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Puerto Princesa
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Puerto Princesa blends Palawan wildlife, island excursions, historic sites and easy access to the Underground River and Honda Bay for memorable sightseeing.

A Coastal Palawan Capital

Puerto Princesa stretches between the Sulu Sea and the forested interior of Palawan, combining the practical energy of a provincial capital with access to some of the archipelago’s most distinctive landscapes. Its urban centre is low-rise and easy to navigate, with Rizal Avenue, the public market, Plaza Cuartel and the waterfront forming the core of everyday life. Roads lead south towards quieter coastal barangays and north towards Honda Bay, while the wider city territory extends through rural communities and rainforest to Sabang and the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park.
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History, Nature and Everyday Life

The city’s story includes Tagbanua and Cuyonon heritage, Spanish colonial administration, wartime memory and the growth of modern Palawan. Historic sites such as the Immaculate Conception Cathedral and Plaza Cuartel sit close to newer museums, cafés and civic spaces, while the Palawan Heritage Center introduces the province’s cultural and natural history. Outside the centre, Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm presents an unusual institution within a broad agricultural landscape, and the elevated viewpoints at Mitra Ranch look across wooded hills and Honda Bay.

Beyond the Urban Centre

Puerto Princesa is best understood as both a city and a large administrative territory. Boat trips from Honda Bay reach islands and sandbars suitable for swimming and snorkelling, while the Underground River excursion involves travelling north to Sabang before continuing by boat or on foot according to local conditions. In the evening, Baywalk offers a relaxed seafront setting, and local eateries serve seafood, Palawan-grown cashews and regional specialities. The result is a destination where civic streets, fishing communities, protected forests and island waters are closely connected.

When is the best time to visit Puerto Princesa?

Best: February–March, November · 30°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January2950
February (best)3040
March (best)3040
April3040
May3140
June3140
July3040
August3040
September3040
October3040
November (best)3040
December2950

Getting to and around Puerto Princesa

How to get there

Puerto Princesa International Airport is the main gateway, with domestic connections from major Philippine cities and onward links that vary by season and airline. The airport is close to the urban centre, where taxis, tricycles and pre-arranged hotel transfers are available. Long-distance buses and passenger vans connect Puerto Princesa with towns elsewhere on Palawan, including destinations along the northbound and southbound highway, although journeys can be lengthy because of road conditions and distance. There is no railway. Passenger ferry options may change, so travellers arriving by sea should verify current routes and terminals before planning a maritime connection.

Transportation

Tricycles are the most characteristic form of short-distance transport in the built-up area, while taxis, vans and private transfers are useful for airport journeys, day tours and longer distances. Much of the central city is manageable by walking, though heat, humidity and traffic make short rides preferable at midday. Organised vans commonly serve attractions outside the centre, including Honda Bay departure points and the road towards Sabang. Motorbike hire and self-driving are possible through local providers, but visitors should be comfortable with tropical weather, uneven traffic patterns, limited lighting and the considerable distances between urban and rural areas.

Best attractions in Puerto Princesa

Puerto Princesa’s attractions range from urban heritage sites to protected landscapes beyond the centre. Plaza Cuartel preserves the grounds of a former military garrison and presents the city’s wartime history, while the Palawan Heritage Center introduces local communities, biodiversity and provincial traditions. Along the waterfront, Baywalk is a popular place for an evening walk and informal food stalls. Inland viewpoints at Mitra Ranch and Baker’s Hill offer contrasting ways to appreciate the city’s wooded setting, and the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center provides an introduction to crocodile conservation. Boat excursions from Honda Bay travel to islands and sandbars for swimming and snorkelling. The major natural attraction is the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park near Sabang, within the city’s extensive administrative territory but well outside the urban centre; its cave river, limestone landscape and forest setting require a dedicated excursion rather than a short city visit.

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Best landmarks in Puerto Princesa

The Immaculate Conception Cathedral is one of Puerto Princesa’s most recognisable civic and religious landmarks, with its pale stone appearance and prominent position near the historic centre. Nearby Plaza Cuartel occupies the site of a former military compound and serves as a memorial to the prisoners killed there during the Second World War. The Puerto Princesa City Baywalk Park represents the modern waterfront, linking public space with views across the coast rather than monumental architecture. In the wider city territory, the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is a landmark of natural heritage: its limestone cave system and navigable underground river carry international significance. Mitra Ranch, associated with former senator Ramon Mitra Jr, is another locally important viewpoint, connecting political memory with the elevated landscapes that surround the city.

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Best restaurants in Puerto Princesa

Puerto Princesa’s food scene reflects Palawan’s coast, forests and trading connections. Seafood is central, appearing in grilled, fried and soup-based dishes at market eateries and family-run restaurants, while kinilaw offers fish cured with vinegar, citrus and aromatics. A local speciality visitors may encounter is tamilok, a mangrove wood-boring mollusc traditionally served raw with a sharp dipping sauce; it is a distinctive regional food rather than an everyday choice for every diner. Palawan-grown cashews feature in snacks, desserts and gift foods, and Filipino staples such as grilled pork, chicken, rice dishes and noodle preparations are widely available. Around Rizal Avenue, the public market and the central waterfront, dining ranges from casual carinderias to cafés and more polished restaurants. Menus also reflect Palawan’s multicultural population, with Filipino, Chinese-influenced and international options in the city centre.

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Best bars in Puerto Princesa

Puerto Princesa has a comparatively relaxed evening scene rather than a concentrated club district. Baywalk becomes sociable after sunset, with open-air food stalls, sea views and informal gatherings, while the central streets around Rizal Avenue contain cafés, karaoke venues and bars aimed at residents and visitors. Hotels and independent establishments may offer cocktails, beer, live acoustic music or small-scale entertainment, but the atmosphere is generally conversational and casual rather than dominated by large nightclubs. Karaoke is a familiar Philippine social activity, and evening meals often extend into leisurely drinks. Travellers heading to rural areas or island departure points should not expect the same choice after dark as in the city centre, and boat trips, wildlife excursions and protected areas follow local safety and environmental rules rather than nightlife schedules.

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Best nightclubs in Puerto Princesa

Puerto Princesa has a comparatively relaxed evening scene rather than a concentrated club district. Baywalk becomes sociable after sunset, with open-air food stalls, sea views and informal gatherings, while the central streets around Rizal Avenue contain cafés, karaoke venues and bars aimed at residents and visitors. Hotels and independent establishments may offer cocktails, beer, live acoustic music or small-scale entertainment, but the atmosphere is generally conversational and casual rather than dominated by large nightclubs. Karaoke is a familiar Philippine social activity, and evening meals often extend into leisurely drinks. Travellers heading to rural areas or island departure points should not expect the same choice after dark as in the city centre, and boat trips, wildlife excursions and protected areas follow local safety and environmental rules rather than nightlife schedules.

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Best shops in Puerto Princesa

Shopping in Puerto Princesa is practical, local and closely connected to Palawan’s agricultural and coastal economy. The public market is the best place to observe everyday commerce, with fresh produce, seafood, rice, snacks and household goods arranged for local shoppers rather than souvenir hunters. Shops and small businesses along Rizal Avenue sell clothing, food products, travel supplies and locally made gifts, while malls provide air-conditioned retail, supermarkets and familiar Philippine brands. Palawan cashews are among the most recognisable purchases, often sold roasted, flavoured or packaged for travel. Visitors may also find woven goods, woodcraft and other handicrafts, although provenance and environmental responsibility matter: avoid products made from protected wildlife, coral, shells or undocumented timber. The city’s retail character is more provincial-commercial than luxury-oriented, with independent stalls and food shops providing much of its sense of place.

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Puerto Princesa essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the Philippine peso (PHP). Hotels, larger restaurants, supermarkets and established tour businesses in Puerto Princesa commonly accept major cards, while smaller eateries, market stalls, tricycle drivers and rural businesses often require cash. ATMs are available in the city, but it is sensible to withdraw enough pesos before travelling to remote coastal or inland areas, where machines and reliable card terminals may be scarce. International visitors should inform their bank of overseas use, keep some smaller notes for local transport and check any displayed conversion offered by a card terminal before confirming payment.
Safety
Ordinary precautions are appropriate in Puerto Princesa: keep valuables secure in markets and transport, use reputable operators for boat trips, and avoid isolated waterfront or roadside areas late at night. Tropical weather can bring heavy rain, rough seas and sudden changes to excursion conditions, so marine trips and travel to Sabang should be confirmed locally. Use life jackets when provided, take care on wet paths and protect against sun, insects and dehydration. Traffic is active around the centre, and roads outside the city can be dark or uneven, making a cautious approach important for pedestrians, cyclists and self-drivers.
Emergency Situations
The Philippines uses 911 as the national emergency number for police, fire and medical assistance. Give the operator the clearest available location, particularly when staying in a rural barangay or travelling outside the urban centre, and ask accommodation staff or a tour organiser to assist with local directions if necessary. For urgent medical care, established hospitals and clinics are concentrated in Puerto Princesa rather than in remote excursion areas; travel insurance covering medical treatment and evacuation is prudent for visitors undertaking boat trips, diving or more remote activities. Keep passport and insurance details accessible.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress modestly when visiting churches and community areas, and ask before photographing people, religious activities or Indigenous cultural material. Follow guides’ instructions in protected parks, never touch coral or marine wildlife, and take rubbish back from islands and beaches. Remove footwear where a local host requests it, speak courteously and allow extra time for island and road travel rather than pressuring drivers or boat crews. Tipping is not compulsory, although a modest amount may be appreciated for attentive service. Avoid buying wildlife products or removing shells, corals and other natural material from protected environments.
Local Tips
Rizal Avenue and the streets around the public market are useful for food, supplies and local orientation, while Baywalk is better suited to an evening stroll than to swimming. The city’s attractions are spread widely, so grouping nearby stops into one hired tricycle or van itinerary saves time. Start outdoor excursions early to avoid the strongest midday heat, and keep a flexible schedule during the wet season because sea conditions can affect island and Underground River travel. Palawan cashews make a practical local purchase, and learning a few courteous Filipino phrases is welcomed even where English is widely understood.
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From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
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]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
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]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
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]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
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]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
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]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
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]

History of Puerto Princesa

Indigenous Palawan Communities

Long before the modern city developed, the Puerto Princesa area was inhabited and used by Indigenous peoples including Tagbanua communities, whose knowledge of coastal waters, forests and seasonal resources remains part of Palawan’s cultural identity. Cuyonon migrants also became an important population in the wider province, bringing language, agricultural practices and maritime connections from the Cuyo Islands. These communities formed the human landscape encountered by later colonial administrations, and their relationship with the environment continues to be relevant to discussions of land, conservation and cultural heritage in Palawan.

Spanish Naming and Settlement

Spanish colonial authorities established a settlement at Puerto Princesa in the nineteenth century, with the name commonly associated with Princess María de las Mercedes of Spain. The settlement occupied a strategic position on Palawan’s eastern coast, where maritime access supported administration and trade. Spanish influence is reflected in the city’s Catholic heritage, particularly the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, although the surviving urban fabric is not a preserved colonial quarter on the scale found in some Philippine cities. The name endured as the administrative centre of the island province.

American Administration and Urban Growth

After the Spanish-American War and the transition to American rule in the Philippines, Puerto Princesa developed as an administrative and service centre for Palawan. Roads, public institutions and new forms of local government gradually connected the coastal settlement with a broader territory. The city’s large land area and scattered rural communities have shaped its character ever since: Puerto Princesa is not only a compact downtown but also a network of barangays extending through agricultural, forest and coastal landscapes. Twentieth-century migration further added to the city’s cultural and economic diversity.

Wartime Occupation and Plaza Cuartel

During the Second World War, Palawan was occupied by Japanese forces, and Puerto Princesa became the site of a prison camp and military activity. On 14 December 1944, American prisoners of war held at the camp were killed in what became known as the Palawan massacre; several prisoners escaped and later gave testimony about the event. Plaza Cuartel, a former military garrison near the cathedral, now serves as a memorial site with interpretive displays. Its significance lies in preserving a difficult chapter of the city’s wartime history rather than presenting a conventional colonial monument.

Cityhood and Conservation Era

Puerto Princesa became a chartered city in 1970, strengthening its role as Palawan’s principal administrative and commercial centre. In the late twentieth century, conservation became increasingly central to the city’s identity as forests, coastal ecosystems and marine habitats attracted scientific and public attention. The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park was established in 1992, and the underground river was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1999. Tourism expanded alongside conservation initiatives, bringing new economic opportunities while making responsible management of protected areas an important part of the city’s contemporary story.

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Evendo is your comprehensive, free travel guide to Puerto Princesa, Philippines. Get detailed information on attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more, and make the most of your trip.

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