Introduction
Puerto Princesa City, the capital of Palawan, is not only the gateway to the world-renowned Underground River but also a treasure trove of natural wonders, historical landmarks, and cultural attractions. From breathtaking bays and limestone mountains to heritage cathedrals and poignant World War II memorials, the city’s places of interest reflect both its ecological richness and its deep historical roots. This guide highlights the must-visit attractions for travelers seeking to fully experience the essence of Puerto Princesa.
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is the city’s most iconic attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Featuring an 8.2-kilometer navigable underground river, it winds through dramatic limestone karst formations before emptying into the West Philippine Sea. Inside, visitors marvel at cathedral-like caverns adorned with stalactites and stalagmites, some resembling religious figures or animals.
At the cave entrance lies a clear lagoon framed by towering trees, home to monkeys, monitor lizards, and various bird species. Declared one of the New7Wonders of Nature in 2012, the Underground River is a symbol of Puerto Princesa’s natural heritage and its global eco-tourism identity.
Puerto Princesa Bay
Puerto Princesa Bay serves as a picturesque entry point for travelers arriving by sea. Lined with mangroves and coastal communities, the bay offers opportunities for bay cruises, mangrove paddle tours, and sunset watching. In the evenings, firefly-watching tours showcase the magical glow of fireflies along the mangrove trees, reflected in the calm waters.
Resorts, restaurants, and the city’s baywalk park along the shoreline provide dining and leisure options with panoramic views, making the bay a focal point of both tourism and community life.
Cleopatra’s Needle
Rising about 1,600 meters above sea level, Cleopatra’s Needle is a dramatic limestone peak named for its needle-like shape. Considered a sacred site by the indigenous Tagbanua people, it is one of Palawan’s most important biodiversity areas. The surrounding Cleopatra’s Needle Critical Habitat is home to endemic species such as the Palawan hornbill and rare amphibians.
The mountain offers a challenging climb for mountaineers, rewarded by panoramic views of Puerto Princesa’s coastline and forests. It is a symbol of the city’s commitment to conserving its ecological frontiers.
Honda Bay Islands
Just a short drive north of the city proper lies Honda Bay, one of Puerto Princesa’s most popular island-hopping destinations. The bay is dotted with pristine islands and sandbars, each offering a unique experience:
- Snake Island: Famous for its winding sandbar that resembles a snake, perfect for wading and snorkeling.
- Starfish Island: Known for its abundance of colorful starfishes and shallow snorkeling spots.
- Lu-li Island: Short for “lulubog-lilitaw,” this tidal islet disappears at high tide and re-emerges at low tide.
- Pandan Island: A top snorkeling and diving site with coral gardens and drop-offs.
- Arreceffi Island: Home to the luxury Dos Palmas Resort, offering eco-adventures and water sports.
- Bat Island: At sundown, thousands of bats emerge in dramatic swarms.
- Cowrie Island: A family-friendly island with cottages, restaurants, and beach activities.
With calm waters and abundant marine life, Honda Bay is ideal for snorkeling, diving, swimming, and beach picnics.
Ulugan Bay
Located on Puerto Princesa’s northwestern coast, Ulugan Bay is known for its deep waters and strategic location. Guarded by the Tres Marias islets, the bay is dotted with mangrove forests, rolling hills, and nearby dive spots like Rita Island. Its natural harbors make it a site of ecological and historical interest.
Ulugan Bay also serves as the gateway to the western side of the Underground River, adding to its appeal for eco-adventurers and marine enthusiasts.
White Sand Beaches
Puerto Princesa is fringed by countless white sand beaches, ranging from secluded coves to accessible island resorts. These powdery shores, lapped by emerald and turquoise waters, provide perfect settings for swimming, beachcombing, and relaxation. Popular spots include beaches around Honda Bay and farther afield toward Nagtabon and Napsan, which offer surfing waves and quiet retreats.
Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm
Established in 1904 during the American colonial period, the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm is known as the “prison without walls.” Inmates here live in open conditions, tending farms, fisheries, and handicraft workshops. Visitors can purchase souvenirs such as woodcrafts and handwoven products, supporting the rehabilitation and livelihood of inmates.
The site also provides insight into unique correctional practices that integrate community engagement and self-sufficiency.
Immaculate Conception Cathedral
The Immaculate Conception Cathedral, located along Rizal Avenue, is one of Puerto Princesa’s most important religious landmarks. Originally established as a parish in 1872, the current neo-Gothic structure was completed in 1961 under Bishop Gregorio Espiga. Its blue spires and stained glass windows make it a striking landmark near the bay.
The cathedral remains the center of Catholic worship in the city, playing host to major religious celebrations and community events.
Limestone and Karst Mountains
Puerto Princesa’s landscape is defined by limestone and marble cliffs, part of the larger karst systems of Palawan. Areas like St. Paul Mountain Range in Barangays Cabayugan and Tagabinet offer dramatic rock formations, caves, and hiking opportunities. These landscapes attract mountaineers, spelunkers, and nature enthusiasts eager to explore Palawan’s geological wonders.
Vietnamese Village
In the late 1970s, Puerto Princesa became a refuge for Vietnamese “boat people” fleeing political turmoil. The Vietnamese Village, once a bustling community, has since integrated into the city but continues to offer glimpses of Vietnamese culture. The legacy of this community lives on in establishments such as Viet Ville Restaurant, where visitors can savor authentic Vietnamese dishes like pho and banh mi.
This site highlights Puerto Princesa’s role as a haven for refugees and its embrace of multicultural influences.
Plaza Cuartel
Located along Taft Street, Plaza Cuartel is a restored ruin of a Spanish garrison that became the site of a World War II atrocity. In December 1944, Japanese soldiers burned 143 American prisoners of war inside a tunnel; only 11 survived. Today, the plaza serves as a solemn memorial, reminding visitors of the horrors of war and the resilience of its survivors.
Palawan Museum
The Palawan Museum, housed in the former City Hall building, is the city’s primary repository of historical and cultural artifacts. Its exhibits include relics from the Tabon Caves (home to some of the earliest evidence of human settlement in the Philippines), ethnographic displays from indigenous Palawan groups, and collections of local flora and fauna.
The museum offers valuable insights into the island’s past and cultural diversity, making it an essential stop for history enthusiasts.
Waterfalls
Beyond its beaches and caves, Puerto Princesa is also home to scenic waterfalls. Salakot Waterfalls, located midway to Napsan, features a three-tier cascade with natural pools ideal for swimming. The area is surrounded by lush forests and is also home to butterflies and endemic plant species.
Other lesser-known waterfalls in the city’s hinterlands offer off-the-beaten-path experiences for eco-adventurers looking to explore Puerto Princesa’s interior landscapes.
Places of Interest
Puerto Princesa is more than just a stopover to Palawan’s famed islands; it is a destination rich in places of interest that combine nature, history, and culture. From the globally acclaimed Underground River to the poignant memorial of Plaza Cuartel, from the soaring peak of Cleopatra’s Needle to the serene Honda Bay islands, every site tells a story of resilience, beauty, and harmony with nature.
These attractions not only provide unforgettable experiences for travelers but also strengthen Puerto Princesa’s reputation as the eco-tourism capital of the Philippines. For visitors seeking both adventure and meaning, the city’s diverse landmarks offer a journey into the heart of Palawan’s heritage and natural wonders.
