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 every kind a bit style of what the province has to supply.
Situated in the midst of mainland Palawan, Puerto Princesa serves as the biggest and essentially the most handy gateway to the province. Though a extremely urbanized metropolis, it retains its pure magnificence and has been constantly 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 surprise it’s additionally touted because the Eco-Tourism Heart of the Philippines.
But it surely’s not all the time butterflies and unicorns for the town’s tourism over the previous years. Like in lots of locations world wide, the pandemic offered quite a lot of challenges. Then, in 2021, the province was ravaged by Storm Odette (worldwide identify: Rai), leaving nearly P8 billion in damages. However just lately, not even a yr after, we have been invited to hitch a current tour organized by the Division of Tourism (DOT)-MIMAROPA. We received 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 specific order) and what it’s like as we speak.
Word: Puerto Princesa is big! In actual fact, it’s the second largest metropolis within the Philippines by land space, subsequent to Davao. You’ll discover locations on this record that could be one or two hours away from the town heart, 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 beneficial inns and points of interest. Simply go to this web page: TPT Masterlist. We even have a compilation for different locations world wide.
Puerto Princesa Underground River
Formally named Puerto Princesa Subterranean River however generally merely known as PPUR, this 8.2-km-long underground river is the town’s most important tourism draw. This pure surprise 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 need 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 embody roundtrip land and boat transfers, audio information for the underground river tour, and buffet lunch.
One other wonderful thing about reserving with a tour operator is in case of inclement climate, you received’t need to 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 may additionally e book your Puerto Princesa Underground River tour bundle 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 likely one of 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 heart.
Honda Bay is peppered with a number of isles, however island hopping excursions often embody simply three stops. In the event you’re a DIY-er and also you’re becoming a member of a bunch tour, these three islands will likely be fastened. However if you need extra flexibility or should you’re a giant group, you might e book a ship and prepare a non-public tour.
At current, solely three islands are open for public island hopping excursions:
- Cowrie Island
- Luli Island
- Starfish Island
Boat charges range relying on the sort used. Listed here are the newest normal 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)
Except for 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 personal and gather a lot greater entrance charges. We’ll talk about them intimately beneath.
Listed here are different bills to anticipate should 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 Footwear 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
In the event you don’t need to cope with all these funds by yourself, you might e book a tour bundle provided by journey companies. Honday Bay excursions often price P1785/particular person, inclusive of lunch, entrance charges, boat rental, tour information, and roundtrip transfers.
You may as well discover a bundle with a slight low cost while you e book on-line!
Beneath 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. In the event you e book a packaged tour, Cowrie Island can also 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 may 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 should you’re with a bunch and you want enjoying 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. One in every 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 lots 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 images, or chill on one in every of their many overwater hammocks. The water is crystal clear too so you may 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 received its identify from quite a few starfish that decision its clear, shallow waters residence. Even should you don’t know tips on how to swim, you may nonetheless see the small fish and different marine animals frolicking round.
Understand that there’s a designated swimming and snorkeling space marked by a line so be certain that to remain inside that space to your security.
You can see many tables and chairs and even cottages for lease right here. In the event you’re hungry, there’s a small retailer on the island the place you should purchase snacks. Seafood “paluto” can also be out there. You should purchase 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 giant teams), P300
Pambato Reef
Don’t miss out a possibility to discover one in every of Puerto Princesa’s most visited underwater website! In contrast to the opposite Honda Bay tour stops, Pambato Reef shouldn’t be an island. It’s a widespread snorkeling spot, marked by a platform floating in the midst of the ocean. Earlier than leaping into the water, vacationers are given a brief lecture about marine and reef ecology and conservation.
Nevertheless, 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 after 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’s not among the many normal stops of the widespread three-island or two-island excursions.
It has an unbelievable, cream-colored seashore and clear emerald waters the place you may swim, snorkel, or simply bask within the solar. A buffet lunch can also 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 should 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 need to have an opulent island trip. Their lodging are proper by the seashore, going through the tuquoise waters.
In the event you’re on a restricted finances, you may have a style of the luxurious island expertise by happening a day tour. You possibly can discover the 20-hectare island and the facilities of the resort. Except for 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; Little one (2-11 years outdated), P900
*Day tour charges are inclusive of land and boat transfers and lunch.For reservations & inquiries, you might contact the administration.
Electronic mail: cbo@dospalmas.com.ph, rsvns@dospalmas.com.ph
Cell Quantity: 09175904442 / 09175000154 / 09298132360
Puerto Princesa Metropolis Tour
Except for its pure magnificence, you may admire extra of Puerto Princesa by exploring the town and studying about its historical past by happening a metropolis tour. Don’t depart with out shopping for souvenirs and pasalubong from Binuatan Creations, Baker’s Hill, and pasalubong heart.
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 need a extra snug 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 below are the same old stops included in metropolis excursions.
Palawan Wildlife Rescue & Conservation Heart
Beforehand generally known 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 academic tour is completed, which begins by the doorway the place the skeleton and pores and skin of a large crocodile are on show. After that, you can be led to the nursery of the child crocodiles after which to the world 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 varied species of uncommon birds right here and quite a lot of wild fauna.
Deal with: Palawan Wildlife Rescue & Conservation Heart, South Highway, Barangay Irawan, Puerto Princesa Metropolis, Palawan
Opening hours: Day by 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. Situated in Barangay Sta. Monica, the home sits atop a hill and has a view deck, permitting a superb, stress-free 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.
Deal with: Mitra’s Ranch/Rancho Sta. Monica, Barangay Santa Monica, Puerto Princesa Metropolis, Palawan
Working Hours: Day by 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. Whenever you go via the gate, you’ll be greeted by giant, colourful statues of widespread characters, including life to the gardens and playground surrounding the bakeshop. The location can also be wearing varied decorations, the theme of which change relying on the time of the yr.
Most vacationers who come right here go pasalubong or memento buying. You should purchase completely different baked items like cookies, brownies, and naturally, their widespread hopia in several flavors. Additionally they promote different snacks like cashew nuts, polvoron, and pastillas. In the event you’re in search of extra than simply snacks, you may dine at their restaurant known as Baker’s Kitchen.
Deal with: Baker’s Hill, Mitra Highway, Barangay Santa Monica, Puerto Princesa Metropolis, Palawan
Working Hours: Day by 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 group 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 tips on how to 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!
Deal with: Binuatan Creations, Staff Village, Barangay Santa Monica, Puerto Princesa Metropolis, Palawan
Working Hours: Day by day, 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Contact Quantity: +63 999 992 7712
Plaza Cuartel
Plaza Cuartel appears to be like like your atypical park lined with benches and timber as we speak, nevertheless it has a ugly previous. On 14 December 1944, on the top of World Battle II, 150 American prisoners of battle 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 also be put in to commemorate the troopers who died throughout the bloodbath and acknowledge the 11 who survived.
Deal with: Plaza Cuartel, Taft Avenue, Barangay Liwanag, Puerto Princesa Metropolis, Palawan
Word: Briefly closed to the general public.
Puerto Princesa Cathedral
Adjoining to Plaza Cuartel stands Puerto Princesa Cathedral, also called 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 number of occasions together with after it was destroyed by Japanese bombing throughout World Battle II. The construction that you simply see as we speak took nearly a century to complete and was solely accomplished in 1961. Its facade and interiors are clad in Neo-Gothic architectural fashion, just like the church buildings in Medieval Europe.
Deal with: Puerto Princesa Cathedral, Taft Avenue/Rizal Avenue, Barangay Matiyaga, Puerto Princesa Metropolis, Palawan
Working Hours: Day by day, 6:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Contact Quantity: +63 939 923 7212
Palawan Butterfly Backyard and Tribal Village
Because the identify 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 would be able to see flying round contained in the net-covered backyard.
Other than these lovely 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 fowl that seems on the official seal of the town of Puerto Princesa. These species are smaller in measurement, however just like the peacocks, the male has colourful feathers and vibrant wings that reveals after 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 folks of South Palawan known as Palaw’an. Right here, guests are handled to a cultural present the place they might see how the Palaw’an tribe historically lives within the mountains. The Palaw’ans reveal how they hunt, make fireplace, and carry out a brief musical quantity utilizing a string instrument known as kudyapi. There’s additionally a bit cafe right here the place you may strive civet coffe or kopi luwak.
Deal with: Palawan Butterfly Backyard and Tribal Village, Barangay Santa Monica, Puerto Princesa Metropolis, Palawan
Working Hours: Day by day, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Entrance Payment: Grownup, P60; Little one (4 to 12 years outdated), P50; Senior Citizen & PWD, P50
Cacaoyan Forest Park
Just a few minutes away from Sabang Wharf, Cacaoayan Forest Park is an superior lunch cease after your Puerto Princesa Underground River tour. True to its identify, being right here will make you are feeling such as you’re in the midst 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. In the event you’re fascinated with attempting tamilok, the favored unique mollusk, you may as well order it right here. Reservations are required for the lunch buffet, however some tour operators embody 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: Day by day, 8:00 AM to six:00 PM
Buffet Charge: P350/particular person
Sabang X Zipline
Sabang Seashore could also be identified 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 chill out. From right here, you may as well see the gorgeous St. Paul Limestone formation the place the underground river is flowing beneath.
In the event you’re in for extra journey, one other exercise you are able to do right here is the Sabang X Zipline. This thrilling trip will deal with you to the gorgeous view of Sabang Seashore 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 succeed in the start line of the trip, you want to go on a brief 15-minute hike.
Tickets price P550. However you’ll discover discounted tickets on-line!
Location: Sabang X Zipline, Barangay Sabang, Puerto Princesa Metropolis, Palawan
Working Hours: Day by day, 7:00 AM to five:00 PM
Ticket Charge: P550/particular person
Astoria Palawan Water Park
In the event you’re touring to Puerto Princesa with children and children at coronary heart, Palawan Water Park received you lined. You possibly can get pleasure from sliding down the water slides together 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 visitors.
Every ticket to the water park is inclusive of a lunch buffet.
Deal with: Astoria Palawan Water Park, Km 62 North Highway, 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’ll discover one 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 can 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 encompassing limestone formations. After taking within the views, you received’t be climbing again down as a result of the descent is by using a 71-meter zipline!
Deal with: Ugong Rock Adventures, Purok Pagkakaisa, Barangay Tagabinet, Puerto Princesa Metropolis, Palawan
Opening Hours: Day by day, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Nagtabon Seashore
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. One in every of them is Nagtabon Seashore.
Nagtabon Seashore is located lower than an hour away from the town heart, so it’s considerably indifferent and never often included in normal Puerto Princesa itineraries. It was a sanctuary for individuals who need to escape the crowds, nevertheless it 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 just a few 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
How one can Get to Nagtabon Seashore: From the town heart, take a bus going north (Taytay/Roxas/El Nido) to Bacungan. Then, constitution a tricycle to Nagtabon Seashore. In the event you’re a bunch, renting a van for a roundtrip transportation is an possibility too.
Firefly Watching
If you’d like one thing a bit extra offbeat, strive firefly watching and get that magical feeling! Even should you already deliberate out your actions in Puerto Princesa, you may in all probability squeeze this into your itinerary since this tour occurs at evening. Whenever you be part of a firefly watching tour, you’ll hop on a ship and exit into the water the place you might 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. The 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 several languages. The tour features a scrumptious dinner on the boat, which we loved after cruising on the river and seeing the fireflies that appear to be Christmas lights by the facet 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 novices and takes round an hour and a half, relying on the tempo. It’s best to begin trekking early within the morning round 5:00 AM so you may attain the highest earlier than dawn. When you get to the highest, you may chill out, have some espresso and look forward to 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 heart.
Kamia Bay Resort
Kamia Bay Resort lies in Barangay Luzviminda, lower than an hour away south of the town heart. The waterpark covers about 4 hectares of the property in Binusalian Bay and options one of many largest inflatable parks within the nation. Visitors of all ages can get pleasure from bouncing round and happening the slide of various heights or strive wall climbing on the inflatables.
Different actions provided listed below are eco-tours and bike trails. The resort additionally has a buffet and plenty of areas the place you may chill whether or not you’re household, buddies, or your particular somebody.
Word: 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. Through the years, some have left and returned to Vietnam, however some selected to remain.
Right now, this group in Puerto Princesa is known as 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 identify. Viet Ville restaurant serves pho, banh mi, and Vietnamese espresso, amongst others.
Deal with: Viet Ville Restaurant, Km 13 Barangay Sta. Lourdes, Puerto Princesa Metropolis, Palawan
Opening Hours: Day by 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 surroundings this manner would even sound ironic. However not at Iwahig Jail and Penal Farm — at the very least, that’s what I felt and discovered throughout our go to.
Established in November 1904 as a penal colony throughout the American occupation, it initially took in prisoners transferred from Bilibid Jail in Manila. Right now, Iwahig Jail and Penal Farm, also called 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 goal to assist them regain a way of function whereas serving their time and put together them for all times exterior jail.
The packages embody 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 degree of freedom, permitting them to roam freely inside 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 at present no entrance charge, however you may 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 at present underneath minimal safety. We’ve discovered loads from them, and it’ll take a separate publish to do their tales justice.
Inside the 29-hectare property, different widespread vacationer stops embody 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 inside the facility.
Deal with: Iwahig Jail and Penal Farm, Barangay Iwahig, Puerto Princesa Metropolis, Palawan
Day Tour Hours: Day by day, 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entrance Payment: FREE
Word: Deliver a sound ID and costume appropriately. For ladies, it’s finest to put on pants, lengthy skirt, and t-shirt or shirt.
How one can Get to Iwahig Jail and Penal Farm: From the town heart, we chartered a tricycle with stops at Iwahig Jail and Penal Farm and Viet Village. We paid P1200 for the roundtrip tricycle trip, 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 are going to level you to Ka Lui.
KaLui is maybe essentially 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 largely Filipino seafood specialties. Additionally they give a complimentary fruit salad served on a halved coconut.
This restaurant is extraordinarily widespread so it’s extremely beneficial that you simply make prior reservation to safe a desk.
Deal with: 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 beneficial by our tricycle driver who toured us across the metropolis. If you wish to strive native dishes at inexpensive costs, Ka Inato is one in every of your finest choices. I had the Authentic 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 staff 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 group. You possibly can talk with them utilizing the Fundamental Signal Language information discovered on the primary web page of the menu.
Deal with: Km 4 North Nationwide Freeway, Barangay Tiniguiban, Puerto Princesa Metropolis, Palawan
Opening Hours: Day by 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 all the time an excellent 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 actual fact, 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 widespread bivalves too, albeit with a powerful woody aftertaste.
When in Puerto Princesa, you may do this unconventional deal with at some eating places within the metropolis. I used to be capable of strive tamilok after we had lunch in Cacaoyan Forest Park in Sabang. They serve it with a facet of vinegar the place you may dip it earlier than savoring it.
One other restaurant that gives it’s Kinabuch’s Grill and Bar positioned inside the metropolis heart, 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 residence. Right now, the town’s meals scene replicate 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, specifically, have turn into 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 facet, giving it a distinctly Filipino taste. It’s usually 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. Alternatively, 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
Extra writing by: Asta Alvarez
