Things to Do in Puerto Princesa: 4-Day Itinerary

When you think of Puerto Princesa, you might picture the Underground River or Tubbataha Reef, but beyond these famous landmarks lies a city rich in history. From the solemn beauty of Plaza Cuartel to the blue spires of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral glowing in the morning light, the city’s soul runs deep.

Over the next three days, you’ll see more than beaches. You’ll trace the island’s story from ancient caves to WWII relics, from coral shallows to mangrove rivers lit by fireflies. You’ll meet the people who keep the city running, the fishermen, guides, cooks, craftsmen who treat every encounter with the same calm generosity the island is known for. Explore Puerto Princesa with Revigorate.

Day 1

Morning: Palawan Museum

Get to know Puerto Princesa on a deeper level at the Palawan Museum. This small but fascinating museum showcases the island’s rich cultural and natural heritage, featuring artifacts from Palawan’s indigenous groups like the Tagbanua and Palaw’an tribes. You’ll also find exhibits on the island’s pre-colonial history and archaeological discoveries from the famous Tabon Caves.

Plaza Cuartel

Next, head to Plaza Cuartel, a peaceful memorial park with a deep history. Once a Spanish garrison and later a World War II prison camp, it became the site of the tragic 1944 Palawan Massacre, where American prisoners of war lost their lives. Today, it stands as a quiet place to reflect and remember those who perished.

Immaculate Conception Cathedral

Just across from Plaza Cuartel stands the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, which can be easily recognised by its blue-and-white façade and elegant Gothic-inspired design. The site’s first wooden chapel was built by Spanish colonisers in 1872, later rebuilt into the grand structure you see today and elevated to cathedral status in 1961. Step inside to admire its vaulted ceilings and pointed arches, or simply take a quiet moment for prayer and reflection.

Palawan Heritage Center

Next, take an 8-minute drive to Palawan Heritage Center, the center offers a modern and interactive look into Palawan’s history and culture. It’s larger than the Palawan Museum and provides a more immersive experience with life-sized figures, cultural artifacts, and exhibits about indigenous groups like the Tagbanua and Palaw’an people. Here, you’ll also find artworks by local Palawan artists.

Day 1, Morning - Puerto Princesa Tour Map

Afternoon: Palawan Special Battalion WW-II Memorial Museum

Step into this small yet historically rich museum dedicated to Palawan’s World War II history. The museum highlights the bravery of Filipino and American soldiers, especially the local guerrilla group known as the Palawan Special Battalion. Inside, you’ll find a collection of wartime artifacts like uniforms, weapons, equipment, and personal items, along with photographs that tell the story of courage and sacrifice during the war.

Mitra’s Ranch

Next, take a short drive to Mitra’s Ranch, a family-friendly hilltop spot overlooking Puerto Princesa and Honda Bay. Enjoy the fresh breeze and open views while trying fun activities like ziplining, the giant rainbow slide, skywalk, or giant swing. You can also go horseback riding or simply relax with a picnic on the grassy open areas and benches.

Badjao Seafront Restaurant

After an exciting day at Mitra’s Ranch, unwind with a scenic dinner at Badjao Seafront Restaurant. The restaurant was built on stilts above the water and surrounded by mangroves that glow beautifully at night, offering stunning views any time of day. Enjoy fresh seafood platters or Filipino favourites like kinilaw (fish ceviche) and ensaladang talong (eggplant salad). While waiting for your meal, watch the sunset or spot fish and kingfishers among the mangrove roots.

Day 1, Afternoon - Puerto Princesa Tour Map

Day 2

Morning: Honda Bay Island Hopping Tour

Start your day early with an exciting private island-hopping adventure arranged by us at Revigorate. This tour takes you to some of Honda Bay’s most beautiful islands, known for their white-sand beaches, clear waters, and vibrant marine life. Visit Luli Island, a sandbar that appears only at low tide; Starfish Island, home to plenty of starfish in its shallow turquoise waters; and Cowrie Island, perfect for swimming, relaxing, and soaking up the sun.

Cowrie Island

As part of your island-hopping tour, we’ll stop by Cowrie Island for a delicious buffet-style Filipino lunch served by the beach. Afterward, enjoy fun water activities like kayaking, banana boat rides, or snorkeling in the clear waters, or simply unwind in one of the shaded cabanas and take in the tropical views of Puerto Princesa.

Afternoon: Iwahig Firefly Watching Palawan

After a fun day of island hopping, rest mid-day, then by the evening head to the Iwahig Firefly Watching. A magical firefly-watching tour along the Iwahig River, where you’ll glide quietly on a paddleboat and watch thousands of fireflies light up the mangrove trees in a breathtaking natural display. After the cruise, enjoy a buffet dinner with live acoustic music in one of the nearby restaurants.

Day 2- Puerto Princesa Tour Map

Day 3

Morning: Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

Start your day early with a paddleboat tour of the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. This incredible 8.2-kilometre underground river winds through a majestic limestone cave system before flowing into the South China Sea.

The guided tour lasts about 45 minutes and takes you several kilometres inside the cave. You’ll be given an audio guide (available in multiple languages) to learn about its history, geology, and fascinating rock formations. Inside, you’ll see vast cathedral-like chambers, stalactites and stalagmites, and maybe even spot bats and other wildlife clinging to the cave walls.

Afternoon: Sabang Beach

After your paddleboat tour, head to Sabang Beach, a beautiful white-sand stretch where a lunch buffet awaits you. After eating, enjoy some leisure time, take a swim, go snorkeling, or try the thrilling 800-meter zipline that soars over the water and jungle canopy for a scenic coastal view.

Sabang Mangrove Forest

Just five minutes from Sabang Beach is the Sabang Mangrove Forest that offers an insightful paddleboat tour through a winding river surrounded by ancient mangrove trees. A local guide will tour you around the river while sharing insights about the ecosystem and the wildlife that thrives here during the 30–40 minute tour. Keep your eyes open for lizards, monkeys, snakes, or various bird species along the way.

Day 3- Puerto Princesa Tour Map

Day 4

Morning: Ugong Rock Adventures

Start your day with a morning stretch as it’s going to be a fun adventure ahead at Ugong Rock Adventures, an eco-tourism site that offers a combination of spelunking and ziplining. The site is a 50-meter-high limestone formation, and its name comes from the hollow "ugong" or sound produced when the rock is tapped.

With the help of friendly local guides, you’ll climb and crawl through narrow passages, ropes, and ladders inside the cave while learning about its geology and history as a former home of the Tagbanua tribe. Once you reach the top, reward yourself with a thrilling zipline ride back down, either on a seated or “Superman” position for scenic views of the forest and rice fields below. Leave early since it’s going to be a long car ride from Ugong Rock Adventure to Tabon Caves.

Afternoon: Tabon Caves

Next, head to Tabon Caves, known as the “Cradle of Philippine Civilization.” This important archaeological site features more than 200 caves and rock shelters, though only a few are open to visitors to explore. Explore the accessible caves along pathways, boardwalks, and limestone steps, while local guides share fascinating stories about their history and archaeological significance.

National Museum Tabon Cave Complex

Next to the Tabon Caves, you’ll find the National Museum Tabon Cave Complex, which features four main galleries: “Palawan: A Cradle of Heritage,” “Surviving Heritage: The Tabon Cave Complex and Its Diversity,” “BITUUN: The Spatial and Temporal Domains of Palawan Life,” and “Stories of Origins: The Archaeology of the Tabon Caves.” Here, you can also see replicas of important discoveries, including the Tabon Man skullcap and the Manunggul Jar.

Day 4 - Puerto Princesa Tour Map

Day Trips from Puerto Princesa

• Nagtabon Beach: Located about 45 minutes to an hour from Puerto Princesa City, Nagtabon Beach offers a peaceful escape from the crowds. This unspoiled stretch of sand is perfect for surfing, swimming, or simply enjoying a quiet beach picnic while watching the sunset.

• Port Barton: This laid-back, quiet beach town offers several island-hopping tour options, which are generally less crowded than those in El Nido. Visit beautiful islands like Exotic Island, Paradise Island, and Inaladelan Island (also called German Island), where you can swim, snorkel, and unwind. Don’t miss the chance to see turtles, colourful coral reefs, and vibrant marine life at popular snorkeling spots like Twin Reef and the Turtle Sanctuary.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Puerto Princesa

• Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park: Included in our day 3 activity. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. Also known as one of the world's longest navigable underground rivers. The tour takes about 1.5 kilometers and inside, you’ll see stunning rock formations, stalactites and stalagmites shaped like animals and figures, and even thousands of bats hanging from the ceiling.

• The Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s premier diving destinations, Tubbataha is a protected marine park known for its pristine reefs, rich marine life, and incredible underwater scenery. Because it’s so remote, access to Tubbataga Reef is limited, you can only visit on a liveaboard dive boat during the short dive season (mid-March to mid-June). The trip takes about 10 hours by boat, and you’ll live and sleep on board for the duration of your diving adventure.

Golf Courses in Puerto Princesa

• Western Command Golf Club: Also known as the Puerto Princesa Golf Club, this 9-hole course is located within the Western Command camp of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The club features fairways lined with acacia and mahogany trees, and the course can be a bit windy due to its proximity to the ocean and the airport. The club also features a driving range and practice areas for putting and chipping, perfect for both beginners and seasoned golfers looking to practice their swing.

Brewery Tours in Puerto Princesa

• Palaweño Brewery: The first craft beer brewery in Palawan, known for incorporating local, indigenous ingredients and flavors into its brews. In 2017, for its inspiring story and its foundation by female brewers. The brewery tour starts with a warm welcome and a brief history of the brewery. You’ll then head to the brew house, where the master brewer walks you through the brewing process and equipment. After the tour, enjoy a tasting of four craft beers, each paired with a specially selected food item.

Luxury Spa & Wellness Experiences in Puerto Princesa

• Traditional Filipino Massage at Daluyon Beach and Mountain Resort: Treat yourself to a relaxing hilot, a traditional Filipino deep-tissue massage that helps ease tension and soothe tired muscles. At Daluyon Beach and Mountain Resort, you can enjoy this ancient healing therapy in peaceful massage cottages beside the pool or choose a beachside massage while listening to the calming sound of the waves.

• Paranarian Island Spa at Dos Palmas Island Resort & Spa: Unwind at Paranarian Island Spa, a peaceful retreat offering a range of relaxing treatments using natural oils and tropical ingredients. The spa provides services in private rooms, open-air pavilions, or even your own villa if you’re check-in at Dos Palmas Island Resort. Alongside traditional Filipino hilot massages, enjoy body wraps, exfoliating scrubs, and soothing facials.

Exclusive Workshops & Immersive Experiences in Puerto Princesa

• Sabang Zipline: After exploring the Underground River, take your adventure to new heights with the Sabang Zipline. Fly over the crystal-clear waters of Sabang Beach, suspended about 25 meters above the sea. To reach the launch point, enjoy a short 10–15 minute hike through a small forested trail. From the top, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the beach and coastline before soaring through the air.

• Weaving at Binuatan Creations: Learn the art of weaving at Binuatan Creations, where you can watch expert local weavers create colourful pieces using traditional handlooms. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to weave as well as how to use locally sourced materials, such as abaca, buri, and vetiver grass, to create beautiful designs.

• Tamilok Tasting Experience: Feeling adventurous? Try Tamilok, or “woodworms” though they’re not actually worms but a type of bivalve mollusk similar to oysters or clams that lives inside rotting mangrove wood. Tamilok has a unique taste often described as a mix of seawater, jelly, and oyster. It’s one of Palawan’s must-try exotic delicacies.

• Learn Freediving: If you want to explore the underwater world without scuba gear, try freediving. Puerto Princesa’s clear waters and rich marine life make it an ideal place for both beginners and experienced divers. We can arrange a session for you with certified instructors who offer short introductory courses (with some lasting just a few hours or a full day) perfect for learning the basics safely and confidently, even if you’re short on time.

• Learn Kitesurfing: Try kitesurfing (also called kiteboarding), a thrilling wind-powered sport that blends surfing, wakeboarding, and paragliding. The best time to learn is during the Amihan season, from November to April, when steady winds create ideal conditions. If you’re keen to master the sport, consider taking a multi-day course to learn kite control, body dragging, and board riding safely and confidently.

• Hundred Caves Adventure Tour: For a more hands-on and less crowded caving experience, try the Hundred Caves Adventure Tour. Equipped with a hard hat and headlamp, you’ll explore a network of caves and narrow passages guided by local guides. Choose your level of adventure, from an easy route suitable for most visitors to “extreme” path with tighter squeezes for thrill-seekers.

Other Things to Do in Puerto Princesa

• Puerto Princesa City Baywalk Park: Take a relaxing stroll along Puerto Princesa City Baywalk Park, a scenic seaside promenade lined with palm trees and views of the bay. It’s especially lively in the late afternoon and evening when the weather cools down. Walk, jog, or rent a bike to explore the one-kilometre stretch, then unwind on one of the benches and enjoy the sea breeze.

• Baker’s Hill: Located on a hilltop, Baker’s Hill is a mix of a beloved local bakery and a charming garden park. Shop for freshly baked pastries, cakes, and sweet treats, don’t miss their best-selling hopia, available in flavours like ube (purple yam) and monggo (mung bean). Other local favourites include crinkles, egg pies, and assorted breads. After your snack, take a stroll through the beautifully landscaped gardens and aviaries, where you might spot colourful peacocks, including the native Palawan peacock (Tandikan).

• Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm: Visit the Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm, a one-of-a-kind “open-air” correctional facility that operates as a self-sustaining farming and industrial community. Instead of being confined to cells, inmates here live and work across the wide grounds, focusing on rehabilitation through productive work and skills training. Here, you can respectfully interact with low-security inmates, observe their daily routines, and see their handmade crafts. It’s a unique insight into a progressive approach to rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

Things to Do with Kids in Puerto Princesa

• Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center (Crocodile Farm): Commonly known as the Crocodile Farm, this conservation center focuses on protecting and breeding endangered species, especially the Philippine crocodile and saltwater crocodile. It also rescues and rehabilitates other native Palawan wildlife. Here, you can walk along an elevated pathway to view hundreds of crocodiles in their enclosures from a safe area, you can also visit the breeding area and (if available) even hold a baby crocodile for a memorable photo moment with your kids.

• Palawan Waterpark By ASTORIA: The first and only waterpark in Puerto Princesa. Spanning one hectare, it features exciting slides like the Velocity and Vortex, fun wave pools, and the playful Marine Sanctuary water battle zone. For a slower pace, float along the lazy river or relax in a cabana. Families with young kids will love the Kiddie Pool and Family Splash Zone, complete with shallow pools and fun water features.

• Palawan Butterfly Ecological Garden and Tribal Village: Visit the Palawan Butterfly Ecological Garden and Tribal Village to see local wildlife and learn about Palawan’s indigenous culture. Walk through the lush, enclosed garden filled with colourful butterflies, best seen during the cool early morning hours. The garden also houses rescued native animals like Palawan peacock-pheasants, snakes, scorpions, and other reptiles. You might even get the chance to hold a snake or scorpion during your visit.

Where to Eat in Puerto Princesa

• Kalui Seafood Restaurant: Famous for its artistic ambiance and fresh seafood, Kalui is a must-visit in Puerto Princesa. The restaurant takes pride in serving the Catch of the Day, featuring the freshest local seafood, where your server will let you know what’s special that day but if you’d like to sample a bit of everything, try the Kalui Special Set Meal, which includes a delicious mix of fish, prawns, fruits, and rice for a complete island dining experience.

• Badjao Seafront Restaurant: As featured on Day 1, Badjao Seafront Restaurant sits on stilts above a beautiful mangrove forest and is known for its fresh seafood and scenic views. The seafood platter is a must-try, featuring grilled fish, squid, and crab. You can also enjoy Filipino classics like kinilaw (fish ceviche) and other grilled specialties in this relaxing seaside restaurant.

• Kinabuchs Grill and Bar: A lively resto-bar famous for its laid-back, open-air setting and a menu that combines Filipino favorites with exotic local delicacies. If you’re feeling adventurous, try Crocodile Sisig, cooked with onions, chili, and spices, or Tamilok, a mollusk served kinilaw-style in coconut vinegar and chili. If you prefer familiar flavours, go for Filipino classics like Crispy Pata, Kare-Kare, Grilled Seafood, or a Seafood Platter with Oysters, all best enjoyed with a side of rice!

• Ver De Puerto Princesa: The city’s first 100% plant-based restaurant, loved for its fresh, creative, and flavourful dishes. The relaxed atmosphere and generous portions make it a favourite among locals. The restaurant’s must-try dishes include Birria Tacos, Lasagna Roll-Ups, Smoothie Bowls, and Cajun Tacos, so delicious, you might forget they’re vegan!

• Eightynine Cafe: This cozy cafe, awarded as TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award winner is known for its creative mix of coffee, comfort food, and local and Western dishes. Try their Spanish Latte, Sea Salt Latte, or enjoy highly recommended favorites like pasta, sandwiches, and freshly baked treats.

Where to Stay in Puerto Princesa

• Banwa Private Island: Experience ultimate luxury at Banwa Private Island, an exclusive resort in the Sulu Sea off Palawan’s northeastern coast. It was once called the world’s most expensive resort, and features six elegant beachfront villas with floor-to-ceiling windows, private infinity pools, and some with Jacuzzis. Each villa comes with a personal butler to cater to your every need. The dining experience here is completely bespoke with personal chefs that prepare farm-to-table dishes that combine Filipino and international flavours to your taste. If not relaxing in your villa, you can enjoy water sports, wellness treatments.

• Dos Palmas Island Resort: This 20-hectare paradise in Honda Bay known for its turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, and colorful marine life offers elegant Beach Villas and Bay Cottages built on stilts above the water. Here, you can enjoy a mix of activities from snorkeling, kayaking, and island tours to biking, tennis, basketball, or relaxing with a game of billiards or table tennis in the recreation room.

• Four Points by Sheraton Palawan Puerto Princesa (4-star): Stay in comfort at Four Points by Sheraton Palawan, a modern beachfront resort set within the eco-reserve area of Sabang. The resort offers spacious, clean rooms and combines modern luxury with Palawan’s natural beauty. Its prime location gives you easy access to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River Park, letting you visit before the city crowds arrive. Enjoy the nearby beach and take in views of the Palawan Sleeping Giant mountain right from the resort.

• Princesa Garden Island Resort and Spa (4-star): Located on the city’s edge, Princesa Garden Island Resort and Spa offers an island-style escape across four hectares of lush grounds. Expect excellent service, spacious rooms, and plenty of activities to enjoy. Choose from Princesa Classic Rooms, Premier Pool Access Rooms, or romantic Water Villas. While the beach here isn’t swimmable due to the mangroves, guests can take a free boat transfer or walk to a nearby sandbar for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing.

• The Funny Lion - Puerto Princesa (3-star): A charming boutique beachfront resort known for its peaceful atmosphere and warm service. The spacious rooms come with modern amenities and cozy beds for a comfortable stay. Enjoy complimentary eco-activities like kayaking through mangroves and archery sessions, or take a free boat ride to a nearby sandbar for swimming and snorkeling.

• Daluyon Beach and Mountain Resort: An award-winning eco-luxury resort on Sabang Beach. Surrounded by nature, the resort offers stunning views of the West Philippine Sea and nearby mountains. Most rooms and suites face the ocean, so you can wake up to a beautiful sea view. For your accommodation, choose from Garden Casitas, Beachfront Superior or Deluxe Rooms, Junior Suites, or the Grand Three-Bedroom Suite with its own private pool.

Best Time to Visit Puerto Princesa

The best time to visit Puerto Princesa is during the dry season (November to early May) when the weather is warm, sunny, and perfect for island hopping, beach trips, and sightseeing. Expect clear skies and calm seas, though this is also the peak tourist season, especially around Christmas, New Year, and Easter.

For a quieter and more affordable trip, plan your visit during the off-peak season (June to October). You’ll find fewer crowds and lower prices on flights and accommodations, though occasional rain showers are to be expected due to Habagat (southwest monsoon) which can bring heavy showers and thunderstorms.

Festivals in Puerto Princesa

• Feast of the Immaculate Conception: Celebrated every December 8, this major religious event honours the Virgin Mary, the principal patroness of Puerto Princesa. In the evening, a grand procession takes place, where a beautifully adorned image of the Immaculate Conception is paraded around the city streets. This is a solemn but celebratory event that draws a large crowd of residents. Regardless of your religious beliefs, you are welcome to attend a Mass at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral to experience the solemnity of the occasion.

• Balayong Festival: A month-long celebration in Puerto Princesa, culminating on March 4, the city’s founding anniversary. Named after the balayong or Palawan cherry blossom, the festival celebrates beauty, resilience, and the city’s commitment to nature. The festival highlights include a grand civic parade along Rizal Avenue to the Baywalk, featuring colourful floats and lively performances. You can also enjoy local dishes and delicacies at food fairs and street stalls throughout the festivities.

• Baragatan sa Palawan Festival: A week-long celebration that unites the diverse cultures of Palawan. Held every June in Puerto Princesa, with most events at the Provincial Capitol grounds, it marks the founding of Palawan’s civil government. Festival highlights include colourful float and street dance parades, where municipalities from across the province showcase their unique traditions, dances, and local pride.

• Tandikan Festival: Held every September during Tourism Month, the Tandikan Festival celebrates Puerto Princesa’s rich culture, art, and natural heritage. Named after the Palawan peacock-pheasant (Tandikan), which also appears on the city’s official seal, the festival features colourful street dancing and lively cultural performances that highlight the talent and pride of the Palaweño people.

The Heartbeat of Palawan

By the time you leave Puerto Princesa, it’s no longer just the Underground River or Tubbataha Reef you’ll remember. It’s the low hum of a tricycle tracing the bay at sunset, the taste of kinilaw made from this morning’s catch, the quiet grace of a city that never feels rushed even when the world around it does. Most of all, it’s the people, the guides, weavers, boatmen, and crews whose warmth and politeness is contagious.

Plan your Puerto Princesa journey with Revigorate and see for yourself why this city is called the Heartbeat of Palawan. Contact us or give us a call at (+1 800 672 0517 | +351 289 009 580 | +44 808 189 0647).

Continue exploring the Philippines through our El Nido and Manila guides, or look beyond the islands and discover what Singapore, Hong Kong, and Tokyo have to offer next.