Palawan, western Philippines · Philippines
A boat ride through a limestone cave beneath a rainforest mountain, in one of the world's New 7 Wonders of Nature.
Photo: Mike Gonzalez · CC BY-SA 3.0
Puerto Princesa is the capital of Palawan, a clean and orderly city on the island's east coast, and the main gateway for visitors, with an international airport and connections to El Nido and Coron. It is known as the City in a Forest, and for its cleanliness and environmental policies.
The main attraction is the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, about 80 km north, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. Its centrepiece is an 8-km underground river, one of the longest navigable in the world, which flows through a limestone cave into the sea. Visitors take a paddled boat for about 1.5 km into the cave, past chambers filled with stalactites and stalagmites, bats and swiftlets. Tickets are limited by permit, and must be arranged in advance through the city's tourism office.
Near the city, Honda Bay has sandbars, coral gardens and island hopping, and a firefly watching tour in the Iwahig River is popular in the evening. Most visitors spend two days in Puerto Princesa before heading north to El Nido by van, about 5 to 6 hours.
Why visit
Puerto Princesa combines a world-famous cave with an easy gateway city.
A UNESCO cave.
Sandbars and reefs.
Evening river cruises.
Easy and relaxed.
Vans and flights.
Main attractions
The river is the highlight; other sights are nearby.
An 8-km subterranean river, of which the first 1.5 km can be visited by boat, with cathedral-like chambers.
Tip Book permits days ahead.
The park's karst landscape of jagged limestone, forest and cliffs.
Tip Look up at the peaks.
Island hopping to sandbars such as Luli and Starfish Island.
Tip Go early.
A boat trip at night to see fireflies in the mangroves.
Tip Book in the afternoon.
A hill garden with bread and a view.
Tip Good for families.
A memorial to the 1944 massacre of prisoners of war.
Tip Reflective stop.
Things to do
The city works as a base for two days of nature.
Paddle into the cave.
Tip Reserve a permit.
Sandbars and snorkelling.
Tip Book a boat.
In the evening.
Tip Bring insect repellent.
At the Eco Adventure park.
Tip Book.
A local novelty.
Tip Try it if adventurous.
A farm prison.
Tip Guided.
Local food
Puerto Princesa's food is seafood and Palawan specialities.
Woodworm delicacy.
Where to try it Restaurants.
Fresh fish.
Where to try it Baywalk.
Roasted nuts.
Where to try it Shops.
Chopped pork.
Where to try it Restaurants.
Raw fish.
Where to try it Restaurants.
Accommodation
Stay in the city.
Transport
Puerto Princesa is the gateway.
Tricycles in the city.
When to go
The dry season is best.
Dry.
Hot.
Rain.
Wet, and the river may close.
Worth planning around: Wet season.
Itinerary
The river and the bay.
The cave.
Island hopping.
Travel tips
A few tips help you plan.
FAQ
Through the city tourism office or a tour operator.
About 45 minutes inside.
Yes.
About 5 to 6 hours.
December to May.
Two.
Keep exploring
Places that pair well with Puerto Princesa, whether you have a few spare days or are building a longer route.
Palawan, western Philippines, Philippines
A small Palawan town at the edge of Bacuit Bay, the base for island-hopping tours to the Big and Small Lagoons, Secret Lagoon, Shimizu Island and Nacpan Beach.
Don't miss Paddling a kayak through the narrow entrance of the Secret Lagoon into a hidden pool ringed by cliffs.
Explore Destination — El NidoPalawan, Calamian Islands, Philippines
A base for the Calamian Islands, with world-class wreck diving, Kayangan and Barracuda Lakes, Twin Lagoon, Siete Pecados reef snorkelling and Maquinit hot springs.
Don't miss Swimming in the warm, glass-clear waters of Kayangan Lake, ringed by steep limestone cliffs.
Explore Destination — CoronCentral Visayas, Philippines
A long island and a city with Magellan's Cross and the Basilica del Santo Niño, plus Moalboal's sardine run, Kawasan Falls canyoneering, Oslob and Malapascua.
Don't miss Snorkelling in the middle of a swirling ball of millions of sardines at Moalboal.
Explore Destination — CebuRead next
Heritage
A UNESCO listing tells you a place matters; it does not tell you whether it is worth two days and a detour. This is how to read the list usefully — and which sites reward building a trip around them.
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