Palawan is the home of three of the most well-known islands in the Philippines. It proudly carries the beautiful islands of Puerto Princesa, El Nido, and Coron. It’s the arm-like figure that you would see if you look at the Philippine map, actually!
Other Filipinos would definitely agree that the islands inside Palawan are competitors of the beloved beach escapade of foreigners in the country, Boracay! These islands have become a magnet and a go-to place for foreigners who want to experience a vacation with a longer, more exciting itinerary. Here in this article we will be showing you the best Puerto Princesa Activities you shouldn’t miss!
Subterranean River National Park or Underground River
It cannot be denied that Puerto Princesa holds the throne in being one of the most visited places in the Philippines over the past decade. This is because the islands proudly holds the title of being one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. The Subterranean River National Park —also known as the Underground River in Puerto Princesa. It is a place that’s always advertised for tourism in the Philippines since it has gained the name of being one of the 7 Wonders of the world in the past years. So we’re pretty sure you’ve seen images of this tourism spot almost everywhere.
The Subterranean River National Park is easily at the top of our list when you visit Puerto Princesa. Travelers shouldn’t miss this out as one of the Puerto Princesa activities. The place is one of the best eco-tours in the country! Before going there, take note that you need to secure a permit first and pay the necessary fees (which won’t cost a lot, we promise *wink*). To make it easier, travelers can always look for package tours! A lot of these are available online and most of these tours always include a trip to the Underground River since the place is very popular.
You will be greeted by its clear blue waters which is one of the best things about Palawan, BTW. A boat will carry you going inside the Underground River. From there, you will see the beautiful and unique rock formations that are home to a lot of species. The tour will last about less than 45 minutes. The last part of going to the Underground River is a quick explanation from the tour guides about the whole construction, length, and function of the Underground River.
Baywalk Park
Have a vacant day but you don’t want to chill inside the hotel? Then we recommend going to Baywalk Park, a clean and easily accessible area on the island. This place is perfect for anyone who wants to walk around to just relax. The park holds beauty contests, festivals, and their annual Christmas tree lighting made from recyclable materials! The best part about this place is that it still offers some Puerto Princesa activities if you’re down to make the most of the city. You can go on a Puerto Princesa City Tour, swim with Whale Sharks, and watch Dolphin shows. You could also have a night cruise while having dinner and watch fireflies as they give you a very picturesque ending for the night.
Butterfly Garden and Palawan Heritage Center
Puerto Princesa has more to offer other than its beautiful waters! Here, you can also visit the Butterfly Garden and Tribal Village! Witness these free flying creatures as you walk around the area. You will be able to see a wide range and different types of butterflies and other insects! The place also takes care of some endangered species on the island.
At the end of the tour, you will be invited to visit the small, but very intimate Tribal Village. There, you will meet the indigenous Palaw’an people, carrying the rich and authentic identity of one of the many Filipino tribes existing in the country. Travelers will have the chance to learn the different cultural practices of true “Palaw’an bloodline” namely the skills of hunting, survival, craft, their daily life, and of course what they do for leisure time. This is definitely a chance you don’t want to miss out on if you want to witness a version of an authentic Filipino!
Want to know more about the history of this island? Then after visiting Butterfly Garden and Tribal Village, you can also make your way straight ahead to the Palawan Heritage Center, just 4.3km away from the latter. This beautiful white building with huge pillars is located at the heart of Puerto Princesa. Here, travelers can see different artifacts that show the life of the indigenous people in the island. It also exhibits art from locals! The place is also perfect for kids because as you walk around, there are interactive areas and touch screen kiosks, making learning more fun! The center is open everyday, from 8AM to 5PM—don’t forget to include this in your itinerary!
Tibag Falls
Want to take a break from island hopping? Then this place is for you!
Tibag Falls is located at Barangay Bacungan. Before reaching this place, travelers will have to knock on their inner adventurer because they will have to go on an hour-long trek. So, it’s best to travel the area before the sun comes out. The 60-minute walk will then be rewarded by the beautiful staircase of water and natural pools of Tibag Falls!
You can also climb on top of the falls and have your own moment and just get the rejuvenating feeling of letting your feelings out to the world! Please be reminded as well that as you go down from Tibag Falls, make sure to pick up and pack up your litter and hiking gears. Let’s continue to take care of nature!
Tabon Caves
The Underground River is not the only cave you can visit in Puerto Princesa. Here, travelers can also include going to Tabon Caves, a place that cradles the rich history of Palawan civilization. This place is undoubtedly one for the books. Dubbed as the “Cradle of Civilization” the Tabon Caves is home to different artifacts—archeologists even claimed that not all of the caves have been explored yet, meaning that there’s more chances of us discovering a lot more about the ancient Filipino Civilization! Exciting, isn’t it?
You can learn about the historical significance of this place as you go along your adventure in Palawan and the Philippines. Here’s a teaser: this place is where the Manunggul Jar is located, an artifact used for burial practices during the Neolithic period of the Philippines. This jar places a big significance on the identity of the Filipinos as the tour guide will explain the purpose of this ancient item.
If you want to explore this area, you can hire a professional tour guide who will provide a detailed explanation of the different artifacts found in the Tabon Caves. With big emphasis: This is a place you shouldn’t miss out on.
We hope this article helped you in making your list of the must-try Puerto Princesa activities! Aside from the clear blue waters of Palawan, check out these Underrated Beaches you might want to pay a visit. Tag us on Instagram if you saw the places we recommended! Salud!
