Any dialog about Palawan is terribly incomplete and not using a point out of Puerto Princesa, its capital and solely metropolis. Adventurers and seashore 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 every kind slightly style of what the province has to supply.
Positioned in the midst of mainland Palawan, Puerto Princesa serves as the biggest and probably 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 Heart of the Philippines.
However it’s not at all times butterflies and unicorns for the town’s tourism over the previous years. Like in lots of locations all over the world, the pandemic introduced quite a lot of challenges. Then, in 2021, the province was ravaged by Hurricane Odette (worldwide identify: Rai), leaving virtually P8 billion in damages. However lately, not even a yr after, we have been invited to hitch a current tour organized by the Division of Tourism (DOT)-MIMAROPA. We acquired to see for ourselves what it’s wish to journey round Puerto Princesa now. On this article, we’re sharing with you an inventory of vacationer points of interest within the metropolis (not in any specific order) and what it’s like at present.
Be aware: Puerto Princesa is big! In actual fact, it’s the second largest metropolis within the Philippines by land space, subsequent to Davao. You’ll discover locations on this record that could be one or two hours away from the town middle, 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 lodges 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 generally merely referred to as PPUR, this 8.2-km-long underground river is the town’s major tourism draw. This pure marvel which was acknowledged as a UNESCO World Heritage Website in 1999 and as one of many New 7 Wonders of Nature in 2012.
Tucked within the northern nooks 76 km away from the 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 e-book a packaged tour with a tour operator to allow them to register in your behalf. Packaged excursions often 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 seek out out that the excursions have been canceled for the day. In case this occurs, they’ll additionally make preparations to maneuver your scheduled tour to the next day.
You might also e-book 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 among the commonest actions in lots of locations within the Philippines, and Puerto Princesa isn’t to be ignored. Right here, seashore chasers go to Honda Bay, which isn’t too removed from the town middle.
Honda Bay is peppered with a number of isles, however island hopping excursions often embrace simply three stops. In the event you’re a DIY-er and also you’re becoming a member of a bunch tour, these three islands can be fastened. However if you’d like extra flexibility or should you’re an enormous group, you could e-book 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 kind used. Listed here are the most recent normal 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 price, 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 non-public and gather a lot increased entrance charges. We’ll talk about them intimately beneath.
Listed here are different bills to count on should 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 Sneakers Rental: P150
- Fins Rental: P150
Leap-off Level: Sta. Lourdes Wharf, roughly half-hour away from the town correct by tricycle.
One-way Tricycle Fare: Round P400-500 per tricycle
In the event you don’t wish to cope with all these funds by yourself, you could e-book a tour bundle supplied by journey companies. Honday Bay excursions often value P1785/individual, inclusive of lunch, entrance charges, boat rental, tour information, and roundtrip transfers.
You can even discover a bundle with a slight low cost while you e-book on-line!
Under 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 great first or final cease. In the event you e-book a packaged tour, Cowrie Island can also be the same old lunch cease. You can even 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 possibly can take pleasure in swimming within the clear waters, stroll alongside the seashore or simply lay on the sand. Kayaks and stand-up paddle board can be found for hire. And should you’re with a bunch and you want taking part in sports activities, they’ve an space for seashore 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 lot of sandbars. One among them is Luli Island, quick for lulubog lilitaw, a playful shoutout to its disappearing act at excessive tide.
Up to now, it was the same old 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 take pleasure in right here, although. The great thing about the sandbar itself stays. You’ll be able to nonetheless take pleasure in strolling on the sand, take photographs, or chill on considered one of their many overwater hammocks. The water is crystal clear too so you possibly can 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 acquired its identify from quite a few starfish that decision its clear, shallow waters residence. Even should you don’t know easy methods to swim, you possibly can nonetheless see the small fish and different marine animals frolicking round.
Needless to say there’s a designated swimming and snorkeling space marked by a line so be sure that to remain inside that space to your security.
You can find many tables and chairs and even cottages for hire right here. In the event you’re hungry, there’s a small retailer on the island the place you should purchase 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 possibility to discover considered one of Puerto Princesa’s most visited underwater web site! Not like the opposite Honda Bay tour stops, Pambato Reef just isn’t an island. It’s a well-liked snorkeling spot, marked by a platform floating in the midst of the ocean. Earlier than leaping into the water, vacationers are given a brief lecture about marine and reef ecology and conservation.
Nevertheless, 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 price.
Entrance Payment: P50
Isla Pandan
As of this writing, Pandan Island stays closed and has but to announce after 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 seashore and clear emerald waters the place you possibly can swim, snorkel, or simply bask within the solar. A buffet lunch can also be obtainable on the island in addition to cottages and completely different water sports activities and seashore actions. You’ll be able to go kayaking, stand-up paddling, jetskiing, and banana boating should you’re into water actions or play volleyball and frisbee on the seashore. You can even go snorkeling, diving, or helmet diving.
Their day tour fee is inclusive of the doorway price, cottage, buffet lunch, and use of kayak, stand-up paddle, volleyball, frisbee, and board video games.
Day Tour Charge: 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 seashore, dealing with the tuquoise waters.
In the event you’re on a restricted funds, you possibly can have a style of the posh island expertise by happening a day tour. You’ll be able to discover the 20-hectare island and the facilities of the resort. Except for spending time on the seashore, day trippers can take a dip on the swimming pool, play volleyball, or go snorkeling.
Day Tour Charges: Grownup, P1800; Baby (2-11 years outdated), P900
*Day tour charges are inclusive of land and boat transfers and lunch.For reservations & inquiries, you could 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 possibly can respect extra of Puerto Princesa by exploring the 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 middle.
You’ll be able to constitution a tricycle to take you to the completely different cultural and historic spots for P1000-1200 per tricycle, good for 3 to 4 passengers.
However if you’d like a extra comfy and extra insightful tour led by a educated information, e-book an organized tour! You’ll discover inexpensive Puerto Princesa metropolis excursions on-line!
Though there are some variations, listed here are the same old stops included in metropolis excursions.
Palawan Wildlife Rescue & Conservation Heart
Beforehand referred to as the Crocodile Farming Institute or Crocodile Farm, the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Heart 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 academic tour is completed, which begins by the doorway the place the skeleton and pores and skin of a large crocodile are on show. After that, you may be led to the nursery of the newborn crocodiles after which to the realm the place the grownup crocodiles are saved. 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 a wide range of wild fauna.
Tackle: Palawan Wildlife Rescue & Conservation Heart, South Street, Barangay Irawan, Puerto Princesa Metropolis, Palawan
Opening hours: Each 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 , enjoyable view of the 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 price if you wish to go inside the home.
Tackle: Mitra’s Ranch/Rancho Sta. Monica, Barangay Santa Monica, Puerto Princesa Metropolis, Palawan
Working Hours: Each 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 a straightforward bakery that advanced right into a household vacation spot. Whenever you go by way 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 location 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 completely different baked items like cookies, brownies, and naturally, their well-liked hopia in numerous flavors. In addition they promote different snacks like cashew nuts, polvoron, and pastillas. In the event you’re on the lookout for extra than simply snacks, you possibly can dine at their restaurant referred to as Baker’s Kitchen.
Tackle: Baker’s Hill, Mitra Street, Barangay Santa Monica, Puerto Princesa Metropolis, Palawan
Working Hours: Each day, 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Contact Quantity: (048) 433-4314
Binuatan Creations
Weaving is a large a part of the tradition and humanities in lots of elements 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 completely different hand-loomed merchandise like baggage, equipment, placemats, and desk runners. To get extra appreciation on how intricate it’s, guests are welcome to strive their hand on the method. The weavers would fortunately information you as they clarify easy methods 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!
Tackle: Binuatan Creations, Workers Village, Barangay Santa Monica, Puerto Princesa Metropolis, Palawan
Working Hours: Each day, 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Contact Quantity: +63 999 992 7712
Plaza Cuartel
Plaza Cuartel appears like your atypical park lined with benches and timber at present, but it surely has a ugly previous. On 14 December 1944, on the top of World Battle II, 150 American prisoners of conflict have been burned alive by the Japanese in a garrison that stood on the web site of the place Plaza Cuartel is positioned at present.
Tunnels the place the prisoners the place saved and the ruins of the outdated garrison are saved 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.
Tackle: Plaza Cuartel, Taft Road, Barangay Liwanag, Puerto Princesa Metropolis, Palawan
Be aware: Briefly 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 a number of instances together with after it was destroyed by Japanese bombing throughout World Battle II. The construction that you simply see at present 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.
Tackle: Puerto Princesa Cathedral, Taft Road/Rizal Avenue, Barangay Matiyaga, Puerto Princesa Metropolis, Palawan
Working Hours: Each 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 elements to this attraction: the butterfly backyard and the tribal village. The Butterfly Backyard homes quite a lot of species of butterflies that you could see flying round contained in the net-covered backyard.
Aside from these lovely flying creatures, it’s also possible to see some endemic wildlife of Palawan right here just like the Palawan Bearcat, bearded pig, and Palawan peacock-pheasant which is the chook that seems on the official seal of the town of Puerto Princesa. These species are smaller in measurement, however just like the peacocks, the male has colourful feathers and vibrant wings that reveals after they unfold it, often to draw peahens or the feminine birds.
On the Tribal Village, you’ll get a peek into the lifetime of the indigenous individuals of South Palawan referred to as Palaw’an. Right here, guests are handled to a cultural present the place they’d see how the Palaw’an tribe historically lives within the mountains. The Palaw’ans show how they hunt, make hearth, and carry out a brief musical quantity utilizing a string instrument referred to as kudyapi. There’s additionally slightly cafe right here the place you possibly can strive civet coffe or kopi luwak.
Tackle: Palawan Butterfly Backyard and Tribal Village, Barangay Santa Monica, Puerto Princesa Metropolis, Palawan
Working Hours: Each day, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Entrance Payment: Grownup, P60; Baby (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 midst of a forest. Additionally, you will discover a good view deck right here together with Instagram-worthy spots paying homage to these in Bali.
Their lunch buffet provides a wide range of Filipino dishes from fish to pork to hen to greens and recent fruits. In the event you’re eager about making an attempt tamilok, the favored unique mollusk, it’s also possible to 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 fee is P350 per individual. You’ll discover discounted charges on-line, too!
Location: Cacaoyan Forest Park, Barangay Sabang, Puerto Princesa Metropolis, Palawan
Working Hours: Each day, 8:00 AM to six:00 PM
Buffet Charge: 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 gorgeous seashore with the backdrop of the mountains is a pleasant place to swim and chill out. From right here, it’s also possible to see the gorgeous St. Paul Limestone formation the place the underground river is flowing beneath.
In the event you’re in for extra journey, one other exercise you are able to do right here is the Sabang X Zipline. This thrilling journey will deal with you to the gorgeous 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 achieve the place to begin of the journey, it is advisable go on a brief 15-minute hike.
Tickets value P550. However you’ll discover discounted tickets on-line!
âś… GET DISCOUNTED TICKET HERE!
Location: Sabang X Zipline, Barangay Sabang, Puerto Princesa Metropolis, Palawan
Working Hours: Each day, 7:00 AM to five:00 PM
Ticket Charge: P550/individual
Astoria Palawan Water Park
In the event you’re touring to Puerto Princesa with children and children at coronary heart, Palawan Water Park acquired you coated. You’ll be able to take pleasure in 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 resort company.
Every ticket to the water park is inclusive of a lunch buffet.
Tackle: 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 the town correct! In Barangay Tagabinet, one can find one of the vital 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 may 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 driving a 71-meter zipline!
Tackle: Ugong Rock Adventures, Purok Pagkakaisa, Barangay Tagabinet, Puerto Princesa Metropolis, Palawan
Opening Hours: Each 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 the town middle, so it’s considerably indifferent and never often included in normal Puerto Princesa itineraries. It was once a sanctuary for individuals who wish to escape the crowds, but it surely 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 number of years in the past, there are just a few cottages obtainable for hire right here, however there at the moment are resorts and eating places within the space.
Location: Barangay Bacungan, Puerto Princesa Metropolis, Palawan
The way to Get to Nagtabon Seashore: From the town middle, take a bus going north (Taytay/Roxas/El Nido) to Bacungan. Then, constitution a tricycle to Nagtabon Seashore. In the event you’re a bunch, renting a van for a roundtrip transportation is an choice too.
Firefly Watching
In order for you one thing a bit extra offbeat, strive firefly watching and get that magical feeling! Even should you already deliberate out your actions in Puerto Princesa, you possibly can in all probability squeeze this into your itinerary since this tour occurs at night time. Whenever you be a part of a firefly watching tour, you’d hop on a ship and exit into the water the place you may feast your eyes with the blinking lights from the fireflies and the twinkling of the celebrities within the sky.
There are three completely different firefly watching places in Puerto Princesa:
- Iwahig River. That is the unique location of firefly watching in Puerto Princesa. Utilizing a paddle boat, you’d 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. Town’s baywalk space serves because the jump-off level for this tour. From right here, you’d 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 numerous languages. The tour features a scrumptious dinner on the boat, which we loved after cruising on the river and seeing the fireflies that appear to be 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 timber.
âś… JOIN THIS NAGSAGUIPI TOUR!
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 rookies 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 possibly can attain the highest earlier than dawn. When you get to the highest, you possibly can chill out, have some espresso and watch for the spectacular dawn over Puerto Princesa. From the height, it’s also possible to admire Honda Bay and Puerto Princesa Bay.
Mount Magarwak is positioned in Barangay Bacungan, about 15 kilometers from the town middle.
âś… BOOK THIS TOUR!
Kamia Bay Resort
Kamia Bay Resort lies in Barangay Luzviminda, lower than an hour away south of the town middle. 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 take pleasure in bouncing round and taking place the slide of various heights or strive wall climbing on the inflatables.
Different actions supplied listed here are eco-tours and bike trails. The resort additionally has a buffet and plenty of areas the place you possibly can chill whether or not you’re household, buddies, or your particular somebody.
Be aware: 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 lot of Vietnamese refugees discovered themselves in Palawan and arrange a camp. In 1993, the camp was moved to Barangay Sta. Lourdes. Through the years, some have left and returned to Vietnam, however some selected to remain.
As we speak, this group in Puerto Princesa known as Viet Ville. Historical past buffs will certainly discover a go to right here fairly fascinating. You can even 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.
Tackle: Viet Ville Restaurant, Km 13 Barangay Sta. Lourdes, Puerto Princesa Metropolis, Palawan
Opening Hours: Each day, 8:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Contact Particulars: +63 970 218 2189 (Sensible) 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 often affiliate with a spot as grim as a jail. In most correctional services, describing the surroundings this manner would even sound ironic. However not at Iwahig Jail and Penal Farm — not less than, that’s what I felt and discovered 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. As we speak, Iwahig Jail and Penal Farm, also called the “Jail With out Partitions”, operates as an open-air correctional facility that provides various rehabilitation applications for Individuals Disadvantaged of Liberty (PDLs). These applications purpose to assist them regain a way of function whereas serving their time and put together them for all times outdoors jail.
The applications embrace Work and Livelihood, Training and Coaching, Sports activities and Recreation, Ethical and Religious, 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 ability are open to the general public for tourism and academic functions. There’s at present no entrance price, however you possibly can help 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 at present beneath minimal safety. We’ve discovered quite a bit from them, and it’ll take a separate publish 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.
Tackle: Iwahig Jail and Penal Farm, Barangay Iwahig, Puerto Princesa Metropolis, Palawan
Day Tour Hours: Each day, 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entrance Payment: FREE
Be aware: Convey a sound ID and gown appropriately. For ladies, it’s greatest to put on pants, lengthy skirt, and t-shirt or shirt.
The way to Get to Iwahig Jail and Penal Farm: From the town middle, we chartered a tricycle with stops at Iwahig Jail and Penal Farm and Viet Village. We paid P1200 for the roundtrip tricycle journey, 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 recommend a first-time vacationer ought to go for a meal, and there’s an enormous likelihood they’ll level you to Ka Lui.
KaLui is probably probably the most well-known Pinoy restaurant in Puerto Princesa. Fostering a homey Pinoy environment, 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.
Tackle: 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 strive native dishes at inexpensive costs, Ka Inato is considered one of your greatest choices. I had the Unique Charcoal Grilled Hen Leg and Grilled Isol (Hen Ass). Each have 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 crew favorites have been the Sinigang na Isda and Pansit Bihon.
Adorned with native furnishings, fascinating sculptures, and colourful work, the spacious restaurant exudes a comfy environment. However past the meals and the atmosphere, what really stood out was the service. I take my hat off to the administration for offering employment alternatives to PWDs, significantly members of the deaf-mute group. You’ll be able to talk with them utilizing the Primary Signal Language information discovered on the primary web page of the menu.
Tackle: Km 4 North Nationwide Freeway, Barangay Tiniguiban, Puerto Princesa Metropolis, Palawan
Opening Hours: Each day, 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Contact Particulars: +63 917 553 1721 (Globe), +63 998 885 2990 (Sensible), or (048) 434-1721 (Landline)
Contributed by: Asta Alvarez
Tamilok
This isn’t someplace to go to however one thing to take pleasure in! Er, provided that you’re an adventurous eater.
Indulging in native meals is at all times an incredible a part of any journey. If unique meals doesn’t faze you, don’t miss out on Palawan’s delicacy — tamilok! It’s also known as a woodworm as a result of it’s discovered inside mangroves. However it’s, actually, a sort of marine mollusk with lengthy and mushy our bodies. Yep, a distant cousin of oysters and mussels! Its style profile and slimy texture are similar to the extra frequent bivalves too, albeit with a powerful woody aftertaste.
When in Puerto Princesa, you possibly can do that unconventional deal with at some eating places within the metropolis. I used to be in a position to strive tamilok after we had lunch in Cacaoyan Forest Park in Sabang. They serve it with a facet of vinegar the place you possibly can dip it earlier than savoring it.
One other restaurant that provides it’s Kinabuch’s Grill and Bar positioned throughout the metropolis middle, 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. As we speak, the town’s meals scene mirror 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 out to be 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 hen), 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 often topped with buto-buto, innards, and slices of meat, then garnished with spring onions and dried garlic. However, 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 data and added 3 extra gadgets 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
