Puerto Princesa is known for its pristine white-sand beaches, clear water, and rich biodiversity. It is home to the famous Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring one of the world's longest navigable underground rivers. The city is considered a gateway to various natural attractions in Palawan.
You can get to Puerto Princesa by air, as it has an international airport that serves flights from major cities in the Philippines and some international destinations. By sea, there are ferries that connect the city to Manila and other parts of the archipelago.
Yes, a permit is required to visit the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park to manage the number of tourists and protect the area. It's recommended to arrange your permit in advance through a registered tour operator or at the park's office in Puerto Princesa.
Apart from the underground river, attractions in Puerto Princesa include Honda Bay for island hopping, Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park for diving, Ugong Rock for spelunking and zip-lining, and Mitra's Ranch for panoramic views of the city. There are also several museums and cultural sites within the city.
The best time to visit Puerto Princesa for good weather is during the dry season from October to May. The peak tourist season is from December to March when the weather is cooler and less rainy.
Puerto Princesa offers a wide range of accommodation options from budget guesthouses and homestays to mid-range hotels and luxury resorts. Many tourists opt to stay in hotels or resorts that provide easy access to major attractions and restaurants.
Puerto Princesa is generally considered safe for tourists. Like any tourist destination, common sense and normal safety precautions are advised. Local authorities also work to ensure the safety and security of visitors.
Yes, Tubbataha Reef is accessible from Puerto Princesa, but it is only accessible by organized boat trips due to its location in the middle of the Sulu Sea. These are typically liveaboard diving expeditions that must be booked well in advance, particularly as the reef is only open for diving from March through June.
In Puerto Princesa, try local dishes such as the Tamilok (woodworms), which is a unique delicacy, as well as fresh seafood, Chao Long (a Vietnamese noodle dish popular in Palawan), and Halo-Halo for dessert. There are many restaurants and local eateries where you can sample the regional cuisine.
Yes, Puerto Princesa and nearby areas like Honda Bay offer excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities. Coral reefs are abundant and there are many dive shops that can arrange trips. Keep in mind that some areas may require an environmental fee to help with conservation efforts.
