Travel+Experiment: Backpacking: Trip Ideas in Puerto Princesa Palawan, Philippines

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These are the top destinations that I would recommend if you'll visit Puerto Princesa. The reasons I choose these are the one's popular and worthy of your time, money and in your schedule. I have visited this place last September 2010 and it still a great place to spend your vacation. Make sure that these activities are in your tour package and discover what the city has to offer!

Puerto Princesa activities & attractions must see.

Destination: Introducing Puerto Princesa City!

I. Puerto Princesa City Tour

Historically, the place was named after Princess Eulalia of Spain, born in 1864 to Queen Isabel II and her consort, Dr. Francisco de Asis. When the princess suffered an untimely death, the Queen changed the name to Puerto de la Princesa. Eventually, the name was reduced to Puerto Princesa as it is known today. Spanish Colonizers founded the settlement on March 4, 1872 in the course of their exploration of the province.

The tour package is ideal for a romantic vacation, family trip, or an all-inclusive holiday. Below are recommended itineraries for first-time visitors. This makes planning your trip simple and affordable.

How to Get There:

• By Air From/To Manila

Air travel from Manila to Puerto Princesa takes less than an hour and is available daily via Air Philippines, Cebu Pacific, and Philippine Airlines .

• From/To Busuanga/El Nido

South East Asian Airlines flies to Puerto Princesa from Manila two to three times a week, oftentimes via Busuanga, Cuyo, and El Nido

• From/To Cebu

Cebu Pacific operates flights from Cebu to Puerto Princesa, four times a week.

Flight to Puerto Princesa City must be in morning and departure from Puerto Princesa must be in late afternoon to cover all the destinations included in the package.

Package Inclusions: Usually this offer would cost around 4,600 per person or below depends on the best deal.

3 days and 2 nights hotel/lodge/resort accommodation:

daily breakfasts
round-trip airport transfers
meet and greet at the airport
Underground River Adventure Tour
Honda Bay Island Hopping Tour
half day City Tour
Tour Inclusions

Tour Inclusions:

Air-conditioned van for all transfers
Tourist boat
Life vest
Cottage rentals
Services of licensed tour guide
Buffet picnic lunches during whole day tours (Underground river tour and Honda bay island hopping tour)
All permits and entrance fees
Government taxes

1.) Underground Subterranean River

An 8.2 kilometer Underground River that winds through a spectacular cave before emptying into the South China Sea. It features a limestone karst mountain landscape with an 8.2 km. navigable underground river. A distinguishing feature of the river is that it winds through a cave before flowing directly into the South China Sea. It includes major formations of stalactites and stalagmites, and several large chambers. The lower portion of the river is subject to tidal influences. The underground river is reputed to be the world’s longest. At the mouth of the cave, a clear lagoon is framed by ancient trees growing right to the water’s edge. Monkeys, large monitor lizards, and squirrels find their niche on the beach near the cave.

2.) Honda Bay Islands

Honda Bay, one of the Philippine's premiere tourist destinations, Palawan. It is host to several of the most exclusive resorts in the country. With its white sand beaches, magnificent landscape, fishing villages and rainforests, it is a favorable destination of adventurers and nature lovers. Honda Bay is just a few minutes north of city proper, hop onto a boat and goes island hopping at the emerald waters of Honda Bay.

There are several islands, each offering a different beauty and excitements.

Snake Island, a long sandbar that slithers on the surface of the sea, much like the critter that bears its name. It is best for snorkeling, swimming or simply basking in the sand
Starfish Island, fun finding of varied sizes and colors of starfishes
Lu-li Islet, a short term for "lulubog-lilitaw", a tiny islet that is visible at ebb tide and disappears under water during high tide
Pandan Island, it has a small drop offs and good reefs, great site for snorkeling and diving. Señorita Island, offer a glimpse of fish cage and seaweed culture
Arreceffi Island, the island resort of Dos Palmas with a variety of activities to enjoy such as; ocean and mangrove kayaking, fishing, boat rides, snorkeling, and scuba diving
Bat Island, it is only 20 minutes away from St. Lourdes wharf, is literally teeming with bats which make their way out at sundown to look for food in the mainland.
Cowrie Island, pictureque, ideal for picnic trips or simply basking under the sun and lazing around the sand.

3.) Puerto Princesa City Tour - all accessible in a day trip, capped off by a night out at any of Puerto Princesa's many interesting dining and entertainment places.

A.) Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center

Admission: 40.00 pesos

Opening hours:

8:30 AM-11:30 AM & 1:30 PM-4:30 PM Mon-Sat

B.) Palawan Museum

C.) Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm

There is no entrance fee to see Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm. There are different souvenir items available and as well as snacks & drinks from the souvenir shop. Most of the handcrafted items are made by the prisoners.

4.) Kalui Restaurant

Kalui is the most famous restaurant in Puerto Princesa. It is a must visit place among tourists. Your tour in Palawan wouldn't be complete if you haven't visited this place. They offer a wide variety of menu which depends on the fresh catch of the day. Everything on the menu is seafood and vegetables which includes sashimi, tempura, shellfish soup, sinigang, baked mussel and many more.

5.) Baker Hills, Sta. Monica Heights