Palawan is an island province of the Philippines located in the Western Visayas region. It’s almost 2,000 kilometers of irregular coastline are dotted with 1,780 islands and islets, rocky coves, and sugar-white sandy beaches. Its capital is Puerto Princesa City and it is the largest province in terms of land area.
NCCC – The only shopping mall in Puerto Princesa City
A jeepney and tricycle along Rizal Avenue…
Tricycles littered the streets – just PHP20 for distances up to 2km
Travel Route & Accomodation
Getting from Singapore to Palawan was quite a nightmare. We started from Singapore Changi Airport on a 3.5 hour flight to Clark Diosdado Macapagal Airport. Took a 2.5 hour bus / taxi to Manila Bay.
Clark Diosdado Macapagal International Airport…
A view of Manila bay from our hotel room in Manila…
Stayed a night in Manila, then headed to Manila Domestic Airport on a 1 hour flight to to Puerto Princesa Airport in Palawan. We stayed 2 nights in Puerto Aventura Beach Resort which was not really a beach resort but rather like a mangrove resort for PHP2500 per night. Room came with air-conditioning, mosquitoes, and set breakfast of bread and eggs.
The suites where we stayed at – four to a block
Mangroves and mossies everywhere!
The swimming pool at Puerto Aventura Beach Resort…
Our doggie friend who kept us company during the evenings…
Then it was 4 nights in Lola Itang Pension at PHP700 per night. Room comes with air-conditioning and cable TV. Local and American breakfast is available and costs about PHP100 per person.
Honda Bay Island Hopping
The tour (PHP900) is inclusive of hotel pick-up, pump boat to the 3 different islands, entrance fees, and BBQ lunch.
Pandan Island – with abundant Pandan trees
Snake Island - a 3 kilometer sandbar shaped like a snake
Starfish Island - known for its clear water and starfish
Starfish skeletons found on the island…
Subterranean River National Park
The park features a spectacular limestone karst landscape with its 8.2 kilometer underground river. A distinguishing feature of the river is that it flows directly into the sea, and the lower portion of the river is subject to tidal influences. The area also represents a significant habitat for biodiversity conservation. The site contains a full mountain to the sea ecosystem and protects forests, which are among the most significant in Asia.
The tour (PHP1200) included a bumpy 2.5 hour and travel to and from Sabang Beach, all entrance fees, lunch with monitor lizards and monkeys, and a stop-over at the Buena Vista Viewdeck overlooking the Ulugan Bay.
The entrance / exit of the cave…
Us in boats and armed with only one tourchlight in the darkness
Limestone stalactites forming into a mushroom shape…
Friendly monitor lizards waiting for some food…
Stop-over at the Buena Vista Viewdeck…
Plaza Cuartel
The restored ruins of an old garrison where Japanese soldiers burned 143 American prisoners of war inside a tunnel and stands as a grim reminder of World War II atrocities. Only ten prisoners survived to tell the story about what happened inside that tunnel.
Littering in Palawan is an offense that is subject to a fines and even a jail term.
Puerto Princesa Bay
Located mideast of the city. Tricycles within the city proper can take visitors to the port of Puerto Princesa where one can have leisurely walks at sunrise and catch a glorious view of the bay, or when going to other destinations within the bay area.
Butterfly Garden
Just a small area that has a garden inside a walk-in cage where butterflies are free to fly around, the garden was constructed to educate visitors through a video on how butterflies develop and survive in a particular environment as well as an exhibit of the pupae.
Crocodile Farm and Nature Reserve
We were amazed by how long a crocodile can grow during its life span and actually saw a skeleton of a crocodile, which was about 17 feet long. The crocodile nursery area houses newly hatched crocodiles until they are strong enough to be with the older ones in open-air cages.
The farm has approximately 1500 baby crocs…
A 17-foot crocodile basking in the sun…
Binturongs enjoying an afternoon siesta
Getting friendly with the palawan wild pig
The obligatory photo holding a crocodile…
Iwahig Penal Colony
Established by the Americans in 1904 to supply food to other prisons all over the country. Iwahig has since become synonymous to finely handcrafted bags and other souvenir items. In the prison without walls, inmates tend vast farms instead of idly spending time behind bars.
Mitra Ranch
It is owned by the Mitra family, a known political clan in Palawan who also produced a one-time senator of the country. The ranch is strategically located as it gives the guests a sweeping view of Honda Bay and its islands.
Baker’s Hill
A bizzare landscape of lifesize cartoon figures in manicured gardens, and even a mini zoo, but undoubtedly the best chocolate brownies I’ve ever eaten!
Private Beaches - unknown beach (PHP5) & Pristine Beach (PHP10)
Bye bye Philippines! :)
philippinos are the warmest most hospitable nicest people in the world
nice :)
go to amanpulo if you want the best of palawan, you can have a flight thru davao international airport to get you to palawan…
POINTS OF INTEREST IN PALAWAN. El Nido Beach, Port Barton Beaches(island hoping), Underground river in Sabang, Iwahig Penal Prison Farm… Son On.
good share, great article, very usefull for us…thanks!
Hi Marty, thanks for stopping by and am glad that you like my entry :)
If you have a bigger budget, Cocoloco is beautiful. it’s on an island and you will enjoy the white sands and crystal clear waters right outside the resort.
If you’re looking for something on the mainland in PP (which is alot cheaper), Lola Itang Pension would be a good choice as it’s walking distance to puerto princesa bay, the shopping centre, and the main road where all the shops are.
We also met other people who stayed at Niko’s Cabanas and they mentioned that it was really nice and secluded. really depends on what your preference is, quiet or bustling. Don’t expect ot find any really nice beaches on the mainland though.
We went free and easy and booked all our tours from the hotel reception 24 hours in advance. The prices differ just a little from hotel to hotel when it comes to tours.
Must sees in PP i think is honda bay island hopping and the underground river. Both are suitable for kids as long as they have no issues with moving boats. Bring loads of suncreen!
Hope this helps! :)
Thank you for your travel log. Gives me a glimpse of what to expect when visiting Palawan. We are planning to travel to PP and been researching the best value for the $$. Did you set your tour by yourself or was it part of a package deal? What do you think is the MUST DO in PP? We are traveling with kids! Thanks!
hey, you should have gotten a Philippine Airlines flight from Singapore and connecting flight to Puerto Palawan! It would have been more convenient and economical. Try flying Philippine Airlines from any destination in the world and a coonecting flight to any Paradise Island destinations in the Philippines!
and, piece of advise.. try asking from a native where is best to go and stay in the country…