5 Epic Things To Do In Puerto Princesa | NOT Just An Airport

Is It Worth Visiting Puerto Princesa?

Is Puerto Princesa merely a gateway to the rest of Palawan, or is this destination worthy of exploration in its own right? While many travellers treat this city as a mere transit point en route to the Philippines’ famed El Nido and Coron, those who linger soon discover that Puerto Princesa is far more than just an airport.

Beneath its urban facade lies a treasure trove of unforgettable experiences that often go overlooked. From the awe-inspiring Underground River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to the unique Iwahig Prison, Puerto Princesa offers a captivating blend of adventure and cultural exploration.

In This complete travel guide we will highlight our top 5 things to do in Puerto Princesa and the best ways to visit each unique attraction! We will also discuss how to get to Puerto Princesa, the best places to stay and how to travel from Puerto Princesa to El Nido! Lets dive in!

We value your time! So, if you already know why you are here and want to look at specific activities to do in Puerto Princesa, then head to our table of contents below and select the activities best suited to your itinerary.

However, if you would like to get the full low-down of all the best things to do in Puerto Princesa, where to stay, how to get there and the best time to visit, then we hope you will enjoy exploring our complete travel guide.

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How To Get To Puerto Princesa

The easiest way to reach Puerto Princesa is to fly straight into Puerto Princesa Airport, which is the main international airport in Palawan. From Manila or Cebu, you can hop on a quick 1-hour flight to Puerto Princesa and flights between islands in The Philippines are typically very affordable. You can check the prices to Puerto Princesa on Skyscanner below. Just type in MNL for Manila or CEB for Cebu and select your preferred date:

We have highlighted Puerto Princesa location on the map below for your reference:

Puerto Princesa to El Nido

From Puerto Princesa you can pre-book a van or bus that will pick you up from the airport and whisk you off to El Nido or Port Barton in around 5 hours or 3.5 hours respectively. Whichever mode of transportation you choose, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the lush Palawan countryside on route.

Below you will find an easy way to pre book a bus or van transfer from Puerto Princesa Airport to El Nido or Port Barton, and options for a private taxi.

• A bus costs around £5 and takes roughly 4 hours (Port Barton)
• Shared Van: Costs around £7 and takes roughly 3.5 hours (Port Barton)
• Private Taxi: Costs around £80 and takes 2.5 – 3 hours (Port Barton)

We would highly recommend taking a few days to enjoy Port Barton. However, if you are on a time limit, you could choose to go straight up to El Nido from Puerto Princesa, Just pick a date below and select either Port Barton or El Nido as your destination. You will see all options and prices to book the best choice for you:

However, before embarking on this awesome adventure up through Palawan, we highly recommend taking a day or two to explore the unique attractions Puerto Princesa has to offer!

The Best Things To Do In Puerto Princesa:

1. The Underground River

Perhaps the most renowned of all things to do in Puerto Princesa is to visit the Underground River! This extraordinary location is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognised as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature! 

You can embark on a guided boat tour through the subterranean river system, which stretches 8.2 kilometres into the limestone landscape. However, tours only usually visit the first 1.5 kilometres due to the time it takes to sail the entire river. That being said, 1.5 kilometres is more than enough to truly appreciate how remarkable the underground river is, with hollow chambers reaching over 100m high; this otherworldly site is an underground labyrinth. 

One of the most unique aspects of the tour is the requirement for complete silence during the boat ride. This rule, aimed at preserving the delicate ecosystem, allows visitors to fully appreciate the grandeur and otherworldliness of the interior of this huge cave system. The sheer size and beauty of this destination are beyond words; it is truly a sight that will leave you in awe and one of our favorite destinations throughout all of The Philippines!

You are provided with a headset that talks you through each location throughout the journey. The audio is fascinating and a lovely touch, as the guides also cannot speak inside the cave system. 

If you only need one reason to stay in Puerto Princesa for a day, this should be it! We cannot recommend it enough!  

To visit this site, you have to book a guided tour. Visitors can only enter with a guide to protect the delicate ecosystem. Here are our top suggestions for tours to the Underground River. We have included group and private tour options depending on your budget and preference:

2. Iwahig Prison

Iwahig Prison, also known as the “Prison Without Walls,” is a unique and unconventional penal facility that offers a fascinating glimpse into an alternative approach to incarceration and rehabilitation. Spanning a vast 64,000 acres, twice the size of Paris, this open-air prison allows inmates to roam freely across the sprawling grounds, which include rice paddies, coconut plantations, and even a town square with a church and recreation centre.

Incredibly, some prisoners are allowed to live with their families, and there is even a school on site! Rather than being confined behind bars, the prisoners of Iwahig are given the opportunity to learn valuable skills through farming, handicrafts, and even performing dances for visitors. The dancers call them selves the prison backstreet boys, and it really was a hilarious experience to dance with them. 

You also get the opportunity to ask the prisoners about their stories and why they ended up incarcerated. This is particularly interesting, especially for those interested in true crime. However, it also provides a unique understanding of the drastic differences in prisons throughout the Philippines and an insight into Filipino culture and law. 

The prison’s innovative concept aims to foster a sense of responsibility and self-sufficiency, with inmates contributing to the prison’s self-sustaining economy by selling handicrafts and agricultural products. 

While the concept of an open prison may seem unconventional, Iwahig offers a thought-provoking perspective on rehabilitation, allowing inmates to maintain a semblance of freedom and dignity while preparing for their eventual reintegration into society.

If you want to check out this unique spot, you can have a look at this Puerto Princesa City Tour with Trip Advisor! This tour includes visiting Iwahig Prison and other top things to do in Puerto Princesa! 

Alternatively, you could choose the option Beth did which was a 14-day Philippines Tour with One Life Adventures! On this epic tour you get the opportunity to visit the underground river and Iwahig prison included in the price! In our opinion its great value for money, takes the stress out of planning your Philippines trip and enables you make life-long friends as part of a group of like-minded travelers!

If you want to do this option, you can use our code FrequentFlyer15 for a massive 15% off any tour with One Life Adventures:

Thank us later 😉

3. Butterfly Ecological Garden

The Palawan Butterfly Ecological Garden is a captivating destination. As its name suggests, the garden is a sanctuary for a kaleidoscope of butterfly species native to the Philippines. 

A visit here will allow you to witness hundreds of delicate butterflies fluttering gracefully in their garden home. This living museum is home to an impressive array of species, including the iconic Palawan peacock swallowtail, with its striking blues and greens, as well as the majestic Palawan birdwing, one of the largest butterflies in the world. 

Knowledgeable guides lead educational tours, sharing insights into the life cycles and behaviors of these winged beauties. The garden’s carefully cultivated environment provides the perfect conditions for butterflies to thrive, with nectar-rich flowering plants, fruit trees, and even strategically placed feeding stations. You can observe these delicate creatures up close; if you are lucky, one might even land on you! Visiting this garden is truly an immersive experience and one of the best things to do in Puerto Princesa!  

Below is the google maps location so you can pin it for your trip:

Alternatively you could consider booking this tour which gives you the choice to visit the butterfly garden:

4. Palawan Tribal Village

Complementing the butterfly garden is the Palwan Tribal Village, located just next door! This Tribal Village provides a fascinating glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the indigenous Palawan people. Here, you can witness traditional dances, music, and hunting techniques and interact with the friendly locals.

The village also houses various endemic animals, including the elusive Palawan bearcat, providing an educational experience about the region’s diverse flora and fauna. This was a really interesting experience, and we highly recommend putting it on your list of things to do in Puerto Princesa! 

The google pin is the same as the butterfly garden as they are essentially the same location. One entrance ticket should cover both activities but check on the day or with your tour provider!

5. Cacaoyan Forest Park & Restaurant

Coming in last for our recommended things to do in Puerto Princesa is Cacaoyan Forest Park & Restaurant. It is an unmissable experience if you are visiting the underground river! This unique location is the perfect spot to grab lunch before or after the underground river tour!  

For one, the buffet lunch at this place was out of this world delicious; check it out below!  

However, what really takes this place to the next level is the gardens hidden behind the restaurant! Nestled amidst a lush pocket of jungle, this hidden garden transports visitors into a whimsical world where old-growth trees thrive. As you wander around, you will encounter a delightful array of artistic installations, from a towering bird’s nest structure to epic tree houses!   

Here is the Google Maps location so you can pin it for your trip! However, some underground river tours have lunch included at this awesome venue, so its worth checking with your tour provider!

How Long Do You Need In Puerto Princesa?

Our recommendation would be roughly 2 days to enjoy all the hidden gems Puerto Princesa has to offer! We would recommend doing the Underground river and Cacaoyan Forest Park on day 2 as you make your way up towards Port Barton or El Nido.

Where To Stay In Puerto Princesa

The Best Time To Visit Puerto Princesa

The best time to visit Puerto Princesa falls within the dry season, typically extending from December to April. During this period, you can expect clearer skies, calmer waters, and minimal rainfall, creating ideal conditions for outdoor exploration. However, bear in mind that this period also sees a surge in tourist activity, resulting in larger crowds and increased accommodation prices.

Average Monthly Rainfall In The Philippines

Shoulder Seasons: If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting Puerto Princesa during the shoulder seasons of May or November when the crowds are fewer and the weather is still pleasant. It’s best to avoid planning your trip during the rainy season, from June to September, as heavy downpours and choppy waters can hinder your plans.

Conclusion

Puerto Princesa is a city that defies expectations, offering adventures and experiences that extend far beyond its role as a gateway to the rest of Palawan. From the awe-inspiring Underground River to the immersive cultural encounters at the Tribal Village, this vibrant destination has something to captivate every type of traveller.

So, if you are starting your Palawan adventure by flying into Puerto Princesa, resist the urge to rush through and embrace the opportunity to explore its hidden gems. This city is far more than just an airport – it’s a destination that deserves to be celebrated in its own right.

Don’t hesitate to let us know any questions you might have in the comments below! 

Big Love 

Beth and Denz 

Looking For Other Top Things To Do In The Philippines?

Check our all our Philippines travel guides with all the top things to do in each destination here!

Additionally, you can check out our complete Philippines packing list, to ensure you are prepped for all that The Philippines throws your way!

Philippines Packing List | Avoid A Runny Tummy & Mosquitos!