Here is an updated list of the top things to do in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, as well as the best hotels that you can choose from.
Puerto Princesa City in Palawan holds many possibilities for both newbie and expert travelers. It is a beautiful destination; modern yet not too cosmopolitan. Despite being a popular tourist destination in the Philippines, the city has not lost its quaintness to modernity just yet and I think that's what makes it endearing to her guests.
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| The preserved skin of Rio, a giant crocodile |
Nonetheless, you may opt for a do-it-yourself (DIY) tour if you choose to do so since getting around the city is fairly easy. You can just hire a tricycle to take you around some popular destinations in Puerto Princesa City.
16 Top Things To Do In Puerto Princesa + Where To Stay [Updated Travel Guide]
We prepared this simple and easy-to-follow travel guide for those who are planning to travel or are already traveling to Puerto Princesa City. Whether you are a solo traveler, a couple, a family, or a large group of friends, we hope that you would find this activity and hotel guide helpful.
Furthermore, you can also include Puerto Princesa City in your Palawan itinerary, in addition to Coron and El Nido. It's fairly easy to explore these popular Palawan destinations. You can just take a ferry from Coron to El Nido. From El Nido, you can ride a bus to Puerto Princesa.
We would also like to keep this travel guide as updated as possible so comments and suggestions on how to improve this are much welcome.
On our way to Puerto Princesa City
This year, for our second wedding anniversary celebration, we chose to go to Puerto Princesa City in Palawan for the reasons I have stated above.
While we have made some research about the places to see and the best hotels to stay at in Puerto Princesa City, we still chose to avail of a group packaged tour courtesy of AsiaTravel (now-defunct), which offered the best rates plus discounts if we booked using any of their partner credit cards.
On the morning of our flight, we got a bit of a scare when there seemed to be kilometric queues outside NAIA which we heard from fellow passengers was caused by a power outage the night before.
It was a good thing that the processing was fast and the long lines soon normalized. In less than an hour, we were sky-high aboard our Cebu Pacific flight.
What to do in Puerto Princesa (familiarization tour)
We arrived at the Puerto Princesa Domestic Airport just in time and waited for the hotel service that would take us to Tropical Sun Inn.
When we got to the hotel, our tour guide was already waiting for us. Apparently, the pick-up time was at 7:00 AM, contrary to the 8:00 AM time indicated in our itinerary.
Map provided by Wanderlog, a journey planner
The hotel receptionist graciously told us that they could safely keep our things while we were on our tour. As such, we hurriedly left our bags at the hotel, then boarded the van, and proceeded to pick up the rest of our companions for the half-day city familiarization tour. AsiaTravel's local partner, Maysons Travel and Tours conducted the tour.
Here are the places and attractions in Puerto Princesa City that were included in the familiarization tour:
1. Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center
Our first stop was Puerto Princesa City's crocodile and conservation farm. We had a bit of waiting time because there were already groups ahead of us doing the tour of the crocodile center.
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| Photo souvenir beside the crocodile conservation center's marker
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When it was finally our turn to tour the conservation center, we were ushered to the lobby area where there was a skeleton of a giant crocodile named "Rio" that was on display to greet the guests. In addition to Rio's skeleton, his preserved skin was also on display.
We were later told by our tour guide that Rio's skin was too tough to be made into leather products that is why it was just showcased like an attraction at the conservation center.
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| Our souvenir shot with the giant crocodile skeleton and skin |
From the lobby, we were shown around the hatchery where there were baby crocodiles in various stages of development.
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| On the way to the hatchery |
Next stop came the more exciting part -- being in the company of huge adult crocodiles that were kept in big ponds. For the safety of guests, the viewing area was placed way above the ponds where crocodiles would not be able to reach tourists.
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| Juvenile crocodiles yet they already look scary |
Even though these predators are ferocious, they just sat still in and around the ponds. These animals were slow-moving because, according to our guide, their metabolism was sluggish. Because of that, crocodiles can go for days without food.
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| An adult crocodile inside the Palawan Wildlife and Conservation Center |
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| Exploring every corner of the Palawan Wildlife and Conservation Center |
One of the main attractions of the tour was the souvenir photos with baby crocodiles. Guests may have their pictures taken with hatchings at the end of the tour for a minimal fee, of course.
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| Guests having their souvenir photos taken with baby crocodiles |
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| The end of our tour of the Palawan Wildlife and Conservation Center |
2. Buy food products made of crocodile meat
Yes, there are processed food products made of crocodile meat, like sisig, being sold at the Palawan Wildlife and Conservation Center. We have not tried it but I've read from other blogs that it's delicious. If you are curious and if you are brave enough to try it, just inquire inside the center on how you can buy those food products.
3. Mitra's Ranch
From the crocodile farm, we drove to Mitra's Ranch, a gamefowl and fruit farm owned by the family of the late Ramon Mitra, Jr. At the ranch, guests may opt to try the zipline or ride horses.
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| At Mitra's Ranch |
We only stayed here briefly because no one wanted to try the zipline or mount the horses. Our guide even jokingly told us that there wasn’t much to see here anyway so we better get going to our next location.
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| Behind us is the viewing deck of Mitra's Ranch |
4. Baker's Hill
From Mitra's Ranch, we proceeded to Baker's Hill, a popular bakeshop and souvenir store in Puerto Princesa City. Here, tourists and gusts may buy pastries, native sweets, and coolers. For those who are hungry, there is also a restaurant and a pizza kiosk inside Baker's Hill.
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| Baker's Hill |
Once inside the property of Baker's Hill, you would notice how attractive the whole enclosure looks. The restaurants and other buildings are made mostly of terracotta bricks, giving the structures an antique feel.
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| Tree of hearts at Baker's Hill |
You would also be greeted by a tree of hearts and a "chef," both of which will invite you to have your photos taken with them. The tree of hearts has, well, heart-shaped "leaves" that contain quotes and other inspiring messages.
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| A "chef" welcoming us at Baker's Hill |
Walking inside Baker's Hill was reminiscent of strolling inside Bag of Beans in Tagaytay. In fact, our tour guide told us that the ridge where Mitra's Ranch and Baker's Hill were located in Puerto Princesa City’s very own version of Tagaytay.
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| Al-fresco dining area at Baker's Hill |
An interesting story that our tour guide further told us was that the owner of Baker's Hill was also a tourist at Puerto Princesa City previously. He bought the land where Baker's Hill was located because he fell in love with the beauty of Puerto Princesa City.
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| Houses inside Baker's Hill |
5. Buy pasalubong
While we were on our way to our next destination, our tour guide Mitch pointed to several low-growing trees at the side of the road. Those trees, she told us, were cashew trees. She told us that Puerto Princesa City was actually a top cashew producer in the Philippines.
Some of the main products of Puerto Princesa City include cashew nuts, wine, butterscotch, and other products made from cashew fruit.
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| MCA Market Mall Pasalubong Center
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We had a brief break from touring the city via a stopover in two pasalubong centers, the most notable of which was the MCA Market Mall located along the Puerto Princesa North Road. Inside MCA Market Mall was an assortment of t-shirts, sweets, native wood products, and bags of toasted cashew nuts sold by different shops.
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| Cashew nuts |
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| Shirts and other souvenir items |
Most of the t-shirts and sando shirts can be bought at a discount if purchased in bulk. I highly recommend getting shirts as pasalubong because these are more practical to buy.
Of course, don't forget to buy roasted cashew nuts that are available plain and salted. The cashew tarts are a little dry so I recommend buying one pack and tasting it first before buying in bulk.
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| Native handicrafts |
6. Plaza Cuartel
After buying souvenirs and pasalubong, we were back on the road and headed towards our last two stops -- Plaza Cuartel and the Immaculate Conception Cathedral.
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| The old gate of Plaza Cuartel |
On our way to Plaza Cuartel, we passed by Baywalk along Sandoval Street. It was lined with trees and benches and provided a relaxing view of the bay that was perfect for an afternoon stroll.
According to Mitch, the place used to be occupied by informal settlers who were eventually displaced when their shanties were gutted by a large fire.
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| Old cart inside Plaza Cuartel |
Today, Baywalk is a popular attraction among tourists because of its bustling nightlife, with rows of restaurants offering affordable seafood meals and grilled food. At night, if you want a bottle or two of beer, this is the place to hang-out to and relax.
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| The memorial marker inside Plaza Cuartel |
When we arrived at Plaza Cuartel, it looked like a seemingly ordinary park but we were told that it had a historic significance in Puerto Princesa City. Plaza Cuartel had picturesque fortress-like antique gates, which dated back to the Spanish era.
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| Old photographs and printed narratives about the events that took place inside Plaza Cuartel |
The park ground was plain and ordinary, there was nothing really striking about it. However, according to Mitch, Plaza Cuartel was the site of a violent massacre during the Japanese occupation in World War II.
During that fateful day, American and Filipino prisoner soldiers were burned alive at the plaza. Only a few lucky survivors lived to recount the horrors of that event.
7. Immaculate Conception Cathedral
Our last stop was the Immaculate Conception Cathedral (Apostolic Vicariate of Puerto Princesa) which was located just across Plaza Cuartel. The stunning Cathedral was established on April 10, 1955, and featured high belfries and intricate details that added more to its charm.
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| The impressive Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Puerto Princesa City |
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| Inside the Immaculate Conception Cathedral |
An old saying states that if it is your first time visiting a church, you can make a wish and it will come true. As such, while we were inside the Cathedral, we took the opportunity to utter a prayer and whisper our wishes.
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| The entrance of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral |
After a few photographs at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, our tour guide announced that we have come to the conclusion of our Puerto Princesa City familiarization tour.
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| The cavernous interiors of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral |
While on our way back to the city center, our tour guide offered to drop us off at well-known restaurants in Puerto Princesa City since it was already lunchtime when we finished. After a few suggestions from our driver and guide, Khris and I decided to go to Mangan Kayon.
8. Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour
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| Puerto Princesa Underground River |
Perhaps one of the most iconic natural wonders that one must not miss when in Puerto Princesa, Palawan is the Puerto Princesa Underground River (formally known as the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River). Located inside a karst limestone cave, the underground river is home to several marine species as well as bats.
Inside the cave are breathtaking stalactites and stalagmite, natural formations that have been shaped and molded by deposits from mineral-rich water throughout hundreds of years.
If you wish to see the Puerto Princesa Underground River, we would recommend allotting a full day for it since the waiting line of tourists can get really long. Like in our case, we arrived there before lunch but we were able to enter the cave at around 4:30 PM or 5:00 PM.
For more details about the Puerto Princesa Underground River, please read this article: 6 Amazing Facts I Learned During The Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour.
9. Honda Bay Island-Hopping Tour
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| Honda Bay Island-Hopping Tour |
One of the most popular activities in Puerto Princesa City is the Honda Bay Island-Hopping Tour. This is also a one-day tour consisting of trips to three islands, namely: Starfish Island, Luli Island, and Cowrie Island.
You may opt to skip this if island-hopping is not your interest although we would still recommend that you avail of this since the islands each hold a charm and appeal of their own.
More details about the island-hopping tour here: Honda Bay Island-Hopping Tour (Puerto Princesa, Palawan).
10. Eat at KaLui Restaurant
One of the most popular restaurants in Puerto Princesa is KaLui Restaurant. It's a beautiful semi-fine dining restaurant serving delicious local food.
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| KaLui Restaurant |
What's also good about KaLui Restaurant is that it features many works of art from local artists. We had one of our most memorable meals in Puerto Princesa here at KaLui.
11. Try the fresh seafood at Baywalk
One of our explorations at Puerto Princesa brought us to Baywalk. It wasn't really a place that was touristy but it afforded a good view of the sea from Puerto Princesa City's port area.
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| Boodle fight at Baywalk |
What's good about this place is that it transforms into a dining and drinking strip at night. You can choose fresh seafood from trays on display outside the restaurants and then have these cooked into delicious boodle fight meals.
12. Have dinner at Kinabuch's Grill and Bar
Kinabuch's Grill and Bar is another restaurant in Puerto Princesa that you shouldn't miss. They offer grilled seafood, meat dishes like barbecued ribs, and other Filipino food favorites. One food item that Kinabuch's is known for is the exotic tamilok or shipworm, cooked in several ways like kinilaw, fried, and sinigang.
13. Eat Tamilok
Speaking of tamilok, if you are adventurous when it comes to your food choices, then you should definitely include it in your things-to-do list in Puerto Princesa.
Also known as shipworm, tamilok looks like a typical worm but it's actually a mollusk or from the family of clams. In fact, those who have tasted it describe the taste as similar to oysters.
14. Tour Dos Palmas Island Resort & Spa
One of the most iconic resort hotels in Puerto Princesa is Dos Palmas Island Resort & Spa. It's a beautiful island destination but it also made headlines many years ago because of two distressing news: the untimely death of matinee idol Rico Yan and the Abu Sayyaf kidnapping.
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| Enjoying the beach at Dos Palmas Island Resort & Spa |
Anyway, those incidents are a thing of the past and you can be sure of a good experience at Dos Palmas. You can opt to get a day tour package or an overnight package, depending on your preference.
15. Isla Puting Buhangin
I'm not sure if there are local tour agencies offering a trip to Isla Puting Buhangin but we got ours as part of the package of our Dos Palmas accommodation. Anyway, Isla Puting Buhangin is a beautiful sandbar that you should definitely visit if you have the time to do so.
16. Go on a mangrove tour
One of our most unforgettable experiences in Puerto Princes is the mangrove tour before our Puerto Princesa Underground River tour.
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| During the mangrove forest tour |
We rode a boat to a mangrove forest while local tour guides explained the life cycle of mangroves, the different "genders" of these mangroves, as well as the animals that thrive in the mangrove forest.
Sample Puerto Princesa Tour Itinerary
Here is a sample itinerary if you want a DIY Puerto Princesa City Tour. The following is for a half-day tour only. You may adjust this depending on how long you would want to stay in a location.
Day 1 - Puerto Princesa City Tour
- Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center (8:00 AM to 8:45 AM)
- Mitra's Ranch (9:00 AM to 9:15 AM)
- Baker's Hill (9:30 AM to 10:00 AM)
- Buy pasalubong (10:15 AM to 10:45 AM)
- Plaza Cuartel (11:00 AM to 11:15 AM)
- Immaculate Conception Cathedral (11:30 AM to 12:00 PM)
Day 2 - Puerto Princesa Underground River
- Depart for Sabang Beach (8:00 AM)
- Boat ride to Puerto Princesa Underground River (10:00 AM to 10:30 AM)
- Puerto Princesa Underground River Tour (11:00 AM to 12:00 NN) - note that this is an ideal scenario where there is no waiting time
- Lunch (12:00 NN to 1:00 PM)
- Depart for Puerto Princesa City (1:15 PM)
Day 3 - Honda Bay Island-Hopping Tour
- Depart for fisherman's wharf (8:00 AM)
- Boat ride to Starfish Island (9:00 AM to 11:00 AM)
- Lunch (12:00 NN to 1:00 PM)
- Boat ride to Luli Island (1:15 PM to 2:15 PM)
- Boat ride to Cowrie Island (3:00 PM to 3:30 PM)
- Boat ride to fisherman's wharf (4:00 PM to 5:00 PM)
- Van to the hotel (5:15 PM to 5:45 PM)
As I had mentioned earlier, you may just hire a tricycle or cab to take you to most of these places. Alternatively, jeepneys are also abundant in Puerto Princesa City. For our tours, we availed of packaged group tours so we had a van that would pick us up before our trip and then bring us back to our hotel afterward.
The 12 best hotels in Puerto Princesa, Palawan
Puerto Princesa, being a popular tourist destination, is home to several hotels, inns, and pension homes. As such, travelers can take their pick whether to stay in an upscale hotel or in a budget pension house. Whatever type of traveler you are, there is an accommodation in Puerto Princesa City that is sure to cater to your taste.
To help you in deciding on which hotel to stay in when you are in Puerto Princesa, here is a list of the 12 hotels that are highly rated by travelers according to the now-defunct booking site travelbook.ph. You may want to consider any of these hotels the next time you are in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.
1. Aziza Paradise Hotel
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| Aziza Paradise Hotel (photo courtesy of the now-defunct travelbook.ph) |
Address: BM Road, Brgy. San Manuel, Puerto Princesa, Palawan
Overnight rate: Superior Premier Room (With Breakfast) - PHP 3,538
Aziza Paradise Hotel prides itself on its four-star amenities. It takes inspiration from nature, which Puerto Princesa, as well as the whole of Palawan, is known for. As such, you can expect to see decorations of plants and flowers all over the hotel.
2. Citystate Asturias Hotel
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| Citystate Asturias Hotel (photo courtesy of the now-defunct travelbook.ph) |
Address: South National Highway, Tiniguiban, Puerto Princesa, Palawan
Overnight rate: Standard Room (With Breakfast) - PHP 2,750
Citystate Asturias Hotel caters to numerous types of travelers such as families, couples, and businessmen. The hotel features 62 guest rooms that are complete with the usual conveniences like WiFi access, a minibar, and bath amenities.
3. EJ Pension House
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| EJ Pension House (photo courtesy of the now-defunct travelbook.ph) |
Address: P.E.O Road, Brgy. Bancao-Bancao, Puerto Princesa, Palawan
Overnight rate: Standard Room (With Breakfast) - Php980
EJ Pension House features simple and affordable yet comfortable rooms. Its price point is perfect for anyone who is on a budget trip. Even so, guests can expect great service from their staff. What’s good about EJ Pension House is that it’s near the Puerto Princesa City Airport.
4. Go Hotels
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| Go Hotels (photo courtesy of the now-defunct travelbook.ph) |
Address: North Road, Barangay San Manuel, Puerto Princesa, Palawan
Overnight rate: Queen Room - Php1974
Perhaps the best adjective to describe Go Hotels is “modern.” Its 108 rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a safety deposit box, cable TV, and bath facilities to ensure that its guests enjoy a relaxing and comfortable stay. Travelers may even avail of tours Palawan from Go Hotels.
5. Holiday Suites
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| Holiday Suites (photo courtesy of the now-defunct travelbook.ph) |
Address: North National Highway, Brgy. Tiniguiban, Puerto Princesa, Palawan
Overnight rate: Superior Room (With Breakfast) - PHP 3,300
Holiday Suites has all the amenities to guarantee that its guests with maximum comfort and enjoyment during their stay here. The hotel has a beautifully manicured garden and a swimming pool that can be enjoyed by both children and adults. Guests may also enjoy a quiet afternoon in the hotel’s signature coffee shop.
6. House of Big Brother
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| House of Big Brother (photo courtesy of the now-defunct travelbook.ph) |
Address: 108 Manalo Street, Puerto Princesa, Palawan
Overnight rate: Inner Room-Double (With Breakfast) - Php2,000
House of Bug Brother features clean and minimalist lines. The hotel has recreational facilities, a swimming pool, and a Jacuzzi.
7. Islands Stay Hotel
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| Islands Stay Hotel (photo courtesy of the now-defunct travelbook.ph) |
Address: 420 Rizal Avenue, Barangay Bancao-Bancao, Puerto Princesa, Palawan
Overnight rate: Medium Room - PHP 1,450
Islands Stay Hotel features bright and fun designs to give its guests a lively ambiance. Its amenities all guarantee comfort and enjoyment to its guests.
8. One Manalo Place
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| One Manalo Place (photo courtesy of the now-defunct travelbook.ph) |
Address: Manalo Extension, Brgy. Bancao-Bancao, Puerto Princesa, Palawan
Overnight rate: Standard Room (With Breakfast) - Php4000
One Manalo Place features stunning Filipino architecture as well as beautiful interior designs. It has a swimming pool, a heated Jacuzzi, and bug gazebos where groups may spend a tranquil afternoon.
9. Palawan Village Hotel
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| Palawan Village Hotel (photo courtesy of the now-defunct travelbook.ph) |
Address: 482 Rizal Avenue Extension, Puerto Princesa, Palawan
Overnight rate: Standard Room (With Breakfast) - Php700
Palawan Village Hotel takes pride in offering amenities that are both child and handicapped-friendly. The hotel features lush gardens to give guests a calming ambiance.
10. Ponce De Leon Garden Resort
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| Ponce de Leon Garden Resort (photo courtesy of the now-defunct travelbook.ph) |
Address: 117 F. Ponce de Leon Road, Brgy San Pedro, Puerto Princesa, Palawan
Overnight rate: Standard Room (With Breakfast) - Php2250
Ponce De Leon Garden Resort is best known for providing its guest with a tropical island vibe. It’s very near the Puerto Princesa International airport so it’s perfect for those who do not want to travel far when catching their flight.
11. Sheridan Beach Resort & Spa
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| Sheridan Beach Resort & Spa (photo courtesy of the now-defunct travelbook.ph) |
Address: Sabang Beach, Puerto Princesa, Palawan
Overnight rate: Deluxe Room Mountain View (With Breakfast) - PHP 8,500
Sheridan Beach Resort & Spa is perhaps best-known as one of the most luxurious hotels in Puerto Princesa City. It features the largest swimming pool in all of Palawan. Moreover, Sheridan Beach Resort & Spa has a fitness center, a spa, a gourmet restaurant, and an organic farm.
12. Subli Guest Cabins
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| Subli Guest Cabins (photo courtesy of the now-defunct travelbook.ph) |
Address: 55 Socrates Road, Barangay San Pedro, Puerto Princesa, Palawan
Overnight rate: Full cabin (with breakfast) - Php1,300
Subli Guest Cabins provides its guests with a feel of the great yet laidback outdoors. It has cooking huts where guests are may grill fresh meat and seafood. Subli Guest Cabins also has a spa for those who want to enjoy a stress-busting massage.
Epilogue
Puerto Princesa City in Palawan is one of the most popular destinations in the Philippines because of the numerous options it offers to travelers. This travel guide may not be exhaustive but it covers many of the activities that you can try to maximize your trip to Puerto Princesa.
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It was nice touring the city with you. After reading so many posts about the beaches and islands of the Philippines, this one offered a different perspective and I liked it a lot. I can see that you enjoyed every moment of it :)
ReplyDeleteWe didnt spend any time sightseeing in Puerto princessa while we were there but having read this I wish we had now! The new airport is very swanky
ReplyDeleteI have not been to Puerto princessa. It looks beautiful. The church is huge and looks magnificent.
ReplyDeleteOh wow there is SO much to see here isn't there?? I have never been but again, it's on my list of places to see at some point in the future. I feel as though I toured with you through your beautiful photos though!
ReplyDeleteI think you are brave to see the crocodiles as I am quite squeamish but how amazing that they can go days without food, I really had no idea! x
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun day you guys had! I'm a huge fan of churches and seek them out wherever my husband and I travel. Also, I'd love to stop for lunch at Al-fresco, anything outdoors is prefect for me! x
ReplyDeleteThat looks so cool! To be honest I've only seen crocodiles and movies and I NEVER looked at pictures of it.. and seeing the pictures and everything was so fascinating and I was getting anxious at the same time haha! Also it's interesting how they can go days without food.
ReplyDeleteOh wow. It seems that this place has everything! Museums, churches, great hiking spots, and crocodile farms! (Ewww. scary).I hope to be able to visit Puerto Princesa soon!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the amazing wedding anniversary trip. It looks like it was such an amazing and unique experience. Definitely a journey worth taking. Love the bakery place although I would be afraid of the crocodiles.
ReplyDeleteLooks like you guys had an amazing time, with so much to see and do. A very educational day out.
ReplyDelete