Puerto Princesa: The Tropical Heart of Palawan

• HelloKamusta
  [ka-mu-sta]
• GoodbyePaalam
  [pa-a-lam]
• YesOo
  [o]
• NoHindi
  [hin-di]
• Please/You're welcomePakiusap
  [pa-ki-u-sap]
• Thank youSalamat
  [sa-la-mat]
• Excuse me/SorryPasensya
  [pa-sen-sya]
• How are you?Kamusta ka?
  [ka-mu-sta ka]
• Fine. And you?Mabuti. Ikaw?
  [ma-bu-ti i-kaw]
• Do you speak English?Marunong ka mag-Ingles?
  [ma-ru-nong ka mag-ing-gles]
• I don't understandHindi ko maintindihan
  [hin-di ko main-tin-di-han]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseGusto ko pong makita ang menu
  [gus-to ko pong ma-ki-ta ang me-nu]
• I don't eat meatHindi ako kumakain ng karne
  [hin-di a-ko ku-ma-kain ng kar-ne]
• Cheers!Mabuhay!
  [ma-bu-hay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseGusto ko pong magbayad
  [gus-to ko pong mag-ba-ya-d]

• Help!Tulong!
  [tu-long]
• Go away!Lumayo ka!
  [lu-ma-yo ka]
• Call the Police!Tumawag sa pulis!
  [tu-ma-wag sa pu-lis]
• Call a doctor!Tumawag ng doktor!
  [tu-ma-wag ng dok-tor]
• I'm lostNawawala ako
  [na-wa-wa-la a-ko]
• I'm illMasama ang pakiramdam ko
  [ma-sa-ma ang pa-ki-ram-dam ko]

• I'd like to buy...Gusto ko bumili ng...
  [gus-to ko bu-mi-li ng]
• I'm just lookingNagmamasid lang po ako
  [nag-ma-ma-sid lang po a-ko]
• How much is it?Magkano ito?
  [mag-ka-no i-to]
• That's too expensiveMasyadong mahal
  [ma-sya-dong ma-hal]
• Can you lower the price?Pwede bang ibaba ang presyo?
  [pwe-de bang i-ba-ba ang pres-yo]

• What time is it?Anong oras na?
  [a-nong o-ras na]
• It's one o'clockAlas uno na
  [a-las u-no na]
• Half past (10)Alas dose y medya
  [a-las do-se y med-ya]
• MorningUmaga
  [u-ma-ga]
• AfternoonHapon
  [ha-pon]
• EveningGabi
  [ga-bi]
• YesterdayKahapon
  [ka-ha-pon]
• TodayNgayon
  [nga-yon]
• TomorrowBukas
  [bu-kas]
• 1Isa
  [i-sa]
• 2Dalawa
  [da-la-wa]
• 3Tatlo
  [tat-lo]
• 4Apat
  [a-pat]
• 5Lima
  [li-ma]
• 6Anim
  [a-nim]
• 7Pito
  [pi-to]
• 8Walo
  [wa-lo]
• 9Siyam
  [siy-am]
• 10Sampu
  [sam-pu]

• Where's a/the...?Nasaan ang...
  [na-sa-an ang]
• What's the address?Ano ang address?
  [a-no ang ad-dress]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pwede mo ba akong ipakita (sa mapa)?
  [pwe-de mo ba a-kong i-pa-ki-ta sa ma-pa]
• When's the next (bus)?Kailan ang susunod na (bus)?
  [kai-lan ang su-su-nod na bus]
• A ticket (to ....)Isang tiket (papuntang ...)
  [i-sang ti-ket pa-pun-tang]

Puerto Princesa, the capital city of Palawan, was founded in 1872 by Spanish colonizers. The city was named after Princess Asunción, the daughter of Queen Isabella II of Spain. It was originally established as a Spanish military base designed to protect the region from Muslim raiders.

During the American colonial period after the Spanish-American War in 1898, Puerto Princesa was transformed into a more organized town. The Americans introduced new systems of government, education, and infrastructure, which helped shape the city’s modern-day structure.

During World War II, Puerto Princesa was occupied by Japanese forces. One of the most harrowing events was the Palawan Massacre in December 1944, where Japanese troops killed around 150 American prisoners of war. This tragic event is commemorated by the Plaza Cuartel Memorial Park, located in the city.

After World War II, Puerto Princesa underwent significant reconstruction. The city continued to develop throughout the 20th century, with improvements in its infrastructure, healthcare, and educational systems. The construction of the Puerto Princesa International Airport was a major milestone, boosting tourism and economic growth.

One of Puerto Princesa's most significant contributions to natural heritage is the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, established in 1999. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park features one of the world’s longest underground rivers, drawing international attention and tourists from around the globe.

Puerto Princesa is home to a rich tapestry of cultures, including indigenous tribes such as the Tagbanua, Batak, and Pala’wan. These tribes have lived in the region for centuries, maintaining their unique traditions, languages, and ways of life. Efforts to preserve their culture are evident in local museums and cultural programs.

In recent years, Puerto Princesa has become a model for environmental conservation in the Philippines. The city is known for its eco-friendly initiatives, including waste management programs and marine conservation efforts. The local government’s advocacy for sustainable tourism has earned Puerto Princesa the title of the 'Eco-Tourism Capital of the Philippines.'

Puerto Princesa is accessible by air and sea. The Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPS) is the primary gateway, with several daily flights from Manila, Cebu, and other major Philippine cities. Airlines such as Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and AirAsia operate these routes. For a scenic journey, you can take a ferry from Manila or other islands to Puerto Princesa Port, although this option takes significantly longer.

Getting around Puerto Princesa is relatively easy. Tricycles are the most common form of local transport and are ideal for short distances within the city. For longer journeys, jeepneys and multicabs are available. Taxis are less common but can be found at the airport and major hotels. Renting a motorcycle or car is also an option if you prefer exploring at your own pace. Bicycle rentals are available for those who enjoy a more eco-friendly mode of transport.

The official currency in Puerto Princesa is the Philippine Peso (PHP). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, larger restaurants, and shops, but it is advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are available throughout the city, but it is wise to withdraw sufficient cash before heading to more remote areas.

Puerto Princesa is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any other city, it is essential to take standard safety precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas, and keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded places like public markets. While the city does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, always remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergencies, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Puerto Princesa has several hospitals and clinics, including the Ospital ng Palawan and Adventist Hospital Palawan. Pharmacies are also readily available for minor health issues. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or rural areas. Lightweight and breathable clothing is advisable due to the tropical climate. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting churches, dress conservatively and behave respectfully. Public Transport: Do be polite and patient when using public transport. Don't expect strict schedules, as timings can be flexible. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a simple 'Hello' or 'Kumusta' (How are you?). A handshake is also acceptable. Eating & Drinking: Do try local cuisine and accept food offerings graciously. Don't waste food, as it is considered disrespectful.

To experience Puerto Princesa like a local, visit the local markets such as the Puerto Princesa City Public Market for fresh produce and local goods. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's culture and history. Don't miss the chance to explore the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and take a boat tour of the Underground River. For a unique experience, visit Baker's Hill for local pastries and panoramic views.