About the Port
Puerto Princesa serves as the capital of Palawan, an island province long regarded as one of the country's most striking natural regions. The city itself is compact and low-key, but it functions as the practical starting point for excursions to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where a navigable underground river winds through limestone karst caverns. Surrounding waters and forests support a rich variety of marine and bird life, reflecting the province's reputation for biodiversity.
Most sites of interest lie outside the city center, so travelers typically arrange transport in advance for the ride to the national park or to nearby beaches and mangrove areas. Puerto Princesa's harbor area offers a relaxed introduction to Palawan life, with markets and modest eateries within easy reach of the pier. The pace here favors nature and open landscapes over urban sightseeing, rewarding those who venture beyond downtown.
Pavlus Recommendations
How our planners would spend a day in Puerto Princesa .
Paddle the Underground River
Board a small outrigger boat for the guided glide through the cave system's illuminated chambers of stalactites and stalagmites; entry permits are limited, so arrange the roughly 1.5-hour drive and boat slot in advance.
Island-Hop Honda Bay
A short banca ride from the city reaches a cluster of sandbars and coral patches good for snorkeling and swinging in a hammock between stops; half-day trips can be arranged near the pier.
Glide Through Sabang's Mangroves
A quiet paddleboat trip through tangled mangrove channels near Sabang reveals monitor lizards, kingfishers, and monkeys, offering an easy nature fix close to the Underground River jump-off point.