Puerto Princesa, a city in the magnificent region of Palawan, Philippines, is a popular tourist destination, renowned for its stunning beauty and diverse offerings. This vibrant city is home to the Subterranean River National Park, which was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999 and is a must-visit for tourists.
The Subterranean River, one of the city’s main attractions, is a unique geological formation and a popular spot for tourists to explore. With its breathtaking rock formations and diverse species of wildlife, visitors can take a boat tour through the underground river, which flows through a complex network of caves and grottos. To reach Puerto Princesa, tourists can utilize the city’s international airport, the Puerto Princesa International Airport, which has flights to and from Manila, Cebu, and other major cities in the Philippines. Major domestic airlines, such as Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific Air, and Air Asia, offer regular flights to Puerto Princesa. For those traveling from Manila, there are several airfare options available, with the average cost ranging from PHP 2,500 to PHP 4,000, depending on the ticket booking and the travel season (peak or low season for tourism).
For those searching for comfortable accommodations, Puerto Princesa offers a variety of options to fit different budgets and preferences. From beachfront resorts to budget-friendly options, such as hostels, pension houses, and transient houses, there is something for everyone. Some of the best hotels in Puerto Princesa include Princesa Garden Island Resort and Spa, Costa Palawan Resort, Hue Hotels and Resorts, Canvas Hotel, RedDoorz Plus, White Breeze Palawan Boutique Hotel, Go Hotels Puerto Princesa, Aziza Paradise Hotel, Astoria Palawan Resort, Fersal Hotel Puerto Princesa, Panja Resort Palawan, Citystate Asturias Hotel Palawan, Hotel Fleuris, Palawan Uno Hotel, Microtel by Wyndham Puerto Princesa, Hibiscus Garden Inn, One Manalo Place Hotel, A&A Plaza Hotel, Acacia Tree Garden Hotel, Blue Lagoon Inn & Suites, and Skytel Palawan.
Puerto Princesa has much more to offer tourists besides the Subterranean River. For beach lovers, Nagtabon Beach and Bancao Bancao are two popular spots to visit. The city’s thriving tourism scene also offers a wide range of tour packages and activities, such as island hopping, city tours, and firefly watching. The Butterfly Garden and Baker’s Hill are two popular tourist attractions that offer a unique experience. Meanwhile, the Baywalk and Rizal Avenue are perfect spots for relaxation, shopping, and dining. Additionally, the Cathedral and Plaza Cuartel are significant landmarks that should not be missed. For those looking to explore further, tours to El Nido, Port Barton or Long Beach in San Vicente, or Balabac, all located in Palawan, can be arranged. The cost of these tours varies, but there are many affordable options available, including vans, tour packages, and budget lodges.
Puerto Princesa is a stunning city that offers something for everyone. From exploring the subterranean river to relaxing on the beach and experiencing the city’s vibrant culture, this charming city, known as the “City of the Living God,” is a must-visit destination in the Philippines.