Description

Puerto Princesa (Spanish name, literally meaning Princess Port) is the capital of Palawan, the long, thin island in the west of the Philippines. Palawan is known for its diving spots and nearby exclusive island resorts that have been famous private getaways of international Hollywood stars and royalties. Although Puerto Princesa is more of a commercial hub than a tourist destination it also has attractions that can get your travelling blood rising.

There’s Honda Bay which will take your breath away. But Puerto Princesa, as a city, is a small bustling city without the tall buildings. It has many wildlife sanctuaries like the crocodile farm, butterfly farm, and the small ostrich home at the Bakers Hill. Something that should not be missed is the Iwahig penal colony, the prison without bars, where you can see the entire Puerto Princesa at the view deck.

Puerto Princesa is the second largest city in the Philippines after Davao. But like the latter, the former is mostly composed of agricultural area and less of the commercial and industrial area. Puerto Princesa may not have a large mall but it has the NCCC (New Commercial City Center) Mall which sells all kinds of goods.

One thing I’ve observed about Puerto Princesa is that it has garbage bins all over, from the airport to small streets to major highways. No wonder it was awarded the cleanest city in the country in 1994. Kudos to its efficient local government for launching its Oplan Linis (lit. mean Campaign: Clean) in 1992 which involved other agencies, non-government organizations, the private sectors and individuals in the campaign.${QuickSuggestions} It’s always an advantage when you travel in groups because you save a lot in transportation and entrance fees. For one, boat rental at Honda Bay may vary from P1,000 to 2,000. It would be cheaper if you are 10-15 because every individual will have to pay a very minimal amount. Same is the case at the Underground River where every boat can accommodate 6-8 persons. Since it is more convenient to travel to the Underground River by van, having a bigger group is really beneficial.

Bring your snorkeling gear and sunblock lotion. Have comfortable clothes and slippers when travelling. When choosing for lodging, check the tourism office, make calls or surf the net and compare the packages. Better yet if you know someone who has contacts in resorts or inns.

Three days may not be enough to spend in Puerto Princesa. In Honda Bay alone, you can spend a day or two snorkeling and enjoying the beach. Add another day for the underground river. Then a few more days you need for Puerto Princesa and its nearby attractions.${BestWay} The best way is to hire a van so you can go anywhere you please. Travel agencies offer P500 (over US$10) per person for a city tour. Van rental may range from P1,000 to P2,500 depending on your destination and length of time for the rental.

If you are staying within the city proper, you can take a tricycle or jeepney. Most attractions are outside the city proper so it’s better to rent a vehicle that you can use wherever and how long you want to. However, the multi-cabs, the local version of jeepneys, only cost P16 or P20 (US$ 0.50 or less) per person from one point of the city to another.