Nature lovers must see Palawan Island’s Puerto Princesa is Underground River, one of the Philippines’ most stunning natural treasures. Imagine floating over green waters in a cathedral-like grotto with millions-year-old limestone formations.
Puerto Princesa Underground River tours provide a rare glimpse of this geological and ecological wonder.
One of the Philippines’ UNESCO World Heritage Sites and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, this Puerto Princesa City attraction draws visitors with its limestone karst landscapes and spectacular cave formations.
This travel guide will help you choose the best things to do in Puerto Princesa, the time to visit, how to get there, and fun local activities.
Things to do in Puerto Princesa
Visit the Famous Palawan Underground River
Visit the world-famous Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park in Sabang to finish your holiday; it’s one of the top things to do in Puerto Princesa. It’s no surprise that Puerto Princesa City’s top tourist attraction is this UNESCO World Heritage Site and New 7 Wonders of Nature
The cave system winds through 8.2 kilometres of stunning limestone karsts, lush rainforest, and undisturbed fauna. Inside, you’ll pass massive stalactites, sparkling stalagmites, and cathedral-like chambers that feel like another universe.
The best way to see this natural treasure is on a Puerto Princesa Underground River trip. A headphone guide will tell you fascinating things as you ride a motorised paddle boat through the river’s dark yet picturesque tunnels. Watch for bats, birds, and other wildlife in this fascinating cave.
This world-famous natural beauty is the top Puerto Princesa attraction for cruisers. It’s one of Puerto Princesa City’s most popular attractions for cruisers, and you can book shore excursions separately for extra flexibility. The Underground River is Puerto Princesa City’s best cruise ship shore excursion, combining natural beauty with easy port access.
Sabang X-Zipline
Sabang X-Zipline offers thrills and stunning views. After a 30-minute walk through the mangroves, you climb a short mountain to the zipline launch site.
A zipline measuring 800 meters and situated 150 feet above sea level offers breathtaking vistas of the mountains, river park, and sea. The natural beauty of the area complements the thrilling experience.
Ugong Rock Adventures
Philippines’ premier adventure tour, Ugong Rock, compliments the Underground River tour. This 75-foot limestone formation offers exhilarating activities for all adventurers.
The 71-meter zipline at Ugong Rock Adventures is thrilling, as are trekking, rock climbing, zip riding, and base jumping. Spelunking lets you explore underground caverns through small pathways for additional excitement.
Adrenaline enthusiasts must try this adventure for the 360 degree view at the summit!
Monkey Trail
After your Underground River tour, hike the 5-kilometre Monkey Trail (Jungle Trail) back to Sabang for a more immersive experience. The walk winds through lush forests, limestone cliffs, and different fauna.
With fortune, one might observe vibrant long-tailed macaques and rare indigenous monitor lizards. The steep climb and off-the-beaten-path route make this a fascinating alternative for adventurers who wish to experience the area’s natural beauty in its most authentic form.
Sabang Mangrove Paddle Boat Tour
The Sabang Mangrove Paddle Boat excursion is a tranquil but exhilarating addition to your Underground River excursion. Beautiful mangrove forests protect Palawan Island’s unique nature as you float across the peaceful seas.
This outstanding eco-tourism experience lets you see a variety of birds and marine life and empowers the local community by supporting sustainable ecosystem protection.
Enjoy Puerto Princesa City’s Best Beaches
Not everyone needs an island-hopping cruise to enjoy a beach day in Puerto Princesa City. For a relaxing getaway, several gorgeous beaches with smooth sand, swaying palms, and tranquil shoreline are a short drive from the city center.
Sabang Beach
Sabang Beach, near Palawan Underground River tours, is often neglected yet worth seeing. Its powdery beige sand and gentle waters are ideal for sunbathing, shoreline picnics, and morning hikes.
Nagtabon Beach
Locals and tourists love Nagtabon Beach on the quiet. Wide stretches of soft white sand, sparkling waves, and palm-fringed shoreline provide a relaxed atmosphere. You may see local fishermen bringing in their haul.
Talaudyong Beach
Secret tropical treasure Talaudyong Beach has moderate surf and shady coconut trees. You can swim, make sandcastles, or relax in a hammock listening to the waves.
Plan Your Puerto Princesa City Island Holiday Now!
Palawan Island is easily accessible from Puerto Princesa City, one of the Philippines’ top destinations. From here, you can visit El Nido and Coron to witness limestone cliffs and pristine lagoons, or San Vicente to enjoy the 14-kilometre Long Beach and Port Barton’s calm, undisturbed shores. For nature lovers, this is also the perfect starting point to explore some of the most stunning National Parks in the Philippines.
Visit Puerto Princesa City, don’t just pass through. This nature-filled city offers a tranquil getaway with remarkable experiences, blending metropolis comforts with small-town charm. Explore its world-famous Underground River, white-sand beaches, diverse wildlife, and vibrant local culture.
For a hassle-free trip, book your flights and packages with World Pinoy Flights. A 4-day Puerto Princesa City tour package with Palawan Island airfare includes hotel accommodations, roundtrip flights, and guided tours of the Underground River and Honda Bay giving you more time to relax and enjoy.
A 5-day Palawan Island Puerto Princesa City to El Nido town trip package from Manila brings you to two of the island’s main sites. All travel arrangements are made for you so that you may see Palawan Island at its best in one trip.
This guide will help you organise the perfect holidays to Puerto Princesa City and discover its unforgettable adventures.
FAQS for things to do in Puerto Princesa
Puerto Princesa City’s speciality?
The Puerto Princesa Underground River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and New 7 Wonder of Nature, is the city’s most famous natural attraction. The world’s longest underground river accessible by paddle boat.
Puerto Princesa City has been named one of the Philippines’ cleanest and greenest cities several times.
What are Puerto Princesa City’s major attractions and activities?
Beautiful scenery, thrilling activities, and serenity await at Puerto Princesa City. Cowrie Island, Luli Island, Starfish Island, and the Puerto Princesa Underground River are notable Honda Bay attractions. City attractions, including Crocodile Farm and Baker’s Hill, are also worth visiting.
A calm mangrove paddleboat trip or the Philippines’ longest water-crossing zipline, Sabang X, are eco-adventures. Explorers can zipline and spelunk at Ugong Rock. Firefly watching trips near the Iwahig River let you see hundreds of fireflies light up the mangrove jungle in a more peaceful setting.
Can I explore Puerto Princesa Underground River without a guide?
Underground River tours can be booked through tour companies. A guided Puerto Princesa Underground River trip is the easiest option to arrange transportation, permits and a guide.
Puerto Princesa Underground River distance from the city centre?
Puerto Princesa Underground River is located near Sabang, a beach town 75–80 kilometres from the city centre. Van or private automobile travel takes 1.5–2 hours, depending on road conditions. Most guests choose guided Underground River trips that include hotel pickup, van transfers, boat rides, and access permits for convenience.
Can I visit the adjacent Puerto Princesa City destinations?
Yes! The best Palawan Island attractions are accessible from Puerto Princesa City. From here, you can easily visit El Nido and Coron to see stunning lagoons, limestone cliffs, and white-sand beaches. Visit San Vicente town for the 14 kilometer Long Beach and Port Barton’s tranquilly.
Booking one of the many convenient and affordable Palawan Island holiday packages can make your trip more enjoyable. Explore Puerto Princesa City, El Nido, and Coron in one easy trip with these possibilities. You can relax and create memories with tours, lodgings, flights, and transportation all arranged.
