It’s summertime! If you’re looking for a summer vacation, I’m sure Palawan is on your list! Well, no doubt, because of its endless beauty. Palawan is known as the ‘Last Frontier’ —a paradise of beaches, green surroundings, turquoise water, and limestone cliffs. This place is best for nature lovers and those who are looking for a peaceful setting and relaxation.

Let me share to you my short blog for this trip!

HOW TO GET TO PALAWAN

By air
To get from Manila to Puerto Princesa, you can choose from several airlines, such as Cebu Pacific, AirAsia, and Philippine Airlines. It’s best to subscribe or check their promotional fare from time to time!

If you have more days in Palawan, I suggest visiting El Nido as well. You may opt to join other tourists in going to El Nido at a cheaper rate, which ranges from Php 450 – 600. Vans are more convenient as they are faster than buses. The travel period is 5-6 hours, while the bus is longer and has more stops.

By sea
2GO serves the Manila to Puerto Princesa route twice a week, and the same goes for the return flight. (Price and schedule may vary)

WHERE TO STAY

After our El Nido, we stayed at Puerto Princesa for one night only. We roamed around for two days and experienced the beauty of Puerto. You may book your stay on the below-suggested sites, and you can get discounted room rates!

BEST TIME TO VISIT PALAWAN

Summer months are from April to June. There’s a small chance of rain and typhoons during this time, and island hopping is easier as the waters are calm. For cooler weather, visiting Puerto Princesa from September to December may be preferable. Yet, there are distinct wet and dry seasons, so take note of when to visit. The wettest month is September, and the driest is February. The rainfall is mostly from May to November. The dry periods are from January to April.

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PLACES TO VISIT IN PUERTO PRINCESA

1. UNDERGROUND RIVER

If you’ve heard Puerto Princesa, I know the first thing that comes to your mind is UNDERGROUND RIVER. Yes, same here! I’ve seen this place since I was in grade school. But when I saw this personally, I was the happiest! What a wonderful creation, the rock formation, the water, and the bats inside the cave! From the entrance, you fall in line to take a smaller boat that will take you inside the Underground River. (This line can get long during the summer months, from March to May). Using a search light, your tour guide/boatman will show you the cave’s rock formations, stalactites and stalagmites, as well as its inhabitants, the audio is available for English, Mandarin, Japanese and Korean.

The tour lasts around 45 minutes. A bigger boat will then take you back to Sabang port, where you can return to the city.

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2. UGONG ROCK

Looking for more adventure but with a touch of Nature? Then you should try Ugong Rock. If you’re a fan of both, then it’s one experience that you shouldn’t pass on. Ugong Rock is a 75-foot-tall rock formation sitting amidst the city’s lush forests. Here, you’ll find Ugong Rock Adventures, which offers various thrills, such as spelunking tours at the rock’s cave as well as zipline and bike zipline rides.

Ugong Rock Caving – 200 Pesos/person.
Zipline (Sitting Position) – 250 Pesos/person (optional)
Zipline (Superman Position) – 350 Pesos/person (optional)

3. HONDA BAY ADVENTURE

Honda Bay is perfect for those who love to sunbathe and is a great setting for underwater activities like scuba diving and snorkeling. A sumptuous seafood buffet lunch is included in the whole-day tour, making the trip top-level. The activities in the tour include snorkeling, so make sure you have the proper gear for your safety. It is recommended to wear goggles and aqua shoes to avoid getting urticated by sea urchins, jellyfish, or stone fish. Also, remember not to step on corals.

FYI, for the Honda Bay tour, there are three islands: Starfish Island, Lu-li Island, and Cowrie Island.

Starfish Island is filled with starfish on the shore or in the sand. The water is quite clear and perfect for snorkeling.

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Lu-li Island came from the full phrase “lulubog, lilitaw,” which means sinking during high tide and appearing during low tide.

Cowrie Island is the best of the three. The water is clearer, and because of its fine sand and shallow water, it is more recommendable for swimming.

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Puerto Princesa proves through Honda Bay that it’s more than just city sights; it offers amazing islands as well. This tour can be done in one day, but make sure to double-check your itinerary. It should include roundtrip hotel transfers, some gear, entrance fees, and a buffet lunch.

4. MITRA RANCH

Mitra Farm is an incredible getaway that will give you a different commune with nature. If you’re up for a horseback riding adventure, this is the place for you. You will see the old house of the owner, Philippine Senator Ramon Mitra. You may experience farm life with a tranquility and relaxing view of green pastures, cows, horses, and overlooking trees and mountains. Ride the horses to enjoy the place more and relish the city’s most beautiful view from the ranch’s view deck.

5. CROCODILE FARM

Puerto Princesa Government cared for these giant lizards and protected their habitat. The two biggest crocodiles worldwide can be found only here at Puerto Princesa.

Lolong. Lolong (died 10 February 2013) was the largest crocodile in captivity. He was a saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) measured at 6.17 m (20 ft 3 in), and weighed 1,075 kg (2,370 lb), making him one of the largest crocodiles ever measured from snout-to-tail.

6. BUTTERFLY ECO GARDEN & PALAWAN TRIBAL VILLAGE

This is an extra special flower garden where you can find different species of fluttering butterflies. Feel free to lose yourself in a picturesque garden filled with beautiful flowers and plants at the Butterfly Garden. Its main attractions are adorable, colorful butterflies of all sizes that are not only endemic to Palawan. Entrance fees are NOT included in the City Tour Rates.

The Palaw’an Tribe is known to be the first occupants of Palawan before it was discovered by the Spaniards. It is where the old cultures of Palawan are being preserved. Some tribal men still practice this kind of living until now, and they are willing to show you their ways of surviving, their tribal equipment and musical instruments mostly made of bamboo, rocks and bees wax.

Entrance fee: PHP50.00 – 60.00 (price may vary)
Address: Santa Monica, Puerto Princesa, 5300 Palawan
Hours Open: 08:00 – 17:00

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7. BAKER’S HILL

And now you’re here! This place is heaven! Baker’s Hill is a traveling foodie’s dreamland. This is known for its freshly baked, delicious, and great taste local delicacies that you can ingest and take home as pasalubong. Their hopia is superb, my favorite! Actually, all of it! So make sure you have extra money if you’ll buy goodies here. Baker’s Hill is literally on top of a hill where a number of bakers work together to offer deliciously baked goodies for tourists and visitors.

Entrance fee: NONE (may vary)
OPEN HOURS: From 7:00 – 20:00

All information may change without prior notice. Visit their official website for the latest updates!

WHAT TO READ NEXT?

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