10 Best Things to Do in Puerto Princesa

Famously known all over the world as the home of the iconic Puerto Princesa Underground River, Palawan’s capital city is considered to be a haven for nature lovers and adventurers. With its endless attractions featuring breathtaking natural wonders from lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and mountains, I’m sure that Puerto Princesa City is going to be one of your favorite places to visit in the world. 

Aside from its stunning natural attractions, Puerto Princesa is also Palawan’s major business and economic district so if you want to immerse yourself in the island’s rich and vibrant culture, this is definitely the perfect place to be. So, what are you waiting for? Join me as we explore all the different attractions and exciting activities that the capital city has to offer today on the 10 Best Things to do in Puerto Princesa!

Discover the Iconic Puerto Princesa Underground River 

Ah, of course! The number one and most important thing to do in Puerto Princesa visits the world’s famous Puerto Princesa Underground River! The fact that this enchanting cave system was once a part of the New7Wonders of the World is already enough reason for visitors from different parts of the globe to come and witness its beauty. 

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park features one of the most impressive and complicated cave systems anyone can ever see in the world. The park covers a massive area of more than 22,000 hectares full of pristine waters, limestone karst formations, and evergreen forests thriving with wildlife species. However, the main attraction of the park is the Underground River itself, spanning a length of 8.2 kilometers. Prepare yourself to be in extreme awe as you traverse across the river’s turquoise and witness exquisite rock formations! 

All in all, the national park is considered to be the Most Valuable Limestone Forest in Asia and you’ve definitely got to see it. 

Visit the Famous Crocodile Farm! 

Another must-visit attraction in Puerto Princesa is the beautiful sanctuary of the Philippine Crocodiles, one of currently the world’s endangered species of animals. The Crocodile Farm and Nature Park isn’t only a tourist destination but also a research center helping to conserve the lives of our iconic reptiles. 

Everyone is invited to explore Crocodile Farm and Nature Park and learn more about our lovely animals from museums, exhibits, breeding facts, and of course, the real deal, watching huge Philippine Crocodiles in action! 

Show your Guts at the Sabang X Zipline! 

Well, it’s true that you can explore and admire Puerto Princesa’s undeniable beauty by simply taking tours, swimming, and such. But for adrenaline junkies like us, well, we like to take things to a whole new level! The famous Sabang x Zipline is one of the iconic tourist attractions not only in Puerto Princesa but the entire Palawan itself. 

At 150 feet above sea level, you’ll get to experience zooming through the air for 800 meters along Sabang Beach while enjoying an exclusive bird’s eye view of Puerto Princesa’s stunning landscape including the iconic Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. Now that’s what I’m talking about!

Go on a Paddle Boat Tour in the Mangrove Forest! 

Another way to enjoy Puerto Princesa’s natural beauty is by taking a Paddle Boat Tour along the Mangrove Forest. Get to experience up close the stunning ecosystem of Puerto Princesa featuring lush greeneries, limestone formations, termites, and also several monkeys on trees! 

Of course, nothing compares to the perspective you’ll have while riding a paddleboat. So be sure not to miss out! 

Fall in Love with the Beautiful Sight of Fireflies 

Nowadays, just being able to see a single firefly at night in the city seems like a miracle. Now, imagine being surrounded by thousands while you’re having a romantic dinner with your soulmate. Well, that’s just a taste you’ll get when you go on the Iwahig River Firefly Watching Cruise! 

The buffet dinner is also something to look forward to! But of course, the main attraction is the lovely, dazzling, and flickering insects making the dark forest seem to glow in an enchanting festival of lights. How beautiful it is, right?

River Cruise and Kayaking!

Puerto Princesa is blessed with an extremely wide selection of stunning rivers and waterfalls. And you definitely shouldn’t miss the chance to witness and experience them! That’s why our next things on the list are going on a River Cruise and Kayaking. This enables us to witness the beauty of Palawan’s thriving ecosystem along with its famous mangrove forests and exotic animals! Some of the most popular river cruises are on the San Carlos River, Maoyon River, and Iwahig River. 

Explore Dos Palmas Island 

When you’re in Puerto Princesa, one of the best tourist destinations you can find is no other than Dos Palmas Island. Tucked somewhere off the northeastern coast of Palawan is the private Dos Palmas Resort. Here, you will surely experience world-class accommodation as you get on with your memorable trip and have the absolute best time of your life. 

Get the chance to enjoy all of Puerto Princesa’s natural beauty like the white-sand beaches, crystalline turquoise waters, and the stunning scenery of the sandbars only here at Dos Palmas Resort!

Chill Out at Honda Bay 

Another one of Puerto Princesa’s most famous tourist destinations in the beautiful Honda Bay. This is a premier island-hopping attraction in the capital city where tourists will be able to enjoy some of Palawan’s finest islands, Cowrie, Luli, and Starfish. 

Honda Bay is the perfect destination to admire Puerto Princesa’s raw beauty. From the cream-colored beaches, crystalline waters, and the mesmerizing view of the sunset, it would be no surprise if you fall in love with Palawan over and over again. 

Offer Prayers at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral

Visiting the Puerto Princesa Cathedral also known as the Immaculate Conception Cathedral is definitely a must for travelers visiting the capital city. Aside from offering prayers for safe travels and well-being, the cathedral is also famous as one of the grandest and picturesque Roman Catholic churches in Palawan. 

The cathedral also offers a chance for travelers to escape the noise and clamor of the city. At the same time, the Immaculate Conception Cathedral is also a perfect place to familiarize yourself with the city!

Visit the Butterfly Garden and Tribal Village 

Aside from being home to the iconic Puerto Princesa Underground River, Palawan is also known to be the “Last Frontier of the Philippines” where some of nature’s most wonderful creations are still unspoiled and thriving. One of the best natural attractions that prove this case is the Palawan Butterfly Ecological Garden and Tribal Village. 

This beautiful sanctuary houses several species of beautiful and colorful butterflies, scorpions, lizards, and mantises with which visitors can safely interact. Moreover, there are also several wildlife animals rescued from poachers and hunters.