Puerto Princesa, the capital of Palawan, is often called 'City in the Forest'. The city has been acclaimed several times as the cleanest and greenest city in the Philippines. With a wide range of attractions, ranging from beaches to wildlife reserves, and the world famousUnderground River, Puerto Princesa is a nature lover's paradise. In keeping with its green image smoking is not permitted at any of its tourist spots such as The Underground River, Mitra's Ranch, Baker's Hill and Binuatan Creatives, with heavy fines levied.
The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (PPSRNP) is one of the most important protected areas of the Philippines. It features a spectacular limestone or karst landscape withone of the most complex cave systems. It contains an 8.2 km long underground river that flow directly to the sea. The lower half of the river is brackish and is affected by the ocean’s tide. An underground river directly flowing into the sea, and the associated tidal influence, makes it a significant natural phenomenon. The discovery of at least 11 minerals, crystal and egg shape rock formations, and a 20 million year old Miocene age serenia fossil in the cave further add to its scientific value. The Puerto Princesa Underground River is declared as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature.
The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (PPSRNP) is one of the most important protected areas of the Philippines. It features a spectacular limestone or karst landscape withone of the most complex cave systems. It contains an 8.2 km long underground river that flow directly to the sea. The lower half of the river is brackish and is affected by the ocean’s tide. An underground river directly flowing into the sea, and the associated tidal influence, makes it a significant natural phenomenon. The discovery of at least 11 minerals, crystal and egg shape rock formations, and a 20 million year old Miocene age serenia fossil in the cave further add to its scientific value. The Puerto Princesa Underground River is declared as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature.
What to see and do in Puerto Princesa City
- Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is a protected areaof the Philippineslocated about 80 kilometres (50 mi) north of the city centre of Puerto Princesa, Palawan. The river is also called Puerto Princesa Underground River. The national park is located in the Saint Paul Mountain Range on the western coast of the island. It is bordered by St. Paul Bay to the north and the Babuyan River to the east. The City Government of Puerto Princesa has managed the National Park since 1992. The entrance to the subterranean river is a short hike or boat ride from the town Sabang.
In 2010, a group of environmentalists and geologists discovered that the underground river has a second floor, which means that there are small waterfalls inside the cave. They also found a cave dome measuring 300 m (980 ft) above the underground river, rock formations, large bats, a deep water hole in the river, more river channels, another deep cave, as well as marine creatures and more. Deeper areas of the underground river are almost impossible to explore due to oxygen deprivation
- Pandan Island is a private island with just one small resort. The island has the finest, whitest sands of all the islands and a lush tropical forest. This oval shaped island offers stunning views of the Honda Bay. The only structures on this island are wood and nipa cottages and stalls selling drinks and massages. The lack of concrete structures enhances the feeling of an island left to be at one with nature.
- Starfish Island has the greatest population of Star Fish (Sea Stars) in all of Palawan, as evident in its name. Symmetric five-armed orange Star Fish are the most abundant type in the area but you may be lucky to spot other varieties.
- Fireflies live in amongst the mangroves, which are perfectly situated along the banks of the Sicsican and Iwahig Rivers. Taking place just before dusk, this tour allows you to get closer to nature and, in particular, the dazzling and flickering insects known as "Fireflies" or "Lighting Bugs". This tour will take you through a 10 meter wide stretch of the mangrove perimeter and will last aproximately 30-45 minutes.
- Dolphins are very magical creatures, especially in the wild, and they are very well-known for their acrobatic displays. Watch the dolphins in person, and make your vacation in Palawan, an unforgettable one.
- Palawan Rescue and Wildlife Centre - formerly known as the Crocodile Farm), which is part of a repopulation programme. The guides will take you round the public areas of the research centre, which will afford you the opportunity to see crocodiles of various ages and sizes. We would urge our travellers to follow the guidance given by the guides with regards to not throwing items in to the pens. The Crocodile Farm also has a mini-zoo, featuring other endemic Philippine species, as well as the Research Institute, which is dedicated to all things Crocodile.
- Mitra's Ranch is a sprawling property with a log cabin and a beautiful veranda, giving you much room to explore, relax, and take in the sights across Honda Bay.
- Baker's Hillis a treat for all sweet-toothed people, with sweets, baked goods and delicious bread, all available to buy. There is a shaded area with places to sit and eat, with cafes and cantina's, whilst children can enjoy many of the display and play areas featured. As an optional extra; feel free to lose yourself in a spectacular garden filled with amazing plants and flowers at the Butterfly Garden. Its main features are lovely, colourful butterflies of all sizes that are not only endemic (unique/not found anywhere else) to Palawan but also other species from around Southeast Asia. Entrance Fees for the Butterfy Garden are not included in the City Tour Rates and inclusion on the tour is dependent on the wishes of others sharing your tour.
Dos Palmas Island Resort & Spa is a 20 hectare private island nestled in the Tropical waters of Honda Bay Island in Puerto Princesa. The area has a rich marine ecosystem, with hectares of mangroves and forests on the south and kilometers of beautiful coral reef, surrounding the island.
The Resort is fully equipped with everything you need for a luxurious island getaway whether you are visiting with friends, as part of your honeymoon, or with your family.
This Day Tour Package is available to travellers wanting to visit this beautiful island and it also includes a Buffet Lunch. Dos Palmas is renowned for its great food, the variety of grilled foods includes fish, pork, chicken and seafood (depending on seasons) really makes the price of a day ticket worth it.
Visitors can also enjoy a range of activities from Ocean Kayaks, Snorkelling, Basketball, Beach Volleyball and Soccer, Badmintton, Tennis, Billiards, the Kid's Playground and even Board Games. Or, you can just sit back and enjoy the astonishing atmosphere of the island resort.
The Resort is fully equipped with everything you need for a luxurious island getaway whether you are visiting with friends, as part of your honeymoon, or with your family.
This Day Tour Package is available to travellers wanting to visit this beautiful island and it also includes a Buffet Lunch. Dos Palmas is renowned for its great food, the variety of grilled foods includes fish, pork, chicken and seafood (depending on seasons) really makes the price of a day ticket worth it.
Visitors can also enjoy a range of activities from Ocean Kayaks, Snorkelling, Basketball, Beach Volleyball and Soccer, Badmintton, Tennis, Billiards, the Kid's Playground and even Board Games. Or, you can just sit back and enjoy the astonishing atmosphere of the island resort.