Palawan Area GuidePuerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines
Palawan's capital city and gateway — the Underground River and the warmest welcome in the Philippines
Puerto Princesa is the gateway to Palawan and the starting point for most journeys through the island. It's a surprisingly pleasant city — clean by Philippine standards, with a famously strict anti-littering policy that locals take seriously. The main draw is the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature, featuring an 8.2-kilometre navigable underground river inside a cave system filled with dramatic limestone formations and diverse wildlife. The city has a good selection of hotels, restaurants serving Palawan-style seafood, and reliable transport connections for onward travel to El Nido and Port Barton.
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questions & answers
How do I book the Underground River tour?
The Underground River requires a permit which is limited daily — book at least 1–2 weeks in advance, especially December–April. Most hotels in Puerto Princesa offer package tours (approx. PHP 1,500–2,500 per person including transport and boat). You can also book at the city tourism office or directly at Sabang pier. The tour involves a 45-minute paddle boat ride inside the cave with a guide — allow a full day including the 80 km drive from the city.
Is Puerto Princesa worth staying in for more than one night?
Most travellers spend 1–2 nights — enough for the Underground River and Honda Bay island hopping. The city centre has a good night market (Palawan Special Economic Zone area) and the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm is a quirky cultural stop. Those heading to El Nido by land (the scenic 5-hour journey on the national highway) will typically overnight here first. Puerto Princesa is a relaxing base before the more demanding travel further north.