Most travellers pass through Puerto Princesa on their way to or from El Nido — flying in and immediately jumping on a van north. But Puerto Princesa, Palawan’s capital city, deserves more than a transit stop. It’s the gateway to some of the Philippines’ most extraordinary natural attractions, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site Puerto Princesa Subterranean River. If you have a day or two on either end of your El Nido trip, this guide tells you exactly how to make the most of Puerto Princesa and the remarkable day trips available from it.
- Puerto Princesa Day Trips: Overview
- 1. Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park — The Must-Do
- 2. Honda Bay Island Hopping
- 3. Iwahig River Firefly Watching
- 4. Ugong Rock Adventures
- What to Do in Puerto Princesa City
- Combining Puerto Princesa Day Trips with El Nido
- Frequently Asked Questions — Puerto Princesa Day Trips
Puerto Princesa Day Trips: Overview
| Attraction | Distance from PPS | Duration | Cost | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Puerto Princesa Subterranean River | 80km (1.5–2hrs) | Full day | ₱1,500–2,500 tour | ★★★★★ UNESCO — must-do |
| Honda Bay island hopping | 12km (30min) | Half or full day | ₱800–1,500 | ★★★★☆ Easy island hopping near PPS |
| Iwahig River firefly watching | 16km (30min) | Evening (2–3hrs) | ₱300–600 | ★★★★☆ Magical evening experience |
| Palawan Wildlife Rescue Centre | 4km | 2–3hrs | ₱60 entrance | ★★★☆☆ Crocodiles, wildlife; good for families |
| Mitra’s Ranch | 5km | 1–2hrs | Free | ★★★☆☆ Scenic viewpoint over PPS Bay |
| Baker’s Hill | 8km | 1–2hrs | ₱50 entrance | ★★★☆☆ Gardens and local baked goods |
| Ugong Rock Adventures | 65km (1.5hrs) | Half day | ₱800–1,200 | ★★★★☆ Spelunking + zipline adventure |
1. Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park — The Must-Do
The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River (also called the Puerto Princesa Underground River) is one of the Philippines’ two UNESCO World Heritage Sites and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. A navigable underground river flows through an 8.2km limestone karst cave system and empties directly into the sea — with the last 4.3km accessible by boat tour. The cave interior features dramatic stalactites, stalagmites, and chambers up to 120m wide.
Practical Information
- Location: Sabang, St. Paul Municipality — 80km from Puerto Princesa city; 1.5–2hrs by van
- How to visit: Organised day tour from Puerto Princesa is the standard and most convenient approach. Tours include van transfer, all permits, boat registration, and a 45-minute underground boat tour with guide.
- Cost: ₱1,500–2,500/person for organised day tour (all-inclusive)
- Permits required: Environmental fee + boat tour permit; both handled by tour operators
- Booking: Book through your Puerto Princesa hotel the day before; tours fill up fast in peak season. Online booking via official site is also possible.
- The cave boat tour: You board a small paddleboat with a guide who narrates the geological formations. The cave is naturally lit by lamps and the guide’s torch — deeply atmospheric and genuinely awe-inspiring.
- Wildlife: Millions of swiftlets nest in the cave; monkeys, monitor lizards, and sea eagles can be spotted at Sabang Beach before/after the tour
Is it worth the full day from Puerto Princesa? Absolutely — the Underground River is a genuinely world-class natural wonder. Don’t pass through PPS without doing it if you have a free day.
2. Honda Bay Island Hopping
Honda Bay, just 12km from Puerto Princesa city, offers an accessible island-hopping experience at a fraction of El Nido’s distance and (generally) price. Several small islands in the bay offer white sand, clear water, snorkeling, and beach relaxation — perfect for a half-day or full-day excursion.
- Popular islands: Pandan Island (best beach), Starfish Island (shallow, calm, family-friendly), Cowrie Island (resort facilities, good snorkeling), Luli Island (emerald water, appears/disappears with tide)
- How to get there: Trike from PPS to Santa Lourdes Pier (30 min, ₱150–200); organised island-hopping boats depart from the pier
- Cost: Boat rental ₱800–1,500 for a private boat (split among group); ₱500–800 joining a shared trip
- Duration: 3–4 stops over 4–6 hours
- Best for: Families, couples, those wanting a beach day without El Nido’s logistical complexity
3. Iwahig River Firefly Watching
One of Puerto Princesa’s most magical and underrated experiences: an evening boat tour along the Iwahig River to watch thousands of fireflies illuminate the mangrove trees. The effect — flickering green lights in the dark jungle canopy, reflecting in the still black water — is genuinely extraordinary and unlike anything most visitors have ever seen.
- Location: Iwahig, 16km south of PPS city (30 min by trike/van)
- How to visit: Book through your hotel or directly at the Iwahig Firefly Watching station; small paddleboats with guides
- Cost: ₱300–600/person
- Timing: Best after 8pm when fully dark; tours typically depart 7:30–8pm
- Season: Fireflies are present year-round; peak numbers in dry season (Nov–May)
- Tip: Combine with a seafood dinner in PPS beforehand for a perfect Puerto Princesa evening
4. Ugong Rock Adventures
Ugong Rock is a spectacular limestone formation 65km from Puerto Princesa featuring guided spelunking (cave exploration) and a thrilling zipline ride emerging from the cave into open air above the surrounding jungle. It’s one of Palawan’s best adventure experiences and often combined with the Underground River day trip on the same route.
- Location: Barangay Tagabinet, Cabayugan — 65km from PPS, 1.5hrs by van; often combined with Underground River tour
- Activities: Guided spelunking through limestone cave chambers (1–2hrs); zipline exit from the cave; rope bridge
- Cost: ₱800–1,200/person including guide; often added to Underground River tour for ₱300–500 extra
- Best for: Adventure seekers; those combining with the Underground River on the same day
What to Do in Puerto Princesa City
If you have an evening in Puerto Princesa (common when connecting between a late flight and the morning van to El Nido), the city itself has good options:
| Activity | Notes | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Palawan Special Restaurant (Rizal Ave) | Iconic PPS seafood restaurant; crocodile sisig and other local specialties | ₱400–800/person |
| Iwahig Prison & Penal Farm | Unusual tourist attraction — open-air prison; inmates sell handicrafts | Free |
| Pasalubong Center | Best place in Palawan for regional souvenir shopping: cashews, dried mango, honey | ₱100–500 |
| Robinsons / SM City PPS | Stock up on supplies cheaper than El Nido: sunscreen, toiletries, medication | Varies |
| Bay Walk (Rizal Avenue seafront) | Evening stroll along PPS bay; sunset views, local food stalls | Free |
Combining Puerto Princesa Day Trips with El Nido
The most popular approach for maximising your Palawan trip:
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| Day 1 (arrive) | Fly into Puerto Princesa → check in → evening at Rizal Ave seafood restaurants + Bay Walk |
| Day 2 | Full-day Underground River tour (+ optional Ugong Rock spelunking on same route) |
| Day 3 morning | Honda Bay island hopping half-day OR Pasalubong Center shopping + stock up at SM |
| Day 3 afternoon | Board 6am or noon van → El Nido (arrive 5–6hrs later) |
| Days 4–8 | El Nido island hopping, beaches, diving |
Frequently Asked Questions — Puerto Princesa Day Trips
Do I need to book the Underground River in advance?
Yes — peak season (December–February) requires advance booking, sometimes weeks ahead. The daily visitor quota is strictly enforced. Book through your PPS hotel or the official Underground River website. In low season, same-day bookings are often possible through hotel tour desks.
Can I visit the Underground River as a day trip from El Nido?
Technically possible but very long — El Nido to PPS (5–6hrs van) + Underground River tour + return to PPS = 14+ hour day. Far better to visit on the PPS end of your trip rather than from El Nido. If you’re doing El Nido → PPS and have a late afternoon flight, do the Underground River on your last morning in PPS.
Is Honda Bay worth visiting if I’m also going to El Nido?
Honda Bay is pleasant but cannot compare to El Nido’s Bacuit Archipelago. If you’re visiting both, Honda Bay is worth doing for a relaxed half-day when you can’t do the Underground River — but don’t prioritise it over El Nido. Its main appeal is convenience and accessibility from PPS city.
What’s the best thing to do in Puerto Princesa for one day?
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, without question. If you have only one day in PPS, the Underground River is the unmissable priority. Combine with Ugong Rock on the same van route if you want a full adventure day. Add the Iwahig firefly tour in the evening for a perfect PPS day.
