Any dialog about Palawan is very incomplete with no point out of Puerto Princesa, its capital and solely metropolis. Adventurers and seaside bums flock to the towering karst cliffs of El Nido. Divers and nature lovers are drawn to the lakes of Coron. However lengthy earlier than they made a mark on Palawan’s tourism map, Puerto Princesa was already giving vacationers of all kinds a little bit style of what the province has to supply.
Positioned in the course of mainland Palawan, Puerto Princesa serves as the most important and essentially the most handy gateway to the province. Though a extremely urbanized metropolis, it retains its pure magnificence and has been persistently among the many cleanest and greenest cities within the nation, one thing that any traveler would instantly discover inside minutes of their arrival. It’s no marvel it’s additionally touted because the Eco-Tourism Middle of the Philippines.
Nevertheless it’s not at all times butterflies and unicorns for town’s tourism over the previous years. Like in lots of locations all over the world, the pandemic offered quite a few challenges. Then, in 2021, the province was ravaged by Hurricane Odette (worldwide identify: Rai), leaving virtually P8 billion in damages. However not too long ago, not even a yr after, we had been invited to hitch a current tour organized by the Division of Tourism (DOT)-MIMAROPA. We obtained to see for ourselves what it’s wish to journey round Puerto Princesa now. On this article, we’re sharing with you a listing of vacationer points of interest within the metropolis (not in any specific order) and what it’s like as we speak.
Observe: Puerto Princesa is big! Actually, it’s the second largest metropolis within the Philippines by land space, subsequent to Davao. You’ll discover locations on this record which may be one or two hours away from town heart, however they’re nonetheless a part of Puerto Princesa.
WAIT, WAIT, WAIT! If you’re touring quickly, please additionally go to our The Poor Traveler Masterlist. Right here, we compiled journey necessities, together with all our beneficial resorts and points of interest. Simply go to this web page: TPT Masterlist. We even have a compilation for different locations all over the world.
Puerto Princesa Underground River
Formally named Puerto Princesa Subterranean River however typically merely known as PPUR, this 8.2-km-long underground river is town’s essential tourism draw. This pure marvel which was acknowledged as a UNESCO World Heritage Web site in 1999 and as one of many New 7 Wonders of Nature in 2012.
Tucked within the northern nooks 76 km away from town correct, it may be reached after round one and a half to 2 hours of land journey. The tour’s jump-off level is Sabang Wharf, and solely a restricted variety of guests are allowed per day. Vacationers are additionally required to register upfront in the event that they wish to go to. To keep away from coping with this course of, it’s best to guide a packaged tour with a tour operator to allow them to register in your behalf. Packaged excursions normally embrace roundtrip land and boat transfers, audio information for the underground river tour, and buffet lunch.
One other beauty of reserving with a tour operator is in case of inclement climate, you gained’t need to spend time touring to Sabang solely to search out out that the excursions have been canceled for the day. In case this occurs, they will additionally make preparations to maneuver your scheduled tour to the next day.
You might also guide your Puerto Princesa Underground River tour bundle on-line.
Location: Puerto Princesa Underground River, Barangay Cabayugan, Puerto Princesa Metropolis, Palawan
Leap-off Level: Sabang Wharf
E-mail: ssfsc06@yahoo.com and sagip.ssfmpc@gmail.com
Honda Bay Tour
Island hopping is without doubt one of the most typical actions in lots of locations within the Philippines, and Puerto Princesa isn’t to be unnoticed. Right here, seaside chasers go to Honda Bay, which isn’t too removed from town heart.
Honda Bay is peppered with a number of isles, however island hopping excursions normally embrace simply three stops. Should you’re a DIY-er and also you’re becoming a member of a gaggle tour, these three islands will probably be fastened. However if you would like extra flexibility or in case you’re a giant group, you might guide a ship and organize a non-public tour.
At current, solely three islands are open for public island hopping excursions:
- Cowrie Island
- Luli Island
- Starfish Island
Boat charges range relying on the sort used. Listed here are the newest commonplace boat rental charges:
- 1-6 pax: P1200 per boat
- 7-10 pax: P1500 per boat
- 11-15 pax: P1800 per boat
- Island Hopping A (Pambato, Luli & Cowrie): 3-Cylinder Engine, P1500 (good for six pax); 4-Cylinder Engine, P1800 (good for six pax)
- Island Hopping B (Luli, Cowrie & Starfish): 3-Cylinder Engine, P1800 (good for six pax); 4-Cylinder Engine, P2100 (good for six pax)
Except for boat rental payment, you additionally have to pay the ENTRANCE FEES:
- Cowrie Island: P150
- Luli Island: P120
- Starfish Island: P100
- Pambato Reef: P50
Different islands could also be accessible, however most of them are personal and gather a lot increased entrance charges. We’ll focus on them intimately beneath.
Listed here are different bills to count on in case you’re doing a Honda Bay Island Hopping Tour:
- Environmental Payment: P150
- Terminal Payment: P5
- Goggles & Snorkel Rental: P150
- Full Face Masks Rental: P200
- Aqua Footwear Rental: P150
- Fins Rental: P150
Leap-off Level: Sta. Lourdes Wharf, roughly half-hour away from town correct by tricycle.
One-way Tricycle Fare: Round P400-500 per tricycle
Should you don’t wish to cope with all these funds by yourself, you might guide a tour bundle provided by journey companies. Honday Bay excursions normally price P1785/individual, inclusive of lunch, entrance charges, boat rental, tour information, and roundtrip transfers.
You may also discover a bundle with a slight low cost if you guide on-line!
Beneath are extra detailed description of every island.
Cowrie Island
Of all of the islands dotting Honda Bay, Cowrie Island is the closest to Sta. Lourdes Wharf, making it a super first or final cease. Should you guide a packaged tour, Cowrie Island can also be the standard lunch cease. You may also order drinks from their bar and restaurant. For particular person meals, the meals is served in bilao (winnowing basket tray). For teams, it’s served boodle-fight-style.
Whereas ready for lunch to be served, you may get pleasure from swimming within the clear waters, stroll alongside the seaside or simply lay on the sand. Kayaks and stand-up paddle board can be found for hire. And in case you’re with a gaggle and you want taking part in sports activities, they’ve an space for seaside volleyball too!
Entrance Payment: P150
Cottage Rental: Spherical Desk (good for 4 pax), P100; Spherical Desk (good for 8 pax), P200; Kubo (good for 15-20 pax), P500
Kayak: Single, P100/hour; Double, P200/hour; Triple, P250/hour
Luli Island
Honda Bay is adorned with quite a few sandbars. One among them is Luli Island, brief for lulubog lilitaw, a playful shoutout to its disappearing act at excessive tide.
Up to now, it was the standard lunch cease. However the buffet restaurant right here was destroyed by Hurricane Odette and has not been rebuilt since. There’s nonetheless a lot to get pleasure from right here, although. The great thing about the sandbar itself stays. You possibly can nonetheless get pleasure from strolling on the sand, take pictures, or chill on one in all their many overwater hammocks. The water is crystal clear too so you may see little fish swimming round as you go into the water.
Entrance Payment: P120
Starfish Island
Round 25 minutes away from the wharf, Starfish Island is the snorkeling cease on Honda Bay excursions. It obtained its identify from quite a few starfish that decision its clear, shallow waters residence. Even in case you don’t know the way to swim, you may nonetheless see the small fish and different marine animals frolicking round.
Take into account that there’s a designated swimming and snorkeling space marked by a line so ensure to remain inside that space in your security.
You’ll discover many tables and chairs and even cottages for hire right here. Should you’re hungry, there’s a small retailer on the island the place you should buy snacks. Seafood “paluto” can also be obtainable. You should purchase seafood — crabs, lobsters, fish, sea urchin or uni, and rang-ranga (spider shell) — and have them cooked.
Entrance Payment: P100
Cottage Rental: Kubo, P150; 2 Tables (for large teams), P300
Pambato Reef
Don’t miss out a chance to discover one in all Puerto Princesa’s most visited underwater web site! Not like the opposite Honda Bay tour stops, Pambato Reef will not be an island. It’s a well-liked snorkeling spot, marked by a platform floating in the course of the ocean. Earlier than leaping into the water, vacationers are given a brief lecture about marine and reef ecology and conservation.
Nonetheless, this too was closely broken by Hurricane Odette and was closed for a while. It reopened with a brand new floating platform and an entrance payment.
Entrance Payment: P50
Isla Pandan
As of this writing, Pandan Island stays closed and has but to announce once they would reopen.
One of many extra developed islands in Honda Bay, Pandan Island is now occupied by a non-public resort, Isla Pandan. It isn’t among the many normal stops of the frequent three-island or two-island excursions.
It has an unimaginable, cream-colored seaside and clear emerald waters the place you may swim, snorkel, or simply bask within the solar. A buffet lunch can also be obtainable on the island in addition to cottages and totally different water sports activities and seaside actions. You possibly can go kayaking, stand-up paddling, jetskiing, and banana boating in case you’re into water actions or play volleyball and frisbee on the seaside. You may also go snorkeling, diving, or helmet diving.
Their day tour price is inclusive of the doorway payment, cottage, buffet lunch, and use of kayak, stand-up paddle, volleyball, frisbee, and board video games.
Day Tour Fee: P1000/individual
Dos Palmas Island Resort
As of 6 July 2024, Dos Palmas Island Resort is briefly closed till additional discover.
Located in Arrecife Island, Dos Palmas is an island resort and spa good for individuals who wish to have an opulent island trip. Their lodging are proper by the seaside, going through the tuquoise waters.
Should you’re on a restricted funds, you may have a style of the posh island expertise by happening a day tour. You possibly can discover the 20-hectare island and the facilities of the resort. Except for spending time on the seaside, day trippers can take a dip on the swimming pool, play volleyball, or go snorkeling.
Day Tour Charges: Grownup, P1800; Youngster (2-11 years outdated), P900
*Day tour charges are inclusive of land and boat transfers and lunch.For reservations & inquiries, you might contact the administration.
Electronic mail: cbo@dospalmas.com.ph, rsvns@dospalmas.com.ph
Cell Quantity: 09175904442 / 09175000154 / 09298132360
Puerto Princesa Metropolis Tour
Except for its pure magnificence, you may recognize extra of Puerto Princesa by exploring town and studying about its historical past by happening a metropolis tour. Don’t depart with out shopping for souvenirs and pasalubong from Binuatan Creations, Baker’s Hill, and pasalubong heart.
You possibly can constitution a tricycle to take you to the totally different cultural and historic spots for P1000-1200 per tricycle, good for 3 to 4 passengers.
However if you would like a extra comfy and extra insightful tour led by a educated information, guide an organized tour! You’ll discover inexpensive Puerto Princesa metropolis excursions on-line!
Though there are some variations, listed here are the standard stops included in metropolis excursions.
Palawan Wildlife Rescue & Conservation Middle
Beforehand referred to as the Crocodile Farming Institute or Crocodile Farm, the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Middle is a 10-hectare property the place they breed two species of crocodiles, the Philippine crocodile (Crocodylus mindorensis) and the saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus).
Each quarter-hour, an instructional tour is completed, which begins by the doorway the place the skeleton and pores and skin of an enormous crocodile are on show. After that, you’ll be led to the nursery of the child crocodiles after which to the world the place the grownup crocodiles are stored. Don’t fear, you’ll be strolling on an elevated walkway, out of attain.
A portion of the property is a nature park the place the rescued wildlife are housed. You’ll additionally see numerous species of uncommon birds right here and quite a lot of wild fauna.
Handle: Palawan Wildlife Rescue & Conservation Middle, South Street, Barangay Irawan, Puerto Princesa Metropolis, Palawan
Opening hours: Every day, 8:00 AM – 4:45 PM
Entrance Payment: Adults, P40; Senior, P30; Youngsters (4-12 y/o), P20
Mitra’s Ranch
Mitra’s Ranch is owned by the household of the late Senator and Home Speaker Ramon Mitra Jr. Positioned in Barangay Sta. Monica, the home sits atop a hill and has a view deck, permitting a very good, stress-free view of town, Honda Bay, and the verdant surroundings in between.
Mitra’s Ranch is open to the general public. You solely have to pay the doorway payment if you wish to go inside the home.
Handle: Mitra’s Ranch/Rancho Sta. Monica, Barangay Santa Monica, Puerto Princesa Metropolis, Palawan
Working Hours: Every day, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Entrance Payment (to enter the home): P50
Bakers’ Hill
Not too far-off from Mitra’s Ranch, additionally in Barangay Santa Monica, stands Baker’s Hill.
Baker’s Hill is an easy bakery that advanced right into a household vacation spot. Once you go by means of the gate, you’ll be greeted by massive, colourful statues of well-liked characters, including life to the gardens and playground surrounding the bakeshop. The positioning can also be wearing numerous decorations, the theme of which change relying on the time of the yr.
Most vacationers who come right here go pasalubong or memento procuring. You should purchase totally different baked items like cookies, brownies, and naturally, their well-liked hopia in several flavors. In addition they promote different snacks like cashew nuts, polvoron, and pastillas. Should you’re searching for extra than simply snacks, you may dine at their restaurant known as Baker’s Kitchen.
Handle: Baker’s Hill, Mitra Street, Barangay Santa Monica, Puerto Princesa Metropolis, Palawan
Working Hours: Every day, 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Contact Quantity: (048) 433-4314
Binuatan Creations
Weaving is a big a part of the tradition and humanities in lots of components of the Philippines. Right here in Puerto Princesa, handloom weaving is showcased at Binuatan Creations. It additionally serves as a livelihood program to the group particularly moms and college students.
Watch how the expert weavers make colourful materials out of native fibers like buri, ticug grass, and amumuting. These materials are then made into totally different hand-loomed merchandise like luggage, equipment, placemats, and desk runners. To get extra appreciation on how intricate it’s, guests are welcome to attempt their hand on the method. The weavers would fortunately information you as they clarify the way to use the loom.
After this expertise, drop by the memento store to purchase a few of their merchandise for your self and for pasalubong to your family and friends!
Handle: Binuatan Creations, Workers Village, Barangay Santa Monica, Puerto Princesa Metropolis, Palawan
Working Hours: Every day, 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Contact Quantity: +63 999 992 7712
Plaza Cuartel
Plaza Cuartel appears to be like like your abnormal park lined with benches and bushes as we speak, however it has a grotesque previous. On 14 December 1944, on the top of World Struggle II, 150 American prisoners of conflict had been burned alive by the Japanese in a garrison that stood on the web site of the place Plaza Cuartel is positioned as we speak.
Tunnels the place the prisoners the place stored and the ruins of the outdated garrison are stored as a reminder of this darkish second within the metropolis’s historical past. A memorial marker can also be put in to commemorate the troopers who died throughout the bloodbath and acknowledge the 11 who survived.
Handle: Plaza Cuartel, Taft Road, Barangay Liwanag, Puerto Princesa Metropolis, Palawan
Observe: Quickly closed to the general public.
Puerto Princesa Cathedral
Adjoining to Plaza Cuartel stands Puerto Princesa Cathedral, also called the Immaculate Conception Cathedral Parish. On the web site the place it stands, the primary mass in Puerto Princesa was held on March 10, 1872 by Saint Ezequiél Moreno who was then an Augustinian Recollect Fray.
The cathedral has been rebuilt just a few occasions together with after it was destroyed by Japanese bombing throughout World Struggle II. The construction that you simply see as we speak took virtually a century to complete and was solely accomplished in 1961. Its facade and interiors are clad in Neo-Gothic architectural type, just like the church buildings in Medieval Europe.
Handle: Puerto Princesa Cathedral, Taft Road/Rizal Avenue, Barangay Matiyaga, Puerto Princesa Metropolis, Palawan
Working Hours: Every day, 6:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Contact Quantity: +63 939 923 7212
Palawan Butterfly Backyard and Tribal Village
Because the identify suggests, there are two components to this attraction: the butterfly backyard and the tribal village. The Butterfly Backyard homes quite a few species of butterflies which you could see flying round contained in the net-covered backyard.
Aside from these lovely flying creatures, you may also see some endemic wildlife of Palawan right here just like the Palawan Bearcat, bearded pig, and Palawan peacock-pheasant which is the chicken that seems on the official seal of town of Puerto Princesa. These species are smaller in measurement, however just like the peacocks, the male has colourful feathers and vibrant wings that exhibits once they unfold it, normally to draw peahens or the feminine birds.
On the Tribal Village, you’ll get a peek into the lifetime of the indigenous folks of South Palawan known as Palaw’an. Right here, guests are handled to a cultural present the place they might see how the Palaw’an tribe historically lives within the mountains. The Palaw’ans exhibit how they hunt, make hearth, and carry out a brief musical quantity utilizing a string instrument known as kudyapi. There’s additionally a little bit cafe right here the place you may attempt civet coffe or kopi luwak.
Handle: Palawan Butterfly Backyard and Tribal Village, Barangay Santa Monica, Puerto Princesa Metropolis, Palawan
Working Hours: Every day, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Entrance Payment: Grownup, P60; Youngster (4 to 12 years outdated), P50; Senior Citizen & PWD, P50
Cacaoyan Forest Park
Only some minutes away from Sabang Wharf, Cacaoayan Forest Park is an superior lunch cease after your Puerto Princesa Underground River tour. True to its identify, being right here will make you are feeling such as you’re in the course of a forest. Additionally, you will discover a good view deck right here together with Instagram-worthy spots harking back to these in Bali.
Their lunch buffet affords quite a lot of Filipino dishes from fish to pork to rooster to greens and contemporary fruits. Should you’re thinking about attempting tamilok, the favored unique mollusk, you may also order it right here. Reservations are required for the lunch buffet, however some tour operators embrace a cease right here of their underground river tour packages.
Buffet price is P350 per individual. You’ll discover discounted charges on-line, too!
Location: Cacaoyan Forest Park, Barangay Sabang, Puerto Princesa Metropolis, Palawan
Working Hours: Every day, 8:00 AM to six:00 PM
Buffet Fee: P350/individual
Sabang X Zipline
Sabang Seashore could also be identified primarily because the jump-off level to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, however it is usually an attraction by itself. This beautiful seaside with the backdrop of the mountains is a pleasant place to swim and chill out. From right here, you may also see the beautiful St. Paul Limestone formation the place the underground river is flowing beneath.
Should you’re in for extra journey, one other exercise you are able to do right here is the Sabang X Zipline. This thrilling trip will deal with you to the beautiful view of Sabang Seashore and its surrounding space from above. Measuring 800 meters, it’s among the many nation’s longest ziplines that cross a physique of water. To succeed in the place to begin of the trip, you’ll want to go on a brief 15-minute hike.
Tickets price P550. However you’ll discover discounted tickets on-line!
Location: Sabang X Zipline, Barangay Sabang, Puerto Princesa Metropolis, Palawan
Working Hours: Every day, 7:00 AM to five:00 PM
Ticket Fee: P550/individual
Astoria Palawan Water Park
Should you’re touring to Puerto Princesa with youngsters and youngsters at coronary heart, Palawan Water Park obtained you lined. You possibly can get pleasure from sliding down the water slides together with your family and friends or splash round of their swimming pools.
The primary and solely water park in Palawan, it’s owned and managed by Astoria, however it’s open to everybody and NOT unique to Astoria’s lodge friends.
Every ticket to the water park is inclusive of a lunch buffet.
Handle: Astoria Palawan Water Park, Km 62 North Street, Barangay San Rafael, Puerto Princesa Metropolis, Palawan
Working Hours: Wednesday to Monday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Tuesdays, CLOSED
Entrance Payment: Weekdays – Adults, P880; Youngsters (4ft and beneath), P660; Youngsters (2 years outdated and beneath), FREE; Weekends – Adults, P1320; Youngsters (4ft and beneath), P880; Youngsters (2 years outdated and beneath), FREE
Ugong Rock Adventures
Journey awaits north of town correct! In Barangay Tagabinet, you can find one of the crucial thrilling points of interest in Puerto Princesa — Ugong Rock Adventures, a community-based sustainable tourism vacation spot.
Be able to get bodily as a result of you’ll be climbing Ugong Rock and go rappelling and spelunking on its caves. Reaching the highest would reward you with a panoramic view of the forest and the encompassing limestone formations. After taking within the views, you gained’t be climbing again down as a result of the descent is by using a 71-meter zipline!
Handle: Ugong Rock Adventures, Purok Pagkakaisa, Barangay Tagabinet, Puerto Princesa Metropolis, Palawan
Opening Hours: Every day, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Nagtabon Seashore
Whereas Puerto Princesa seashores are synonymous with the islands of Honda Bay, you’ll additionally discover a number of coves that may be accessed by land. One among them is Nagtabon Seashore.
Nagtabon Seashore is located lower than an hour away from town heart, so it’s considerably indifferent and never normally included in normal Puerto Princesa itineraries. It was a sanctuary for individuals who wish to escape the crowds, however it has been getting the eye of extra vacationers. Those that go to are welcomed by a picturesque view of the mountains and cerulean waters.
A couple of years in the past, there are only some cottages obtainable for hire right here, however there are actually resorts and eating places within the space.
Location: Barangay Bacungan, Puerto Princesa Metropolis, Palawan
Tips on how to Get to Nagtabon Seashore: From town heart, take a bus going north (Taytay/Roxas/El Nido) to Bacungan. Then, constitution a tricycle to Nagtabon Seashore. Should you’re a gaggle, renting a van for a roundtrip transportation is an possibility too.
Firefly Watching
In order for you one thing a bit extra offbeat, attempt firefly watching and get that magical feeling! Even in case you already deliberate out your actions in Puerto Princesa, you may most likely squeeze this into your itinerary since this tour occurs at night time. Once you be a part of a firefly watching tour, you’ll hop on a ship and exit into the water the place you could possibly feast your eyes with the blinking lights from the fireflies and the twinkling of the celebs within the sky.
There are three totally different firefly watching areas in Puerto Princesa:
- Iwahig River. That is the unique location of firefly watching in Puerto Princesa. Utilizing a paddle boat, you’ll cruise alongside Iwahig River as your boat man and tour information present you the fireflies. Sadly, Iwahig firefly watching is currenly closed, however fear not as a result of there are different firefly watching spots in Puerto Princesa.
- Sicsican River. That is the place we went firefly watching on our current journey. The town’s baywalk space serves because the jump-off level for this tour. From right here, you’ll hop on a ship after which switch to a smaller boat, which might take you to Sicsican River the place fireflies abound. Tour guides make the firefly watching exercise entertaining by “speaking” to the fireflies in several languages. The tour features a scrumptious dinner on the boat, which we loved after cruising on the river and seeing the fireflies that seem like Christmas lights by the facet of the river.
- Nagsaguipi River. This tour features a buffet dinner at a restaurant simply earlier than you begin your firefly watching journey. After making your stomachs full, you’ll get on a paddle boat and sail on Nagsaguipi River the place you’ll see the fireflies glow by the mangrove bushes.
Mount Magarwak Dawn Trek
With a top of 350 meters, Mount Magarwak is a pleasant place to go to if you wish to see Puerto Princesa from above. The trek to the highest of this mountain is appropriate even for freshmen and takes round an hour and a half, relying on the tempo. It’s best to start out trekking early within the morning round 5:00 AM so you may attain the highest earlier than dawn. When you get to the highest, you may chill out, have some espresso and await the spectacular dawn over Puerto Princesa. From the height, you may also admire Honda Bay and Puerto Princesa Bay.
Mount Magarwak is positioned in Barangay Bacungan, about 15 kilometers from town heart.
Kamia Bay Resort
Kamia Bay Resort lies in Barangay Luzviminda, lower than an hour away south of town heart. The waterpark covers about 4 hectares of the property in Binusalian Bay and options one of many largest inflatable parks within the nation. Friends of all ages can get pleasure from bouncing round and taking place the slide of various heights or attempt wall climbing on the inflatables.
Different actions provided listed here are eco-tours and bike trails. The resort additionally has a buffet and plenty of areas the place you may chill whether or not you’re household, associates, or your particular somebody.
Observe: We’re unsure if Kamia Bay Resort is closed or open. We didn’t get to go to on our current journey, so we couldn’t verify. However their social media accounts have been inactive since 2021.
Viet Village
In 1979, after the autumn of South Vietnam, quite a few Vietnamese refugees discovered themselves in Palawan and arrange a camp. In 1993, the camp was moved to Barangay Sta. Lourdes. Over time, some have left and returned to Vietnam, however some selected to remain.
At the moment, this group in Puerto Princesa is named Viet Ville. Historical past buffs will certainly discover a go to right here fairly attention-grabbing. You may also have a style of the Vietnamese delicacies on the restaurant right here that bears the identical identify. Viet Ville restaurant serves pho, banh mi, and Vietnamese espresso, amongst others.
Handle: Viet Ville Restaurant, Km 13 Barangay Sta. Lourdes, Puerto Princesa Metropolis, Palawan
Opening Hours: Every day, 8:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Contact Particulars: +63 970 218 2189 (Good) and +63 917 329 2201 (Globe)
Iwahig Jail and Penal Farm
A spot of second possibilities and hope.
These might not be the phrases we normally affiliate with a spot as grim as a jail. In most correctional services, describing the atmosphere this manner would even sound ironic. However not at Iwahig Jail and Penal Farm — a minimum of, that’s what I felt and realized throughout our go to.
Established in November 1904 as a penal colony throughout the American occupation, it initially took in prisoners transferred from Bilibid Jail in Manila. At the moment, Iwahig Jail and Penal Farm, also called the “Jail With out Partitions”, operates as an open-air correctional facility that provides different rehabilitation applications for Individuals Disadvantaged of Liberty (PDLs). These applications goal to assist them regain a way of function whereas serving their time and put together them for all times exterior jail.
The applications embrace Work and Livelihood, Training and Coaching, Sports activities and Recreation, Ethical and Non secular, Well being and Welfare, and Habits Modification. PDLs with minimum-security standing are given this stage of freedom, permitting them to roam freely throughout the facility and take part in worthwhile vocational and academic actions like farming, fishing, forestry, and craftsmanship.
Iwahig has redefined jail from being a spot of punishment and confinement to a spot of reformation and hope. As a part of this initiative, sure areas of the power are open to the general public for tourism and academic functions. There’s presently no entrance payment, however you may assist them by buying merchandise from their memento store. Right here, we met and spoke with Kuya A, a former inmate who selected to proceed dwelling and dealing right here after his launch, and Kuya B, who’s presently underneath minimal safety. We’ve realized rather a lot from them, and it’ll take a separate put up to do their tales justice.
Throughout the 29-hectare property, different well-liked vacationer stops embrace the Leisure Corridor, St. Joseph the Employee Parish Church, and Balsahan. In March 2025, BuCor and DENR signed a Memorandum of Settlement formalizing the land boundaries of the Iwahig Jail and Penal Farm (IPPF), which covers 29,385.30 hectares (Supply: BuCor Official Web site). In the meantime, in November 2025, BuCor and PEZA additionally signed a Joint Memorandum Round outlining plans for future developments throughout the facility.
Handle: Iwahig Jail and Penal Farm, Barangay Iwahig, Puerto Princesa Metropolis, Palawan
Day Tour Hours: Every day, 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entrance Payment: FREE
Observe: Carry a sound ID and gown appropriately. For girls, it’s greatest to put on pants, lengthy skirt, and t-shirt or shirt.
Tips on how to Get to Iwahig Jail and Penal Farm: From town heart, we chartered a tricycle with stops at Iwahig Jail and Penal Farm and Viet Village. We paid P1200 for the roundtrip tricycle trip, good for 3 pax. The one-way journey time is round an hour. The tricycle can go inside and take you across the facility.
Contributed by: Asta Alvarez
KaLui
Ask anybody in Puerto Princesa the place they counsel a first-time vacationer ought to go for a meal, and there’s a giant probability they are going to level you to Ka Lui.
KaLui is maybe essentially the most well-known Pinoy restaurant in Puerto Princesa. Fostering a homey Pinoy ambiance, it’s with wood furnishings, ceramic items, and work. Ka Lui serves largely Filipino seafood specialties. In addition they give a complimentary fruit salad served on a halved coconut.
This restaurant is extraordinarily well-liked so it’s extremely beneficial that you simply make prior reservation to safe a desk.
Handle: 369 Rizal Avenue, Barangay San Miguel, Puerto Princesa Metropolis, Palawan
Opening Hours: Mondays to Saturdays, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Lunch), 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Dinner); Sundays, CLOSED
Contact Quantity: (048) 726-6217
Ka Inato
This was beneficial by our tricycle driver who toured us across the metropolis. If you wish to attempt native dishes at inexpensive costs, Ka Inato is one in all your greatest choices. I had the Unique Charcoal Grilled Rooster Leg and Grilled Isol (Rooster Ass). Each had been completely grilled, with a balanced taste — neither too savory nor too candy. I additionally tried the Gac Fruit and Papaya Shake, and I liked it! It was so refreshing. Different group favorites had been the Sinigang na Isda and Pansit Bihon.
Adorned with native furnishings, attention-grabbing sculptures, and colourful work, the spacious restaurant exudes a comfortable ambiance. However past the meals and the atmosphere, what actually stood out was the service. I take my hat off to the administration for offering employment alternatives to PWDs, notably members of the deaf-mute group. You possibly can talk with them utilizing the Primary Signal Language information discovered on the primary web page of the menu.
Handle: Km 4 North Nationwide Freeway, Barangay Tiniguiban, Puerto Princesa Metropolis, Palawan
Opening Hours: Every day, 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Contact Particulars: +63 917 553 1721 (Globe), +63 998 885 2990 (Good), or (048) 434-1721 (Landline)
Contributed by: Asta Alvarez
Tamilok
This isn’t someplace to go to however one thing to get pleasure from! Er, provided that you’re an adventurous eater.
Indulging in native meals is at all times a terrific a part of any journey. If unique meals doesn’t faze you, don’t miss out on Palawan’s delicacy — tamilok! It’s sometimes called a woodworm as a result of it’s discovered inside mangroves. However it’s, the truth is, a sort of marine mollusk with lengthy and gentle our bodies. Yep, a distant cousin of oysters and mussels! Its style profile and slimy texture are akin to the extra frequent bivalves too, albeit with a powerful woody aftertaste.
When in Puerto Princesa, you may do this unconventional deal with at some eating places within the metropolis. I used to be in a position to attempt tamilok after we had lunch in Cacaoyan Forest Park in Sabang. They serve it with a facet of vinegar the place you may dip it earlier than savoring it.
One other restaurant that provides it’s Kinabuch’s Grill and Bar positioned throughout the metropolis heart, the place our teammate Yosh had his first style of it.
Chao Lengthy
The Vietnamese refugees left a long-lasting mark in Palawan, particularly in Puerto Princesa the place they settled and have become their second residence. At the moment, town’s meals scene replicate that historical past. Its gastronomic map is peppered with Vietnamese eating places serving pho, banh mi, spring rolls, and chao lengthy, amongst others.
Chao lengthy eateries and eating places, particularly, have turn into native favorites, so we tried a few them — Lou Chaolong Hauz and Banh Pho Chaolong. The Palaweños model of chao lengthy options flat, chewy rice noodles, a selection of meat (beef, pork, or rooster), and a skinny broth that’s on the candy facet, giving it a distinctly Filipino taste. It’s sometimes served with bean sprouts and calamansi.
Curiously, the Vietnamese chao lengthy is definitely a lot nearer to Filipino lugaw (rice porridge). It’s normally topped with buto-buto, innards, and slices of meat, then garnished with spring onions and dried garlic. Alternatively, Palaweños chao lengthy is extra just like the Vietnamese noodle soup.
Contributed by: Asta Alvarez
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Updates Log
2025 11 28 – Up to date information and added 3 extra objects to the record (Iwahig Jail and Penal Farm, Ka Inato, and Chao Lengthy)
2022 11 3 – First uploaded
Written by: Mariah Cruz
Further writing by: Asta Alvarez
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