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location.beaches.districts

location.beaches.districts_subtitle

Puerto Princesa Underground River

nature

UNESCO World Heritage Site and New 7 Wonders of Nature. 8.2km navigable underground river through limestone caves with stunning stalactites. Boat tour 45 minutes. Book permits in advance during peak season.

Honda Bay

beach

Island hopping paradise 20 minutes from Puerto Princesa. Visit Starfish Island, Luli Island, Cowrie Island for snorkeling, swimming, and beach barbecue lunch. Full day tour with multiple stops.

Baker Hill

local

Hilltop park with panoramic views, gardens, and famous local bakery. Try hopia (Filipino pastry), cashew nuts, and fresh baked goods. Popular stop for souvenirs and snacks. Free entry.

Palawan Wildlife Rescue Center

culture

Conservation center home to endemic Palawan species including crocodiles, bearcat, pangolin, and Philippine cockatoo. Educational tours about wildlife protection. Great for families. Small entrance fee.

Sabang Beach

nature

Gateway beach to Underground River with mangrove forest and zipline. Stay overnight to explore jungle trails, see fireflies, and kayak through mangroves. Relaxed alternative to busy Puerto Princesa.

Immaculate Conception Cathedral

culture

Blue-domed cathedral in Puerto Princesa city center, built 1872. Beautiful stained glass windows and peaceful interior. Important landmark and active parish church. Free entry, respectful dress required.

Ugong Rock

activities

Limestone karst formation with cave spelunking and 100-meter zipline. Name comes from gong-like sound when rocks are struck. Adventure activity near Underground River. Includes helmet and guide. 30-45 minutes.

Nagtabon Beach

beach

Secluded white sand beach 40 minutes from Puerto Princesa. Good for surfing November-February. Few facilities - bring food and water. Local families offer grilled seafood. Camping possible. Raw natural beauty.

Mitra Ranch

activities

Highland area with zipline, ATV rides, and panoramic views of Puerto Princesa bay and Honda Bay islands. Watch sunset from viewing deck. Popular family activity spot. Multiple adventure packages available.

Plaza Cuartel

history

WWII memorial site where 143 American POWs were burned alive by Japanese forces in 1944. Preserved ruins and memorial markers. Important historical site for understanding Palawan wartime history. Free entry.

faq.title

faq.subtitle Palawan

Best time is November to May during dry season. December to April offers ideal weather with calm seas perfect for island hopping. Underground River is accessible year-round but book permits in advance during peak season (January-April).

Book through your hotel, local tour operator, or online. Permits are limited daily. Full day tour (1500-2500 PHP) includes van transfer, boat ride, buffet lunch, and 45-min river tour. Book 1-2 days ahead in off-season, 1-2 weeks in peak season.

Van/bus takes 5-6 hours on winding mountain road (500-700 PHP). Vans depart from San Jose Terminal every 30 min from 6am-6pm. Alternative: 1-hour flight with AirSwift (expensive but scenic). Book van seats day before in peak season.

Yes, Palawan is one of the safest destinations in Philippines. Low crime rate, friendly locals, and tourism-focused economy. Main safety concerns: road conditions on mountain routes, boat safety in rough seas, and sun/heat exposure. Use reputable tour operators.

Essentials: reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent, waterproof bag, water shoes for island hopping, light rain jacket, motion sickness medicine for boat trips, cash (ATMs limited outside Puerto Princesa), universal power adapter, snorkel gear (optional - can rent).

Travel Tips

Useful tips for visiting Palawan

Book Underground River permits 1-2 weeks ahead during peak season (Dec-Apr). Daily quota is strictly limited. Your hotel or tour agency can arrange permits - dont try to walk in.

Carry cash - ATMs are scarce outside Puerto Princesa. El Nido ATMs often run out. Bring enough pesos for your entire trip or withdraw large amounts in Puerto Princesa before heading north.

Puerto Princesa to El Nido van ride is 5-6 hours on winding roads. Take motion sickness medicine, sit in front, and bring snacks. Morning departures arrive before dark.

Try local food at Kinabuchs Grill for grilled seafood, Kalui for Filipino fusion, and Ima Filipino-Vietnamese for pho. Crocodile sisig is a local delicacy worth trying.

For Honda Bay island hopping, bring your own snorkel gear for better quality. Rent a private boat (2500-3500 PHP) for flexibility or join group tour (1500 PHP) to save money.

Stay overnight in Sabang instead of day-tripping from Puerto Princesa. You can explore mangrove firefly tours, jungle trails, and beat the Underground River crowds by going early morning.

Weather

Average temperature by month

Nowweather26°
90%3 м/с
Todayweather30°24°
Tomorrowweather30°23°
Thuweather30°24°
Friweather28°24°
Satweather28°25°
Sunweather28°24°
Monweather29°24°
30°
24°Jan
31°
24°Feb
32°
25°Mar
33°
26°Apr
32°
26°May
31°
25°Jun
30°
25°Jul
30°
25°Aug
30°
25°Sep
31°
25°Oct
31°
25°Nov
30°
24°Dec
Water temperature
28°
28°
29°
30°
30°
29°
29°
29°
29°
29°
29°
28°

Safety

High safety level

Tourist area with low crime rate

Very safe province with low crime rate. Main concerns: strong currents at some beaches, jellyfish in certain seasons, motorcycle accidents on mountain roads. Always use licensed tour operators for island hopping.

What to see

Attractions and points of interest

Barracuda Lake
26°
Closed
PHP250
Nature

Barracuda Lake

Palawan

Kayangan Lake
26°
PHP300
Nature

Kayangan Lake

Palawan

Twin Lagoon
26°
Closed
PHP200
Nature

Twin Lagoon

Palawan

Siete Pecados Marine Park
26°
PHP100
Nature

Siete Pecados Marine Park

Palawan

Coron WWII Japanese Shipwrecks
26°
PHP2500
Nature

Coron WWII Japanese Shipwrecks

Palawan

Puerto Princesa Underground River
26°
PHP2200
Nature

Puerto Princesa Underground River

Palawan