Reef
Don’t miss out a possibility to discover considered one of Puerto Princesa’s most visited underwater website! Not like the opposite Honda Bay tour stops, Pambato Reef just isn’t an island. It’s a common snorkeling spot, marked by a platform floating in the course of the ocean. Earlier than leaping into the water, vacationers are given a brief lecture about marine and reef ecology and conservation.
Nonetheless, this too was closely broken by Storm Odette and was closed for a while. It reopened with a brand new floating platform and an entrance charge.
Entrance Payment: P50
Isla Pandan
As of this writing, Pandan Island stays closed and has but to announce once they would reopen.
One of many extra developed islands in Honda Bay, Pandan Island is now occupied by a non-public resort, Isla Pandan. It isn’t among the many typical stops of the frequent three-island or two-island excursions.
It has an unbelievable, cream-colored seashore and clear emerald waters the place you’ll be able to swim, snorkel, or simply bask within the solar. A buffet lunch can be out there on the island in addition to cottages and completely different water sports activities and seashore actions. You possibly can go kayaking, stand-up paddling, jetskiing, and banana boating in the event you’re into water actions or play volleyball and frisbee on the seashore. You may as well go snorkeling, diving, or helmet diving.
Their day tour charge is inclusive of the doorway charge, cottage, buffet lunch, and use of kayak, stand-up paddle, volleyball, frisbee, and board video games.
Day Tour Charge: P1000/particular person
Dos Palmas Island Resort
As of 6 July 2024, Dos Palmas Island Resort is briefly closed till additional discover.
Located in Arrecife Island, Dos Palmas is an island resort and spa good for individuals who wish to have an expensive island trip. Their lodging are proper by the seashore, going through the tuquoise waters.
If you happen to’re on a restricted finances, you’ll be able to have a style of the posh island expertise by occurring a day tour. You possibly can discover the 20-hectare island and the facilities of the resort. Other than spending time on the seashore, day trippers can take a dip on the swimming pool, play volleyball, or go snorkeling.
Day Tour Charges: Grownup, P1800; Youngster (2-11 years outdated), P900
*Day tour charges are inclusive of land and boat transfers and lunch.For reservations & inquiries, you could contact the administration.
E mail: cbo@dospalmas.com.ph, rsvns@dospalmas.com.ph
Cellular Quantity: 09175904442 / 09175000154 / 09298132360
Puerto Princesa Metropolis Tour
Other than its pure magnificence, you’ll be able to recognize extra of Puerto Princesa by exploring the town and studying about its historical past by occurring a metropolis tour. Don’t go away with out shopping for souvenirs and pasalubong from Binuatan Creations, Baker’s Hill, and pasalubong middle.
You possibly can constitution a tricycle to take you to the completely different cultural and historic spots for P1000-1200 per tricycle, good for 3 to 4 passengers.
However if you’d like a extra comfy and extra insightful tour led by a educated information, e-book an organized tour! You’ll discover inexpensive Puerto Princesa metropolis excursions on-line!
Though there are some variations, listed here are the same old stops included in metropolis excursions.
Palawan Wildlife Rescue & Conservation Heart
Beforehand referred to as the Crocodile Farming Institute or Crocodile Farm, the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Heart is a 10-hectare property the place they breed two species of crocodiles, the Philippine crocodile (Crocodylus mindorensis) and the saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus).
Each quarter-hour, an instructional tour is finished, which begins by the doorway the place the skeleton and pores and skin of a large crocodile are on show. After that, you may be led to the nursery of the newborn crocodiles after which to the realm the place the grownup crocodiles are saved. Don’t fear, you’ll be strolling on an elevated walkway, out of attain.
A portion of the property is a nature park the place the rescued wildlife are housed. You’ll additionally see numerous species of uncommon birds right here and quite a lot of wild fauna.
Tackle: Palawan Wildlife Rescue & Conservation Heart, South Street, Barangay Irawan, Puerto Princesa Metropolis, Palawan
Opening hours: Every day, 8:o0 AM – 4:45 PM
Entrance Payment: Adults, P40; Senior, P30; Children (4-12 y/o), P20
Mitra’s Ranch
Mitra’s Ranch is owned by the household of the late Senator and Home Speaker Ramon Mitra Jr. Positioned in Barangay Sta. Monica, the home sits atop a hill and has a view deck, permitting an excellent, enjoyable view of the town, Honda Bay, and the verdant surroundings in between.
Mitra’s Ranch is open to the general public. You solely have to pay the doorway charge if you wish to go inside the home.
Tackle: Mitra’s Ranch/Rancho Sta. Monica, Barangay Santa Monica, Puerto Princesa Metropolis, Palawan
Working Hours: Every day, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Entrance Payment (to enter the home): P50
Bakers’ Hill
Not too far-off from Mitra’s Ranch, additionally in Barangay Santa Monica, stands Baker’s Hill.
Baker’s Hill is a straightforward bakery that developed right into a household vacation spot. If you move by the gate, you’ll be greeted by giant, colourful statues of common characters, including life to the gardens and playground surrounding the bakeshop. The location can be wearing numerous decorations, the theme of which change relying on the time of the yr.
Most vacationers who come right here go pasalubong or memento purchasing. You should buy completely different baked items like cookies, brownies, and naturally, their common hopia in numerous flavors. In addition they promote different snacks like cashew nuts, polvoron, and pastillas. If you happen to’re searching for extra than simply snacks, you’ll be able to dine at their restaurant referred to as Baker’s Kitchen.
Tackle: Baker’s Hill, Mitra Street, Barangay Santa Monica, Puerto Princesa Metropolis, Palawan
Working Hours: Every day, 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Contact Quantity: (048) 433-4314
Binuatan Creations
Weaving is a big a part of the tradition and humanities in lots of elements of the Philippines. Right here in Puerto Princesa, handloom weaving is showcased at Binuatan Creations. It additionally serves as a livelihood program to the neighborhood particularly moms and college students.
Watch how the expert weavers make colourful materials out of native fibers like buri, ticug grass, and amumuting. These materials are then made into completely different hand-loomed merchandise like luggage, equipment, placemats, and desk runners. To get extra appreciation on how intricate it’s, guests are welcome to strive their hand on the method. The weavers would fortunately information you as they clarify use the loom.
After this expertise, drop by the memento store to purchase a few of their merchandise for your self and for pasalubong to your family and friends!
Tackle: Binuatan Creations, Staff Village, Barangay Santa Monica, Puerto Princesa Metropolis, Palawan
Working Hours: Every day, 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Contact Quantity: +63 999 992 7712
Plaza Cuartel
Plaza Cuartel seems to be like your bizarre park lined with benches and timber as we speak, but it surely has a ugly previous. On 14 December 1944, on the top of World Battle II, 150 American prisoners of conflict have been burned alive by the Japanese in a garrison that stood on the website of the place Plaza Cuartel is positioned as we speak.
Tunnels the place the prisoners the place saved and the ruins of the outdated garrison are saved as a reminder of this darkish second within the metropolis’s historical past. A memorial marker can be put in to commemorate the troopers who died through the bloodbath and acknowledge the 11 who survived.
Tackle: Plaza Cuartel, Taft Avenue, Barangay Liwanag, Puerto Princesa Metropolis, Palawan
Observe: Briefly closed to the general public.
Puerto Princesa Cathedral
Adjoining to Plaza Cuartel stands Puerto Princesa Cathedral, also referred to as the Immaculate Conception Cathedral Parish. On the website the place it stands, the primary mass in Puerto Princesa was held on March 10, 1872 by Saint Ezequiél Moreno who was then an Augustinian Recollect Fray.
The cathedral has been rebuilt a couple of occasions together with after it was destroyed by Japanese bombing throughout World Battle II. The construction that you just see as we speak took virtually a century to complete and was solely accomplished in 1961. Its facade and interiors are clad in Neo-Gothic architectural type, much like the church buildings in Medieval Europe.
Tackle: Puerto Princesa Cathedral, Taft Avenue/Rizal Avenue, Barangay Matiyaga, Puerto Princesa Metropolis, Palawan
Working Hours: Every day, 6:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Contact Quantity: +63 939 923 7212
Palawan Butterfly Backyard and Tribal Village
Because the title suggests, there are two elements to this attraction: the butterfly backyard and the tribal village. The butterfly backyard homes quite a lot of species of butterflies that you could see flying round contained in the net-covered backyard.
Other than these stunning flying creatures, you may as well see some endemic wildlife of Palawan right here just like the Palawan Bearcat, bearded pig, and Palawan peacock-pheasant which is the chook that seems on the official seal of the town of Puerto Princesa. These species are smaller in measurement, however much like the peacocks, the male has colourful feathers and vibrant wings that reveals once they unfold it, often to draw peahens or the feminine birds.
On the Tribal Village, you’ll get a peek into the lifetime of the indigenous individuals of South Palawan referred to as Palaw’an. Right here, guests are handled to a cultural present the place they’d see how the Palaw’an tribe historically lives within the mountains. The Palaw’ans exhibit how they hunt, make hearth, and carry out a brief musical quantity utilizing a string instrument referred to as kudyapi. There’s additionally just a little cafe right here the place you’ll be able to strive civet coffe or kopi luwak.
Tackle: Palawan Butterfly Backyard and Tribal Village, Barangay Santa Monica, Puerto Princesa Metropolis, Palawan
Working Hours: Every day, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Entrance Payment: Grownup, P60; Youngster (4 to 12 years outdated), P50; Senior Citizen & PWD, P50
Cacaoyan Forest Park
Only some minutes away from Sabang Wharf, Cacaoayan Forest Park is an superior lunch cease after your Puerto Princesa Underground River tour. True to its title, being right here will make you’re feeling such as you’re in the course of a forest. Additionally, you will discover a good view deck right here together with Instagram-worthy spots harking back to these in Bali.
Their lunch buffet provides quite a lot of Filipino dishes from fish to pork to hen to greens and recent fruits. If you happen to’re interested by making an attempt tamilok, the favored unique mollusk, you may as well order it right here. Reservations are required for the lunch buffet, however some tour operators embrace a cease right here of their underground river tour packages.
Buffet charge is P350 per particular person. You’ll discover discounted charges on-line, too!
Location: Cacaoyan Forest Park, Barangay Sabang, Puerto Princesa Metropolis, Palawan
Working Hours: Every day, 8:00 AM to six:00 PM
Buffet Charge: P350/particular person
Sabang X Zipline
Sabang Seaside could also be recognized primarily because the jump-off level to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, however it’s also an attraction by itself. This gorgeous seashore with the backdrop of the mountains is a pleasant place to swim and loosen up. From right here, you may as well see the gorgeous St. Paul Limestone formation the place the underground river is flowing beneath.
If you happen to’re in for extra journey, one other exercise you are able to do right here is the Sabang X Zipline. This thrilling experience will deal with you to the gorgeous view of Sabang Seaside and its surrounding space from above. Measuring 800 meters, it’s among the many nation’s longest ziplines that cross a physique of water. To achieve the start line of the experience, it’s good to go on a brief 15-minute hike.
Tickets value P550. However you’ll discover discounted tickets on-line!
Location: Sabang X Zipline, Barangay Sabang, Puerto Princesa Metropolis, Palawan
Working Hours: Every day, 7:00 AM to five:00 PM
Ticket Charge: P550/particular person
Astoria Palawan Water Park
If you happen to’re touring to Puerto Princesa with youngsters and youngsters at coronary heart, Palawan Water Park obtained you lined. You possibly can get pleasure from sliding down the water slides along with your family and friends or splash round of their swimming pools.
The primary and solely water park in Palawan, it’s owned and managed by Astoria, however it’s open to everybody and NOT unique to Astoria’s lodge company.
Every ticket to the water park is inclusive of a lunch buffet.
Tackle: Astoria Palawan Water Park, Km 62 North Street, Barangay San Rafael, Puerto Princesa Metropolis, Palawan
Working Hours: Wednesday to Monday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Tuesdays, CLOSED
Entrance Payment: Weekdays – Adults, P880; Children (4ft and beneath), P660; Children (2 years outdated and beneath), FREE; Weekends – Adults, P1320; Children (4ft and beneath), P880; Children (2 years outdated and beneath), FREE
Ugong Rock Adventures
Journey awaits north of the town correct! In Barangay Tagabinet, you will discover some of the thrilling points of interest in Puerto Princesa — Ugong Rock Adventures, a community-based sustainable tourism vacation spot.
Be able to get bodily as a result of you may be climbing Ugong Rock and go rappelling and spelunking on its caves. Reaching the highest would reward you with a panoramic view of the forest and the encircling limestone formations. After taking within the views, you gained’t be climbing again down as a result of the descent is by using a 71-meter zipline!
Tackle: Ugong Rock Adventures, Purok Pagkakaisa, Barangay Tagabinet, Puerto Princesa Metropolis, Palawan
Opening Hours: Every day, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Nagtabon Seaside
Whereas Puerto Princesa seashores are synonymous with the islands of Honda Bay, you’ll additionally discover a number of coves that may be accessed by land. Considered one of them is Nagtabon Seaside.
Nagtabon Seaside is located lower than an hour away from the town middle, so it’s considerably indifferent and never often included in typical Puerto Princesa itineraries. It was once a sanctuary for individuals who wish to escape the crowds, but it surely has been getting the eye of extra vacationers. Those that go to are welcomed by a picturesque view of the mountains and cerulean waters.
Just a few years in the past, there are only some cottages out there for lease right here, however there are actually resorts and eating places within the space.
Location: Barangay Bacungan, Puerto Princesa Metropolis, Palawan
Methods to Get to Nagtabon Seaside: From the town middle, take a bus going north (Taytay/Roxas/El Nido) to Bacungan. Then, constitution a tricycle to Nagtabon Seaside. If you happen to’re a gaggle, renting a van for a roundtrip transportation is an choice too.
Firefly Watching
If you need one thing a bit extra offbeat, strive firefly watching and get that magical feeling! Even in the event you already deliberate out your actions in Puerto Princesa, you’ll be able to most likely squeeze this into your itinerary since this tour occurs at evening. If you be part of a firefly watching tour, you’ll hop on a ship and exit into the water the place you can feast your eyes with the blinking lights from the fireflies and the twinkling of the celebrities within the sky.
There are three completely different firefly watching areas in Puerto Princesa:
- Iwahig River. That is the unique location of firefly watching in Puerto Princesa. Utilizing a paddle boat, you’ll cruise alongside Iwahig River as your boat man and tour information present you the fireflies. Sadly, Iwahig firefly watching is currenly closed, however fear not as a result of there are different firefly watching spots in Puerto Princesa.
- Sicsican River. That is the place we went firefly watching on our current journey. Town’s baywalk space serves because the jump-off level for this tour. From right here, you’ll hop on a ship after which switch to a smaller boat, which might take you to Sicsican River the place fireflies abound. Tour guides make the firefly watching exercise entertaining by “speaking” to the fireflies in numerous languages. The tour features a scrumptious dinner on the boat, which we loved after cruising on the river and seeing the fireflies that appear like Christmas lights by the aspect of the river.
- Nagsaguipi River. This tour features a buffet dinner at a restaurant simply earlier than you begin your firefly watching journey. After making your stomachs full, you’ll get on a paddle boat and sail on Nagsaguipi River the place you’ll see the fireflies glow by the mangrove timber.
Mount Magarwak Dawn Trek
With a top of 350 meters, Mount Magarwak is a pleasant place to go to if you wish to see Puerto Princesa from above. The trek to the highest of this mountain is appropriate even for learners and takes round an hour and a half, relying on the tempo. It’s best to start out trekking early within the morning round 5:00 AM so you’ll be able to attain the highest earlier than dawn. When you get to the highest, you’ll be able to loosen up, have some espresso and await the spectacular dawn over Puerto Princesa. From the height, you may as well admire Honda Bay and Puerto Princesa Bay.
Mount Magarwak is positioned in Barangay Bacungan, about 15 kilometers from the town middle.
Kamia Bay Resort
Kamia Bay Resort lies in Barangay Luzviminda, lower than an hour away south of the town middle. The waterpark covers about 4 hectares of the property in Binusalian Bay and options one of many largest inflatable parks within the nation. Company of all ages can get pleasure from bouncing round and taking place the slide of various heights or strive wall climbing on the inflatables.
Different actions supplied listed here are eco-tours and bike trails. The resort additionally has a buffet and many areas the place you’ll be able to chill whether or not you’re household, pals, or your particular somebody.
Observe: We’re undecided if Kamia Bay Resort is closed or open. We didn’t get to go to on our current journey, so we couldn’t verify. However their social media accounts have been inactive since 2021.
Viet Village
In 1979, after the autumn of South Vietnam, quite a lot of Vietnamese refugees discovered themselves in Palawan and arrange a camp. In 1993, the camp was moved to Barangay Sta. Lourdes. Over time, some have left and returned to Vietnam, however some selected to remain.
At this time, this neighborhood in Puerto Princesa is named Viet Ville. Historical past buffs will certainly discover a go to right here fairly fascinating. You may as well have a style of the Vietnamese delicacies on the restaurant right here that bears the identical title. Viet Ville restaurant serves pho, banh mi, and Vietnamese espresso, amongst others.
Tackle: Viet Ville Restaurant, Km 13 Barangay Sta. Lourdes, Puerto Princesa Metropolis, Palawan
Opening Hours: Every day, 8:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Contact Particulars: +63 970 218 2189 (Good) and +63 917 329 2201 (Globe)
Iwahig Jail and Penal Farm
A spot of second probabilities and hope.
These is probably not the phrases we often affiliate with a spot as grim as a jail. In most correctional amenities, describing the atmosphere this fashion would even sound ironic. However not at Iwahig Jail and Penal Farm — at the least, that’s what I felt and discovered throughout our go to.
Established in November 1904 as a penal colony through the American occupation, it initially took in prisoners transferred from Bilibid Jail in Manila. At this time, Iwahig Jail and Penal Farm, also referred to as the “Jail With out Partitions”, operates as an open-air correctional facility that gives various rehabilitation packages for Individuals Disadvantaged of Liberty (PDLs). These packages purpose to assist them regain a way of objective whereas serving their time and put together them for all times outdoors jail.
The packages embrace Work and Livelihood, Schooling and Coaching, Sports activities and Recreation, Ethical and Non secular, Well being and Welfare, and Conduct Modification. PDLs with minimum-security standing are given this stage of freedom, permitting them to roam freely throughout the facility and take part in worthwhile vocational and academic actions like farming, fishing, forestry, and craftsmanship.
Iwahig has redefined jail from being a spot of punishment and confinement to a spot of reformation and hope. As a part of this initiative, sure areas of the ability are open to the general public for tourism and academic functions. There’s presently no entrance charge, however you’ll be able to assist them by buying merchandise from their memento store. Right here, we met and spoke with Kuya A, a former inmate who selected to proceed residing and dealing right here after his launch, and Kuya B, who’s presently underneath minimal safety. We’ve discovered so much from them, and it’ll take a separate submit to do their tales justice.
Inside the 29-hectare property, different common vacationer stops embrace the Leisure Corridor, St. Joseph the Employee Parish Church, and Balsahan. In March 2025, BuCor and DENR signed a Memorandum of Settlement formalizing the land boundaries of the Iwahig Jail and Penal Farm (IPPF), which covers 29,385.30 hectares (Supply: BuCor Official Web site). In the meantime, in November 2025, BuCor and PEZA additionally signed a Joint Memorandum Round outlining plans for future developments throughout the facility.
Tackle: Iwahig Jail and Penal Farm, Barangay Iwahig, Puerto Princesa Metropolis, Palawan
Day Tour Hours: Every day, 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entrance Payment: FREE
Observe: Deliver a sound ID and costume appropriately. For ladies, it’s finest to put on pants, lengthy skirt, and t-shirt or shirt.
Methods to Get to Iwahig Jail and Penal Farm: From the town middle, we chartered a tricycle with stops at Iwahig Jail and Penal Farm and Viet Village. We paid P1200 for the roundtrip tricycle experience, good for 3 pax. The one-way journey time is round an hour. The tricycle can go inside and take you across the facility.
Contributed by: Asta Alvarez
KaLui
Ask anybody in Puerto Princesa the place they recommend a first-time vacationer ought to go for a meal, and there’s a giant likelihood they’ll level you to Ka Lui.
KaLui is maybe probably the most well-known Pinoy restaurant in Puerto Princesa. Fostering a homey Pinoy environment, it’s with picket furnishings, ceramic items, and work. Ka Lui serves principally Filipino seafood specialties. In addition they give a complimentary fruit salad served on a halved coconut.
This restaurant is extraordinarily common so it’s extremely advisable that you just make prior reservation to safe a desk.
Tackle: 369 Rizal Avenue, Barangay San Miguel, Puerto Princesa Metropolis, Palawan
Opening Hours: Mondays to Saturdays, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Lunch), 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Dinner); Sundays, CLOSED
Contact Quantity: (048) 726-6217
Ka Inato
Ka Inato was advisable by our tricycle driver who toured us across the metropolis. If you wish to strive native dishes at inexpensive costs, Ka Inato is considered one of your finest choices. I had the Unique Charcoal Grilled Hen Leg and Grilled Isol (Hen Ass). Each have been completely grilled, with a balanced taste — neither too savory nor too candy. I additionally tried the Gac Fruit and Papaya Shake, and I cherished it! It was so refreshing. Different workforce favorites have been the Sinigang na Isda and Pansit Bihon.
Adorned with native furnishings, fascinating sculptures, and colourful work, the spacious restaurant exudes a comfortable environment. However past the meals and the atmosphere, what actually stood out was the service. I take my hat off to the administration for offering employment alternatives to PWDs, significantly members of the deaf-mute neighborhood. You possibly can talk with them utilizing the Fundamental Signal Language information discovered on the primary web page of the menu.
Tackle: Km 4 North Nationwide Freeway, Barangay Tiniguiban, Puerto Princesa Metropolis, Palawan
Opening Hours: Every day, 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Contact Particulars: +63 917 553 1721 (Globe), +63 998 885 2990 (Good), or (048) 434-1721 (Landline)
Contributed by: Asta Alvarez
Tamilok
This isn’t someplace to go to however one thing to get pleasure from! Er, provided that you’re an adventurous eater.
Indulging in native meals is at all times an awesome a part of any journey. If unique meals doesn’t faze you, don’t miss out on Palawan’s delicacy — tamilok! It’s sometimes called a woodworm as a result of it’s discovered inside mangroves. However it’s, in reality, a kind of marine mollusk with lengthy and mushy our bodies. Yep, a distant cousin of oysters and mussels! Its style profile and slimy texture are akin to the extra frequent bivalves too, albeit with a powerful woody aftertaste.
When in Puerto Princesa, you’ll be able to do this unconventional deal with at some eating places within the metropolis. I used to be in a position to strive tamilok after we had lunch in Cacaoyan Forest Park in Sabang. They serve it with a aspect of vinegar the place you’ll be able to dip it earlier than savoring it.
One other restaurant that gives it’s Kinabuch’s Grill and Bar positioned throughout the metropolis middle, the place our teammate Yosh had his first style of it.
Chao Lengthy
The Vietnamese refugees left an enduring mark in Palawan, particularly in Puerto Princesa the place they settled and have become their second house. At this time, the town’s meals scene mirror that historical past. Its gastronomic map is peppered with Vietnamese eating places serving pho, banh mi, spring rolls, and chao lengthy, amongst others.
Chao lengthy eateries and eating places, particularly, have grow to be native favorites, so we tried a few them — Lou Chaolong Hauz and Banh Pho Chaolong. The Palaweños model of chao lengthy options flat, chewy rice noodles, a selection of meat (beef, pork, or hen), and a skinny broth that’s on the candy aspect, giving it a distinctly Filipino taste. It’s sometimes served with bean sprouts and calamansi.
Curiously, the Vietnamese chao lengthy is definitely a lot nearer to Filipino lugaw (rice porridge). It’s often topped with buto-buto, innards, and slices of meat, then garnished with spring onions and dried garlic. However, Palaweños chao lengthy is extra just like the Vietnamese noodle soup.
Contributed by: Asta Alvarez
High Puerto Princesa Resorts
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Updates Log
2025 11 28 – Up to date information and added 3 extra gadgets to the record (Iwahig Jail and Penal Farm, Ka Inato, and Chao Lengthy)
2022 11 3 – First uploaded
Written by: Mariah Cruz
Further writing by: Asta Alvarez