🌍 Puerto Princesa, Philippines

Things to Do in Puerto Princesa

Top attractions, hidden gems, and free activities. Everything you need for the perfect Puerto Princesa experience.

8
Attractions
0
Free Activities
27h
Total Time
$80
Top 10 Cost
⭐

Must-See in Puerto Princesa

#1
🌳
Puerto Princesa Underground River

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River is an 8.2km underground river flowing through spectacular limestone caves. Take a guided paddle boat tour through massive chambers adorned with stunning stalactites and stalagmites. The park protects diverse ecosystems including old-growth forests and unique wildlife. Advance permits required.

⏱️ 6h
#2
πŸ–οΈ
Honda Bay Island Hopping

Honda Bay offers fantastic island hopping adventures to pristine islands with white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. Popular stops include Starfish Island famous for its abundant starfish, Cowrie Island with comfortable amenities and food stalls, Luli Island that appears and disappears with the tide, and Pandan Island known for excellent snorkeling. Perfect for swimming and relaxing.

⏱️ 7h
#3
πŸŒ„
Baker's Hill

A picturesque hilltop destination featuring beautiful gardens, colorful statues, playgrounds, and stunning panoramic views of Honda Bay. Famous for its delicious baked goods including hopia and other local pastries. The site offers a restaurant, multiple photo spots, and a peaceful atmosphere for families. Free admission makes it a popular local hangout spot.

⏱️ 2h
πŸ“…
If You Have 1 Day
The essential Puerto Princesa experience
  • 1Puerto Princesa Underground River6h
  • 2Honda Bay Island Hopping7h
  • 3Baker's Hill2h
  • 4Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center2h
Total: ~17 hoursEst. cost: ~$40
πŸ—“οΈ
Weekend Itinerary
2 days of Puerto Princesa highlights

Day 1

  • Puerto Princesa Underground River
  • Honda Bay Island Hopping
  • Baker's Hill
  • Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center

Day 2

  • Plaza Cuartel
  • Iwahig Firefly Watching
  • Sabang Beach and Zipline
  • Puerto Princesa Baywalk
Total: ~27 hoursEst. cost: ~$80
πŸ’°

Budget Calculator

Budget Explorer
$30
0 free attractions
Standard Visitor
$50
Top 5 attractions
See Everything
$80
Top 10 attractions

* Estimates based on typical entry fees. Actual prices may vary.

All Attractions

🌳

Puerto Princesa Underground River

nature

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River is an 8.2km underground river flowing through spectacular limestone caves. Take a guided paddle boat tour through massive chambers adorned with stunning stalactites and stalagmites. The park protects diverse ecosystems including old-growth forests and unique wildlife. Advance permits required.

⏱️ 6h

Quick Info

⏱️ Duration6h
πŸ’° PriceVaries
πŸŒ… Best TimeAny time
πŸ“ AreaCity Center
πŸ–οΈ

Honda Bay Island Hopping

beach

Honda Bay offers fantastic island hopping adventures to pristine islands with white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. Popular stops include Starfish Island famous for its abundant starfish, Cowrie Island with comfortable amenities and food stalls, Luli Island that appears and disappears with the tide, and Pandan Island known for excellent snorkeling. Perfect for swimming and relaxing.

⏱️ 7h

Quick Info

⏱️ Duration7h
πŸ’° PriceVaries
πŸŒ… Best TimeAny time
πŸ“ AreaCity Center
πŸŒ„

Baker's Hill

viewpoint

A picturesque hilltop destination featuring beautiful gardens, colorful statues, playgrounds, and stunning panoramic views of Honda Bay. Famous for its delicious baked goods including hopia and other local pastries. The site offers a restaurant, multiple photo spots, and a peaceful atmosphere for families. Free admission makes it a popular local hangout spot.

⏱️ 2h

Quick Info

⏱️ Duration2h
πŸ’° PriceVaries
πŸŒ… Best TimeAny time
πŸ“ AreaCity Center
🌳

Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center

nature

Also known as the Crocodile Farm, this conservation center houses hundreds of Philippine crocodiles from hatchlings to massive adults. The facility also protects other endemic Palawan species including bearcat, porcupine, and various birds. Visitors can hold baby crocodiles for photos and learn about conservation efforts. Educational tours explain the importance of protecting these endangered species.

⏱️ 2h

Quick Info

⏱️ Duration2h
πŸ’° PriceVaries
πŸŒ… Best TimeAny time
πŸ“ AreaCity Center
🏰

Plaza Cuartel

historical

A poignant national historic site commemorating the tragic events of World War II when 143 American prisoners of war were burned alive by Japanese forces in 1944. The well-maintained memorial features a peaceful garden, historical markers, and the original garrison ruins. Located beside the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in the city center, it serves as a powerful reminder of wartime atrocities.

⏱️ 1h

Quick Info

⏱️ Duration1h
πŸ’° PriceVaries
πŸŒ… Best TimeAny time
πŸ“ AreaCity Center
🌳

Iwahig Firefly Watching

nature

Experience the magical glow of thousands of fireflies along the Iwahig River at dusk. Paddle boats glide silently through mangrove forests as fireflies create a mesmerizing natural light show in the trees. The tour includes a peaceful river cruise and the chance to spot wildlife in the mangroves. One of the most romantic and unique experiences in Puerto Princesa.

⏱️ 3h

Quick Info

⏱️ Duration3h
πŸ’° PriceVaries
πŸŒ… Best TimeAny time
πŸ“ AreaCity Center
πŸ–οΈ

Sabang Beach and Zipline

beach

Sabang Beach offers a kilometer of pristine white sand near the Underground River. After exploring the caves, visitors can relax on the beautiful shoreline, enjoy fresh seafood at beachside restaurants, or try the thrilling Sabang X Zipline stretching 800 meters across the jungle with breathtaking views of mountains and azure waters below. Perfect combination of adventure and relaxation.

⏱️ 4h

Quick Info

⏱️ Duration4h
πŸ’° PriceVaries
πŸŒ… Best TimeAny time
πŸ“ AreaCity Center
🌳

Puerto Princesa Baywalk

park

A spacious seaside promenade along Puerto Princesa Bay, perfect for sunset watching, evening strolls, and people-watching. The area features local food stalls, restaurants, benches, and open spaces for relaxation. Popular with locals for morning jogs and evening hangouts. The colorful boats in the harbor and sea breeze create a pleasant atmosphere for unwinding after work.

⏱️ 2h

Quick Info

⏱️ Duration2h
πŸ’° PriceVaries
πŸŒ… Best TimeAny time
πŸ“ AreaCity Center
πŸ—ΊοΈ

πŸ’‘ Sightseeing Tips for Puerto Princesa

1

Book popular sites in advance. Major attractions sell out weeks aheadβ€”book online to avoid disappointment.

2

Go early or late. Major attractions are packed midday. Visit at opening time or after 5pm for smaller crowds.

3

Look for free entry days. Many museums offer free entry on certain days or evenings.

4

Get a city pass. If you're visiting multiple attractions, city passes often save money and include transport.

πŸ”— More About Puerto Princesa

Planning a trip to Puerto Princesa?

Get the complete digital nomad guide with costs, neighborhoods, and work spots

View Full Guide→